2005 Chrysler Town and Country: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 2, 2012 · Body, Brakes · 5,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced brake failure numerous times. The most recent failure occurred while driving through an intersection at approximately 25 MPH and the brakes failed to engage. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking area and was able to stop buy engaging the emergency brake. The brake pad and tires were replaced at 18,000 miles, the strut was replaced at 5,000 miles, and the rotors were replaced at 28,000 miles however, the failure was not corrected. The steering wheel made a grinding noise and was hard to turn. In addition, the doors could not be unlocked automatically or manually and sometimes the doors opened independently while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that the brake master cylinder exhibited oil consumption therefore, the vehicle was unsafe to drive and they could not complete the vehicle inspection. The failure mileage was 5,000 and the current mileage was 48,800.

Filed Dec 9, 2010 · Steering · 61,000 miles · OH

Leaking steering rack causing abnormal grinding sounds in the power steering reservoir and potentially damaging the power steering pump. This low level of power steering fluid could result in loss of ability to steer the vehicle effectively.

Filed Feb 12, 2009 · Steering · 41,680 miles · GA

Purchased a used 2005 t&c van from a local dealership. Took it to the local chrysler dealer to have oil & lube service. Mentioned that my brakes were a little squeaky, please check them. The vehicle has 41,600 miles and I am the second owner. Was informed by the dealership that my rack and pinion was leaking and causing the noise and needed to be replaced....to the tune of $800 plus tax. I have been researching this since I got home and have seen there are many, many complaints exactly the same. This is so obviously a defect that even a child could see it. Too many vehicles with the same complaint. Chrysler needs to replace these units under warranty.

Filed Feb 4, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 74,000 miles · FL

We use our 2005 chrysler town & country for 2.5 years. We purchased the van used with roughly 25000 miles on it in july of 2006. We now have 77000 miles on it and now the front end makes a clanking noise while going over bumps and the is a whining grinding like sound underneath the hood close to the dash. It is worse with cold weather and when the stirring wheel is turned completely in either direction. I did an internet search and found a blog forum at townhall-talk.com. Everyone one on this particular blog had t&c vans and had the same problem I have experienced and dealers have said the rack and pinion needing replacement for roughly$850.00 plus. I have not had the problem assessed (will be today). Our warranty is expired and now we are having problems. Sounds typical right? If chrysler t&c vans all seemed to have the same problem with the stirring system. I read about many different dealer saying that they replace many of those racks and the parts are on back order. If the parts are on back order that should be a sign that there is an issue across the board and there should be a recall. In these trying economic times people don't have money to spend on crappy made parts and chrysler cant afford anymore negative publicity either. Something needs to be done!

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Steering · 40,000 miles · NV

My vehicle began making a slight whirring or grinding noise in june 2008. I noticed that it felt like the car was pulling to one side and it seemed difficult to steer. I took it into the dealership thinking it might have something to do with just having our tires balanced. They said the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. At that time we had about 40,000 miles on the car, and feel that is way too early for such a replacement. This 2005 chrysler town and country has had nothing but problems! (right sliding door, seat belt, gas gauge, air bag sensor, electrical problems.)

Filed Sep 27, 2008 · Steering · IN

2005 chrysler town and country , turn on the van there is an immediate whine. While turning corners and going at slower speeds vehicle will whine and grind. Has continually gotten louder over the last 3 months. Replaced power steering pump after consulting repairman and did not fix problem. Now we are leaking power steering fluid and whine and grind is even louder. Have read many forums about power steering racks going out, that is our next try, to fix whining problem.

Filed Aug 24, 2008 · Steering · 56,000 miles · NC

2005 chrysler town & country purchased new. Grinding sound from the front end starting at 17,000 miles. Numerous parts replaced under warranty. Steering rack leaking/failing with only 56,000 miles. Local dealership denies any knowledge of steering rack and pinion problems. Steering problems are potentially very dangerous. I feel that there should be a recall on this vehicle.

Filed Apr 9, 2008 · Steering · 22,749 miles · NY

Grinding/whining sound from the front end. Steering rack is failing with only 22k on the vehicle but 4 months out of warranty.

Filed Feb 16, 2008 · Steering · 55,000 miles · OH

I bought a 2005 chrysler town & country with 48,000 miles on june 29,2007. In january 2008 while driving my van I had a loud squeal coming from the steering,upon checking I found that I was losing power steering fluid, I set an appointment up with the dealership to have the problem checked. On 01/29/2008 I was told by the dealership that the rack and pinion was leaking. The dealership also told me that there was alot of problems with the rack and pinion in my year van, and that there is a 6 month back order on the rack and pinion, the new ones have been redesigned to stop the problem. I contacted chrysler about this they would only state that it was my problem, and they would not discuss anything but my vehicle,or about the back order of the rack and pinion. I also contacted other dealerships asking about this problem, they stated there is a back order on the rack and pinion, and they have had several problems with the rack and pinion in the 2005 town and country's.

Filed Feb 14, 2008 · Electrical · 31,200 miles · MI

Grinding noise from starter on my 2005 chrysler town and country when it is cold. Dealership acknowledged that several chrysler dodge and jeep vehicles have this problem. Explained it was a two pieces of the metal starter grinding but it was not going to harm anything. I asked for them to change it under warranty but since they could not reproduce it the next day (surprise) they would not acknowledge that I had a problem. Spoke to customer service and they took the dealers word. I then saw the entry on this site of the same problem. Now I have to chase the problem and take it to another dealership etc. Had a similar problem with a 2000 chrysler cirrus.

Filed Jan 29, 2008 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chrysler town and country. When the vehicle was driven approximately five times, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to steer and began making loud, squeaking noises. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they discovered that the rack and pinion was failing and needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 67,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/15/08.

Filed Dec 5, 2007 · Brakes · 10 miles · PA

From day one of owning this vehicle the brakes squeal in turns and when first starting and backing up. I did not complain to chrsyler until I had 13000 miles on this town and country and then they charged me for a brake job and turning down the rotors. Evidently they have a serious brake design problem and they are just sticking their customers with it, most likely a caliper problem. When I called to complain the woman I had to talked to was ignorant to these problems.