Air Bag Not Deploy problems of the 2002 Chrysler Town & Country

My car collided with a 1999 Ford f150. My car hit the truck from behind. The impact resulted in severe damage to the front of my car. In fact, my car was totaled and the airbags never deployed.

Air bag warning light began to light (intermittently) at approx 58,500 miles for no apparent reason. Progressively became more frequent, and would remain lit for long periods of time / miles. The few times the warning light would cease, I was able to trigger the error by wiggling the steering wheel left and right several times. Suspected the 'clock spring' cable in steering column, since the problem sounded very similar to recall 04v480000 (which covers 1998-2000 Town & Country minivans). Became concerned when I found out that air bags would likely not deploy if the warning light was lit during an accident. Requested dealer inspect and advise. I also pointed out the earlier recall on 1998-2000 models. Dealer indicated a $100 diagnostic charge would be billed to me. I spoke to Chrysler customer service on 21-July 2008 who indicated no recall was in effect for 2002 t & c's, and I would have to pay for the repair. Customer service indicated I might get reimbursed if a recall was ever ordered. End result: dealer technician determined the 'clock spring' within the steering column was indeed faulty and so I paid the dealer $244. 41 to replace the 'clock spring'. Air bag lamp now only lights during the test phase / initial start-up and quickly goes out (as it should). Please note: in contrast to earlier reports of 'clock spring' failure / defect, I did not have any concurrent problem with the cruise control or horn within the steering wheel. These worked fine before and after repair.

On June 28, 2008 we purchased a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country van from a local dealer. When I test drove it I noticed a chip in the windshield, front headlight fogged up from moisture inside it and the airbag light stayed on continuously. I pointed this out to the salesperson who stated she would make sure these things were fixed as they interfered with the safety of the vehicle. When I took delivery of the vehicle all things seemed to be alright and then after a few miles the airbag light again illuminated and stayed that way. I took the van back in and told the sales manager about the light. At first he refused to fix it for free. Eventually he stated that they would fix it if we paid $100 towards the repair. I decided to accept this offer. When I returned to pick up the van all seemed well but after a few miles of driving the light again came on and stayed on. Thinking that there was nothing further we could do, we drove it that way. We still own the van and only recently I was told that as long as that light was on the airbags would not deploy. We are now wanting to sell the van but can't due to this safety problem. I also only learned recently that a dealer can not legally sell a vehicle while the airbag light was on like that. Thanking you in advance for any help you can offer, bill deem.

Involved in a crash in February 2006 in which a car pulled into the pathway of this vehicle, which had the right of way and was traveling 30-35 mph. Other driver was cited with failure to yield. The airbag did not deploy resulting in whiplash of the driver of this vehicle, followed by 3 months of recovery, reduced work schedule, pain, etc. This vehicle hit the other car in the driver side tire, breaking the front axle of the other car. Both cars came to a very immediate stop. The airbag was not examined or fixed.

Airbags failed to deploy during a collision. Passenger air bag did not deploy. The passenger was injured (Chrysler town and country).

The air bag light continued to stay on. The consumer was concerned that the air bag will not deploy upon impact. Please provide additional information. Sensor light comes on at any speed but mostly when turning the steering wheel.

The consumer lost control of the vehicle due to a defect in the power steering which was being recalled by the manufacturer. In the process, not only did the consumer loose steering control but the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. Provide further details.

The clock spring needed to be replaced. The air bags will not deploy. The owner contacted the mfr who offered to pay part but not all of the cost. Provide further details. The consumer received the recall notice after the clockspring was already replaced. The consumer request reimbursement.

While driving at 35 mph consumer's son heard a loud popping sound coming from the steering column. Moments later, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a guard rail on the driver's side. The seat belts were worn, and the air bags did not deploy however, there were no injuries . Before the collision the consumer heard ticking sound coming from the steering column. Also, there was a TSB concerning this problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer once before the collision and once after the collision. Vehicle was repaired by the dealer, but the problem still persisted. In June 2003 the consumer had a problem with a major draw on the engine with the heat or a/c running. The consumer was told that the compressor was replaced so the a/c and the heater would work properly. The consumer had explained to the service dealer that there was a problem with the steering and the mechanic suggested that this wasn't a dangerous problem. (following this service visit, the consumer's son experienced the above accident) the consumer had also found that the warranty work for the steering hadn't been completed. Recall#10010414.