RoadVitals

1998 Chrysler Town And Country

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
296
Latest Jun 13, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest Aug 10, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
6
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
32
11 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 296 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Town And Country, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 134 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E034000

EQUIPMENT

Aug 10, 2010
6,686 units potentially affected
The defect: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
CURT MFG. INC.View on NHTSA.gov
07E104000

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Dec 11, 2007
1,657 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
The remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E022000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Mar 13, 2006
7,440 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
BRAKE PARTS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA04013ClosedEngineering Analysis

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURE

Opened Jun 4, 2004
Closed May 25, 2005

THE DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING CAN DEVELOP AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CONDITION RESULTING IN NONFUNCTIONAL DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED), AND/OR STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).IN ITS OCTOBER 5, 2004 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL AND REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL MY 1998.5-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MINIVANS, BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1998 AND AUGUST 2000, WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS.IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT ON MY 1998.5-2000 MINIVANS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE.THE DETAILS OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION ARE DESCRIBED IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S LETTER (SEE RECALL NO. 04V-480).THE AGENCY BELIEVES THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE VEHICLES COVERED ONLY BY THE LIFETIME WARRANTY.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE PAGE 2 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

AIR BAGS:FRONTALLed to recall 04V480000
RQ04001ClosedRecall Query

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURE

Opened Jan 28, 2004
Closed Jun 4, 2004

COMPLAINTS REPORT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES, AND THIS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).THIS IS INDICATIVE OF AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CLOCKSPRING FAILURE (RESULTS IN NON-FUNCTIONING DRIVER'S AIR BAG), SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE CONDITION THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RECALL OF MODEL YEAR 1996-1998.5 MINIVANS (RECALL NO. 02V-293).THIS RECALL QUERY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-013).

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
EA01007ClosedEngineering Analysis

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING

Opened Feb 21, 2001
Closed Nov 22, 2002

There is no summary currently available

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 02V293000
RQ00008ClosedRecall Query

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK

Opened Mar 9, 2000
Closed Mar 18, 2002

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 00V268000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 296
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 13, 2017

THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER NO BRAKE HAD TO QUICKLY TURN OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND TRY TO RESTART IT IS HAPPENING ON A DAILY BASIS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS I HAD A RECALL PART REPLACED BY DEALER AND STILL NOTHING SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE AS I SEE THIS IS A COMMON FACTOR AND EVENTUALLY WILL CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID
10994609
Incident
Jun 13, 2017
Mileage
106,549 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Dec 13, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10809919
Incident
Dec 12, 2015
Mileage
152,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 12, 2015

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM DUE TO A RUPTURE OF A BRAKE LINE. LUCKY FOR US WE WERE ON A FLAT SECTION OF ROAD AND DRIFTED TO A STOP. IF WE HAD BEEN THREE SECONDS LATER WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO CROSS TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID
10763298
Incident
Sep 9, 2015
Mileage
195,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jan 30, 2015
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO SECURE THE FRONT DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER BOTH SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V076000 (SEAT BELTS).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10679932
Incident
Jan 1, 2013
AirbagsFuel systemSteering
Filed Nov 6, 2014

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10652960
Incident
Nov 5, 2014
Mileage
300,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 8, 2014

WIPER BLADES UNABLE TO SHUT OFF AT TIMES, SOME TIME DELAY OF STARTING, I HAVE HAD THE WIPER MOTOR REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10643262
Incident
Aug 20, 2014
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 2, 2014

CRANKED, STARTED, RAN FOR 1 SECOND, AND STALLED. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN A ROW. THEN IT WOULD NOT CRANK UNTIL WE RETURNED THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED AND RAN FINE. THIS BECAME AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OVER TIME AND EVENTUALLY FAILED ALTOGETHER. VERY MYSTERIOUS BUT I FOUND THE CAUSE AND REPAIRED IT. IT HAS NOT FAILED SINCE I REPAIRED IT 7-21-2012. THE PROBLEM WAS A COLD SOLDER JOINT ON THE BCM LOCATED BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL EXPLAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10640958
Incident
Aug 24, 2010
Mileage
185,000 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified+1 more
Filed Oct 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY, ABS, TRAC OFF, AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,986.

NHTSA ID
10640818
Incident
Oct 2, 2014
Mileage
146,986 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chrysler Town And Country by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020000—
2019000—
2018010—
2017010—
20165215256.5
20153824156.6
20146364361.4
20136804257.2
20126345258.2
20117733254.6
20101,5565256.2
20097076255.2
20081,9397255.7
20072192153.3
20064314460.4
20058577761.8
20041676155.3
20032456361.5
20024048661.8
20014627359.0
20003067463.7
19993629865.3
1998Viewing29610663.8
19973889664.3
1996938121463.3
1995584560.6
19941546663.5
1993214101262.5
1992135101361.7
199125101159.8
1990134145.9
1989121—
1988021—
1987021—
1986331—
1985021—
1984121—
1983200—
1982010—
1975020—
1974010—
1967110—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.