Owners have filed 1,411 complaints
about the 1996 Chrysler Town AND Country with NHTSA between 1995 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 90
Against the median year of the Chrysler Town AND Country. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 4
2% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Chrysler Town AND Country
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
12125.5%
Gasoline
9219.4%
Tank Assembly
7014.7%
Horn
5210.9%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
449.3%
Engine
347.2%
Fuel Injection System
326.7%
Latch
306.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
21.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
43.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2720.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3325.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4836.9%
150,000+ miles
1511.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 1995peak 67Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Chrysler Town AND Country
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
DP96014Opened 14 Nov 1996Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICL...
EA01007Opened 21 Feb 2001Closed 22 Nov 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
PE00032Opened 8 Aug 2000Closed 21 Feb 2001AIR BAGS
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
RQ00008Opened 9 Mar 2000Closed 18 Mar 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK
EA99013Opened 11 Jun 1999Closed 10 Aug 2001FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM
PE99010Opened 3 Feb 1999Closed 11 Jun 1999FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
EA97002Opened 31 Jan 1997Closed 10 Feb 1998VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TANK LEAKS
THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JANUARY 31, 1997 BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE96-051. THE PE WAS OPENED ON AUGUST 19, 1996, TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT JOINS THE FUEL TANK.FOR BREVIDY, THIS AREA WILL BE REFERRED TO AS THE PUMP/TANK INTERFACE.THESE ALLEGATIONS WERE FIRST RECEIVED BY ODI ON AUGUST 2, 1996 WHILE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF CHRYSLER MINIVAN THROTTLE SHAFT HAND-UP, AND UNCONTROLLED ENGINE SPEED, IN PE96-036.WHILE DISCUSSING THAT ISSUE WITH A FLEET, IT WAS ALLEGED THAT AT LE...
EA97003Opened 31 Jan 1997Closed 19 Aug 1998CHILD SEAT
INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Recalls on the 1996 Chrysler Town AND Country
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
03E053000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.
Risk: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
03E045000
EQUIPMENT
AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
02V293000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
00V268000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
99V216000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.
Risk: IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
98V185000
CHILD SEAT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
97I001000
SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Risk: THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 228,500 milesKingston, NHCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE SPIT IN TWO WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON BACK ROAD, LUCKY NOT ON HIGHWAY. TIRES SLAMMED INTO WHEEL WELLS, CAUGHT ON FIRE ALMOST, LOTS OF SMOKE. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE WELL, AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AT APPROX 25 MPH AND HIT A BUNCH OF SMALL TREES, INJURED BOTH KNEES, REFUSED AMBULANCE TRANSPORT. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY GARAGE AND AXLE REPLACED WITH JUNKYARD PART AND VEHICLE IS BACK ON THE ROAD. SCARY INCIDENT ,COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE OR FATAL IF THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF A LOCAL ROAD. AXLE TUBE IS JUST THICK SHEET METAL, NOT REALLY AN IRON PIPE LIKE YOU WOULD THINK, VERY FLIMSY. HAVE NICE PICTURES IFYOU ARE INTERESTED. SHOULD RECALL THIS FLIMSY AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10433974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesBolingbrook, ILCrash2 injured
SEATS
1996 CHRYLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SEAT BACK COLLAPSE IN REAR END COLLISION CAUSING CHILDREN IN SECOND ROW SEATS TO BE INJURED OR KILLED!
NHTSA complaint #10323414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMelbourne, FL1 injured
STEERING
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON OUR 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI, MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND, THAT WE'VE ALMOST COME TO APPRECIATE, WHEN FACED WITH IT'S ALTERNATIVE SILENCE, WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET & SLIPS OFF. THE IMMEDIATE & DANGEROUS RESULT IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LEAVING THE DRIVER SURPRISED WITH THEIR INABILITY TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VAN. WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE, A FAST HAZARD BELL SOUNDS & THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IS PINNED AT HOT. IF THE DRIVER IS QUICK, STRONG, & LUCKY ENOUGH, TO GET THE FAMILY "SAFELY" OFF THE ROAD, BEFORE THE WATER PUMP FRIES, STALLING THE VAN IN TRAFFIC, THEY ARE NOW LEFT STRANDED. WE'VE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT & TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACED TWICE, THE LAST TIME AT CHRYSLER, AND STILL THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WE'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT CHRYSLER STATES THAT THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING FAILURE, SO NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS HAS HAPPENS TO US OFTEN ENOUGH THAT WE KEEP A WRENCH IN OUR VAN, SO MY HUSBAND CAN ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE & RE-SEAT THE BELT ONTO THE TENSIONER, IN THE POURING RAIN. WE'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM & CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY CHRYSLER DOESN'T THINK LOSS OF STEERING & SUDDEN HEAT PUMP FAILURE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING. IF ONE OF THEIR CEOS WERE TO FIND THEMSELVES STRUGGLING THEIR FAMILY VAN QUICKLY OFF THE ROAD, STANDING OVER, OR EVEN LYING UNDER THEIR ENGINE, IN THE POURING RAIN, WHILE THE REST OF THE FAMILY HOPES THAT HE ISN'T INJURED MAKING THE REPAIR, HIT BY LIGHTENING, OR BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER, PERHAPS THEY WOULD RECALL THIS SYSTEM. WE'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME & MONEY ON REPAIRS, & HAVE COME ACROSS AN OFF-MARKET PRODUCT DESIGNED TO FIX THIS SPECIFIC, WIDELY RECOGNIZED CHRYSLER PRODUCT ISSUE, AND JUST PURCHASED IT. WE FIND IT DISGUSTING TO SEE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED MAY DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, OR PERSONS INJURED, BEFORE CHRYSLER TAKES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THEY COULD AT LEAST ACQUIRE OR COVER THE COST OF THE OFF-MARKET REPAIR KIT.
NHTSA complaint #10232952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMelbourne, FL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON OUR 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI, MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND, THAT WE'VE ALMOST COME TO APPRECIATE, WHEN FACED WITH IT'S ALTERNATIVE SILENCE, WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET & SLIPS OFF. THE IMMEDIATE & DANGEROUS RESULT IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LEAVING THE DRIVER SURPRISED WITH THEIR INABILITY TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VAN. WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE, A FAST HAZARD BELL SOUNDS & THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IS PINNED AT HOT. IF THE DRIVER IS QUICK, STRONG, & LUCKY ENOUGH, TO GET THE FAMILY "SAFELY" OFF THE ROAD, BEFORE THE WATER PUMP FRIES, STALLING THE VAN IN TRAFFIC, THEY ARE NOW LEFT STRANDED. WE'VE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT & TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACED TWICE, THE LAST TIME AT CHRYSLER, AND STILL THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WE'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT CHRYSLER STATES THAT THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING FAILURE, SO NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS HAS HAPPENS TO US OFTEN ENOUGH THAT WE KEEP A WRENCH IN OUR VAN, SO MY HUSBAND CAN ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE & RE-SEAT THE BELT ONTO THE TENSIONER, IN THE POURING RAIN. WE'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM & CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY CHRYSLER DOESN'T THINK LOSS OF STEERING & SUDDEN HEAT PUMP FAILURE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING. IF ONE OF THEIR CEOS WERE TO FIND THEMSELVES STRUGGLING THEIR FAMILY VAN QUICKLY OFF THE ROAD, STANDING OVER, OR EVEN LYING UNDER THEIR ENGINE, IN THE POURING RAIN, WHILE THE REST OF THE FAMILY HOPES THAT HE ISN'T INJURED MAKING THE REPAIR, HIT BY LIGHTENING, OR BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER, PERHAPS THEY WOULD RECALL THIS SYSTEM. WE'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME & MONEY ON REPAIRS, & HAVE COME ACROSS AN OFF-MARKET PRODUCT DESIGNED TO FIX THIS SPECIFIC, WIDELY RECOGNIZED CHRYSLER PRODUCT ISSUE, AND JUST PURCHASED IT. WE FIND IT DISGUSTING TO SEE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED MAY DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, OR PERSONS INJURED, BEFORE CHRYSLER TAKES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THEY COULD AT LEAST ACQUIRE OR COVER THE COST OF THE OFF-MARKET REPAIR KIT.
NHTSA complaint #10232952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesOAK Forest, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN IT HIT THE LEFT LANE GUARDRAIL AT 65 MPH, THEN SPUN TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER LANE AND HIT THE OTHER GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. IT THEN CAME TO A HALT UPON SPINNING 180 DEGREES FACING THE SOUTH PART OF THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10199708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,225 milesHuntsville, AL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
PASSENGER SIDE LIFTGATE GAS CHARGED SUPPORT SHOCK MOUNTING BOLT FAILED WHERE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY AND THE LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ON A PERSONS HEAD. THIS DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED A SMALL CHILD APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO BOLT STRESS/FATIGUE SINCE THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS EVIDENCE OF ANY CORROSION AROUND THIS MOUNTING BOLT.
NHTSA complaint #10197628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesCamden, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VECHILE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HIGHWAY/CITY STREET DRIVING, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AND OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T..WHEN IT DOES THIS JUMPING THE VEHICLE DOES NOTHING. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF PEOPLE ON THE CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SITE BELOW WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T27257_DS554284 SOMETIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT THERE WILL BE A CLICK CLICK SOUND WHEN ITS NOT STARTING...
NHTSA complaint #11240994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCamden, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VECHILE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HIGHWAY/CITY STREET DRIVING, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AND OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T..WHEN IT DOES THIS JUMPING THE VEHICLE DOES NOTHING. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF PEOPLE ON THE CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SITE BELOW WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T27257_DS554284 SOMETIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT THERE WILL BE A CLICK CLICK SOUND WHEN ITS NOT STARTING...
NHTSA complaint #11240994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCamden, MI
ENGINE
THE VECHILE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HIGHWAY/CITY STREET DRIVING, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AND OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T..WHEN IT DOES THIS JUMPING THE VEHICLE DOES NOTHING. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF PEOPLE ON THE CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SITE BELOW WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM: HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T27257_DS554284 SOMETIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT THERE WILL BE A CLICK CLICK SOUND WHEN ITS NOT STARTING...
NHTSA complaint #11240994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWest Chester, PA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKED, ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAVING BACK AND FORTH BEFORE AND AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, NEWLY INSTALLED TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN 5 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION, REPAIR SHOP CLAIMS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND IS CAUSE OF TRANSMISSION BREAKDOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10694614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWest Chester, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKED, ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAVING BACK AND FORTH BEFORE AND AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, NEWLY INSTALLED TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN 5 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION, REPAIR SHOP CLAIMS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND IS CAUSE OF TRANSMISSION BREAKDOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10694614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 247,424 milesYuba City, CA
STEERING
MY MINIVAN HAS BEEN NOT WANTING TO START, THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE . I HAD MY FUEL PUMP AND FILTER REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2014 DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. NOW WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS OR SO IT STARTED TO ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AS I WOULD BE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD JUMP OUT OF GEAR. ALL THIS LAST WEEK IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WITH STARTING AND EVERY TIME I WOULD GET OUT OF THE VAN IT WOULD SMELL LIKE SOMETHINGS BURNING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START IT ALL YOU COULD HEAR IS A CLICK, TRY TO START IT A COUPLE MORE TIMES AND FINALLY GET IT TO START. TODAY IT WOULDN'T START NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I TRIED TO START IT. I OPEN THE HOOD AND LOOKED AT THE BATTERY AND ONE TERMINAL LOOKS LIKE IT IS BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #10694304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 247,424 milesYuba City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY MINIVAN HAS BEEN NOT WANTING TO START, THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE . I HAD MY FUEL PUMP AND FILTER REPLACED IN DECEMBER 2014 DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. NOW WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS OR SO IT STARTED TO ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AS I WOULD BE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD JUMP OUT OF GEAR. ALL THIS LAST WEEK IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WITH STARTING AND EVERY TIME I WOULD GET OUT OF THE VAN IT WOULD SMELL LIKE SOMETHINGS BURNING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START IT ALL YOU COULD HEAR IS A CLICK, TRY TO START IT A COUPLE MORE TIMES AND FINALLY GET IT TO START. TODAY IT WOULDN'T START NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I TRIED TO START IT. I OPEN THE HOOD AND LOOKED AT THE BATTERY AND ONE TERMINAL LOOKS LIKE IT IS BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #10694304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuba City, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE POURING DOWN RAIN WHEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, I COULD HEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STILL GOING BUT THE WIPER ARMS WOULD NOT MOVE. WE HAD PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY BUT THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND FOR MILES. WE GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY SON WOULD PUSH THE WIPER ARM DOWN WHEN IT HAD WENT TO HIS SIDE SO WE COULD DRIVE A LITTLE FURTHER TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY IN AN OCCUPIED AREA. IT HAD STOPPED RAINING AND AS WE WERE DRIVING THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED ON US, IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. MY MINIVAN HAD TO BE TOWED FROM A TOWN OVER 50 MILES FROM WHERE WE LIVE. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE MINIVAN WITH ME AND IT WAS A REALLY TERRIFYING ORDEAL.
NHTSA complaint #10619029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuba City, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE POURING DOWN RAIN WHEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, I COULD HEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STILL GOING BUT THE WIPER ARMS WOULD NOT MOVE. WE HAD PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY BUT THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND FOR MILES. WE GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY SON WOULD PUSH THE WIPER ARM DOWN WHEN IT HAD WENT TO HIS SIDE SO WE COULD DRIVE A LITTLE FURTHER TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY IN AN OCCUPIED AREA. IT HAD STOPPED RAINING AND AS WE WERE DRIVING THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED ON US, IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. MY MINIVAN HAD TO BE TOWED FROM A TOWN OVER 50 MILES FROM WHERE WE LIVE. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE MINIVAN WITH ME AND IT WAS A REALLY TERRIFYING ORDEAL.
NHTSA complaint #10619029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuba City, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE POURING DOWN RAIN WHEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, I COULD HEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STILL GOING BUT THE WIPER ARMS WOULD NOT MOVE. WE HAD PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY BUT THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND FOR MILES. WE GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY SON WOULD PUSH THE WIPER ARM DOWN WHEN IT HAD WENT TO HIS SIDE SO WE COULD DRIVE A LITTLE FURTHER TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY IN AN OCCUPIED AREA. IT HAD STOPPED RAINING AND AS WE WERE DRIVING THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED ON US, IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. MY MINIVAN HAD TO BE TOWED FROM A TOWN OVER 50 MILES FROM WHERE WE LIVE. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE MINIVAN WITH ME AND IT WAS A REALLY TERRIFYING ORDEAL.
NHTSA complaint #10619029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLynnwood, WA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES DUE TO THE RECURRING DETACHMENT OF THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WOULD DETACH WHENEVER THE WEATHER WAS RAINY OR IF IT BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,308 milesGaston, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL TIRE FACILITY WHERE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT CONNECTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,308.
NHTSA complaint #10443183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesOakridge, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT FUEL RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #10440398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 228,500 milesKingston, NHCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE SPIT IN TWO WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON BACK ROAD, LUCKY NOT ON HIGHWAY. TIRES SLAMMED INTO WHEEL WELLS, CAUGHT ON FIRE ALMOST, LOTS OF SMOKE. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE WELL, AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AT APPROX 25 MPH AND HIT A BUNCH OF SMALL TREES, INJURED BOTH KNEES, REFUSED AMBULANCE TRANSPORT. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY GARAGE AND AXLE REPLACED WITH JUNKYARD PART AND VEHICLE IS BACK ON THE ROAD. SCARY INCIDENT ,COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE OR FATAL IF THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF A LOCAL ROAD. AXLE TUBE IS JUST THICK SHEET METAL, NOT REALLY AN IRON PIPE LIKE YOU WOULD THINK, VERY FLIMSY. HAVE NICE PICTURES IFYOU ARE INTERESTED. SHOULD RECALL THIS FLIMSY AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10433974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,888 milesJacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN COASTING THROUGH LEFT HAND TURNS ONLY ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT OFF FOR 1 TO 4 SECONDS CAUSING POWER STEERING NOT TO WORK AND BRAKING REDUCED. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH LEFT TURNS OR COASTING THROUGH RIGHT HAND TURNS.
NHTSA complaint #10408908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesBolingbrook, ILCrash2 injured
SEATS
1996 CHRYLER TOWN AND COUNTRY SEAT BACK COLLAPSE IN REAR END COLLISION CAUSING CHILDREN IN SECOND ROW SEATS TO BE INJURED OR KILLED!
NHTSA complaint #10323414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,619 milesInverness, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WOULD NOT REMAIN IN PLACE ON THE PULLEY IN HER VEHICLE. THE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE TENSION PULLEY AND THE WATER PUMP PULLEY TO KEEP THE SERPENTINE BELT SECURE. THERE ARE ONLY TWO BELTS LEFT TO BE REPLACED AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY WORKING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,619.
NHTSA complaint #10276740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE 1996 TOWN & COUNTRY VAN LOST ITS HEAT..UNKNOWN TO ME, IT WAS LOSING ANTI FREEZE ALSO. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY SAID I BETTER FIX IT THEN. OR MY MOTOR WOULD BURN UP A HOSE CONNECTS TO RADIATOR TO HEATER CORE...METAL. IT COST ME 60/00 TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10248999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON MY 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI, MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL AND THEN FALLS OFF A WEEK LATER. WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN AND GOING OVER A PUDDLE THE SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF THIS HAS HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES THAT I HAVE INSTALLED BRACKETS ONE BY THE TENSIONER AND ONE BY THE PULLEY. THE IMMEDIATE & DANGEROUS RESULT IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES NEXT IS WATER PUMP FAILS CAUSING ENGINE TO OVER HEAT SO UNLESS YOU HAVE A SPARE BELT IN YOUR VAN AT THE TIME AND THE TOOLS TO CHANGE IT YOU ARE LET STRANDED.
NHTSA complaint #10234146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMelbourne, FL1 injured
STEERING
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON OUR 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI, MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND, THAT WE'VE ALMOST COME TO APPRECIATE, WHEN FACED WITH IT'S ALTERNATIVE SILENCE, WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET & SLIPS OFF. THE IMMEDIATE & DANGEROUS RESULT IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LEAVING THE DRIVER SURPRISED WITH THEIR INABILITY TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VAN. WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE, A FAST HAZARD BELL SOUNDS & THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IS PINNED AT HOT. IF THE DRIVER IS QUICK, STRONG, & LUCKY ENOUGH, TO GET THE FAMILY "SAFELY" OFF THE ROAD, BEFORE THE WATER PUMP FRIES, STALLING THE VAN IN TRAFFIC, THEY ARE NOW LEFT STRANDED. WE'VE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT & TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACED TWICE, THE LAST TIME AT CHRYSLER, AND STILL THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WE'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT CHRYSLER STATES THAT THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING FAILURE, SO NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS HAS HAPPENS TO US OFTEN ENOUGH THAT WE KEEP A WRENCH IN OUR VAN, SO MY HUSBAND CAN ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE & RE-SEAT THE BELT ONTO THE TENSIONER, IN THE POURING RAIN. WE'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM & CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY CHRYSLER DOESN'T THINK LOSS OF STEERING & SUDDEN HEAT PUMP FAILURE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING. IF ONE OF THEIR CEOS WERE TO FIND THEMSELVES STRUGGLING THEIR FAMILY VAN QUICKLY OFF THE ROAD, STANDING OVER, OR EVEN LYING UNDER THEIR ENGINE, IN THE POURING RAIN, WHILE THE REST OF THE FAMILY HOPES THAT HE ISN'T INJURED MAKING THE REPAIR, HIT BY LIGHTENING, OR BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER, PERHAPS THEY WOULD RECALL THIS SYSTEM. WE'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME & MONEY ON REPAIRS, & HAVE COME ACROSS AN OFF-MARKET PRODUCT DESIGNED TO FIX THIS SPECIFIC, WIDELY RECOGNIZED CHRYSLER PRODUCT ISSUE, AND JUST PURCHASED IT. WE FIND IT DISGUSTING TO SEE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED MAY DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, OR PERSONS INJURED, BEFORE CHRYSLER TAKES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THEY COULD AT LEAST ACQUIRE OR COVER THE COST OF THE OFF-MARKET REPAIR KIT.
NHTSA complaint #10232952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMelbourne, FL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE SERPENTINE BELT ON OUR 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI, MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND, THAT WE'VE ALMOST COME TO APPRECIATE, WHEN FACED WITH IT'S ALTERNATIVE SILENCE, WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET & SLIPS OFF. THE IMMEDIATE & DANGEROUS RESULT IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LEAVING THE DRIVER SURPRISED WITH THEIR INABILITY TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VAN. WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE, A FAST HAZARD BELL SOUNDS & THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IS PINNED AT HOT. IF THE DRIVER IS QUICK, STRONG, & LUCKY ENOUGH, TO GET THE FAMILY "SAFELY" OFF THE ROAD, BEFORE THE WATER PUMP FRIES, STALLING THE VAN IN TRAFFIC, THEY ARE NOW LEFT STRANDED. WE'VE HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT & TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACED TWICE, THE LAST TIME AT CHRYSLER, AND STILL THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WE'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT CHRYSLER STATES THAT THIS IS NOT A LIFE THREATENING FAILURE, SO NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS HAS HAPPENS TO US OFTEN ENOUGH THAT WE KEEP A WRENCH IN OUR VAN, SO MY HUSBAND CAN ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE & RE-SEAT THE BELT ONTO THE TENSIONER, IN THE POURING RAIN. WE'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM & CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY CHRYSLER DOESN'T THINK LOSS OF STEERING & SUDDEN HEAT PUMP FAILURE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING. IF ONE OF THEIR CEOS WERE TO FIND THEMSELVES STRUGGLING THEIR FAMILY VAN QUICKLY OFF THE ROAD, STANDING OVER, OR EVEN LYING UNDER THEIR ENGINE, IN THE POURING RAIN, WHILE THE REST OF THE FAMILY HOPES THAT HE ISN'T INJURED MAKING THE REPAIR, HIT BY LIGHTENING, OR BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER, PERHAPS THEY WOULD RECALL THIS SYSTEM. WE'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME & MONEY ON REPAIRS, & HAVE COME ACROSS AN OFF-MARKET PRODUCT DESIGNED TO FIX THIS SPECIFIC, WIDELY RECOGNIZED CHRYSLER PRODUCT ISSUE, AND JUST PURCHASED IT. WE FIND IT DISGUSTING TO SEE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED MAY DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, OR PERSONS INJURED, BEFORE CHRYSLER TAKES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THEY COULD AT LEAST ACQUIRE OR COVER THE COST OF THE OFF-MARKET REPAIR KIT.
NHTSA complaint #10232952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,000 milesWilmington, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DURING A LIGHT RAIN, I DROVE MY 1996 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY THROUGH 2 INCHES OF STANDING WATER. THE WATER SPLASHED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO JUMP OFF THE PULLEYS. INTERNET DISCUSSION GROUPS SHOWS THAT THIS IS COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG 1996 - 2000 CHRYSLER T & C OWNERS. I HAVE PURCHASED AN AFTERMARKET KIT DESIGNED TO PREVENT THIS FROM OCCURRING.
NHTSA complaint #10231120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesRAY, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
RT FRONT STRUT TOWER RUSTED THROUGH ROTTED. NOT SAFE CAN CAUSE A ACCIDENT LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING,FROM WHAT I HAVE READING AND TALKING TO SEVERAL CAR DEALERSHIPS THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND CHRYSLER IS NOT DOING ANYTHING I HAVE TALKED TO CHRYSLER DEALERS AND SOME SAY THEY GET IT COVERED AND SOME DON'T,PLEASE LETS DO SOMETHING.
NHTSA complaint #10229631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterton, IN
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER CORROSION. REAR WIPER MOTOR RUNS TILL BURNED UP. REAR WIPER RUNS INTERMITTENT (GHOSTING) ON ITS OWN. FRONT WIPER DOES THE SAME. VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY BUCKS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH NO CODES.
NHTSA complaint #10226349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterton, IN
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER CORROSION. REAR WIPER MOTOR RUNS TILL BURNED UP. REAR WIPER RUNS INTERMITTENT (GHOSTING) ON ITS OWN. FRONT WIPER DOES THE SAME. VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY BUCKS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH NO CODES.
NHTSA complaint #10226349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.