There have been more than a million Chrysler Town and Country minivans produced since 1989. In 2016, the stylish seven-passenger car was discontinued. There are some years of this vehicle that are better than others, just as there are some years of all vehicles. When it comes to buying a Chrysler Town and Country, you might wonder which years to avoid.
Here’s what you should avoid when buying Chrysler Town and Country years and which ones you should invest in. In order to stay safe on the road, know the dangers associated with specific models of vehicles. With your newfound knowledge, try to avoid causing harm.
Chrysler Town and Country Years to Avoid
There are several excellent years that the Chrysler Town and Country produced before it retired, but it also has a few that you should avoid. Keeping your safety in mind is essential when it comes to Chrysler Town and Country years.
There are a few Chrysler Town and Country years you should stay away from:
2005 Chrysler Town & Country
In 2005, the Town and Country suffered from reliability issues that ranged from irritating to flat-out dangerous. In addition to the “Clunker” badge on the Town and Country, CarComplaints received over 1,000 complaints about it and seven recalls.
It is well known that the door locks on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country will fail unexpectedly. It is reported that owners encounter problems with their vehicle’s locks not engaging, leaving doors unlocked, and triggering the alarm each time they open a door.
It is possible to temporarily fix this issue by opening the hood, removing the IOD fuse, waiting five seconds, and then reinstalling it. As a result, the system will often be reset, but the radio settings and clock time may also be lost. A random recurrence of this issue can occur anytime in the past few weeks to months.
Additional frustrations have been experienced by some owners due to the left cargo door lock failing to respond to electrical control from the key fob or the driver’s panel. As a result of this malfunction, the battery is frequently discharged when the vehicle is off, resulting in high replacement costs due to dead batteries.
In addition to electrical issues, many owners reported problems with this Town & Country. There were several problems with the vehicle’s electrical systems, ranging from sudden stalling to complete failures. Owners have reported incidents involving malfunctioning instrument clusters, burning wires, and fires starting in the body control module.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country
Aside from the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country also suffered from electrical and brake problems.
The faulty TIPM is one of the biggest headaches for the company. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) malfunctions on Chrysler Town & Country 2008, causing widespread electrical malfunctions.
Vehicle owners have reported a variety of disruptive and dangerous problems, including stalling unexpectedly, electrical components acting erratically (e.g., windshield wipers activating without input), and complete power loss during driving. It costs around $1,230 to repair the TIPM. Numerous TIPMs have been replaced several times as a result of these pervasive problems.
2010 Chrysler Town & Country
A number of 2008’s major problems were also shared by this iteration of Town and Country. These issues included faulty TIPMs. While it provided some benefits, it also had some shortcomings, mainly with the engine.
Owners report unexpected and sudden engine shutdowns, which disable steering and brakes and can be dangerous. While repairs cost an average of $370, the problem often recurs despite attempts to fix it. Diagnostic tools have frequently failed to identify or resolve the underlying source of this failure, which occurs without warning to many drivers.
TIPMs (Totally Integrated Power Modules) and exhaust gas recirculation valves (EGR valves) have been suggested as possible culprits, but no lasting solutions have been found.
Conversely, there was also premature brake wear with this minivan. As a result of an inadequately sized brake system for a vehicle’s weight, owners are often forced to replace rotors and pads every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. It costs approximately $410 to repair a car with 52,900 miles on it. A recurring problem can be resolved by replacing the rotor and pads, but this is only a temporary fix.
2011 Chrysler Town & Country
Based on CarComplaints, the 2011 Town and Country is another problematic model year.
Failure of the TIPM is one of the most dreaded issues to look out for. There have been 87 reported instances of such failures, resulting in repair costs of $1,020 on average at around 84,550 miles.
In addition to persistent problems starting the vehicle, fuel pumps that run after the engine is turned off, and erratic electrical behavior like spontaneous opening and closing of doors, there are a number of malfunctions that can occur. In most cases, a replacement or bypass of the TIPM’s faulty fuel pump relay is needed to fix the problem.
As well as spotty blind spot detection, the 2011 Town and Country also came with adaptive cruise control. An average of 47,500 miles is when the problem occurs, and fixing it can cost approximately $1,930.
For ongoing alerts and malfunctions, the system must be replaced either with sensors or with the entire monitoring system. Several owners report their system’s failure shortly after the warranty period, which suggests a defect in the design or manufacture of the system.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country
The electrical system is yet another source of reliability problems for the 2012 Town and Country. There is an alarming problem with fuel pumps that continue to run after the vehicle is shut off, resulting in battery drain and an increased risk of fire.
In addition, owners frequently complain that the tire pressure monitoring system does not work properly, the blind spot detection sensors do not work, and the remote start functionality does not work.
In addition to serious engine problems, this Town & Country was also plagued with transmission problems. The engine of the minivan has been reported to have significant engine problems, with multiple reports indicating the engine turns over but does not start.
Typically, owners have to spend $890 to resolve these problems after 71,000 miles. It is common to install a new Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) to solve this problem. It is sometimes possible to fix the problem by replacing the wireless ignition module or resetting the power module.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country
As a final suggestion, you should avoid the 2012 model year of the Town and Country due to some familiar issues. Oil filter housings on Town and Country minivans are made of plastic and crack easily, causing time-consuming and expensive repairs.
It increases the risk of engine damage by leaking and spreading engine oil over other components. The scarcity of replacement parts further aggravates the owner’s frustration, resulting in significant delays obtaining the components for repair.
Additionally, many electrical problems plagued this model year. There have been reports of stalling engines, power losses, and even fires caused by the vehicle’s wiring from frustrated owners. The electrical architecture of the vehicle is faulty due to malfunctioning sliding doors, faulty sensors, and unresponsive remote starters.
Common Town & Country Problems
There are several aspects that come with these years that are crucial to understand. It is important to avoid these Chrysler Town and Country years because of several factors. There were some accidents that resulted in road dangers, and others that required vehicle owners to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs.
Carcomplaints.com says that you shouldn’t get involved with these years for the following reasons:
The vehicle had a number of other complaints, but these were the three most common.
Learn more about these topics in the following paragraphs. The more knowledge you have about these faulty years, the better equipped you will be to select a year that best suits your needs. Let’s explore these issues in more detail.
Electrical Issues
Chrysler Town and Country problems are most commonly associated with electrical problems. There was a particularly obvious issue with the 2010 and 2011 models of this vehicle.
There are several electrical problems, including:
Those are just a few of the electrical problems Chrysler Town & Country encounters.
It means the vehicle won’t be reliable during an emergency if it has electrical problems. Despite the fact that this isn’t a dangerous problem for the most part, it can lead to expensive repairs. You can also get late to work as a result of electrical issues in everyday life.
Engine Problems
It can be extremely expensive to fix an engine issue in a vehicle, which can be extremely problematic for owners. Besides engine problems, Chrysler Town and Countrys also suffered from transmission problems. The effect was particularly pronounced in the models released in 2010, 2008, and 2012.
Among the most common engine problems are:
As a result, these are not attractive to drivers, and if they are not used properly, they can be a costly inconvenience.
If you’re considering buying a Chrysler Town and Country, you’ll want to make sure it works. Save money in your life by avoiding these years so you don’t have to deal with costly engine repairs.
Blind Spot Detection Faults
Last but not least, there are blind spot detection faults in the 2012 model, which appear the most frequently. In addition to being costly, this is one of the most dangerous problems a driver can encounter. It is possible for accidents to occur as a result of insufficient blind spot detection.
In terms of blind-spot detection, the newest models were the best, so if you’re looking for safety features, go with the newest models. When choosing what year to invest in for your life, be sure to consider all three dangers.
Uconnect Problems
The Uconnect vehicle platform has been used by Chrysler for most of its vehicles. Drivers have been able to take advantage of many new features and improvements with Uconnect as time has gone on. There are many issues with the Uconnect system, but that is something that is consistent. Touch inputs become unresponsive, the Uconnect freezes, and reboots randomly.
The fact that you can’t access key features like climate control is more than an inconvenience, even if you can’t listen to favorite tunes or radio stations. With updates rolled out by Chrysler in 2018, the system was rebooted every 30-45 seconds making the problem worse.
Defective Active Head Restraints
Several Chrysler vehicles can experience active head restraints (AHR) that deploy randomly after a rear-end collision. There have been incidents of unwitting passengers being struck by the AHR and becoming disoriented or even concussed as a result. According to the manufacturer, this is due to a design flaw since the AHR is only attached by a cheap plastic bracket, which may become damaged over time.
People who drive on the road are often on edge due to their constant fear of head restraints striking them in the head.
Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
In our previous article, we talked about the worst years for the Chrysler Town and Country, but what about the best years? For you to know which one you should choose for your home, you need to know its good and bad points. When it comes to this vehicle, there are a lot of things to consider.
Among the best years for the Chrysler Town and Country, carcomplaints.com cites the following:
Chrysler Town and Country sales have been strong during these years, despite some outdated models.
The best models came out in these years, so if you’re looking for one, check out which one came out. Your time will be saved on repairs and other risks since you won’t have as much trouble as an owner. Choose a Chrysler Town and Country that’s right for you. It is possible to find a wide variety of excellent options.
Chrysler Town and Country Reliability by Year
In addition to being one of the Chrysler lineup’s best-selling vehicles, Chrysler Town and Country is also regarded as a stylish minivan. Although some models are not as reliable as others, it received good ratings from various sources and received high consumer satisfaction ratings.
Here are some reliable sites that provide reliability statistics for Chrysler Town and Country over the years:
Year | Edmunds (Out of 5) | Cars.com (Out of 5) | J.D. Power (Out of 100) |
1996 | 3.8 | 3.9 | – |
1997 | 4.0 | 4.2 | – |
1998 | 4.5 | 5.0 | – |
1999 | 4.4 | 4.4 | – |
2000 | 4.5 | 4.6 | – |
2001 | 4.0 | 4.1 | – |
2002 | 4.3 | 4.4 | – |
2003 | 4.2 | 4.2 | – |
2004 | 4.7 | 4.2 | – |
2005 | 4.4 | 4.3 | – |
2006 | 4.2 | 4.3 | – |
2007 | 3.7 | 4.1 | Not rated |
2008 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 73 |
2009 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 72 |
2010 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 76 |
2011 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 76 |
2012 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 78 |
2013 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 77 |
2014 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 80 |
2015 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 78 |
2016 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 79 |
Chrysler Town and Country Problem Counts by Year
To acknowledge the fewer and more reported problems over time, it is also essential to review reliability ratings and complaint numbers by year. Furthermore, the worst years are usually marked by frequent occurrences of issues, which is why many owners report these years.
According to NHTSA.Gov and Carcomplaints.com’s complaints numbers, the following years have been the most and least problematic:
Years | Problem Counts (NHTSA) | Problem Counts (CarComplaints) |
2001 | 473 | 105 |
2002 | 419 | 47 |
2003 | 242 | 50 |
2004 | 167 | 10 |
2005 | 856 | 182 |
2006 | 486 | 90 |
2007 | 241 | 65 |
2008 | 1935 | 261 |
2009 | 702 | 76 |
2010 | 1545 | 287 |
2011 | 762 | 300 |
2012 | 616 | 167 |
2013 | 661 | 89 |
2014 | 599 | 104 |
2015 | 341 | 46 |
2016 | 464 | 40 |
Chrysler Town and Country Recalls
There are plenty of recalls reported by organizations like NHTSA and car manufacturers to fix problematic components. It is generally the worst years that see the most recalls, as malfunctions and imperfect components are more prevalent. There have been 173 recalls issued by the NHTSA for Chrysler Town and Country vehicles.
Chrysler Town and Country recalls and problematic components for each year are as follows:
Years | Recalls | Problematic Components |
1990 | 04 | Latches/locks/linkages (2), seat belts (1), suspension (1) |
1991 | 10 | Latches (2), brakes (3), steering (1), structure (1), visibility (1), seat belts (2) |
1992 | 10 | Fuel system (1), latches (2), seat belts (2), service brakes (3), steering (1), structure (1), visibility (1) |
1993 | 10 | Airbags (1), latches (2), steering (1), structure (1), wheels (1) |
1994 | 06 | Airbags (1), latches (2), equipment (1) |
1995 | 04 | Airbags (1), child seat (1), equipment (1), fuel system (5), seat belts (3), service brakes (1) |
1996 | 12 | Airbags (1), child seat (1), equipment (2), fuel system (2), seat belts (2), service brakes (1) |
1997 | 09 | Air bags (1), child seat (1), equipment (2), fuel system (2), seat belts (2), service brakes (1) |
1998 | 10 | Airbags (2), child seat (1), equipment (2), fuel system (2), seat belts (1), service brakes (1), visibility (1) |
1999 | 09 | Airbags (1), equipment (2), fuel system (2), seat belts (2), service brakes (1), visibility (1) |
2000 | 07 | Airbags (1), equipment (2), fuel system (2), service brakes (1), visibility (1) |
2001 | 07 | Equipment (3), fuel system (1), latches (1), service brakes (1), suspension (1) |
2002 | 08 | Equipment (3), fuel system (2), latches (1), service brakes (1), child seat (1), steering (1) |
2003 | 06 | Equipment (2), fuel system (1), latches (1), service brakes (1), steering (1) |
2004 | 06 | Equipment (2), visibility issue (1), fuel system (1), service brakes (1), steering (1), |
2005 | 07 | Airbags (2), equipment (1), seat belts (1), service brakes (1), visibility (2) |
2006 | 04 | Airbags (2), equipment (1), visibility (2) |
2007 | 02 | Equipment (1), visibility (2) |
2008 | 07 | Airbags (4), equipment (2), electrical system (1), service brakes (1), steering (1), suspension (1) |
2009 | 06 | Airbags (3), electricals (2), service brakes (1), steering (1), suspension (1) |
2010 | 05 | Airbags (2), electricals (3), steering (1), suspension (1) |
2011 | 02 | Electricals (1), steering (1) |
2012 | 04 | Electrical system (1), suspension (1), equipment (1), engine cooling (1) |
2013 | 03 | Airbags (2), electrical system (2) |
2014 | 07 | Airbags (1), equipment (2), visibility (1), fuel system (2), service brakes (1) |
2015 | 03 | Equipment (1), powertrain (1), visibility (1) |
2016 | 05 | Equipment (1), powertrain (1), visibility (1), latches (1), visibility (1) |
How Many Miles Chrysler Town and Country Last?
As long as regular maintenance is conducted, driving conditions are favorable, early repairs are made, authorization is in order, and components are of good quality, the Chrysler Town and Country may last from 150,000 to 250,000 miles, or even longer.
Depending on quality maintenance and conservative driving habits, this minivan will last up to 200,000 miles. The optimal mileage will not be achieved if the vehicle is driven harshly with low maintenance and repairs.
Are Chrysler Town and Country Reliable?
Overall reliability ratings are mixed since earlier models have many technical limitations that make them less reliable. As mentioned above, the later model years have experienced lots of technological advances, so they have a good reliability rating.
A 3.5 out of 5 rating has been given to the Chrysler Town and Country by RepairPal, which is considered above the average rating. Despite its impressive rating, Chrysler Town and Country is ranked 4th out of 8 minivans.
Is Chrysler A Trustworthy Brand?
In our discussion, we have focused specifically on the trustworthiness of the Chrysler Town and Country. What do you think of Chrysler? In what ways does it differ from its competitors?
Chrysler is considered a trustworthy brand because it provides the following features:
Your driving experience will be excellent if you get a Chrysler.
The Chrysler brand has come a long way since it first entered the market and has made many improvements. Their vehicles are backed by a solid reputation, so you know you’re investing in a trustworthy company.
Conclusion
In order to find the Chrysler Town and Country model that works for you, you must determine which years you should avoid. This car has had a number of problems in the past, from electrical problems to engine failures. You will be better served if you choose a good year.
You can decide what works for your life now that we’ve talked about the good and the bad. The cost of faulty models may be lower in the short term, but they aren’t cheaper in the long run. This guide aims to make it easier for you to choose the right Chrysler Town and Model for your needs! A wide variety of options are available around the globe.
FAQs
How much does a new Chrysler Town and Country typically cost?
In today’s market, it’s difficult to determine the cost of Chrysler Town and Country, which was introduced eight years ago. The 2016 model can, however, serve as an example of a new price.
Kbb.com reports that the Chrysler Town and Country’s cheapest version is $31,000. It costs as much as $43,000 for the most expensive model, depending on the features. Consider buying a used variety if you are looking for something cheaper.
How much does a used Chrysler Town and Country typically cost?
You can get a much better deal on a Chrysler Town and Country if you buy it used. There are many prices available, but the cheapest version can cost as little as $5,000, while the most expensive variety can cost as much as $70,00. Vehicles that are rare and newer will be more expensive.
Is the Chrysler Town and Country a good car to purchase?
The Chrysler Town and Country is a great option for families and businesses who need a minivan that can carry multiple passengers and cargo. You will get more mileage out of a reliable used version and won’t have to spend a fortune maintaining it. This is one of the best cars to buy, in terms of quality and performance.