2000 Chrysler Town & Country Complaint Log

2000 CHRYSLER T&C - STRUT TOWERS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

1996-2000 CHRYSLER AND DODGE MINI VANS. COULD BE ANY MODEL OF THE VAN WITHIN EACH DIVISIONS LINEUP. NOT EVERY VAN HAS THIS PROBLEM BUT MANY MANY DO AND CHRYSLER HAS DROPPED THE BALL NOT PICKING UP THE TAB FOR THE REPAIRS OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE MINI VANS. CHRONIC RUSTING OF THE STRUT TOWERS IN THESE VANS. ESPECIALLY THE DRIVERS SIDE (LIKE MINE). I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A VERY PREVALENT PROBLEM IN THESE VANS DUE TO IMPROPER MANUFACTURING AND SEALING OF THE STRUT TOWER AFTER DOING SOME EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. IF NOT REPAIRED THE STRUT TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTS/ROTS THROUGH ALLOWING THE STRUT ASSY TO COLLAPSE THROUGH THE SUPPORT TOWER AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL OR CRASH OF THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER MADE AVAILABLE (AT CUSTOMERS COST FOR THE REPAIRS) A SUPPORT CAP THAT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM IF IT WAS CAUGHT IN TIME. A BAND AID SOLUTION AT BEST. MANY VANS ARE RUSTED/ROTTED BEYOND WHAT THE CAP IS DESIGNED TO FIX AND REQUIRE VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE AND POTENTIALLY UNRELIABLE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE STRUT TOWER UNIT MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET BUT IS RUSTED/ROTTED WELL BEYOND WHAT THE CHRYSLER CAP UNIT CAN FIX. ALL THE BODY SHOPS I HAVE VISITED HAVE MENTIONED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODEL YEAR VANS AND THE REPAIR IS IN THE $2000 DOLLAR RANGE TO FIX. 2 SAID THEY DID NOT WANT TO EVEN TOUCH IT AND I BETTER GET IT REPAIRED ASAP AND AVOID POT HOLES ETC. *TR

MY 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SERPENTINE BELT KEEPS SLIPPING OFF AFTER DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN "REPAIRED" 4 TIMES ALREADY AND IS STILL SLIPPING OFF. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PROBLEM AS IT IS NOT ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY KNOWN THAT THE BELT HAS SLIPPED OFF WHICH CAUSE DRIVER TO LOSE POWER STEERING (AMONG OTHER THINGS). BEING UNABLE TO STEER WHILE DRIVING IS AN ABSOLUTE DANGER ESPECIALLY DEPENDING ON THE SPEED OF THE CAR! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

2000 CHRYSLER MINIVAN " CLOCK SPRING RECALL #D17 " I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO KNOW THAT CHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH THIS SAFETY RECALL PROPERLY I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE MY VAN 'S CLOCK SPRING RECALL DONE FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS AND THE DEALERSHIP KEES TELLING ME THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER I CONTACTED A FEW DEALERSHIPS AND THEY ALL TELL ME THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER ,NOW MY SELF AND 100'S OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHRYSLER MINIVAN OWNERS ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH "NO HORN AND A INOPERATIVE AIR BAG" WHICH IS NOT SAFE AT ALL MY VEHICLE WILL NOT EVEN PASS THE STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THIS CONDITION PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. *TR

BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR. AFTER INVESTIGATING, FOUND BOTH BRAKE LINES RUPTURED UNDER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AREA DUE TO CORROSION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BELT CHANGED, BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BELT HAD FALLEN OFF FOUR TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

CHRYSLER 2000 TOWN AND COUNTRY STRUT TOWER RUST. DRIVERS SIDE OF STRUT TOWER RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE STRUT IS GOING TO RIP THROUGH THE TOP OF THE RUSTED TOWER. THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A CALL BACK SAFETY ISSUE. MY VAN IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE, SO MY VAN HAS LITTLE EXPOSURE TO THE HARSH WEATHER ELEMENTS. WE KEEP OUR VAN WASHED AND WAXED OIL CHANGED EVERY 2000 MILES SO THE VAN IS KEPT MECHANICALLY AND COSMETICALLY IN GOOD REPAIR. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DESIGN FLAW THAT CHRYSLER WILL NOT STAND BEHIND. WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO PURCHASE AN AMERICAN VEHICLE? WITH ALL OF OUR TECHNOLOGY WE PRODUCE FLAWED DESIGNED VEHICLES. I WILL NOT GET INTO CHEVY SILVERADO STEERING COLUMN BANGING AND TRANSFER CASE PUMP RUB. I WILL NO LONGER PURCHASE AMERICAN FLAWED TECHNOLOGY VEHICLES. SHAME ON THE AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY FOR RIPPING OF CONSUMERS THAT DON'T HAVE THE MONEY WASTE ON REPAIRING THE ONGOING FLAWS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE VEHICLE HAS SIGMA REGENT TIRES, SIZE 215/65/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

I OWN A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY WITH A 3.8 LITER ENGINE. I'VE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT FALL OFF NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST STARTING AT 95000 MILES AND THEN AT 131000. I REPLACED THE BELT 3 TIMES ALONG WITH THE TENSIONER AND BELT ALONG WITH THE WATER PUMP TO TRY TO ELIMINATE THIS ISSUE AND IT WORKED.... FOR A YEAR.... IT JUST HAD IT HAPPEN AGAIN. AFTER READING ISSUES ON THE INTERNET, THIS APPARENTLY IS A COMMON ISSUE. LUCKILY WHEN IT HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING. IF IT WERE MY WIFE DRIVING, THE STEERING ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE. I FEEL CHRYSLER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. I'VE NOT SEEN ANY RECALLS WITH REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. *TR

1) DRIVING, AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE 2)SOMETHING BROKE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. NOW NOTHING WORKS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE, AND THE HORN NO LONGER WORKS. 3) I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM YET. *TR

DURING RAIN OR SNOWMELT EVENTS, SPLASHING WATER CAUSES THE SERPENTINE BELT ON THE ENGINE SLIP FROM THE ENGINE IDLER PULLEYS. THEY ARE SMOOTH AND ROUNDED IN DESIGN, ALLOWING WATER TO SLIP BENEATH DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN THE BELT SLIPPING FROM THE PULLEYS. THE STEERING ON THESE VANS IS EXTREMELY INADEQUATE WITHOUT POWER ASSIST, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. OUR BELT HAS SLIPPED OFF IN THE PAST, REQUIRING BELT REPLACEMENT, BUT THIS RECENT EVENT CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, RESULTING IN A CRASH. NO ONE IN MY FAMILY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THE VALENCE AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. AFTER CALLING MY LOCAL DMV TO FIND OUT WHERE TO REPORT THIS, AND SEARCHING THE INTERNET ABOUT THE PROBLEM, I FIND IT UNCONSCIONABLE THAT CHRYSLER AND THE NHTSA HAVE NOT ACTED ON A SOLUTION SOONER. *TR

THE HEATED SEATS IN CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY GOT SO HOT THAT IT BURNT MY JACKET. *TR

THE L/H STRUT TOWER ON MY 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY IS RUSTING OUT. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS AND UNDERSTAND THAT CHRYSLER HAS NOT CONSIDERED THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM A MECHANIC AND I BELIEVE IT TO BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I WILL BE REPAIRING MY OWN VEHICLE USING CHRYSLERS TSB 23-044-02 AS A GUIDE. *TR

I PURCHASED A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY IN JULY 2007 FROM A CHRYSLER DEALER IN NJ. SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IT SUDDENLY STALLED OUT WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. WHILE COASTING I WAS ABLE PUT THE VAN IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT. OVER THE COURSE OF THE TRIP THE VAN STALLED SEVERAL MORE TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF SPORADIC STALLING I CALLED THE DEALER THAT SOLD US THE CAR AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THE CAR WAS SOLD WITH NO WARRANTY AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD DO FOR THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS SO SPORADIC THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS AND RANDOMLY RETURNED. THE CAR DOES NOT GIVE ANY SIGNS PRIOR TO STALLING SUCH A SPUTTERING. THE VAN EVEN STALLS WHILE GOING THROUGH CURVES AND TURNS LEAVING THE DRIVER TO MUSCLE THE CAR SAFELY TO A STOP BEFORE HAVING TO RESTART IT. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AND IT STALLED OUT AND SHE ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE SHE BARELY HAD THE MUSCLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY SAID THAT THE PROBLEM HASN'T THROWN A CODE FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE AND THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THE CAR TO STALL OUT FOR THEM DURING TEST DRIVES. THE DEALER HAD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIXING THE CAR WHICH INCLUDED REPLACING THE ALTERNATOR, WIRING HARNESS TO THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, IGNITION MODULE, PLUGS & WIRES AND VARIOUS SENSORS, NONE OF WHICH HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. I DID A SEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND A DISCUSSION FORUM WHERE IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS VERY COMMON AMONGST OWNERS. SOME OF THESE OWNERS HAD SPENT MUCH MORE MONEY AT THEIR DEALERS UNTIL THEIR MECHANICS EVENTUALLY GAVE UP. FROM THE COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE SEEN IT APPEARS THAT THE STALLING PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING ON TOWN&COUNTRY MODELS RANGING FROM 1997-2007 AND IS AFFECTING BOTH THE 3.3LTR ENGINE AS WELL AS THE 3.8LTR ENGINE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH AMONG OWNERS. *TR

I AM ON MY THIRD POWER WINDOW CABLE AND MOTOR. ALL THREE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO USE FORCE IN ORDER TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE. HE STATED THAT THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE GAS STRUTS HAD FAILED AND WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V123000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. HE HAS NOT CALLED THE DEALER AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 190,000.

MY CHRYSLER TOWN&COUNTRY WITH 3.8 ENG.BELT HAS COME OFF WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN 4 TIMES. LOSING POWERSTEERING AND CAUSING ENGINE TO QUICKLY TO OVERHEAT. DEALERS HAVE NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO DAMAGE MY CAR AND POSSIBLY OTHERS SINCE IT CAME WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I CHECKED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY. IT SEEMS THAT SO MAY THAT GATES BELT COMPANY DESIGNED A BELT PACKAGE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I PURCHASE THIS REPAIR PACKAGE AND SEEMS TO BE WORKING IN THE RAIN. SHOULDN'T THIS REPAIR BEEN A RECALL BY CHRYSLER BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

WE WERE DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN LIGHTS COME ON..MY HUSBAND SAYS THAT THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE AND THE ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE ENGINE STARTS TO OVERHEAT. IT WAS TERRIFYING. WE FIND AS WE ARE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF. IT WAS A BRAND NEW BELT. I HAD IT REPLACED PRIOR TO GOING ON THIS TRIP. MY HUSBAND AND SON GET IT BACK ON AND IT COMES OFF AGAIN. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE OVERHEATING DID SOME DAMAGE. HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND HOSES. THEN DRIVING DOWN BROAD STREET A WEEK LATER, THE HOSE COMES OFF AGAIN. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. TENSIONER HAS BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH OTHER DAMAGED PARTS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V480000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC MUST BE PERFORMED TO WARRANT THE RECALL DEFECT REPAIR. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST COST $90. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL DEFECT REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

HI! THE BRAKE LINE IS RUSTED OUT AND IT LEAKS, THEY ALL HAVE TO BE REPLACE. IT LOOKS LIKE ANY WHERE THAT A BRACKET TO HOLD THE LINES IN PLACE IS RUSTED OUT. I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, IT'S BAD. I JUST DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS JUST ME OR IT'S HAPPEN TO OTHERS? THANKS RUBEN *TR

THE SHOCK TOWER MOUNTING WHICH HOLDS THE STRUT WHEEL AND STEERING ASSEMBLY HAS CORRODED DUE A DESIGN DEFECT AND HAS ALLOWED THE STRUT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO BECOME DISCONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE CAUSING AN UNSAFE /CATASTROPHIC CONDITION TO EXIST. THIS DESIGN DEFECT WAS NOTICED DURING AN UNRELATED INSPECTION. THE DEFECT WAS REPORTED TO CHRYSLER DEALER ON 7/23/08. THE SERVICE DEPT. WAS AWARE OF THIS RECURRENT PROBLEM AND STATED THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEE ISSUED TO DEALERS IN 2002 BUT OWNERS HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED VIA A VEHICLE RECALL NOTIFICATION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE STRUT TOWER UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS TO THIS DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN AUTO BODY SHOP. AT THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 08/15/08. *JB

NORMAL USE OF THE VEHICLE HAS LED TO STRUT TOWERS RUSTING AND SEPARATING UNDER THE HOOD, CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TWO REPAIR SHOPS REPLACE TIE RODS AND STRUTS SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF RUSTING OF STRUT TOWER. A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO REPAIR WITH A "STRUT TOWER REPAIR KIT". THEY THEN EXPLAINED THIS IS A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN CHRYSLER/DODGE MINIVANS FROM 1996-2000 AND THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #23-044-02 ABOUT THE CONDITION AND REPAIR. IF LEFT UNDIAGNOSED AND UN-REPAIRED, THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE OWNER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. DUE TO THE # OF INCIDENTS & REPAIRS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PRODUCT DESIGN DEFECT. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE KIT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL WOULD NOT BE ISSUED...BECAUSE NO ONE HAS DIED YET? *TR

2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE PRIOR TO THE WHEEL COMING OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. *KB THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND LEFT FRONT TIRE AND RIM WERE DAMAGED AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE LUG NUTS AND RIM STUDS WERE BROKEN. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0271-90. *JB

DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER RUSTED SO BAD THAT A HOLE HAS APPEARED AROUND WHERE THE STRUT MOUNTS TO THE TOWER. *TR

MY SERPENTINE BELT HAS COME OFF 4 TIMES. I HAVE INFORMED THE DEALER OF THIS PROBLEM DURING WARRANTY TIME PERIOD AND NONWARRANTLY TIME PERIOD. THE DEALER AND OTHER MECHANICS KEEP CHARGING ME TO TEMPORARILY FIX A MANUFACTURER "RECALL" PROBLEM. MY WIFE DRIVES THE VAN, NORMALLY WITH CHILDREN WITH HER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR

SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER. THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP I CONTACTED INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS TYPICAL WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL (2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY). WHEN THE BELT FALLS OFF, THE VAN LOSES POWER STEERING AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR

CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY SHOCK TOWERS RUSTED-OUT MADE YEAR 2000 I HAVE TALKED TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WILL FULLY RUST OUT WITH IN THE YEAR . THIS SI A HAZARD AND HE SAID HE HAS ALL READY REPLACED A BUCH OF SHOCK TOWERS. ON THIS TYPE OF VAN. SOME HE SAID HE'S SEAN 3 YEARS AFTER THEY WERE MADE IF YOU DO A GOGEL SURCH ON THE SUBJECT YOU WILL FIND ALOT OF STORYS ABOUT THIS YEAR VAN. I GUSS CHRYSLER MAKE A A PLAET THAT HAS TO BE WELDED IN SO THAT TELLS ME THEY KNOW ABOUT IT BUT WOULD RATHER MAKE MONEY OFF OF PEOPLES SAFETY RATHER THEN RECALL IT FOR THE SHOCK TOWERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERHOOD STRUT TOWER IS RUSTED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THAT CONDITION BECAUSE A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A KIT TO CORRECT THE DEFECT; HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THE LABOR COSTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

BRAKE LINE FAILURE WHERE FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES ATTACH TO STELL SOLID LINES. SOLID LINES ARE CORRODED WHERE THEY MEET. *TR

IT IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CHRYSLER MINIVANS - WHENEVER THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN AND THE WATER PUDDLES IN THE STREET, THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF AND ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE IS LOST. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HE STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS TO ALL CHRYSLER MINIVANS (DODGE AND PONTIAC MINIVANS AS WELL) AND HAS OCCURRED SINCE THEY STARTED MAKING MINIVANS. EVERY TIME THERE IS A HEAVY DOWNPOUR HE HAS A LOT FULL OF CHRSLER VANS THAT NEED THEIR BELT PUT BACK ON. I CALLED MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER IN URBANA, IL AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. SHE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE TWO OF THEIR OWN SERVICE VANS ARE OUT OF COMMISSION DUE TO THE RECENT RAIN. SHE AGREED THAT EVERY TIME IT RAINS HEAVILY, THE BELTS COME OFF THESE VANS. I CALLED CHRYSLER AUTOMOTIVE AND SPOKE TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. ABOUT THE PROBLEM. SHE CHECKED AND TOLD ME THAT CHRYSLER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND BECAUSE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. SINCE CHRYSLER WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS KNOWN PROBLEM UNTIL NHTSA ISSUES A RECALL, PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. WHAT COULD BE MORE DANGEROUS THAN FOR PEOPLE TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON CROWDED ROADWAYS AND INTERSTATE? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS OF JANUARY 10, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEEL BRAKE LINES FOR THE REAR BRAKES RUSTED WHICH CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO SPRAY FROM THE BRAKE LINES. AS OF JANUARY 10, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 111,800. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR

AS I BACKED OUT OF MY DOWNWARD SLOPING DRIVEWAY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO PREVENT ENTRY INTO THE STREET. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES REVEALED RUST/CORROSION ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL SEGMENTS WHICH ARE LOCATED ABOUT 1 FOOT TO THE REAR OF THE ABS MODULE. ONE OF THESE SECTIONS HAD RUPTURED CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKING. I HAVE REMOVED THE LINE FROM THE ABS MODULE AND CUT IT ABOUT A FOOT FROM THE RUPTURE. I HAVE PRE-REMOVAL PICTURES OF THESE AREAS AND THE AFFECTED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE RUPTURED LINE AND TO THE OTHER REAR BRAKE LINE AS IT LOOKS THAT ONE WILL FAIL SHORTLY IF USED. *TR

THE SERPENTINE BELT ON MY 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SLIPS OFF WHEN I DRIVE THROUGH PUDDLES RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, COOLING AND ELECTRICAL. THIS EVENT STRANDS US WHERE EVER WE HAPPEN TO BE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, HER CHILD'S SEAT BELT UNBUCKLES. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE HER CHILD DID NOT WEIGH ENOUGH. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT AFTER 50 MPH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. IF SHE TRAVELS BELOW 40 MPH, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD UNLOCK DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE CHILD. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO INSTALL A TETHER STRAP, BUT SHE ALREADY HAD ONE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CONCORDE. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE FOR THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,980.

VEHICLE MAKING LOUD WHISTLING NOISE, TWO DEALERS UNABLE TO LOCATE SOUND. WHILE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT FOR ANOTHER REPAIR, DISCOVERED THE EXHAUST CROSSOVER PIPE IS CRACKED. THIS IS A $550.00 DEALER ITEM ONLY PART. DEALER STATES COMMON PROBLEM, PART IS OFTEN REPLACED. I HAVE TO PAY $550.00 PLUS LABOR TO REPLACE THIS PART. *JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS HAVING OVER $1000.00 IN UNEXPECTED REPAIRS FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS (SHATTERING DRIVE PLATE, $550.00 EXHAUST CROSSOVER PIPE) IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH STRUT TOWERS HAVE RUST PERFORATION AND ARE STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT ALL CHRYSLER MINIVANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 1996 AND 2000 EXPERIENCE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, GARAGED, AND WELL CLEANED AND WAXED. I AM ALWAYS PARTICULAR ABOUT WASHING ROAD SALT OFF THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLES FREQUENTLY. I AM PARTICULARLY UPSET THAT CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND HAS THE NERVE TO CHARGE ME OVER $1000.00 TO FIX THE DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLE. WITHOUT THIS REPAIR MY VEHICLE IS DANGEROUSLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I WAS ALERTED TO THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT KILLED MY FAMILY. *JB

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE AT IDLE WHEN THE AC WAS ON. NUMEROUS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH AC SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW. ASSUMED THE AC COMPRESSOR WAS BAD AGAIN, AND DID NOT USE AC. PROBLEM TURNED OUT TO BE A CRACKED DRIVE PLATE (TORQUE PLATE, FLYWHEEL). VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE. LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER STATED KNOWN PROBLEM, RECENTLY FIXED THREE WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEM. $125.00 PART PLUS LABOR TO REMOVE TRANSAXLE AND REPLACE DRIVE PLATE. *JB

IN 2005 A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE FRONT SEAT HEATING ELEMENTS. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT INTO BRANDOW CHRYSLER AND THE ELEMENTS WERE SUPPOSEDLY CHANGED. 9/30/07 THE REPLACEMENT ELEMENTS FAILED AND THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO BRANDOW CHRYSLER AND THE HEATING ELEMENTS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. CHRYSLER HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I WILL NOT PUT ANYONE BACK INTO THAT CAR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY FAILED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MEETING POINT OF THE BULB SOCKET AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE MELTING INTO THE PLASTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000. UPDATED 11/16/10*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BULB INSERTED INTO A BAYONET TYPE BASE. THE BASE WAS INSERTED INTO THE LAMP ASSEMBLY. THE MATTING CONTACT ON THE LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEATED AND MELTED INTO THE PLASTIC BASE OF THE LAMP. THE CONTACTS WERE SPIRAL METALLIC STRIPS THAT NORMALLY RESIDE ON THE SURFACE PLASTIC MATERIAL. UPDATED 11/24/10

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE TWENTY SECONDS FOR HIS VEHICLE TO START. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

OUR 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY MINIVAN HAS HAD MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE MOST RECENT WAS THE REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER (FEBRUARY 2007). THE BELT SLIPPED OFF THE PULLEYS LEAVING ME TO TRY TO CAREEN IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE WITH NO POWER STEERING AND AN OVERHEATING ENGINE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AT OUR LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED WHILE IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE. THE BELT POPPED OFF AS I WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO GET THE CAR OFF THE BUSY STREET - AGAIN WITH THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE CAR WAS THEN REPAIRED AT A NEW ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SHOP. THE TENSIONER PULLEY AND IDLER PULLEY WERE REPLACED. WE THOUGHT THEY WERE FIXED WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH AND THE BELT POPPED OFF AGAIN. I SLIGHTLY RAN OFF THE ROAD AND WAS LEFT STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO ONE IN SIGHT. A LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE NEW TENSIONER PULLEY WAS DEFECTIVE AND I DROVE (IN ANOTHER VEHICLE) TO A DEALERSHIP 30 MILES AWAY TO PURCHASE A NEW TENSIONER. TWO DAYS LATER IN THE MIDDLE OF A VISIT TO A NATIONAL PARK, THE BELT SLIPPED OFF AGAIN AND LEFT ME STRANDED WITH MY CHILDREN IN A HOT CAR. WE THEN REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT BEING RESOLVED, GOT THE BELT PUT ON ONE MORE TIME BY A AAA MECHANIC AND MADE IT HOME ON A WING AND A PRAYER. *TR

THE REAR DOOR HANDLES ARE APPARENTLY FAULTY. MY MOTHER TRIED TO OPEN THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN HER HAND, THEN APPROX. A MONTH LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE ALSO BROKE OFF AS I WAS TRYING TO PUT MY CHILD IN THE CAR. NO EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS USED, IT APPEARS THAT THE HANDLES ARE JUST CHEAPLY MADE. IN ORDER TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE HANDLES/LABOR WILL BE $198 EACH TO BE FIXED, WHICH TO ME SEEMS INCREDIBLY RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THE PARTS ARE CHEAPLY MADE. *TR

SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF EVERY TIME THAT IS RAINING HARD. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE CHANGE THE TENSIONER AND THE BELT WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. WHEN THIS COMES OFF THE VEHICLE DIES WHICH WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IT. SO FAR ME AND MY WIFE ARE BEEN LUCKY. *TR

ON SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2007, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF MY BRAKES UPON STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AT A FOUR-WAY CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. A PICK-UP TRUCK ON MY RIGHT SIDE HAD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND HAD BEGUN TO PROCEED THROUGH WHEN MY 2000 TOWN & COUNTRY LXI BRAKES FAILED AND WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. FORTUNATELY, THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I HAD MY MINIVAN TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC WHO FOUND THE BRAKE LINES WERE BOTH SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED, ONE TOTALLY THROUGH THE METAL, THE OTHER NEARLY SO. BOTH WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER 600.00. THE CORROSION PROBLEM IS ELECTROLYSIS, THE RESULT OF THE JOINING OF TWO DIFFERENT METALS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRAKE LINES. THIS DESIGN FLAW RESULTED IN A POTENTIALLY DEADLY LOSS OF THE BRAKES. MY MECHANIC CAN COMMUNICATE HIS FINDINGS IF NEEDED TO YOUR PERSONNEL. THE FACT THAT THE PARTS SERVICE HE USES STOCKS THIS ITEM IS TELLING IN THAT THERE IS AN APPARENT NEED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LINES ON A REGULAR ENOUGH BASIS TO STOCK THE PARTS. I HAVE CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER WITH THIS INFORMATION. I HOPE SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO INSTIGATE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AS I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE THAT COULD RESULT. 24 HOURS BEFORE THIS BRAKE FAILURE, I WAS DRIVING THE FREEWAY FROM MILWAUKEE TO OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN AND BACK WITH MY 17-YEAR-OLD FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH FOR HIS ADMISSION TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS PROGRAM IN THE FALL OF 2007 SEMESTER. WE WERE IN BLOWING SNOW ON A COMPLETELY SNOW-COVERED HIGHWAY THE ENTIRE DISTANCE. IT IS TRULY A MIRACLE THAT NO HARM CAME TO ANYONE. WE LOST OUR TWO OLDEST SONS, AS TEENAGERS, IN A DEADLY CAR CRASH AND WOULD NOT WISH THIS TRAGEDY ON ANYONE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY CLOSE CALL FOR OUR FAMILY AND I HOPE THAT NO DEATHS HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE THIS ISSUE IS ADDRESSED. THIS DESIGN FLAW IS ONE THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AS WELL AND DESERVES CLOSE SCRUTINY. THANK YOU FOR ANY ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY HAD A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT POPPING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ON FOUR OCCASIONS DURING HEAVY RAIN AND WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH UNDER HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING AREA. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLEWAS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE THE BELT AVAILABLE FOR INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT WILL BE CALLING THE MANUFACTURER OF CHRYSLER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT FELT THAT IF THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ONE DAY THE SERPENTINE BELT WILL POP OFF AND HE WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND SOMETHING DRASTIC COULD HAPPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD 62,500 MILES AND WAS NOT SURE HOW MANY MILES WERE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT POPPED OFF THE FIRST TIME. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE ALL REPAIR ORDERS AVAILABLE FOR THIS INVESTIGATION. *AK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL IT BEGAN TO TIGHTEN AND THE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED. ALSO, THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57.000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MOST UPSETTING THING IS THE TREATMENT HE RECEIVED FROM THE DEALER. UPDATED 07/25/07 *TR

SHORT IN THE HORN SWITCH CAUSES THE HORN TO SOUND ERRATICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE TEMPORARY SOLUTION IS TO PULL THE FUSE, THEREBY OVERIDING THE SAFETY DEVICE. THE PERMANENT SOLUTION IS TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED, WHICH WE ARE TOLD ALSO REQUIRES THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $800.00.*AK