2000 Chrysler Town AND Country fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THIS LETTER IS REGARDING A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE 2000 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER AND 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS. WE OWN BOTH VEHICLES, AND BOTH HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLES IN WET WEATHER. WHEN IT RAINS AND THE DRIVER GOES THROUGH WATER, THE VEHICLES SHUT THEMSELVES DOWN COMPLETELY. LIGHTS TURN OFF, POWER STEERING IS ARRESTED, AND THE DRIVER HAS TO COAST TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TO MY PARENTS, AND MORE THAN ONCE, THEY HAVE HAD TO SECURE THE SERVICES OF A TOWING COMPANY TO GET THE VEHICLE(S) HOME OR TO A REPAIR SHOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT NIGHT ON TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS, LEAVING THEM STRANDED IN PITCH-BLACK DARKNESS. THESE ARE THE ONLY VEHICLES THAT MY PARENTS HAVE TO DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK, WHICH IS AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY FROM HOME. MY FATHER HAS VISITED THE CHRYSLER-DODGE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THIS IS A LARGE-SCALE PROBLEM WITH THESE PARTICULAR MODELS OF VANS. THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FULL-SCALE RECALL ON THE VEHICLES. THERE IS A KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE KIT IS OVER $300, AND THE ONUS IS ON THE CONSUMER TO PURCHASE THE KIT AND HAVE IT INSTALLED. MY DAD SPENT OVER $700 TO HAVE THE KIT INSTALLED ON BOTH VANS. THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT IS DANGEROUS NOT ONLY TO THE DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLES, BUT TO OTHER MOTORISTS. PLEASE CONSIDER DOING A NATIONAL RECALL FOR THIS FACTORY DEFECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.

NHTSA complaint #11120856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 192,000.

NHTSA complaint #10565009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL RAIL FOR THE MODEL YEAR VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2003 UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/16/12

NHTSA complaint #10445051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL RAIL FOR THE MODEL YEAR VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2003 UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/16/12

NHTSA complaint #10445051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND THE SMELL OF FUEL ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEYS WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10440861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

MY 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VAN WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM A BRAUN MOBILITY DEALER IN OKLAHOMA HAS SMELLED LIKE GAS FOR A LONG TIME. I ESPECIALLY NOTICED IT AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS FROM BEING OVER FILLED. THE SMELL CONTINUED TO GET WORSE SO I FINALLY INVESTIGATED FURTHER WITH MY DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAUN MOBILITY CORPORATION HAD TO REMOVE THE ORIGINAL CHRYSLER FUEL TANK AND INSTALL A BRAUN FUEL TANK FOR THE MOBILITY PORTION OF THE VAN TO WORK. THE VAN HAS A RAMP THAT ALLOWS A WHEELCHAIR ACCESS. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD 9 BRAUN FUEL TANKS LEAK DUE TO A WARP IN THE PLASTIC BRAUN TANK. MY VAN HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED IN A GARAGE, IT IS IN ALMOST NEW CONDITION AND IS ALL ORIGINAL. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A GAS TANK NOT OUTLASTING A CAR. MY INTENTIONS ARE TO KEEP THIS VAN FOR AS LONG AS IT IS PRACTICAL. THE BRAUN CONVERSION IS VERY EXPENSIVE BUT IS WORTH ALMOST NOTHING ON THE USED MARKET. I CONSIDER THIS ISSUE TO BE WORTH OF A RECALL . I ALSO CONSIDER THIS ISSUE TO BE A MAJOR LIFE SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNTIL THE NEW TANK IS INSTALLED. THE NEW TANK WAS INSTALLED AND I NOTICED IT IS A TOTALLY NEW AND IMPROVED DESIGN THAT SUPPOSEDLY DOESN'T WARP. I HAVE WRITTEN BRAUN THROUGH THE BRAUN DEALER BUT HAVE GIVEN UP ON GETTING A RESPONSE. I UNDERSTAND REPLACING PARTS THAT HAVE NORMAL WEAR. TRANSMISSIONS GO OUT, BRAKES WEAR OUT, AIR FILTERS NEED CHANGED, ENGINES LOSE COMPRESSION OVER TIME, SPARK PLUGS NEED REPLACED, BUT A GAS TANK? I'VE NEVER HEARD OF A GAS TANK WARPING AND LEAKING FUEL. AM I CRAZY?

NHTSA complaint #10439067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

HANKOOK P215/65R16 96T TIRE BLOW OUT ON A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. TIRE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, NO DRY ROT LOCATED ON REAR LEFT SIDE. HAVE PHOTOS AVAILABLE SHOWING BLOWOUT, CONDITION OF TIRE, ALMOST A PERFECT CUT FROM RIM TO RIM. CAUSED DAMAGE TO FUEL FILLER NECK AND FILL PORT AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER AND SURFICAL DAMAGE FROM TREAD OF TIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10394046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY MINI VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR FRACTURED AND GASOLINE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ETHANOL AND FUEL WAS DRYING OUT THE PLASTIC AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #10369363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10199360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CLOCKSPRING HAS FAILED LEAVING ME WITHOUT A HORN AND OPERATIONAL AIR BAG. IN ADDITION THE FUEL PUMP IS ALSO NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM RECALL?

NHTSA complaint #10072394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

THE CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL. THE DEALER DETERMINED FUEL LEAKED FROM THE O- RINGS OR FUEL LINE. THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL. THE DEALER DETERMINED FUEL LEAKED FROM THE O- RINGS OR FUEL LINE. THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10015402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THESE MINIVANS (#895) BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO DEALER. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD INJURE OR KILL PASSENGERS. SHAME ON CHRYSLER!

NHTSA complaint #759675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00V26800/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE 895. DEALER HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT DEALT WITH GASOLINE.

NHTSA complaint #8006212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

BRAKE FLUID SPLASHES OUT OF MASTER CLYLINDER AT FILLER EXTENSION,WHEN VEHICLE MOVES. THIS EXTENSION IS STAMPED #85572. THE "O" RING IS APPARENTLY LETTING THE FLUID BY, AS IT SLOSHES AROUND.

NHTSA complaint #720746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.