1999 Chrysler Town And Country Problems
- Complaints
- 362filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,800miles, 167 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe problems with the steering wheel clockspring, which disables the air bag, horn, cruise control and steering-wheel radio buttons, plus a serpentine belt that slips off when driving through water, with loss of power steering and engine overheating following. Rust in the front strut towers and heated-seat elements that overheat are also recurring themes, and many complaints come from vans with well over 100,000 miles.
- Air bags
Clockspring failure: air bag light, no horn or cruise
- 59 complaints (16%)
- median 69,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2019
Owners report the air bag warning light coming on, sometimes with a chime, and at the same time the horn, cruise control and steering-wheel radio buttons stop working. Complaints describe a clicking noise when turning the wheel and dealers identifying the clockspring in the steering column as the source of the trouble. Several owners note that earlier model years were recalled for a similar problem and that their van was not covered. Reported across a wide mileage range, mostly between about 35,000 and 135,000 miles.
What to check: With the key on, confirm the air bag light goes out after the self-test and that the horn and cruise control work. Ask whether the clockspring has ever been replaced and whether any open recall applies to the vehicle's VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Air bag light constantly on, no horn no cruise control no radio control. Went to dealer for recall on airbag steering wheel clock spring and was told I would have to pay for diagnostic and also pay for part in case it was not covered. This is not how a safety recall should be performed to my understanding”
NHTSA complaint #11256627, filed 2019-09, 135,025 miles“The air bag light remained on and the cruise control, horn and steering wheel radio controls stopped working. I had to replace the clock-spring which was a recall item on earlier models. I think the 1999 models should be added to the recall list. Lmb.”
NHTSA complaint #10056507, filed 2004-02, 59,000 miles - Engine cooling
Serpentine belt slips off in wet conditions
- 72 complaints (20%)
- median 96,500 mi at 7.3 yrs old (43 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2019
Owners describe the serpentine belt coming off or derailing after driving through standing water or heavy rain, with power steering lost immediately and the engine then overheating. Complaints mention repeated replacement of the belt and tensioner, and in some cases a bracket or pulley update from a service bulletin being installed. Several note that the problem returned even after repairs. Most often reported between roughly 48,000 and 180,000 miles, and consistently tied to driving through puddles or rain.
What to check: Ask whether the belt and tensioner have been replaced and whether any pulley or bracket update was installed; inspect belt routing and tensioner condition, and note that driving through deep water is the usual trigger.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Major problem is serpentine belt coming off and causing a loss of steering. It was not until this last repair that a bracket was installed from a service bulletin dated 7-2-99. Only the first repair was prior to this date. This is a major problem, fortunately for me every time the belt came off I was in a parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10070862, filed 2004-01, 76,072 miles“It had been raining but had stopped. I was making a right hand turn when my right tire went through approximately 2-4 of water in the gutter. I immediately lost control of the steering and veered into the opposite lane. Fortunately there were no cars in that lane. I had difficulty steering and the engine began to overheat. I was fortunate the garage was around the corner. The belt had slipped off the pulleys. The belt had not broken, only slipped off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10468365, filed 2012-07, 111,795 miles - Suspension
Rusted front strut towers
- 28 complaints (8%)
- median 90,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2024
Owners report rust on the strut tower at the spring seat, usually on the driver side, found during maintenance or inspection by a mechanic. Complaints describe the rust progressing to cracking or near breakthrough, with concern that the strut could no longer be securely attached; owners also mention that dealers characterized it as cosmetic. Usually noticed between about 60,000 and 150,000 miles, often on vans driven in wet or coastal conditions.
What to check: Open the hood and inspect the tops of both front strut towers for bubbling paint, rust or cracking around the spring seat; ask a mechanic to check the area during a pre-purchase inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1999 Chrysler Town And Country rusting strut tower has progressively worsened since by dealer, in 2005, told me that it is only a cosmetic defect and is a potential danger of rusting through. This is a critical safety issue and has been misclassified by Chrysler. I now read on the web site that more owners are similarly affected.”
NHTSA complaint #10245350, filed 2008-10, 90,000 miles“We took our 1999 Chrysler town & country to our mechanic to have the water pump replaced and he informed us of the drivers side strut tower rusting out and should have it replaced as it could be a hazard while driving. This was reported to us on 08-2011 with the car having 142000 miles on it. Nothing has been done to repair it at this point. Am looking to see if there are any recalls for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10419536, filed 2011-08, 142,000 miles - Seats
Heated seat elements overheat and burn the seat
- 44 complaints (12%)
- median 69,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 1999–2019
Owners describe the driver or passenger heated seat becoming very hot within a few minutes of switching it on, with smoke, a burning smell and holes burned through the seat cover in some cases. Complaints mention seat heaters being replaced more than once and dealers sometimes not reproducing the problem on inspection. Typically reported under about 60,000 miles, within a few minutes of using the seat heater.
What to check: If the van has heated seats, test them briefly and check the seat covers for discoloration, hardening or burn marks. A service bulletin from the manufacturer describes fatigue of the seat heater elements, so ask whether the elements were replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 1999 Chrysler Town And Country limited mini van driver seat caught fire when the seat warmer was on. The seat got very hot about 1 minute before and then smoke came up in front of me while I was driving and I looked down and saw flames. I put it out and turned off the seat. We purchased the vehicle in 2001. At the time of the purchase, the driver's seat warmer was not working and as part of our sale the dealership replaced the entire seat with a brand new one to correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173704, filed 2006-11, 40 miles“Driver side heated seat would become very hot after 3 to 4 min. I would often have to suddenly locate the switch while driving to prevent being burned. On 1/25/04 I had just started driving with the seat heater on but got out of the car to talk to my sister. After about ten minutes I returned to my car (still running) to find it full of smoke. I also noticed a hole burned through the leather seat and a smoking wire showing through. This area is at a seam near the middle of the seat. I feel that this is a major safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10055128, filed 2004-01, 37,400 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission delayed engagement and gear faults
- 24 complaints (7%)
- median 73,997 mi at 6.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2012
Owners describe the transmission hesitating for up to half a minute before engaging drive, particularly when cold or after a stop, and sometimes staying in first gear with the service engine light on. Complaints mention dealers trying a revised fluid or recommending a rebuild, and some report full transmission replacement. Reported mostly between about 60,000 and 165,000 miles, with the delayed-engagement complaint appearing in cold weather.
What to check: On a cold start, shift into drive and note any long pause before engagement; ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid was changed or the unit rebuilt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On this day I was siting in my van with the ignition in the on position resetting my clocks in the vehicle I rested my hand on the shifter when it released from park into reverse gear without the engine running there are no brakes because of power braking you cant stop on a dime so I quickly engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling down my drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465735, filed 2012-07, 152,950 miles“I have a 1999 Chrysler Town And Country limited edition, it started having transmission problems, I got that replaced, the lights that turn on the wipers and air keep blinking and will not turn off, the vans' panel lights won't cut on and the van won't start. When it does start, it cuts off after about 3 seconds. After it does that, it won't start again for 24 hours. Sometimes I unlock the doors and the locks relock themselves before I can open the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10324742, filed 2010-04, 163,203 miles
Buying note. Check the strut towers and the state of the serpentine belt and tensioner first, then verify the air bag light, horn and cruise control work. Service records for the transmission and heated seats, and confirmation of any outstanding recall by VIN, are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 362 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country. 167 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,800 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 28 a fire, 23 an injury, 11 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags59 16%
- Electrical system56 15%
- Seats48 13%
- Engine cooling34 9.4%
- Suspension32 8.8%
- Wheels28 7.7%
- Brakes27 7.5%
- Steering25 6.9%
- Body and structure17 4.7%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (16), Fuel system (13), Engine (11), Tires (11), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (10), Exterior lighting (8), Other or unknown (6), Seat belts (6), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Equipment (4).
Example complaints
Air bags: “No crash involved...noticed after a rainstorm here on the coast, that there was the sound of water rolling back and forth in the dash area when I was driving..not only that, but there was a significant(huge flood) of water coming into the passenger compartment from the dash area immediately in front of the passenger seat...enough water that my carpeting was completely soaked, and ruined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218438, filed 2008-02, 90,000 milesElectrical system: “Instrument cluster and spedometer have failed. While driving my entire dash would turn off. No spedometer, no tachometer, no fuel, nothing. After a month or two of this happening on and off, my spedometer started getting inaccurate. It's now at about 37mph off. When I turn my car off, the spedometer goes to 0 (or below 0). When I turn my key to the right, it goes to 37mph. While I'm driving 20, it shows 57mph. If I'm driving 60mph, it shows 97mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786491, filed 2015-10, 95,000 milesSeats: “Last year while I was driving the driver's seat went on fire. It burned a small hole in the seat and caused a severe blister on my leg before I switched it off. The dealer said it would be over $1100 to fix it. I today read all the reports on line about this problem, so I am now reporting it. I do not understand why something as dangerous as this is not the subject of a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10095723, filed 2004-10, 95,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was cleaning out my van on friday, february 4, 2005 after work while my 3 kids played outside. My van started rolling backward down the driveway (in park, car off, key out of ignition enough so it wouldn't beep at me) my 8 year old daughter had been sitting in the driveway behind my van drawing with sidewalk chalk. She had gotten up to get something out of her dad's car just in time to avoid being run over. My passenger door was open and so was his so they collided as my van rolled backwards down the drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114401, filed 2005-03, 59,900 milesMileage when problems were reported
15% of the 167 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town & Country · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Chrysler Town And Country version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town and Country 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Town and Country 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Town and Country AWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V480000Oct 6, 2004Air bagsCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1998–2000, Dodge Caravan 1998–2000, Plymouth Voyager 1998–2000 +2 more
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.
- 02V076000Mar 8, 2002Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1997–1999, Dodge Caravan 1997–1999, Plymouth Voyager 1997–1999
On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
- 01V119000Apr 11, 2001Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1999, Dodge Caravan 1999, Chrysler LHS 1999 +6 more
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.
- 00V268000Sep 13, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection systemCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1996–2000, Dodge Caravan 1996–2000, Plymouth Voyager 1996–2000 +2 more
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.
Recall details for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA04013Driver air bag clockspring failureClosed · Jun 4, 2004
- PE04017Overheating of seat heatersClosed · Feb 18, 2004
- RQ04001Driver air bag clockspring failureClosed · Jan 28, 2004
- EA01007Air bag clockspringClosed · Feb 21, 2001
- PE00034Overheating of front seat heatersClosed · Aug 31, 2000
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10121832Nov 16, 2016Equipment. Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$…
Other model years of the Chrysler Town And Country
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 527 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 383 | 68,750 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 636 | 66,500 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 681 | 65,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 634 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 773 | 67,800 | 3 | — | 20 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,556 | 74,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 707 | 75,000 | 6 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,939 | 70,000 | 7 | — | 19 | 91 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 219 | 69,482 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 431 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 857 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 167 | 71,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 245 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 404 | 54,750 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 462 | 65,049 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 306 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 362 | 88,800 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 296 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 388 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 938 | 94,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 58 | 125,650 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 154 | 146,600 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 214 | 125,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 135 | 119,969 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 25 | 120,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 13 | 175,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Chrysler Town And Country model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country?
Owners of this model year most often describe problems with the steering wheel clockspring, which disables the air bag, horn, cruise control and steering-wheel radio buttons, plus a serpentine belt that slips off when driving through water, with loss of power steering and engine overheating following. The issues reported most often: Clockspring failure: air bag light, no horn or cruise; Serpentine belt slips off in wet conditions; Rusted front strut towers.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country have?
NHTSA recorded 362 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 59 complaints (16% of the total), followed by electrical system with 56.
Has the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country (Town and Country 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Chrysler Town And Country reported?
Among the 167 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,800 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 120,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.