Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||||||||||||
| 04V386000 | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION | from 10/01/2001 to 08/01/2003 | V (Vehicle) | 681000 | 09/27/2004 | ODI | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 08/05/2004 | 08/11/2004 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. this recall began on september 27, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Recall no. d37.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 1900805 | 11/02/2005 | 1900805A | 10017651 | Revised power steering system bleeding procedures. *sc | 11/14/2005 |
| 1900403 | 08/04/2005 | 1900605 | 10003546 | Steering shudder. *tt | 10/23/2003 |
| 1900103 | 05/25/2003 | 1900504 | 10001106 | Pop/tick sound in steering wheel area. *tt *mj | 04/14/2003 |
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 1900504 | 10/25/2004 | 1900504A | 10007928 | Pop/trick/creak sound in steering column. *mj *eh | 07/15/2004 |
| 1900603 | 09/26/2003 | 10003991 | Knocking sound from lower steering column. *tt | 11/10/2003 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||||
| C20 | 06/01/2003 | 10002055 | Power steering fluid cooler hoses may split and cause a loss of power assist - customer satisfaction notification no. c20. *tt | 08/12/2003 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 12/01/2009 | 75000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chrysler town and country. the contact stated the power steering made a loud wining noise while turning. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. the mechanic performed a diagnostic, but contact did not remember the name of the part that caused the steering to make the loud winding noise. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 86,000. li | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 2003 chrysler town and country. consumer states steering up/down control mechanism stopped functioning *tgw the consumer stated when he removed the fairing cover at the back of the steering column, the one-piece slide assembly showed a breaking point. when the control pin reached the grooved area of the toothed assembly, it caused the upper section to spring up, allowing up and down adjustment. when the desired up/down adjustment was reached, the control lever was released, allowing the slide assembly to move back out of the groove where the upper arms engaged the teeth on the lower toothed assembly to the desired position. due to the controlled pin rotation/migration to the right, possibly caused by lack of lubricant, when the pin became disengaged from the left side of the assembly and when the control lever was engaged to adjust up/down, the control assembly became inoperative and the left side of the slide assembly broke. now when the control lever is pulled, the broken left side of the slide assembly moves back freely without engaging the toothed assembly. the lubricant that was applied at initial assembly is now dried at critical points, the control arm, pivot point and the grooved slide area between the control pin and the upper section of the toothed assembly. *jb | |||
| 05/23/2009 | 61301 | ||
| 2003 chrysler town and country power steering assist hose recall notice was never sent to curent and original owner, just found out recently that a recall was issued in 2004. the owners vehicle broke down on highway in 2009 due to this problem and owner paid local garage to fix, but vehicle power steering still is making noise and needs to have recall work that owner didn't know about. vin # was checked on chrysler website and no recall notice was posted about this recall. | |||
| 09/21/2010 | 101000 | ||
| Stering wheel loose, loud pop sound fro stering column, loss of stering in vehicle. vehicle still at dealership for repair | |||
| 01/06/2009 | |||
| We purchased our 2003 town and country in january 2008 we were second owners of the vehicle. about a year after purchased noticed the power steering was beginning to stick and become undrivable. would have to pull over or stop driving all together until the power steering loosened up. it would make a loud noise and not turn at all and as it began to loosen the noise would begin to become less and less, reported this information to the dealer and they said they could not find anything wrong. we are still having this issue and have taken back to thedealer and again same answer they can't find a problem. we have noticed that this occurs when the temperature drops below a certain degree but weather should not be affecting power steering of a car. we have tried to have this issue resolved and are still awaiting to have this probelm addressed. | |||
| 01/01/2009 | 65000 | 1 | |
| Steering is making a whining sound and started around 65,000 miles. i've owned three chrysler vans and always seem to have a problem that many other people have and wonder why chrysler doesn't recall that item or correct that problem with newer models. i think i've finally learned my lesson. no more chryslers. *tr | |||
| 01/15/2009 | 58000 | 1 | |
| At approx 58000 miles the steering system began to make a whining noise. power steering fluid levels were at proper levels but it sounded like a dry pump. then the power steering became erratic. turning easy then part way through the turn it became very difficult and then without warning easy again. very dangerous. eventually the rack had completely failed. *tr | |||
| 03/12/2009 | 72012 | 1 | |
| I went to change the oil on our 2003 chrysler t&c and noticed a leak which i assumed to be transmission fluid. i took it to the dealer the next day. the transmission was fixed under warranty for the second time, but i'm not complaining about the transmission, yet. the leaking fluid was also part power steering fluid. imagine my surprise when i was told the van needed a new steering rack and seals at 72,000 miles. imagine my surprise when they told me the price and that i was paying for it. i hereby add my voice to this probably futile litany of complaints about these steering racks. fortunately, i happened to notice the leaks before anything went dry. the kicker was that after the rack repair, my wife said it still sounded funny. ended up taking it back. that was when they decided to do the steering hose recall repair which we never heard about. of course, the parts were on backorder so my wife and i got to have our schedules screwed up with 3 separate visits to the shop. chrysler/fiat - meant to be? ( as in f. i. a. t. if you get my drift...). *tr | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 10450 | 1 | |
| This vehicle was purchased new by me on 03/29/03. after 6 months the power steering pump became noisy and the steering would shudder. i brought the vehicle to the dealer on 11/03/03 @ 10,450 miles. dealer replaced power steering return hose under warranty. the steering is still noisy and still shudders. on 02/02/04 @ 13,083 miles, vehicle brought to dealer due to power steering fluid leak and shuddering. leak fixed, power steering still noisy and shudders. on 03/25/04 @ 15,622 miles brought to dealer because power steering is noisy and still shudders. told by dealer that they couldn't find anything wrong. on 03/29/05 @ 30,408 miles brought to dealer because power steering still noisy and shudders. dealer performed recall d-37, replaced power steering return hose. this did not correct the problem. this problem still continues to this day. i have all the records pertaining to this problem. *tr | |||
| 01/04/2007 | 68173 | 1 | |
| At low out-side temperature the power steering fails to work properly. when the vehicle is idle and a turn is about to occur, a whining noise is noted and the steering wheel does not respond unless the engine is accelerated, occasionally losing control at turning. this event occurs only in wintertime when temperature drops below 70 degree f and when the vehicle is cold. as out-side temperature increase (about 80 degree f) whining noise goes away and the power steering works perfectly. this is not notice during any other season time. only at winter time when the out-side temperature drops below 70 degree f and as temperature keeps dropping, it becomes worse. the power fluid is changed periodically to alleviate the whining and the power steering has been replaced about three times. this has been happening since 12/2006. *tr | |||
| 10/06/2008 | 96259 | 1 | |
| I purchased the 2003 town/chrysler van about 3 months. ago as soon as i got it it started to make noises, i took the vehicle back to the dealer ,they stated it need power steering fluid in which they did put in the van . a couple of days later the van started making noises again. i later got a letter in the mail stating that there was a recall concerning the power steering pump, i also found out there is a recall on the rear back door in which they the chrysler dealer states they will fix for free. the biggest problem they want fix for free is the steering rack which is leaking. i don't feel that this is my fault and the finance people are hounding me to pay $529.00 a month on a vehicle that is soon to be out of remission. is there someone that can help me get out of this deal. *tr | |||
| 03/15/2006 | 53000 | 1 | |
| In march of 2006 we noticed that our town & country mini van was steering sloppy, lose and had loud noises coming from the area of the steering rack. after having the car inspect, it was determined that the steer rack had failed with only 53000 miles on it. we contacted chrysler and was told that it is out of warranty and would not be covered. we had the steering rack replaced and this year in march , the second rack failed, which we also had replaced. in july of this year the third steering rack failed, and i was told by the service manager at the dealership that they have had problems with these steering racks. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 75000 | 1 | |
| Steering rack on my chrysler town and country 2003 minivan let go at 75,000 miles and according to our repairman is a defect and should be reported to get a recall. then i looked online and thousands of other chrysler and dodge owners are having the same exact problem. *tr | |||
| 05/28/2008 | 41000 | 1 | |
| Steering locks up during cold and/or wet conditions. i grinding noise is always present but gets very loud during slow turns. on first dealer visit i was told the ps pump was the problem and there was a recall pertaining to that unit. after the recall service was performed, the same noise was diagnosed as a brake problem. now that the brake caliperand rotors have been replaced the dealer indicated rack system needs to be replaced. this has become more than a nuisance it is a safety issue when steering become unreliable. *tr | |||
| 03/01/2008 | 75000 | 6 | 02/06/2006 |
| About 6 months ago i started hearing a whine/groan when making sharp turns. it was originally decided that i need a new power steering pump. i took my vehicle in while getting my tires changed it was then switched to i needed a new power steering rack. every garage told me something different. 1500 dollars later i am with a new power steering pump, reservoir, rack, cooler hose, and fin packed hose and still the whine and shudder and groan while making sharp turns or into parking spaces. i am in tears and feel helpless with this vehicle. it's in gorgeous condition, however totally unaware of if i want it anymore to drive my children around in due to safety concerns. after spending 20k + on a vehicle, where is the customer service and satisfaction?? *tr | |||
| 01/25/2007 | 115000 | 8 | |
| Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet town and country. while driving at 65 mph the vehicle stalled. the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and installed a transmission carrier, but indicated that the fuel injection pump could also be the cause of the failure. this incident occurred for three weeks and continued to occur after being repaired. the failure occurred when the vehicle was hot or cold. the contact stated that there were no warning indicator lights when the stalling occurred. however, when the vehicle lost power the oil light indicator was lit. the contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle due to the frequent stalling incidents, including one that occurred at 1 am. updated 2/22/2007 -now the vehicle exhibits a rough start condition. the steering had become very tight and makes noise. the radio will not play and the vehicle cuts off when it is on. transmission problems. the horn will not sound. rear wipers stopped working. *nm | |||
| 04/08/2006 | 45000 | 1 | 08/31/2003 |
| Low moaning noise coming from the front end. more pronounced during cold weather and when making turns. dealer told me the brakes were bad (after 25k miles). replaced the brakes and the noise still there. over time the noise became even louder. couldn't stand the noise any longer and took the car to the dealer 20 months later at 45k miles. i was told the power steering pump, water pump, serpentine belt, and tensioner needed replacing. the water pump was under warranty. replaced everything and moaning noise returned the next day (it sounded worse). dealer drained p.s. fluid and added p.s. fluid conditioner and the noise is now gone. while listening for the moaning noise to return i'm hearing noises i haven't heard before. i wonder if the p.s. fluid was the problem from the beginning. it would have saved me over nine hundred dollars in repair costs. *jb | |||
| 08/21/2004 | 61000 | 1 | 04/01/2002 |
| While turning left with the turn signal engaged, the steering wheel locked and failed to return back to the center. the consumer had to physically snatch the steering wheel to move it back. *ak the consumer stated that a considerable amount of force was required to get the steering wheel to move back to the center position causing something to break internally in the steering column. *tc *jb | |||
| 02/06/2004 | 24000 | 03/12/2003 | |
| While driving at normal speed vehicle unexpectedly veered to the right. driver grabbed the steering wheel and the steer wheel did a complete turn but the vehicle didn't respond. as a result the vehicle went into a ditch. *ak *nm | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 2003 chrysler town and country. consumer states steering up/down control mechanism stopped functioning *tgw the consumer stated when he removed the fairing cover at the back of the steering column, the one-piece slide assembly showed a breaking point. when the control pin reached the grooved area of the toothed assembly, it caused the upper section to spring up, allowing up and down adjustment. when the desired up/down adjustment was reached, the control lever was released, allowing the slide assembly to move back out of the groove where the upper arms engaged the teeth on the lower toothed assembly to the desired position. due to the controlled pin rotation/migration to the right, possibly caused by lack of lubricant, when the pin became disengaged from the left side of the assembly and when the control lever was engaged to adjust up/down, the control assembly became inoperative and the left side of the slide assembly broke. now when the control lever is pulled, the broken left side of the slide assembly moves back freely without engaging the toothed assembly. the lubricant that was applied at initial assembly is now dried at critical points, the control arm, pivot point and the grooved slide area between the control pin and the upper section of the toothed assembly. *jb | |||
| 05/20/2003 | 4400 | 1 | |
| Consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision, and it was discovered that the power steering column was defective. consumer stated that she discovered a recall for this problem.*ak | |||
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 01/28/2010 | 70000 | ||
| When will chrysler do a recall on power steering lines, pumps, etc. my son is 16 and has only been driving for a few months. he almost lost control of our vehicle because the power steering froze and he couldn't turn! luckily he was smart enough to just park it, and we had it towed. the power steering lines broke (again) ! the mechanic said there are 173 people on the waiting list for a power steering line. doesn't this suggest this is a problem? i have had to add power steering fluid to my vehicle since the day i purchased it. i have replaced water pumps, bushings, links, and continue to have problems with the power steering. will they wait until enough people have died from losing control of their vehicle? i don't even feel safe having my son take this vehicle is it can happen without any advanced warning! what are they thinking? check out this website - 73 comments on the power steering issue: townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f172b27. by the looks of it this has been going on for a while. i am not the only one...but if something happens to my son - it will be too late! *cw | |||
| 10/13/2003 | 1500 | 2 | |
| Steering was defective. power steering pump was replaced, but vehicle was still making a loud noise, and the steering wheel shook.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 02/11/2008 | 80000 | 7 | 06/19/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler town and country. the contact stated that the brakes squeaked and pulsated when depressed. all of the brakes and rotors were replaced. the air conditioner compressor made a grating and scraping sound and was replaced, along with the alternator. the contact was afraid to remove the key from the ignition because it would take ten minutes of jiggling to get it back in and start the vehicle. the vehicle would make a clunking noise when shifting into gear. the cylinoid was replaced. the gasket and seal on the water pump and the accessory belt were replaced. the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced within six months. the liftgate was replaced as well. the following recalls were referenced: nhtsa campaign id numbers 03e053000 (fuel system, gasoline), 04v386000 (steering: hydraulic power assist hose, piping and connections), 05v134000 (latches:locks:linkages:hatchback/liftgate lock), and 06e022000 (service brakes, hydraulic). the current and failure mileages were 80,000. updated 04-02-08 *bf the water pump needed to be replaed after 1 year and 8 months. the transmission solenoid and seperpentin belt were replaced. | |||
| 01/21/2007 | 58914 | 5 | 02/14/2003 |
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler town & country mini van. while driving 35 mph the contact lost steering power and control of the vehicle after driving on an icy patch on the highway. the contact tried to turn right into the direction of the skid but the steering wheel locked and it would not move. due to the steering locking the vehicle spun to the rear end and hit an embankment. the vehicle crashed into a ditch and rolled over 3 times and returned to the upright position. the front driver's side tire blew out and the airbags didn't deploy. the seat belts did not secure the contact and the passenger. the contact and passenger were transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital due to their injuries. there was a previous recall on the vehicle campaign# 04v386000 with steering, hydraulic power assist; hose, & piping connections. the contact stated that after the recall the failure occurred and the recall was honored. the contact called the dealer on several occasions for steering related problems. the failure mileage was 58,914.*ak | |||
| 12/16/2005 | 43000 | 1 | 06/16/2003 |
| Grinding noise was coming after 15 min of driving. dealer diagnosed with description: line power 19058007; fp-number 4743473-ae. in 2004 there was recall with a recall id 04v386000. dealer description: hose power 19058007; fp-number cbxgd370. did not get proper explanation when i called 1-800-992-1997 customer service and 1-800-853-1403. in fact, same person answered the both instances and she told me that she cannot help with technical matters. *jb | |||
| 12/07/2004 | 24000 | 5 | 07/10/2003 |
| December 7, 2004 i took my van into the dealership because it was making this loud sound on the drivers side and was worse when i turned the wheel. they said they performed the recall which fixed the problem. 3 months later i noticed the noise had returned. i took it in on july 7 to have them check the loud noise again and they said they could not duplicate the problem. i once again took it in beginning of august for same problem. this time they had the vehicle 4 days and replaced the power steering. took it home and the noise was still there. i took it in one week late for the same loud noise. this time they kept it 2 days and replaced the power steering hose. well i took it in again today 9/7 for the same noise and have offered to go in tomorrow morning to diagnose the problem myself. *jb | |||
| 07/05/2004 | 1 | ||
| 2003 chrysler town and country developed problems with the power steering.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle power steering return hose failed prior to recall notification. the consumer had he hose repaired and is request reimbursement from the manufacturer. *nm | |||
| 10/11/2004 | 4 | ||
| Problems with a/c and heating system, power steering and transmission on 2003 chrysler town and country minivan. *bf the consumer stated there was a recall regarding the power steering system which was not corrected when the consumer first took the vehicle to the dealer. after the vehicle was returned to the dealership for a third time for the power steering, the consumer was told by the dealer they were unable to make the repairs and that chrysler technical group had been contacted to aid in diagnosing the problem. the consumer was told a special part for the a/c was needed and it would take a couple of days. when the consumer went to pick up t he vehicle on the fourth occasion, the a/c power steering and transmission still was not repaired. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 3 | ||
| Received recall notice for upper power steering hose. windshield washers inoperative at times. unable to duplicate problem. *bf nar *jls the parts weren't available for the recall. there was a problem with the side window switch and the interior light. *sc *jb | |||
| 10/20/2004 | 3 | ||
| Nhtsa recall 04v386000 on the power steering fluid leakage. a few weeks after having the upper power steering cooler hose replaced, the consumer noticed that fluid was leaking. also there was a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. please provide further details. | |||
| 10/23/2004 | 1 | 03/24/2003 | |
| 2003 chrysler town and country was brought into dealership on 10/21 for recall on the power steering. on 10/22 owner noticed a burning odor. on 10/23 as owner was pulling into a parking space there was a loud pop and smoke began pouring from under the hood along with power steering fluid spraying out from the hood and all over the ground. complete loss of steering.*ak | |||
| 10/12/2004 | 13440 | 2 | 10/12/2004 |
| 04 v 386 000/steering power fluid leakage: the consumer experienced power steering fluid leaking after the recall repair was completed. the dealer was notified and gave the consumer another appointment to bring the vehicle in. *jb | |||
| 06/29/2004 | 4 | ||
| While driving and turning a loud squeaking noise was heard from the front. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering pump/ rack and pinion, and hoses were replaced. also, mechanic informed consumer that the vehicle was operating as designed. consumer advised the mechanic that problem recurred, and had not been resolved. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 06/02/2006 | 1 | 05/10/2006 | |
| I bought a 2003 town & country in may '06. in june of '06 i would here a whining noise when i turned the steering wheel. it seems to be a lot worse when it is cold outside. i took the vehicle to the dealership and they advised me that my steering column was bad and the steering pump needed to be replaced. they said that is was going to be over $1100.00. i did not even have the van for a month yet and they were not even willing to fix it. so we are dealing with the problem but the more we drive it the noise continues to get worse. we have not had any help from the dealership and i have a feeling that they knew that part was bad when they sold us that vehicle because having it for less than month i'm sure that i didn't put much wear and tear on it. *tr | |||
| 12/09/2004 | 36000 | 2 | 07/09/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while starting the vehicle and turning the steering wheel a loud noise was observed. there were no warning lights illuminated. after driving at no particular speed the noise was intermittently present and the steering wheel became hard to operate. the vehicle was taken to the dealership several times, however the problem could not be duplicated. when the warranty terminated the dealership determined the steering rack had to be replaced at the contact expenses. a recall letter # 04v386000 was received and the dealership performed the required replacement of the hoses, piping and fittings indicated in the letter. after a year the defect intermittently recurred with the same symptoms as before but this time the air bag warning light illuminated consistently. the dealership determined that the steering rack had to be replaced again but later advised to replace the entire steering system. the manufacturer was contacted who open a case, however a call back has not been received. the contact was very concern for the safety risk entailed in the vehicle's operation. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 06/02/2006 | 1 | 05/10/2006 | |
| I bought a 2003 town & country in may '06. in june of '06 i would here a whining noise when i turned the steering wheel. it seems to be a lot worse when it is cold outside. i took the vehicle to the dealership and they advised me that my steering column was bad and the steering pump needed to be replaced. they said that is was going to be over $1100.00. i did not even have the van for a month yet and they were not even willing to fix it. so we are dealing with the problem but the more we drive it the noise continues to get worse. we have not had any help from the dealership and i have a feeling that they knew that part was bad when they sold us that vehicle because having it for less than month i'm sure that i didn't put much wear and tear on it. *tr | |||
| 01/08/2007 | 45000 | 1 | 08/31/2003 |
| The weather has turned cold again and the moaning noise from the p.s. pump is back. i had a brand-new p.s. pump, water pump, serpentine belt, and tensioner installed a week ago. i don't know what else to do. some people have had belts, hoses, pumps, and even steering racks replaced and the moaning noise will not go away. i'm not spending any more money on this vehicle. i suppose i can just ignore the noise along with all the other ones coming from my vehicle. i think its time for another mini-van. *jb | |||
| 12/09/2006 | 36950 | 1 | 10/24/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the steering system started making a loud noise while turning. there were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, who determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. also, the hydraulic pump should be replaced to prevent a major failure due to noticed metal shavings. neither the dealership nor the manufacturer had been contacted. the contact expressed concern because the vehicle had little use and should not have this safety defect. | |||
| 01/25/2005 | 19000 | 2 | 05/14/2003 |
| In january of 2004, a local chrysler dealership replaced my power steering pump after it was found to be defective. this was done at no cost to me because i was still covered under the 36,000 mile warranty (at the time this was completed, my vehicle had 19,000 miles on the odometer). in december of 2004, the vehicle started making the same noises during turning. in january of 2005, i went back to the same local dealership to have them look at my vehicle. i was told that the power steering pump they put in 11 months earlier was also defective and since i now had 47,000 miles on my odometer, they would not be replacing the power steering pump free of charge. they have admitted that the part was defective and should last longer than a year but would not be paying to repair it. *ak | |||
| 09/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving and turning consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. suddenly the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle , and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that steering pump needed to be replaced and replaced it three times. however, the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 06/29/2004 | 4 | ||
| While driving and turning a loud squeaking noise was heard from the front. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering pump/ rack and pinion, and hoses were replaced. also, mechanic informed consumer that the vehicle was operating as designed. consumer advised the mechanic that problem recurred, and had not been resolved. *ak | |||
| 12/22/2003 | 21193 | 2 | 02/06/2003 |
| Power steering pump has been replaced 2 times and fluid has been replaced 3 times.cooler lines for pump have been replaced.rack & pinion has been replaced. problem still there.power steering makes loud whining and moaning noise.*ak all this over 2 months 21193-23700 miles. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/01/2008 | 41500 | 4 | 02/10/2003 |
| When starting out in drive, i was unable to turn my steering wheel casein a life threatening problem. my wheel would not turn. i turn the car off and try again i never know when my wheelturn when i am driving myself and my grandchildren in the car. please help ! *tr | |||
| 04/26/2003 | 16990 | 1 | 05/07/2002 |
| While driving around a curve on an exit ramp in the rain, power steering failed completely almost causing an accident. *nlm | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 01/05/2006 | 28000 | 1 | 07/31/2003 |
| End joints on front sway bar broke, causing handling problems and load knock in front end. *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 26000 | 300 | 09/01/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler town and country. while driving 5 mph, the contact heard a groaning sound coming from the steering column when making turns. the power steering fluid level decreased due to a leak. the dealer stated that the seals for the rack and pinion steering failed and the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. as of december 19, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 34,500. updated01/08/08 *bf updated | |||
| 02/28/2007 | 56250 | 2 | 02/28/2007 |
| Events leading up to failures on 2.28.07, i purchased a 2003 chrysler town & country lxi with 56,000 miles from arlington acura in palatine, il after a carchex inspection & test drive. upon driving home to minnesota that day on interstate expressways, i encountered two major mechanical problems: failure, consequences & repairs 1. shuddering & leaking rack & pinion - dealer advised these are common failures for this model and recommended replacement for $800 asap because a dry cylinder will lock the steering column. chrysler will not replace under it's 7/70 powertrain warranty, so i will have to pay this when i get the money. 2. jerking transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear - during four visits, dealer attempted to find cause, spending $3,000 in warranty repairs. they said chrysler's star tech service told them this was a known problem for which there is no current fix. a subsequent e-mail from me (the owner) to chrysler resulted in a boilerplate letter saying the problem was a dealer issue. my wife has cancer and a heart condition and cannot bear the strain of a malfunctioning transmission on her new car. *jb | |||
| 12/09/2006 | 36950 | 1 | 10/24/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the steering system started making a loud noise while turning. there were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, who determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. also, the hydraulic pump should be replaced to prevent a major failure due to noticed metal shavings. neither the dealership nor the manufacturer had been contacted. the contact expressed concern because the vehicle had little use and should not have this safety defect. | |||
| 12/09/2004 | 36000 | 2 | 07/09/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while starting the vehicle and turning the steering wheel a loud noise was observed. there were no warning lights illuminated. after driving at no particular speed the noise was intermittently present and the steering wheel became hard to operate. the vehicle was taken to the dealership several times, however the problem could not be duplicated. when the warranty terminated the dealership determined the steering rack had to be replaced at the contact expenses. a recall letter # 04v386000 was received and the dealership performed the required replacement of the hoses, piping and fittings indicated in the letter. after a year the defect intermittently recurred with the same symptoms as before but this time the air bag warning light illuminated consistently. the dealership determined that the steering rack had to be replaced again but later advised to replace the entire steering system. the manufacturer was contacted who open a case, however a call back has not been received. the contact was very concern for the safety risk entailed in the vehicle's operation. | |||
| 02/08/2006 | 42000 | 1 | 06/19/2003 |
| Rack and pinion unit on 2003 town and country with 42000 miles had to be replaced due to an internal failure. *jb | |||
| 06/29/2004 | 4 | ||
| While driving and turning a loud squeaking noise was heard from the front. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering pump/ rack and pinion, and hoses were replaced. also, mechanic informed consumer that the vehicle was operating as designed. consumer advised the mechanic that problem recurred, and had not been resolved. *ak | |||
| 12/22/2003 | 21193 | 2 | 02/06/2003 |
| Power steering pump has been replaced 2 times and fluid has been replaced 3 times.cooler lines for pump have been replaced.rack & pinion has been replaced. problem still there.power steering makes loud whining and moaning noise.*ak all this over 2 months 21193-23700 miles. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT | |||
| 06/02/2006 | 1 | 05/10/2006 | |
| I bought a 2003 town & country in may '06. in june of '06 i would here a whining noise when i turned the steering wheel. it seems to be a lot worse when it is cold outside. i took the vehicle to the dealership and they advised me that my steering column was bad and the steering pump needed to be replaced. they said that is was going to be over $1100.00. i did not even have the van for a month yet and they were not even willing to fix it. so we are dealing with the problem but the more we drive it the noise continues to get worse. we have not had any help from the dealership and i have a feeling that they knew that part was bad when they sold us that vehicle because having it for less than month i'm sure that i didn't put much wear and tear on it. *tr | |||
| 01/27/2007 | 61000 | 1 | 12/03/2002 |
| Tl* - the contact stated that in an attempt to drive the 2003 chrysler town & country she started the vehicle, but the steering wheel would not turn left or right. the contact restarted the vehicle, heard a clicking sound, and then the steering wheel turned from right to left. the mechanic said that failure could not be diagnosed without duplicating the failure. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 11/30/2007 | 58651 | 2 | 09/04/2006 |
| Both the rack and pinion steering and transmission went out at 58,000 miles on my 2003 town & country made by chrysler. this is unacceptable for a van with so few miles on it. *tr | |||