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1999 Chrysler Town And Country

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 216.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

168 reports with mileage · 194 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports28 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

362 reports
122,140 miles · Jul 25, 2014
EngineFire

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE TO AN APPT MY DAUGHTER STARTED COMPLAINING OF HER FEET BECOMING VERY HOT. SHE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST WAS CHERRY RED AND THERE WERE FLAMES NEAR CATALYTIC CONVERTER AREA. I HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED HOM…

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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE TO AN APPT MY DAUGHTER STARTED COMPLAINING OF HER FEET BECOMING VERY HOT. SHE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST WAS CHERRY RED AND THERE WERE FLAMES NEAR CATALYTIC CONVERTER AREA. I HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED HOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10616348

170,000 miles · May 27, 2014
EngineSteering

DRIVING VAN IN THE RAIN, NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS AD POWER STARTED TO DIM. IN THAT CASE, I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS. I HAVE HAD OTHER MINI-VANS ESPECIALLY DODGES AND HAVE NOTICED THEY ALL SEEM TO D…

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DRIVING VAN IN THE RAIN, NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS AD POWER STARTED TO DIM. IN THAT CASE, I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS. I HAVE HAD OTHER MINI-VANS ESPECIALLY DODGES AND HAVE NOTICED THEY ALL SEEM TO DO THE SAME THING WHEN IT COMES TO RAIN, SNOW, ICE. YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS DODGE CARAVANS HOW TO PUT THE SERPENTINE BELT BACK ON, BUT IT REALLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS COULD LEAVE YOU STRANDED AND VERY COSTLY (MONEY AND TIME WISE) IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT IT BACK ON. AS A CONSUMER, I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANOTHER DODGE OR CHRYSLER MINIVAN AGAIN DUE TO THIS ISSUE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594450

135,000 miles · Dec 10, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY SYSTEM, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO FAIL. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO RECONNECT THE BELT WHENEVER IT BECAME DETACHED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY SYSTEM, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO FAIL. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO RECONNECT THE BELT WHENEVER IT BECAME DETACHED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TENSION PULLEY SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10555508

119,000 miles · Aug 6, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD IMMEDIATELY RESTART AFTER THE FAILURE BUT ALL THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD REMAIN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD IMMEDIATELY RESTART AFTER THE FAILURE BUT ALL THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD REMAIN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

NHTSA ODI #10533824

99,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN SHE TRAVELED OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT AND THE KEY ICON ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN SHE TRAVELED OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT AND THE KEY ICON ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #10531672

111,365 miles · May 14, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE ENGINE WAS COLD FROM SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY ALL NIGHT. I SMELLED GASOLINE. I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND GASOLINE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FUEL HOSE RIGHT WHERE IT FITS INTO THE PRESSED CRIMPED METAL CONNECTION. IT WAS SPRAYING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. I TURNED OF THE ENGINE BEFORE IT BECAME HOT. IF THIS…

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WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE ENGINE WAS COLD FROM SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY ALL NIGHT. I SMELLED GASOLINE. I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND GASOLINE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FUEL HOSE RIGHT WHERE IT FITS INTO THE PRESSED CRIMPED METAL CONNECTION. IT WAS SPRAYING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. I TURNED OF THE ENGINE BEFORE IT BECAME HOT. IF THIS LEAK HAD OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, THE MOTOR WOULD HAVE BEEN HOT, AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE GARAGE REPLACED THE PLENUM GASKET SET, FUEL INJECTION, O RING, AND THE FUEL RAIL. NOTE: THE RECALL #RQ00008 DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK WAS DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512026

90,000 miles · Jan 6, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE. SOMETIMES THE LOCKS GOES UP AND DOWN BY ITSELF AND YOU CAN HEAR SOMETHING SORT OF LIKE A TAZER. THE ODOMETER BLINKS WHILE ALL OF THIS IS GOING ON. ALSO, I TOOK MY VAN TO THE SHOP AT SEARS BECAUSE WHEN I TURN THE SWITCH FOR AIR, IT ONLY WORKS ON HIGH AND NOT ALL THE TIME. THEY TOLD ME THAT S…

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MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE. SOMETIMES THE LOCKS GOES UP AND DOWN BY ITSELF AND YOU CAN HEAR SOMETHING SORT OF LIKE A TAZER. THE ODOMETER BLINKS WHILE ALL OF THIS IS GOING ON. ALSO, I TOOK MY VAN TO THE SHOP AT SEARS BECAUSE WHEN I TURN THE SWITCH FOR AIR, IT ONLY WORKS ON HIGH AND NOT ALL THE TIME. THEY TOLD ME THAT SEEMS TO BE THE CASE WITH MANY OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS THAT COME IN THERE. ALSO THE PIPE THAT RUNS COOLANT TO THE BACK VENTS RUSTED OUT. AGAIN, AFTER RESEARCHING WITH MANY SHOPS, WAS TOLD THAT IT APPEARS THE SAME ISSUES ARE TAKING PLACE WITH THIS MODEL VAN. ALSO THERE IS A LOT OF RUST UNDERNEATH. NOT SURE AS TO HOW IT IS HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR TWICE WITH THE LAST 6 YEARS AS IF SOMETHING IS RUSTING PARTS UNDERNEATH. I WILL BE VISITING MANY SHOPS AND HAVING THE OWNERS SIGN A PETITION AS TO WHAT ARE THE ONGOING ISSUES WITH THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE STARTED A BLOG AND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491547

110,000 miles · Dec 19, 2012
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE GEARS COULD BE SHIFTED WITHOUT THE CONTACT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK WAS NOT PLACED IN THAT PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE GEARS COULD BE SHIFTED WITHOUT THE CONTACT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK WAS NOT PLACED IN THAT PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THE FAILURE WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 185,000.

NHTSA ODI #10489295

100,000 miles · Sep 10, 2012
Service Brakes

MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR; HE APPLIED THE BRAKES WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE WAS DRIVING SLOW ENOUGH AND STARTED BRAKING SOON ENOUGH THAT HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR PRIOR TO THE INTERSECTION BY PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL VIGOROUSLY. BOTH OF THE SOLID FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED…

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MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR; HE APPLIED THE BRAKES WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE WAS DRIVING SLOW ENOUGH AND STARTED BRAKING SOON ENOUGH THAT HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR PRIOR TO THE INTERSECTION BY PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL VIGOROUSLY. BOTH OF THE SOLID FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED OUT AT THE CONNECTION POINTS WITH THE FLEXIBLE HOSES... I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE LINES DUE TO SIMILAR RUSTING PROBLEMS (3 YEARS AGO), AND DID ASK THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINES ABOUT A YEAR AGO PRIOR TO LETTING MY SON DRIVE THE 'OLD' MINIVAN; THE BRAKE LINES WERE GIVEN A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10474565

129,000 miles · Aug 6, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT START, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT START, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

NHTSA ODI #10469302

Official recalls

4

04V480000 · Air Bags

Oct 6, 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

02V076000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Mar 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V268000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

Sep 13, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

8

EA04013 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Opened Jun 4, 2004 · Closed May 25, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

THE DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING CAN DEVELOP AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CONDITION RESULTING IN NONFUNCTIONAL DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED), AND/OR STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).IN ITS OCTOBER 5, 2004 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL AND REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL MY 1998.5-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MINIVANS, BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1998 AND AUGUST 2000, WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS.IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT ON MY 1998.5-2000 MINIVANS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE.THE DETAILS OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION ARE DESCRIBED IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S LETTER (SEE RECALL NO. 04V-480).THE AGENCY BELIEVES THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE VEHICLES COVERED ONLY BY THE LIFETIME WARRANTY.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE PAGE 2 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

PE04017 · Overheating Of Seat Heaters

Opened Feb 18, 2004 · Closed Jun 21, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 24 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEAT SPARKS/OVERHEATS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS DUE TO ONE OF TWO FACTORS:THE STITCHING OPERATION ON THE SEAT COVER MAY CAUSE THE SEWING NEEDLE TO SEVER SOME STRANDS OF THE WIRE HEATING GRID IN THE SEAT, OR A POOR SOLDER JOINT/WIRE CONNECTOR FAILS DUE TO IMPROPER PROCESSING OR LONG TERM OVERSTRESSING.THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH MUST BOTH BE TURNED ON TO POWER THE SEAT HEATER.COMPLAINANTS REPORT THAT WHEN OVERHEATING OCCURS, SWITCHING THE HEATER OFF ALSO STOPS THE OVERHEATING.THE FAILURE CANNOT OCCUR IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF.ODI FINDS THAT THE 33 FIRE ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING VERY LOCALIZED OVERHEATING(PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SEATS SHOW HOLES THE SIZE OF A PENCIL OR LESS).THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF SUSTAINED COMBUSTION AND NO REPORTS OF OTHER FIRE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.THE INJURY ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING MINOR INJURY.NO CONSUMERS REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT (PHYSICIAN CARE).THERE ARE NO ALLEGATIONS OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE OF A HEATED SEAT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

RQ04001 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Opened Jan 28, 2004 · Closed Jun 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal

COMPLAINTS REPORT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES, AND THIS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).THIS IS INDICATIVE OF AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CLOCKSPRING FAILURE (RESULTS IN NON-FUNCTIONING DRIVER'S AIR BAG), SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE CONDITION THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RECALL OF MODEL YEAR 1996-1998.5 MINIVANS (RECALL NO. 02V-293).THIS RECALL QUERY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-013).

EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring

Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

PE00034 · Overheating Of Front Seat Heaters

Opened Aug 31, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SEATS OVER HEAT AND SMOKE OR CATCH FIRE

RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak

Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System

Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

No summary supplied.

PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity

Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

There is no summary currently available