Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
07039705/09/199707-05-936088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *nlm01/07/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
07039705/09/199752963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. *yc11/13/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE
24029703/21/199752077Coolant seepage at underbody auxillary rear heater line hose connection. *tw07/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
090080111/02/2001632197Subject regarding camshaft / bearing service. *tt07/11/2002
18010002/04/2000609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt04/12/2000
18020002/04/2000609989Concerns with the pcv valve freezing under extremely cold conditions. *tt04/12/2000
18249708/08/19976088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *nlm01/11/2000
09079812/11/1998603107Subject regarding oil seepage at cam position sensor / misinterpreted head gasket leak. *yc11/17/1999
09059811/06/1998602898A new multi-layer steel ( mls ) head gasket has been developed and is being implemented into production vehicles. *yc01/20/1999
983006/01/1998601763Subject on labor operation time change for domestic 2.ol dohc and 2.4l head gasket replacement. *yc08/24/1998
181209803/20/1998600903Subject on tip-in sags/hesitations or rough idle after a hot soak restart. *yc06/11/1998
18059702/14/199751978Vehicles with 3.0l engines - intake valve deposits - driveway die out, rough idle, lack of power, sags or hesitation. *tw07/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
18179705/02/19976088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *nlm01/11/2000
09099712/19/19976088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *nlm01/10/2000
18059902/26/1999604102Concerns with sags / hesitation / stumble / start & stall, a/c bump improvements, addition of leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test. *tt04/13/1999
090198 REV B11/13/1998602588Vehicle experiencing a ticking noise while at idle from engine. *yc01/05/1999
09029704/25/1997519602.4l crankshaft/camshaft timing. *tw07/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
07029704/18/19976088784Concerns with serpentine belt coming off or outboard ribs of belt are frayed. *nlm01/07/2000
07029906/04/1999606159Concerns with serpentine belt slipping off idler pulley. *tt08/11/1999
97041807029A04/18/199754388Condition with underhood noise due to serpentine belt outboard ribs fraying or splitting from the main portion of the belt and cotacting other engine components. *yc04/07/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
25029810/23/1998602881Subject regarding i/m ( inspection maintenance ) testing - obd ii carb readiness monitor information. *yc01/20/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
09/01/2010185000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1997 chrysler town and country. while driving approximately 55 mph in rainy conditions the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. the defroster stopped functioning and the contact experienced an increased stopping distance when he applied the brakes. the vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the serpentine belt was detached. the contact attached the serpentine belt and continued driving. the failure has since recurred 3 times during rainy conditions. after each failure the contact attaches the serpentine belt himself. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the failure mileage was 185,000 and the current mileage was 187,000. sm.
04/08/200810000030
 I have 1997 dodge town and country van and every time it rains the serpentine belt pops off. dodge told me that this is a known problem and there is no sure way of resolving it. this is very dangerous because there is no power steering once the belts pops off. *tr
08/24/20041220506
 When driving, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle has been to the dealer on six occasions. *jb
09/15/20030
 The most recent brake failure was the most potentially deadly. without warning, we had total brake failure due to rear wheel cylinders seizing up. we contacted chrysler, offered to send them the defective parts. after numerous calls to customer service and the recall center, we were told chrysler was not interested. chrysler contacts were very rude. we pulled up a recall from nhtsa id number 96v215000. our concern was the remark in the corrective summary. the master cylinders in 1997 minivans made in st. louis were defective. our minivan was manufactured in st. louis. according to chrysler recall center, the recall was on vehicles with traction control. we have traction control. people at customer service will not talk to us about the recall notice to help us. our van is handicap accessible. safety for our family and out disabled son is of utmost concern. since chrysler is no help, who is?
06/15/200382000
 Somewhere between 82,000 & 86,000 miles, my engine began making a ticking sound. since i was due for an oil change, i took the van in to a nearby shop for an oil change. the first thing the mechanic called me about was an oil leak...he thought the head gasket was blown and was calling for my authorization. when he removed the valve cover, he called back to inform me that i had a broken head. somehow, one of the stanchions that holds the rocker arm assembly had broken off and the rocker arm next to that stanchion was loose and causing the clicking sound. neither he nor i had never heard of that type of part failure and i went to the shop to see what he had found. the stanchion was broken through about 1/4 inch below the rocker arm. in my mind, since a head is a solid block of cast aluminum, this was not a part that should wear out or have to be replaced. the engine had never overheated, et cetera. in quoting the repair estimate, the mechanic informed me that since the head was broken, in addition to the cost of purchasing a reconditioned head, i would also have to pay a $200.00 core charge since my broken head could not be exchanged and reconditioned. to my way of thinking, since the head shouldn't have broken in such a manner anyway, the core charge was unfair. my belief was that this is either a casting or design flaw and regardless of the fact that i was 16,000 miles over the warranty, this type of breakage should not have happened. i then went to the dodge dealership service department to see if chrysler corp. was helping consumers with this type of problem. he then put me in touch with the service manager. i learned a few more things from the service manager. first, since my vehicle was out of warranty, he was certain that chrysler would not help in any way with the repairs. when they recondition the heads, they now insert a shaft through the stanchions to provide additional strength to prevent these breaks.
11/30/2003580006
 While turning/braking vehicle stalled and lost power. the consumer managed to pull over. *ak
08/16/1999402/01/1998
 While driving heard a strange noise, and temperature gauge went to hot, and lost all power. consumer managed to get to side of road. consumer felt that on highway there may have been an accident. dealer has put four belts on vehicle, and problem still remained. *ak consumer states each time belt fails that brakes fail and steering is hard, consumer was told by 2 mechanics that this year and model vehicle is noted for this problem. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
03/01/200550
 Windshield wipers will not operate in cool damp weather (25-45 degrees f with high humidity). they cannot be controlled- sometimes operating for 10 minutes without being able to turn them off, sometimes they go into delay mode by themselves, and sometimes will not even turn on. this has been going on since we bought the vehicle in 2002. the same problem occured with our 1997 dodge intrepid es which we sold in 2002 due to it being an electrical nightmare, a lemon from the factory. though purchased new, the dealer would not make any effort to having the car replaced though we suffered through 3 years of warranty repairs for the same problem. anyway, i digress...
08/16/1999402/01/1998
 While driving heard a strange noise, and temperature gauge went to hot, and lost all power. consumer managed to get to side of road. consumer felt that on highway there may have been an accident. dealer has put four belts on vehicle, and problem still remained. *ak consumer states each time belt fails that brakes fail and steering is hard, consumer was told by 2 mechanics that this year and model vehicle is noted for this problem. *slc
10/05/1998410/30/1996
 From 27,928 mile up to the present had four serpentine belts replaced & repaired by various independent repair shops, but, problem still appears to be reoccurring, dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. *ak discharge line leaking from compressor to condensor causing ac not to work. water pump failed. windshield wiper switch shorted and was replaced. exterior power mirrors shook while driving, dealer replaced switch. transmission hard to downshift to first gear on slight downgrades, dealer made no repairs. *slc
04/17/2000106/01/1997
 Water pump is leaking. yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
03/27/2002588231
 When the vehicle was turned off the fan continued to run, the vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to remedy the problem. nlm the dealer replaced the relay rod on the fan. the consumer requested reimbursement. scc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
11/01/2001106/09/1997
 Clock spring problems, consumer states the horn will work sometimes, but cruise control is not working, also there was a noise from the steering wheel column, contact dealer and vehicle is being repaired. *ak. consumer also stated there was a coolant leak, the dealer replaced the radiator cap.*jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
08/25/2009196000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler town & country. while traveling at speeds of 30 mph during rainy weather, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the timing belt was replaced, however the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 196,000 and the current mileage was 198,000.
02/15/200752000108/01/1996
 Chrysler lxi minivan -- 1997 -- airbag, horn failure [clockspring?] -- reported by many as a common issue. car has about 52,000 miles. engine was replaced (short block) at 13,000 miles. *nm
07/16/2003611101601/01/1997
 Service engine soon light comes on at 55 to 60 mph accompanied by a stumble in car's motion. dealer tried and was not able to correct this problem. *la
07/16/2003611103201/01/1997
 Engine fails while car is in motion. it happens often and at different speeds. dealer installed a co-pilot which registered a number of occurences. since august 2003 dealer tried and was not able to correct this problem. *la
11/05/200257350808/17/2001
 Van engine dies at any time without any sputtering or warning, like someone turned off the ignition. will start right up again as soon as i put transmission in neutral and turn key. often when driving the engine will jerk real hard like i just drove over a speed bump, but engine does not kill. the engine light flashes for a second. dealer says nothing shows on computer so theres nothing he can do. chrysler in detroit was called and said the same thing. they were no help at all. i have almost been hit from behind several times due to this problem. i see others have had the same problem posted also. happens about once every two weeks or so. it seems if the dealers computer doesn't give them a code they are lost and can't do anything to help. it's a very frustrating and dangerous situation to be in!
4
 Was driving approximately 40mph, when the serpentine belt (timing belt) came off. this caused the lost of power steering, brakes and coolant. have been to dealership at least 3 or more times for problem with serpentine belt. ts
250002
 Consumer state while traveling 30 mph without any indication the power steering ended the temperature gauge was running high. consumer pulled over and look under hood and notice major belt had broken. vehicle was repaired three weeks after repair problem return. please provide further information. ts
10/20/2000104/19/2000
 Tensioner pulley bolts snapped, assembly flew into power steering pulley, breaking pulley and pump, due to low speed at moment of failure, loss of control of vehicle did not result in accident or injury. *et
03/15/2002
 Consumer received manufacturer's recall notification 895 for engine seals. contacted dealer, and they stated parts were not available and didn't know when they will be.
10/20/2000104/19/2000
 Tensioner pulley bolts snapped, assembly flew into power steering pulley, breaking pulley and pump, due to low speed at moment of failure, loss of control of vehicle did not result in accident or injury. *et
01/29/2000608/01/1997
 Engine has quit without warning while being driven six times between 1/1/00 and 5/17/00. it has occurred at all speeds, sets no codes, does not hesitate, stumble, spudder, just quits like you turned off the key! on several of these occasions accidents were almost caused by vehicles behind my vehicle not realizing my deacceleration and stop. replaced fuel pump, knock sensor, crankshaft sensor.. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
07/01/20021
 Consumer states that while driving at any speed the vehicles engine will died, and then consumer can restart and it will continue to go. cause is unknown. nlm
09/12/20001
 Fire started in the engine compartment destroying the vehicle, claim # 20-5421-367. nlm
10/04/20011
 The insured states that the vehicle caught on fire from the engine and destroyed the vehicle, the fire started near the front wheel wells. claim number 20-5421-367. *yh
08/15/20011
 The insured was driving into a parking space and smoke came up on both sides of the vehicle, insured opened the hood and flames were shooting out, vehicle intermittently catches on fire, but there is no visible damage. claim number 06-5430-611. *yh
10/04/20011
 The insured states that the vehicle caught on fire from the engine and destroyed the vehicle, the fire started near the front wheel wells. claim number 20-5421-367. *yh
02/10/2001101/01/1997
 While driving engine will quit working and electrical system will not work. then consumer will let vehicle set for about an hour , and will start again.*ak the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong. *yh
01/29/2000608/01/1997
 Engine has quit without warning while being driven six times between 1/1/00 and 5/17/00. it has occurred at all speeds, sets no codes, does not hesitate, stumble, spudder, just quits like you turned off the key! on several of these occasions accidents were almost caused by vehicles behind my vehicle not realizing my deacceleration and stop. replaced fuel pump, knock sensor, crankshaft sensor.. *ak
01/15/199804/03/1997
 Engine stalling while traveling at highway speed of 60-65 mph, and restart itself. also, engine would stall at low speed of 30 or less, and cut off completely. vehicle been to two different dealers, and nothing could be found. *ak
07/07/1999503/01/1997
 Engine failed on interstate while traveling at 70 mph. problem is intermittent. dealers have not been able to correct problem.
01/25/19981
 Consumer put vehicle in drive and vehicle experienced surged, crashing into a church, consumers foot was not on the accelerator at any time, the air bags failed to deploy. consumer recently experienced a bad fuel smell and difficulty starting vehicle, a dealer stated that they could not find any problems and that the consumer needed to take the vehicle back to the dealer where it was purchased, consumer had the fuel pump replaced. *slc
 Driving over very small amount of water or if rains water gets underneath vehicle , the vehicle will lose all power/completely stalling, causing safety hazard. *ak
03/22/1997
 Engine failed on interstate while traveling at 70 mph. dealers have not been able to correct problem. engine still backfires and the service engine light is on. especially dangerous for driver who is disbled and it is difficult to control without the use of power steering and brakes.
10/03/1997
 When traveling and upon making a complete stop, the vehicle will cut off without prior warning. consumer stated that after taking the key out the ignition and restarting the vehicle there is no problem. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to find the problem. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
11/01/20072180002
 When your serpentine belt breaks, is replaced because of damage or wear or just falls off the pulleys when you go through water puddles... then you must replace the belt tensioner as well as the belt to reduce future problems... i have a 1997 t & c and have just recently replaced the belt tensioner of the 2nd time... not hard or expensive.... must do about every 3 to 4 years... the tensioners wears out. *tr
12/14/20071
 Engine belt squeak/failure/falling off. replace belt. *tr
10/17/200688000508/28/1997
 The serpentine belt comes off when it rains. you lose steering ability immediately. *nm
07/11/20061
 While driving in the rain, not standing water or high water, my 97 chrysler town and country started overheating. not knowing what was wrong, i pulled over and let it cool off and attempted to restart my trip. this continued every 1/2 mile and finally i had no power steering. trying to get to a filling station, it finally just died. after having it towed, staying in a hotel and taking a cab to work, the mechanic told me my serpentine belt just came off. he replaced it. he stated that this has been known to be happening with these vans and for additional money and labor costs i could have a kit installed and will hopefully prevent this problem from continually happening. the kit he spoke about was a belt that is ribbed on both sides and replacement of a pulley. if this is a known problem then chrysler should recall and replace this free of charge. *jb
05/09/2005647892
 Last december 2004 while driving, my steering wheel locked up and i was unable to make a turn. i looked under hood and found s belt had slipped off. i was able to have it fixed. i do not know what caused this. today 5/9, again, the belt came off as my sister was about to go down an incline. should she have been in the process of descending, she would have had an accident, because of a sharp turn in the road. at the repair shop i was told that there is a problem that exist with the tensioner in this vehicle, and that it slips off when it rains or if water gets into it. in order to put the vehicle in use i've had to have it repaired. from the complaints i've read, this should be made into a recall issue, and those who've had to make repairs and replace belts, should be reimbursed by the manufacturer.
04/04/200553813103/20/1998
 The bolt that holds the fan belt tensioner onto the engine broke unexpectedly while going about 25 mph. as a result, the fan belt broke off and the consumer lost steering. *ak the consumer managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. the fan belt pulley tensioner was replaced. *bf
01/11/2005501/15/2002
 Chrysler town and country mini van 1997 serpentine belt falls off. this has happened to us at least 5 times. this belt will come off when ever it is raining or snowing. when this happens we lose power steering immediately. we have had some near terrible accidents with the loss of power steering. we have been blessed to not get hurt. chrysler knows about the failure in their service bulletin number 07-02-99. we had to install a special bracket assembly 4612412. even with this bracket the belt came off again. *jb
01/01/2003510/05/1998
 Serpentine belt comes off on a regular basis. a chrysler employee told the consumer to expect it to come off when driving in the rain. *jb
07/04/2002584562
 Nar 06/19/2003. *mr soon after the consumer purchased the vehicle he noticed the parking brake did not work. the vehicleh had a flat tire before entering the interstate. the car was taken to the service dealer to have the brakes repaired, but it was evident that the parking brake was defective. along with the parking brakes several other problems existed with the vehicle. a belt tensioner and tune up was needed. there were two recalls were issued for the fuel rails and clocks springs. however the dealership failed to recognize other malfunctions like the parking brakes in which the consumer felt a recall needed to be issued. please investigate and give prompt response. *cb the consumer was told the reason the parking nrake did not work was because the vehicle needed disc pads, brake shoes rotors and drums because they were glazed and could not be resurfaced. the fuel injector and throttle body needed to cleaned. *jb
03/29/2004520001
 While driving serpentine belt came off. as a result, power steering assist malfunctioned. serpentine belt was replaced five times, however, problem still exists.*ak
11/27/20032
 I had the belt replaced on my 1997 chrysler town & country to avoid a breakage. since that time, the belt has come off twice allegedly due to water/rain. i live in new orleans & have been in alot more rain over the last 6 years and never had a problem. the first time, they just put the belt back on, the last time, i was charged an extra $50 for a better belt, but was also told of an advisory that chrysler issued 7-2-99 indicating this problem and that a bracket could be used to fix the problem. the local dealership advised that this would cost another $260 to fix a problem that never existed before i had the belt replaced. i feel that chrysler knows that there is a problem with their new belts, but because my van is older, they are unwilling to foot the bill to fix it and they are jeopardizing my safety and everyone else's by not doing so. i am now afraid to drive my van during or after a rain.*ak
06/16/200341696403/14/1998
 The evaporator heater coil and expansion valve malfunctioned. prior to this, the air conditioner was not cooling the van. this happened since january 2002. the consumer was told by the manufacturer there was no recall on the above parts. *ak the battery had been replaced on four occasions, the rear brake drums, the serpentine belt and tensioner had been replaced. *scc also the horn, driver seat rack and grill were replaced. *jb
 While driving vehicle under rainy conditions, consumer states there was a sudden loss of all power. took to dealer and they stated serpentine belt had fallen off due to driving in rain. please provide any further information. ts
06/08/2001109/01/2096
 1. steering system locked up while making turns making control of vehicle difficult. van also made screeching noises while turning. was told rack and pinion needed replacing per service bulletin. it was, but did not solve problem. dealer recommended drive belt and tensioner be replaced. this finally helped. 2. air bag light and abs lights came on, and traction control went off at hwy speeds. air bag light remained on constantly. dealer says that both air bag clock spring and abs controler must be replaced. dealer stated that if these controlers were not replaced, neither the air bags, the horn, the cruise control nor the abs braking system would work. please reopen nhtsa action investigation #ea01007 for the air bag clock spring in this vehicle. it is important for people to know that if their air bag light won't go off it means that the system is not operational!
08/16/1999402/01/1998
 While driving heard a strange noise, and temperature gauge went to hot, and lost all power. consumer managed to get to side of road. consumer felt that on highway there may have been an accident. dealer has put four belts on vehicle, and problem still remained. *ak consumer states each time belt fails that brakes fail and steering is hard, consumer was told by 2 mechanics that this year and model vehicle is noted for this problem. *slc
10/05/1998410/30/1996
 From 27,928 mile up to the present had four serpentine belts replaced & repaired by various independent repair shops, but, problem still appears to be reoccurring, dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. *ak discharge line leaking from compressor to condensor causing ac not to work. water pump failed. windshield wiper switch shorted and was replaced. exterior power mirrors shook while driving, dealer replaced switch. transmission hard to downshift to first gear on slight downgrades, dealer made no repairs. *slc
04/17/2000106/01/1997
 When engine is cold hears chirping noise under hood due to belt and tensioner failure. yh
01/24/20000
 Main belt tensioner sheared off due to metal fatigue, causing the power steering filter pump to become inoperative. *ak
09/01/1998112/01/1996
 Fan belt failed. *yc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
01/15/200357199
 January 2003 - r & r cross over pipes had a crack. had to replace january 2003 - 3 lugnuts fell off. had to replace july 2003 - key cylinder locked up. had to replace and had the car towed. october 2003 - fuel pump went bad. part broke inside the gas tank. had to remove the tank and buy a new part. i have a toyota with 128k miles and it has never had any of these problems! i'm thinking about trading the van in.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
08/01/1997402/01/1997
 Engine sensor failed. yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
01/01/20031
 1997 chrysler town and country. the air bag light illuminated, the dealer stated the clock spring shorted out internally, however the consumer received a notice in the mail, regarding the clock spring and that it would be replaced regardless of mileage. the check engine light illuminated, the dealer replaced the egr valve. *jb