Seven problems related to steering have been reported for the 1998 Chrysler Town & Country. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving in snow and rain for one day the steering wheel froze up, the battery light went on, and I was no longer able to drive. I was on a flat street and in motion when it occurred.
Vehicle continues to turn off when slowing down and must restart vehicle while approaching a light or going up a hill. Vehicle taken to repair shop prior and could not find anything wrong with vehicle, repair shop confirmed issues. Have report from shop indicating concern for safety while driving vehicle. Looked for recalls regarding this and nothing reported. Again, vehicle stops running intermitently and must restart vehicle. All power to vehicle stops.
Serpentine belt slipped off when driving in rainy conditions with child in vehicle. Causing loss of power steering and engine to overheat. Was stranded and had to call family to be picked up. Had to have car towed and pay out of pocket expense to have serpentine belt put back on.
After driving in the rain several days in a row, including a muddy dirt road, hit a mud puddle and suddenly lost power in steering. Was a belt laying on the ground under right side of car. Car towed to auto repair shop. Was told 1998 Chrysler town and country vans have this problem when it rains. Belt reinstalled. Now cautious of driving in rain. Would like to find solution.
While driving in rain the fan belt which provides power to steering, battery and engine cooling falls off. Failure causes immediate loss of steering & within 20 seconds engine overheats & disables vehical until towed. Dealer attempted to fix under warranty 6 times (new tensioner, new pulley whee and new pipes to drain water. Same result each time, after period of time occurs again. Car is to dangerous to drive .
While driving vehicle in a puddle steering wheel belt would come off ,causing the steering wheel to lock up.
Consumer has a brand new car, each time vehicle is driven consumer has problems with the steering- steering became difficult/very tight to turn. On some occasions has lost control.