Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Chrysler Town And Country
The 1998 Chrysler Town and Country shows a moderate level of recalls and complaints, notably in engine and electrical issues. With 295 owner complaints and 10 recalls, potential buyers should be cautious, but evidence of severe defects is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Chrysler Town And Country has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 295 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10E034000 AFTERMARKET RECEIVER HITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E022000 BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V480000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E053000 WIX FILTERATION/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E045000 INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V293000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V076000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SEAT BELT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V268000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL LEAKAGE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V231000 CHRYSLER/INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT HARNESS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 66 complaints
- Electrical System 61 complaints
- Air Bags 45 complaints
- Power Train 29 complaints
- Steering 29 complaints
- Suspension 18 complaints
Of the 295 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 20 a fire; across all 295 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Degradation of fuel rail O-rings
How to check: Inspect fuel rail seals for leaks or degradation.
Airbag clockspring failure
How to check: Verify airbag warning light functionality.
Possible suspension complaints
How to check: Check for any unusual noises during suspension movement.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noises or rough starting.
Red flag: Loud or rough engine start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights, especially airbag.
Red flag: Airbag or engine light on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe responsiveness and any engine hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or stuttering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Monitor electrical features; windows, lights, radio.
Red flag: Non-functional electrical features
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting and power delivery.
Red flag: Rough shifts or power loss
- 06
Braking
What to check: Assess brake responsiveness and any noises.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or grinding sounds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel rail been inspected?
- Any issues with the airbag system?
- Have electrical problems been addressed?
- Is there a maintenance record available?
- Has there been any recent suspension work?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repair documentation
- Airbag repair invoices
- Fuel system inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Chrysler Town And Country at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1998 Chrysler Town And Country? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.