Four problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1998 Chrysler Town & Country. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving on highway, temperature warning light illuminated. Temperature gauge indicated h (hot) position. Stopped vehicle on side of highway and inspected coolant. No coolant in system. Added coolant, drove 3 miles, repeated. Had towed to private garage. Mechanic replaced coolant lines to rear heat at a cost of $321. Mechanic stated that lines were rotted throughout. Stated that every t&c he sees with rear heat has coolant line failure such as this. States they are of inferior quality, cheap aluminum with no protection. Cannot guarantee they will not fail again.
The serpentine belt comes off when driving through minimal amounts of water causing power loss to the steering as well as overheating. This is a serious safety risk which deserves a recall by Chrysler. I have lost steering while driving on 50 mph roads with my children in the vehicle. Several times my children and I have been stranded due to the serpentine belt falling off causing me to lose steering and my vehicle to overheat and had to walk down roads with my children to find help. After researching this on-line it appears that this is due to due to an engineering miscalculation of the pulley system.
When consumer puts vehicle in park and turns vehicle off with emergency brake on, the emergency brake releases by itself, this could be dangerous because the vehicle could roll. . Consumer stated the belt tensioner and water pump was also replaced.
When driving over puddles after a rain storm tension belt comes off the pulley, causing loss of vehicle control. Also, lost power and vehicle overheated. Dealer replaced belt and tensioner, but defect still occurs.