Seven problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2001 Chrysler Town & Country. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Back in early 2005 we had a problem with the sway bar, sway eliminators & sway bushings having to be replaced on our 2001 Chrysler Town & Country lx with only 31,000 mile on it (purchased new in 2001). We contacted Chrysler with the problem & this was resolved promptly by Chrysler. Same car 1 1/2 years later and now with only 40,000 miles on it a "thunking" noise in the front end again. Upon taking it to a local Chrysler dealership for a routine oil change the mechanic told us that the rack & pinion steering needed to be replaced at a cost of approximately $900. A representative of the Chrysler dealership informed me to contact Chrysler about this problem since it seemed to possibly be a premature failure. We immediately had the rack & pinion steering replaced by our mechanic because we didn't know what would happen if it failed while driving. The continuing problem with the failure of major parts on this van starting with only 29,000 miles on it suggests something wrong with the manufacture of this vehicle. Chrysler was contacted in regards to the rack & pinion steering and replied with a sorry past warranty reply.
During the cooler months of the year the steering on my 2001 Chrysler town+country becomes exremely stiff to the point that I am unable to turn it and im 6'4" 280 lbs, my mechanic told me it could be a valve inside the rack+pinion isn't working properly he said the only thing to do is replace that steering component, I told a friend who has the same car what was happening and he told me he experiences the same thing. I was wondering if this is happening to other owners of this car and maybe could be a safety hazard.
The steering wheel shudders and vibrates the whole care and makes a groaning noise while the wheel is turned at low speeds or even if the wheel is turned while the car is idle. Possible rack and pinion defect. Please recall.
While reversing steering wheel locked up, but will unlock when driving straight. The problem became worse. Currently, the steering wheel locked up, even when driving straight. Mechanic indicated by phone it may be a failure in the rack and pinion. Vehicle shouldn't be driven because the problem will only get worse.
When the vehicle was driven, the consumer was unable to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel felt as if it were locking. The dealership indicated that the cause was due to the rack and pinion. Ts scc.
I brought car into the dealership on 2 prior occasions for suspect noises in the front end and they assured me this was normal . I called back to report noise was getting louder and again I was reassured that this was normal and that it was not getting louder. After the warranty was up the rack and pinnion failed this was probably the noise I have been hearing.
While driving consumer began to make a left hand turn and without any indication steering wheel became stuck. Vehicle was serviced. Dealership stated rack and pinion needed to be replaced.