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 2000 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
During rain or snowmelt events, splashing water causes the serpentine belt on the engine slip from the engine idler pulleys. They are smooth and rounded in design, allowing water to slip beneath during operation resulting in the belt slipping from the pulleys. The steering on these vans is extremely inadequate without power assist, even while the vehicle is moving. Our belt has slipped off in the past, requiring belt replacement, but this recent event caused a loss of steering while the vehicle was in motion, resulting in a crash. No one in my family was seriously injured, but the valence at the front of the vehicle was damaged. After calling my local dmv to find out where to report this, and searching the internet about the problem, I find it unconscionable that Chrysler and the NHTSA have not acted on a solution sooner.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 5 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle striking another vehicle. Upon inspection, the driver side front tire was observed to be leaning inward. There was a police report filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic that determined the spindle assembly fractured, and would need to be replaced.
Once after hitting water puddle and then while driving in rain, belt slips off pulleys and steering loses power. Then battery dies quickly while flashers are on. Very dangerous on the side of the road in rain!
After getting caught in an early evening's thunderstorm, I attempted a regular, right turn off us 34 toward our subdivision. Our 2000 Chrysler Mini van lost power steering during the turn. I was unable to keep completely with in my lane. Thankfully, no one was in the opposing traffic lane. After regaining my composure, I deciding it was OK to "limp" home with the van, through the subdivision. I noticed a lot of the dash lights were triggered, which indicated to me that the alternator was no longer working for the final couple of blocks. This affected the brightness of the headlights and slowed the wiper speed. This also affected the air conditioner and that prevented the defogger from working properly. Once at home, I found that the serpentine belt had come off. In another moment of time, the belt's coming off might have easily have resulted in more disaster. …
Vehicle leaf spring has weakened causing the rear of vehicle to sit at an angle. Problems with front wheels and brakes. The dealer was unable to repair the re-occurring problem with the front brakes, and the rotors. The front wheels and or brakes were squeaking again, which meant that new front brakes were needed again. (this was the fourth time the brakes were replaced) the consumer requested a full refund of the purchase price of the vehicle. Other problems are as followed: the left rear shock had blown and a bolt had broken on the right shock and were replaced,the brake light would come on when going around corners, the rear view mirror was loose along with the right side mirror(both readjusted), noise in the steering and was hard to steer at times, there was a metal sound in the front strut especially when the temperature was cold, and there was overheating so the all the parts of …
I own a 2000 Chrysler Town and Country with a 3.8 liter engine. I've had the serpentine belt fall off numerous times in the past starting at 95000 miles and then at 131000. I replaced the belt 3 times along with the tensioner and belt along with the water pump to try to eliminate this issue and it worked.... For a year.... It just had it happen again. After reading issues on the internet, this apparently is a common issue. Luckily when it happened, I was driving and was able to steer the vehicle without power steering. If it were my wife driving, the steering issue becomes a safety issue. I feel Chrysler should be held accountable for this safety related issue. I've not seen any recalls with regards to this issue.
While my wife was pulling into a driveway she drove thru a small puddle and the water splashed up on the idler pulley and caused the belt to slip. This in turn caused the vehicle to lose power steering. She ended up in the yard instead of the driveway. I have been in quality since 1985 and I am currently a quality manager so I am really surprised with chryslers' lack of concern with this design problem. I am really disappointed with Chrysler and the NHTSA for not doing something about this issue. Maybe it is time to let some of the national investigative tv shows know about the problem.
At least 6 times since owning a 2000 Chrysler Town and Country, the serpentine belt has come off either in the rain or snow. Once causing property damage as I pulled off the road when the car overheated. It also caused the head gasket to fail. Gates has a correction kit for this. Chrysler should supply them on a one time basis t every owner. Failure of this design causes occupants to be put at risk in the most inclement weather conditions when you need the car to perform it's best. Additional there is loss of power steering, power brakes, and alternator.
While driving my 2000 Chrysler t&c in wet weather, the drive belt slipped off during a left turn. The steering immediately became very hard due to the loss of power. If my wife had been driving there could have been a serious accident as she is not strong enough to turn the vehicle. The service department at bermont motors said that this happens often when going though puddles. Loss of steering happens often when going through puddles? The drive belt slips off in wet weather and puddles! How safe is a loss of steering, even just for a little while?
After repeated serpentine belt replacement on 2000 t&c the belt has slipped off during a "minor" rain storm, the belt slipped off again and caused me to lose power steering and I crashed into another vehicle as well as a business. I contacted the dealer and they informed me that even though there have been repeated complaints about this problem, that because the NHTSA has not issued an "official" recall of this problem that there was nothing that could be done. What are my tax dollars being spent on?
Steering complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country, 8% of the model year's 306 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 2 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 2000 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to steering 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.