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1999 Chrysler Town And Country

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 216.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

168 reports with mileage · 194 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports28 fire reports13 injury reports

Steering complaints

25 reports
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170,000 miles · May 27, 2014
EngineSteering

DRIVING VAN IN THE RAIN, NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS AD POWER STARTED TO DIM. IN THAT CASE, I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS. I HAVE HAD OTHER MINI-VANS ESPECIALLY DODGES AND HAVE NOTICED THEY ALL SEEM TO D…

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DRIVING VAN IN THE RAIN, NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS AD POWER STARTED TO DIM. IN THAT CASE, I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS. I HAVE HAD OTHER MINI-VANS ESPECIALLY DODGES AND HAVE NOTICED THEY ALL SEEM TO DO THE SAME THING WHEN IT COMES TO RAIN, SNOW, ICE. YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS DODGE CARAVANS HOW TO PUT THE SERPENTINE BELT BACK ON, BUT IT REALLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS COULD LEAVE YOU STRANDED AND VERY COSTLY (MONEY AND TIME WISE) IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT IT BACK ON. AS A CONSUMER, I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANOTHER DODGE OR CHRYSLER MINIVAN AGAIN DUE TO THIS ISSUE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594450

99,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN SHE TRAVELED OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT AND THE KEY ICON ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN SHE TRAVELED OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT AND THE KEY ICON ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #10531672

113,737 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. FIRST COMPLAINT #10468365. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I CROSSED THE STREET AND MY TIRES SPLASHED WATER THAT WAS RUNNING DOWN THE STREET GUTTER. THE WATER WAS 2-4" DEEP. I ONCE AGAIN IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE S…

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THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. FIRST COMPLAINT #10468365. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I CROSSED THE STREET AND MY TIRES SPLASHED WATER THAT WAS RUNNING DOWN THE STREET GUTTER. THE WATER WAS 2-4" DEEP. I ONCE AGAIN IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO PULL IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THE BELT HAD SLIPPED OFF AGAIN. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE BELT AND THE TENSIONER AND SAID THEY WERE OK, AND THEY REINSTALLED THE BELT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS TURNING A CORNER, AND THE VAN WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE. I GUESS I CAN BE THANKFUL FOR THE DRAUGHT THESE PAST FEW MONTHS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT MAKES ME AFRAID OF DRIVING WHEN IT IS RAINING OR WITH ANY WATER ON THE ROAD. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, PASSING SOMEONE, OR TAKING A CURVE IN THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP. A BULLETIN #07-0299 WAS ISSUED IN 7.14.99. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE ANY FIXES AS IT WASN'T A RECALLED PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD MY MECHANIC THEY OFFERED A $400 KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, OR I COULD PURCHASE A "SNOW" SHIELD AND HAVE IT INSTALLED. WHY WOULD I NEED A "SNOW" SHIELD IN LOUISIANA? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10468370

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN. MAJOR PROBLEM IS SERPENTINE BELT COMING OFF AND CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE AND BELT 4 TIMES. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE FREE WAY OR A STREET WITH ALOT OF TR…

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I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN. MAJOR PROBLEM IS SERPENTINE BELT COMING OFF AND CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE AND BELT 4 TIMES. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE FREE WAY OR A STREET WITH ALOT OF TRAFFIC OR THIS COULD KILL ME OR AN OTHER PERSON. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 100S OF PEOPLE. ON THE INTERNET IT STATE THAT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED REPAIR ( THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLER PULLEY AND THE PULLEYS RETAINING BRACKET.) IN THE TSB I READ, CHRYSLER'S ENGINEERS HAVE DECIDED THAT ON SOME MODELS THE IDLER PULLEY IS MISALIGNED BY .08 INCHES. CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL THIS AND FIX THERE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. GET INVOLVED AND MAKE CHRYSLER FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444714

158,000 miles · Nov 11, 2011
SteeringSuspensionCrashInjury

STRUT TOWER CORRODED AND SPRING AND STRUT POPPED THRU AND CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10435246

109,350 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Steering

I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE TODAY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN I LOST MY STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS BOUT .5 MILES FROM HOME. BY THE TIME I GOT WITHIN .25 MILES MY TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON. WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS DRAGGING. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO…

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I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE TODAY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN I LOST MY STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS BOUT .5 MILES FROM HOME. BY THE TIME I GOT WITHIN .25 MILES MY TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON. WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS DRAGGING. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO. MY VEHICLE IS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HABITUAL PROBLEM. MY SERVICE PERSON REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID I WAS LUCKY IT HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10357058

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2007
Steering

EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. MECHANICS SAY IT IS A CHRYSLER TENSIONER PROBLEM AND COMMON. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE LAST 2 YEARS AND MANY (10=) BELT CHANGES TO PUT BELT BACK ON. FORTUNATELY I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SLOW AT THE TIMES (5-6 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTH…

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EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. MECHANICS SAY IT IS A CHRYSLER TENSIONER PROBLEM AND COMMON. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE LAST 2 YEARS AND MANY (10=) BELT CHANGES TO PUT BELT BACK ON. FORTUNATELY I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SLOW AT THE TIMES (5-6 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS) THIS HAS OCCURRED. JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A FATALITY OCCURS DUE TO THIS RECURRENT PROBLEM. TIME FOR SOMEONE WITH CLOUT TO GET INVOLVED AND MAKE CHRYSLER FIX THIS PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10205447

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2006
Steering

LTR FM (CT) CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF HIS DAUGHTERS DEFECTIVE 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY, THE TIE ROD FELL OFF. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED MOST AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS HAVE ELIMINATED THE GREASE FITTINGS THAT MOST TIE ROD ENDS USE. APPARENTLY, THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RUBBER GROMMET THAT ENCLOSED THE BALL AND ROAD SURFAC…

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LTR FM (CT) CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF HIS DAUGHTERS DEFECTIVE 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY, THE TIE ROD FELL OFF. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED MOST AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS HAVE ELIMINATED THE GREASE FITTINGS THAT MOST TIE ROD ENDS USE. APPARENTLY, THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RUBBER GROMMET THAT ENCLOSED THE BALL AND ROAD SURFACE WATER LEAKED IN AND CORRODED THE BALL AND ENCLOSURE. AFTER THE BALL AND SOCKET HAD EXPERIENCED SUFFICIENT REDUCTION, IT FINALLY SLIPPED OUT OF THE ENCLOSURE AND DROPPED TO THE GROUND. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10171194

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2005
SteeringCrash

CONSUMER 1999 TOWN & COUNTRY MINIVAN STEERING INTERLOCK DID WORK. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY NEARLY CRUSHING PASSENGER. *TS *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER'S ONE YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER HAD THE KEY IN HIS POCKET. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE CONSUMER'S DRIVEW…

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CONSUMER 1999 TOWN & COUNTRY MINIVAN STEERING INTERLOCK DID WORK. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY NEARLY CRUSHING PASSENGER. *TS *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER'S ONE YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER HAD THE KEY IN HIS POCKET. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY BEFORE STRIKING A TREE. AN INVESTIGATOR CAME TO THE CONSUMER'S HOME TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INVESTIGATOR TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING INTERLOCK WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THE CONSUMER HAD NOT USED THE PARKING BRAKE. THE MANUFACTURER THEN CLOSED THE FILE BECAUSE THE VAN HAD 3 OUTSTANDING RECALLS. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT MOVED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10144262

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2005
Air BagsSteering

1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY EXPERIENCED MECHANICAL FAILURE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE SPRING WHICH HELD THE LATCH FOR THE TILT STEERING IN PLACE FAILED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH THE LATCH FORWARD TO ENGAGE IT BECAUSE THE SPRING WOULD NOT INTO ENGAGEMENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TILT WHEEL LATCH MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED…

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1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY EXPERIENCED MECHANICAL FAILURE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE SPRING WHICH HELD THE LATCH FOR THE TILT STEERING IN PLACE FAILED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH THE LATCH FORWARD TO ENGAGE IT BECAUSE THE SPRING WOULD NOT INTO ENGAGEMENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TILT WHEEL LATCH MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR NOT RE-ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY WHEN HE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR DONE REGARDING THE CLOCKSPRING .*JB

NHTSA ODI #10136685

Official recalls

4

04V480000 · Air Bags

Oct 6, 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

02V076000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Mar 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V268000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

Sep 13, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

8

EA04013 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Opened Jun 4, 2004 · Closed May 25, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

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.

PE04017 · Overheating Of Seat Heaters

Opened Feb 18, 2004 · Closed Jun 21, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 24 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEAT SPARKS/OVERHEATS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS DUE TO ONE OF TWO FACTORS:THE STITCHING OPERATION ON THE SEAT COVER MAY CAUSE THE SEWING NEEDLE TO SEVER SOME STRANDS OF THE WIRE HEATING GRID IN THE SEAT, OR A POOR SOLDER JOINT/WIRE CONNECTOR FAILS DUE TO IMPROPER PROCESSING OR LONG TERM OVERSTRESSING.THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH MUST BOTH BE TURNED ON TO POWER THE SEAT HEATER.COMPLAINANTS REPORT THAT WHEN OVERHEATING OCCURS, SWITCHING THE HEATER OFF ALSO STOPS THE OVERHEATING.THE FAILURE CANNOT OCCUR IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF.ODI FINDS THAT THE 33 FIRE ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING VERY LOCALIZED OVERHEATING(PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SEATS SHOW HOLES THE SIZE OF A PENCIL OR LESS).THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF SUSTAINED COMBUSTION AND NO REPORTS OF OTHER FIRE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.THE INJURY ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING MINOR INJURY.NO CONSUMERS REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT (PHYSICIAN CARE).THERE ARE NO ALLEGATIONS OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE OF A HEATED SEAT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

RQ04001 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Opened Jan 28, 2004 · Closed Jun 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

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).

EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring

Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

PE00034 · Overheating Of Front Seat Heaters

Opened Aug 31, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SEATS OVER HEAT AND SMOKE OR CATCH FIRE

RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak

Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System

Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

No summary supplied.

PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity

Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

There is no summary currently available