Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
I just started driving my car this morning, when I noticed white smoke coming out from under the hood. None of my engine warning lights were on, and the temperature gauge was in the normal range. I pulled over and called for help, but had to get out of the car when the flames started coming out from under the hood. Entire front end of minivan was on fire, engine/battery melted, front windshield cracked/melted, hood melted. Fire department called and put out fire.
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
Travel about 15 miles to a residence, parked van for about 3-4 hrs, entered van and try to start, wouldn't turn over *thought it was a problem with starter and or battery*, tried jumping, wouldn't turn over. Waited appx 1hr later, tried starting, van started, drove home. Next day, tried to start van, wouldn't start, wait about 2 hrs, tried again, van started. Days passed and as I was driving, noticed all gauges going from normal to 0, did this throughout travel. Took van to branch auto electric to do tests, was told BCM was bad and the cost would be over $1200.00 *labor included*, I've done research online regarding other t & c's who are having the same problems. Now all gauges are not working, ABS light stays on with the security alarm light. …
I own a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country and buying it was the biggest mistake I have ever made. My problem is a repeat of a thousand other peoples. I'll go to start my van and it will act like it wants to start, but then dies. At first it would start after being untouched for a few hours, but now it can take up to 2 weeks. We have had it towed 3 times and to 2 different mechanics, including 1 Chrysler dealership, and everytime we are told the same thing. There is no way to disarm the alarm because it is built into the engine. I have a family that deserves a reliable car and this is not it. I can't afford to keep towing it back and forth from shop to shop. I need answers!..why was this issue not recalled by Chrysler, when so many people are having the same problems. This is ridiculous and frustrating. Someone has to know how to fix this!!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred when driving various speeds. Additionally, the horn and cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. There was a recall associated with the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 04V480000 (air bags) however, the contact's VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 05/19/14 ma the consumer repaired the clockspring. The consumer stated the failures all occurred before 118,000. The vehicle needed to be repaired when it was purchased. Updated 06/04/2014
The vehicle is a 1998, Chrysler Town & Country van (lxi). The problems are due to the malfunction of the "body control module," as defined by snethkamp Jeep & Chrysler service department. Due to the malfunction, the windshield wipers do not start properly when engaged and continue when in the off position. The engine has to be turned off to disengage or stop wipers. Also, all door locks continue to lock and unlock when a door or doors are open, when the engine is started, and while driving. Occasionally, before turning on the ignition, the alarm will automatically engage: must use the remote key (unlock) before engine will start. Often, when inside, the only way to unlock a door or doors is to use the remote control key (unlock).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the instrumental cluster failed and none of the gauges worked properly. Due to this short in the instrumental cluster, the vehicle would also stall and take a long period of time to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they informed the contact that the entire instrumental cluster or the circuit board behind it needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000. The gauges on this van are now severely malfunctioning. Speedometer is 23 MPH off. The tachometer bits inches away from the red line although transmission is not over revving. Updated 11/09/2011
Has happened over 100 times. Dashboard gauges all remain at zero, car will not start. Turns over, then dies immediately. I believe it is the security system killing the car. After 5 starts, won't even turn over. Have paid for new alternator, new starter, mechanic looked at numerous times. **finally fixed** mechanic had another customer with same problem. Found it was the entire instrument panel which needed replacing. At a cost of $700 for other customer. I went with a used model which is risky, but it has not done this again at all for 7 months. There are numerous reports on this site about this, and I thought I would help people out who have also spent a ton of money on this problem, with no resolution.
On a regular basis, van will not remain running. Start vehicle and it stalls immediately. It will do this for 5-6 starts, then will not even turn over. All gauges go to zero, no digital odometer, etc. If left for a few hours, will start again. Sometimes gauges zero out while driving. Usually, tapping on the dash hard will return them to operating position. But not always. Have been told this is anything from alarm system, main computer, aftermarket automatic starter shutting down alarm. One dealer replaced starter for +$300. Did not fix problem. This is a huge problem with a lot of these vans, as I can see by reading on the internet, and this site. This is an ongoing problem for 3+ years. No solution.
I bought a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country and after 2 weeks the van started having problems. The car wouldn't start in the gas station on the first try but did start on the second. From that incident on the car would need several starts to get it running and the instrument panel would go dead while I was driving and then suddenly jump back on and die again. This went on for about a week and a half before it stopped starting at all. I have not been able to drive for over three weeks and not only wasted money buying the van but also, took it to a repair shop where the guy replaced the fuse panel for $200 and wanted to put in a new computer but I told him not to. This van is a disgrace and an inconvenience.
NHTSA investigations
Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country, 21% of the model year's 296 complaints. The component named most often is horn (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Town and Country electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.