On and around the 24th of June 04 my A/C compressor clutch locked up while driving around locally. This failure put undue tension on the serpentine drive belt, resulting in increased tension and extreme overheating of the belt (smoke poured out under the hood). Luckily I was driving slowly, as I switched off the A/C before the drive belt broke with no additional damage being done to the engine or vehicle (overheating due to water pump stoppage) or loss of control due to power steering failure. I took the vehicle in for servicing, as I had received a document from Chrysler stating that the warranty on the A/C had been extended to 7 years and/or 70,000 miles due to quote lack of lubrication issues (I can supply this document if requested). The above dealer replaced the A/C unit and belt under warranty, but as soon as the vehicle left the shop a whining sound was heard from the engine compartment. I traced this; to the serpentine drive belt side of the engine (3.8litre V6 one drive belt). On going back to the dealer they replaced water pump/ tensioner and alternator, but I was made to pay for these repairs. I contend that a general recall should have been initiated for this defect and that any secondary damage caused by the said defective part should be replaced at the manufacture expense, as itS their liability not the customer.

- San Diego, CA, USA

For the last 3 years, we have had nothing but problems with our 2001 Town & Country AWD van. I am in the shop almost once a month! the list of repairs are as follows: (2001) failure of rear-windshield wiper, failure of driver's side heated seat, replaced switch, replaced front drive shaft, replaced power steering reservoir bottle (2002) replaced power steering pump, transmission failure (2003) of rear fan motor, replaced rear-tailgate latch, failure of front passenger heated seat, driver's side window sticks and stays down mostly during wet weather and requires you to turn the defroster on high for 5 minutes to have it go back up, check engine light came on due to leak in compressor, belt still squeals after a hard rain, knob for fog light won't stay on.

- Yorktown Heights, NY, USA

Serpentine belt wears quickly. Dealer is unable to fix after 4 attempts. The dealer told me my only remedy was to file a lemon law complaint but I fear that if the belt breaks before this issue is resolved the sudden loss of power assist on the steering may make it very difficult for my wife to control the vehicle.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA