2005 Chrysler Town and Country: steering wheel locks up

Filed Jun 24, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 199,974 miles · AR

I filled up my gas tank. I barely got down the road and my engine started sputtering. As I entered a left turn the steering wheel locked up. I ran into a curb and had to press the gas peddle several times to keep it from dying. After trying to turn the wheel several times the steering finally loosened up. The car continued to sputter all the way home. I took the car out an hour later and the sputtering had quit and the steering was better. 2 days later I was driving on the freeway. As I entered a left curve my steering locked up. This was very scary because I had my daughter in the car. I managed to get to the side of the freeway, but the steering wheel would not turn at all. I played with the wheel trying to turn it back and forth. I turned off the van and then back on again. The wheel was still locked. Finally after several scary minutes the wheel unlocked and I cautiously continued home. This was very dangerous as we could have gotten in a severe accident since this happened at freeway speeds. The steering wheel locking up has happened off and on before after starting the car and attempting to back out of the driveway. It always loosened up after a few minutes. Now I am scared to drive this car because I don't know when this will happen again. This is our primary transportation. I have also noticed that when it is wet or raining the car will also have problems with the steering.

Filed May 9, 2016 · Steering · 96,000 miles · NJ

2005 chrysler town and country, 96,000 miles, loses power and steering locks when driven through any wetness. The van is uncontrollable and seriously dangerous. No one can say for certain what is causing it therefor there is no reliable repairs. It could just be light rain and no puddles but exposure to wetness seems to be the common denominator. It has occurred turning leaving our driveway, I landed on my neighbors lawn and it has occurred at 50 MPH and caused me to drift into on coming traffic. The battery light comes one and the radio shuts off when it happens. I'm terrified to drive it. Chrysler said they know nothing about this but the discussions out on the internet tell a very different story. If we could have a clear recommendation on how to fix this it would be extremely helpful. I hope my family does not die in this van, or goodness forbid we hurt someone else. We have few options financially and no certainty to what is causing this. We cannot replace everything under the hood and hope this goes away, only to find out when we are driving somewhere we cannot get the van out of the path of on coming traffic. Please help.

Filed Jun 8, 2013 · Steering · 55,000 miles · FL

When raining or driving through a small puddle, the power steering locks up and I have no control over vehicle. This may last up to 30 seconds before returning to normal. Very dangerous!

Filed Jun 26, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 24,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked and an unfamiliar noise was heard while attempting to turn the steering wheel. There were no warning indicator lights. The vehicle was driven to a chrysler dealer and liquid began pouring from the front end of the vehicle. The contact believes that the steering hose was replaced. Recently, the vehicle began to bounce and make a rattling noise. The vehicle was driven to a chrysler dealer and the mechanic replaced the engine mount. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 32,000 and failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2005 · Electrical · 4,000 miles · MA

If you tap the key when you are driving it shuts the motor off. The steering locks and you have no control over car. It does this in reverse and drive also.