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 2003 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country Mini van. While driving 35 MPH the contact lost steering power and control of the vehicle after driving on an icy patch on the highway. The contact tried to turn right into the direction of the skid but the steering wheel locked and it would not move. Due to the steering locking the vehicle spun to the rear end and hit an embankment. The vehicle crashed into a ditch and rolled over 3 times and returned to the upright position. The front driver's side tire blew out and the airbags didn't deploy. The seat belts did not secure the contact and the passenger. The contact and passenger were transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital due to their injuries. There was a previous recall on the vehicle campaign# 04V386000 with steering, hydraulic power assist; hose, & piping connections. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the power steering made a loud winding noise and locked up. The contact stated that the issue only occurred in inclement weather without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 165,000.
When starting out in drive, I was unable to turn my steering wheel casein a life threatening problem. My wheel would not turn. I turn the car off and try again I never know when my wheelturn when I am driving myself and my grandchildren in the car. Please help !
While driving at normal speed vehicle unexpectedly veered to the right. Driver grabbed the steering wheel and the steer wheel did a complete turn but the vehicle didn't respond. As a result the vehicle went into a ditch.
Power steering failure and water pump failure smoking under hood and power steering fluid all on the exhaust system almost caught fire.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the brakes squeaked and pulsated when depressed. All of the brakes and rotors were replaced. The air conditioner compressor made a grating and scraping sound and was replaced, along with the alternator. The contact was afraid to remove the key from the ignition because it would take ten minutes of jiggling to get it back in and start the vehicle. The vehicle would make a clunking noise when shifting into gear. The cylinoid was replaced. The gasket and seal on the water pump and the accessory belt were replaced. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced within six months. The liftgate was replaced as well. …
Events leading up to failures on 2.28.07, I purchased a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country lxi with 56,000 miles from arlington Acura in palatine, il after a carchex inspection & test drive. Upon driving home to minnesota that day on interstate expressways, I encountered two major mechanical problems: failure, consequences & repairs 1. Shuddering & leaking rack & pinion - dealer advised these are common failures for this model and recommended replacement for $800 asap because a dry cylinder will lock the steering column. Chrysler will not replace under it's 7/70 powertrain warranty, so I will have to pay this when I get the money. 2. Jerking transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear - during four visits, dealer attempted to find cause, spending $3,000 in warranty repairs. …
Dt*: the contact stated while starting the vehicle and turning the steering wheel a loud noise was observed. There were no warning lights illuminated. After driving at no particular speed the noise was intermittently present and the steering wheel became hard to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealership several times, however the problem could not be duplicated. When the warranty terminated the dealership determined the steering rack had to be replaced at the contact expenses. A recall letter # 04V386000 was received and the dealership performed the required replacement of the hoses, piping and fittings indicated in the letter. After a year the defect intermittently recurred with the same symptoms as before but this time the air bag warning light illuminated consistently. …
When will Chrysler do a recall on power steering lines, pumps, etc. My son is 16 and has only been driving for a few months. He almost lost control of our vehicle because the power steering froze and he couldn't turn! Luckily he was Smart enough to just park it, and we had it towed. The power steering lines broke (again) ! The mechanic said there are 173 people on the waiting list for a power steering line. Doesn't this suggest this is a problem? I have had to add power steering fluid to my vehicle since the day I purchased it. I have replaced water pumps, bushings, links, and continue to have problems with the power steering. Will they wait until enough people have died from losing control of their vehicle? I don't even feel safe having my son take this vehicle is it can happen without any advanced warning! What are they thinking? …
I went to change the oil on our 2003 Chrysler t&c and noticed a leak which I assumed to be transmission fluid. I took it to the dealer the next day. The transmission was fixed under warranty for the second time, but I'm not complaining about the transmission, yet. The leaking fluid was also part power steering fluid. Imagine my surprise when I was told the van needed a new steering rack and seals at 72,000 miles. Imagine my surprise when they told me the price and that I was paying for it. I hereby add my voice to this probably futile litany of complaints about these steering racks. Fortunately, I happened to notice the leaks before anything went dry. The kicker was that after the rack repair, my wife said it still sounded funny. Ended up taking it back. That was when they decided to do the steering hose recall repair which we never heard about. …
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose May split and cause a fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country, 21% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-386 (hose, piping, and connections, Aug 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 3 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.