Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The vehicle, a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country minivan, completely lost all power steering while my wife was driving on a highway. Fortunately, my wife was able to exit the highway with the van overheating without damage or injury. As this is the second time that power steering has been lost while driving within the last three months, we understandably are very concerned about whether or not this problem is correctable and if the vehicle can be rendered safe. Our mechanic provided me with a service bulletin issued by Chrysler which identifies the problem. For vans from the 1995-1999 model years, the serpentine belt can slip off the idler pulley when the van is driven in deep snow or water. Unfortunately, the service bulletin gives no indication of what causes this problem. I do not want anyone (either in my family or outside it) to be a fatality as a result of this problem. …
This vehicle had two clock spring failures with the air bag warning light staying on. The first occurred at 3000 miles. The second failure caused cruise control to cease working. With power steering complaint, the vibration and grumbling in the steering at slow speeds was a cause of concern. After the steering rack was replaced, and longer steering hoses placed on the vehicle, the vibration continued in the steering, although somewhat subdued. The steering pump flow control valve was worn. When the fluid reached operating temperatures, the vibration increased and became more noticeable when driving for several hours. The steering felt non-responsive going into turns at slow speeds. …
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.
Dt: the contact complained about a serpentine belt problem. She replaced the belt three times. This has been an ongoing problem for the past three years. The first problem emerged when the belt broke while driving. The power steering was lost when the breakage occurred. The next two times the belt itself did not break, it came off the pulley. The vehicle has been taken back to the dealer for repairs all three times.
While driving in rain the fan belt which provides power to steering, battery and engine cooling falls off. Failure causes immediate loss of steering & within 20 seconds engine overheats & disables vehical until towed. Dealer attempted to fix under warranty 6 times (new tensioner, new pulley whee and new pipes to drain water. Same result each time, after period of time occurs again. Car is to dangerous to drive .
First transmission problem was on a secondary road, had to turn around and when I went to back up would not go in reverse or forward. Had to be towed. Again having a problem with the transmission on August 23, 2003. It is jerking when I go into reverse or forward. Will have to be towed to garage. Last December was coming of an exit and bolt broke off from steering that goes into the transmission
After driving in the rain several days in a row, including a muddy dirt road, hit a mud puddle and suddenly lost power in steering. Was a belt laying on the ground under right side of car. Car towed to auto repair shop. Was told 1998 Chrysler Town and Country vans have this problem when it rains. Belt reinstalled. Now cautious of driving in rain. Would like to find solution.
When going through average size puddle, serpentine belt came off. This disables all steering control and alternator/coolant system, etc. This is definitely a safety issue. Have replaced belt myself numerous times. Failure of tensioner and 2 other pulleys eventually needed at cost of $300+. Waiting for it to happen again... I see this is an ongoing problem.
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.
Serpentine belt slipped off when driving in rainy conditions with child in vehicle. Causing loss of power steering and engine to overheat. Was stranded and had to call family to be picked up. Had to have car towed and pay out of pocket expense to have serpentine belt put back on.
Steering complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chrysler Town and Country, 10% of the model year's 296 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
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.