Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problems of the 1997 Chrysler Town & Country

The screw holding the hydraulics to the van body broke and the rear hatch came crashing down on my head. I have been suffering from headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness and pain.

Strut retaining bolts on the rear hatch on a 1997 Chrysler t&c failed (sheared) when opening and closing the hatch. One strut bolt (passenger side) failed in 2002, the other strut bolt (driver's side) failed 6/27/04. The 2002 failure occurred while opening the rear hatch. The resulting failure cause the hatch to drop on the head of child resulting in a bump which didi not require medical attention. The 2004 failure occurred when shutting the hatch locking the hatch in a near closed position as the strut lodged itself behind the closing bumper (bolt with rubber cap). First strut was replaced with dealer replacement part by owner. The 2nd strut has not been replaced yet. Close observation of the 2nd strut with failed retaining bolt showed a streak of rust across the shear plane. Looks like there was porosity or material anomaly that resulted in premature failure of retaining bolt. Did not notice if this was the case on first strut assembly. Both old struts are available.

The right side rear liftgate strut broke where it was connected to the body of the vehicle. This occurred upon closing the liftgate, resulting in liftgate not being supported when in the open position.