Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
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.
The car was brought to david ellis for a brake repair on 8/21/00. The car made a noise while driving and a loud noise when braking. Also the pedal did not feel right. They replaced the front pads, rotors, wheel cylinders and the master cylinder. They had to repalce the master cylinder twice while they had it under repair. The morning after I picked up the car, it wouldn't accelerate, it was revving very loud and with very high rpms and then it began to smoke and smell. When I got out of the car I observed flames shooting out of the front wheel. Chrysler has inspected and says they do not know the cause of the fire. They are willing to fix the fire damage but they cannot "fix" the cause of the fire because they do not know what the cause is. I do not feel the car is safe to drive unless they can pinpoint the cause and have it repaired or replaced. …
I purchased this van dec 2010. I was coming home from work at 9 pm driving on the interstate and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor - no brakes. Next day I took to shop and was told all the lines were rusted and needed replaced. I had all new brake lines installed front to back by a repair shop in March 2011. Once again, I had the same exact problem today, just over a year- except the lines were not rusted. 08/21/2012 - driving on a state road going about 40 MPH coming to a stop light slowing down, suddenly the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. No brakes. Fluid was gushing out by the rear tire. I pulled to gas station and the fluid was leaking/dripping out. The more the brake pedal was pushed the more fluid was forced out. I could have been in an accident even killed. Lucky for me it was 1 pm in the afternoon. I moved from indiana 6/1/2011 to florida. …
Tl* - the contact owns a 1993 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving 10 miles or more and accelerating the vehicle shook. The contact stated it was not related to the steering. The front axle was replaced 3 times, new tires were installed, the wheels were rotated to ensure they weren't bent, and new motor mounts were installed and the failure continued to occur. This failure had occurred for over 2 years. The dealer and the transmission mechanic were unable to diagnose the vehicle. The ABS and brake warning lights illuminated each time the engine was turned on and stayed on for a 1/4 of a mile. This failure occurred for more than one year. The dealer stated that the failure was due to the ABS pump. The current and failure mileage was 130,000.
When driver pressed on the brake pedal, while the van was in reverse on a steep slope, the pedal went down to the floor 90% and nothing happened. Driver then released the brakes and pressed down again and nothing happened again. When slamming on the brakes for the 3rd time, the driver hit a car parked downhill about 40 feet away. Manufacturer stated that there was not a problem with the van, and refused to talk to owner. An engineering company was able to duplicate the problem, but could not find the cause.
When the parking brake was engaged it locked up and failed to disengage. Dealership serviced the vehicle , but the problem continued. Clark tire and auto found the brake lining off and jammed in the drum. Brakes were adjusted and parts were installed to prevent brakes from locking. Mechanic stated every time the brakes were serviced, the racket froze up.
Repeated dismount of serpentine belt from crankshaft pulley due to water splashing from right front tire. Has occurred four or five times since owning the 1998 vehicle in 2001. This caused the abrupt loss of power steering, braking and electrical power from the alternator. No action has been taken by Chrysler to provide s shield to protect this area.
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.
Sudden premature failure of both rear service brake hydraulic lines resulted in loss of all brake fluid in a very short time (minutes from first illumination of brake warning light). Failure was due to corrosion from dissimilar metals at the junction of the flexible braided brake line to the rigid brake line for both rear brake systems.
Brake complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country, 8% of the model year's 296 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Town and Country brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chrysler Town and Country brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 131,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.