The Chrysler Town and Country was a popular minivan that served families for over two decades, from 1990 to 2016. While it offered ample space and convenience, certain model years were plagued with reliability issues that potential buyers should be aware of. This comprehensive guide delves into the problematic Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid, the major problems associated with each, and provides tips for making an informed decision when shopping for a used model.
Minivans have long been a popular choice for families seeking a versatile and spacious vehicle. The Chrysler Town and Country, introduced in 1990, quickly became a household name in this segment. However, like many long-running models, some years were better than others in terms of reliability and overall quality. This guide aims to shed light on the Chrysler Town and Country years that are best avoided due to widespread issues, helping potential buyers steer clear of costly headaches.
Based on extensive research and owner reports, the following model years are considered the least reliable and should be avoided when possible:
| Model Year | Major Issues |
|---|---|
| 2005 | - Received over 1,000 complaints and seven recalls - Failure of door locks, leaving doors unlocked and triggering vehicle alarm - Electrical issues, including sudden stalling and complete electrical system failures |
| 2008 | - Malfunctioning Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) - Electrical gremlins: Vehicles stalling unexpectedly, erratic electrical component behavior, and complete power loss while driving - Costly TIPM repairs and frequent replacements |
| 2010 | - Faulty TIPM issues - Sudden and unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving, disabling steering and brakes - Premature brake wear, requiring frequent replacements |
| 2011 | - Continued TIPM failures, causing issues with vehicle not starting, fuel pumps running after engine shut off, and erratic electrical behavior - Spotty blind spot detection feature, often failing and requiring costly repairs |
| 2012 | - Electrical system issues, including fuel pump operating after vehicle shut off - Failures with tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot detection sensors, and remote start feature - Engine problems, with multiple reports of the engine turning over but failing to start |
| 2014 | - Specific issues not extensively covered, but included in the list of "Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid" |
The 2005 Chrysler Town and Country is widely regarded as one of the worst years for this minivan. It received over 1,000 complaints and seven recalls, earning it the infamous "Clunker" badge from CarComplaints.com. The most significant issue was the failure of door locks, which could leave doors unlocked and trigger the vehicle alarm. Owners reported costly temporary fixes, such as removing and reinserting the IOD fuse, but the problem often resurfaced randomly.
Additionally, this model year struggled with various electrical issues, ranging from sudden stalling at intersections to complete electrical system failures, including instances of the body control module catching fire. These electrical gremlins not only caused inconvenience but also posed potential safety hazards.
The 2008 Town and Country faced widespread criticism for its malfunctioning Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), leading to numerous electrical gremlins. Owners reported issues like vehicles stalling unexpectedly, electrical components acting erratically (e.g., windshield wipers activating without input), and complete power loss while driving. Repairing the TIPM could cost around $1,230, and many owners had to replace it multiple times as the issues frequently recurred.
These electrical problems not only caused frustration but also created potentially dangerous situations, especially when power loss occurred while driving. The unpredictable nature of the issues made it challenging for owners to plan for repairs or feel confident in their vehicle's reliability.
Like the 2008 model, the 2010 Town and Country suffered from faulty TIPM issues. However, it also brought its own set of problems, primarily related to the engine. Owners described sudden and unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving, disabling steering and brakes and creating dangerous driving conditions. The average repair cost was $370, but the issues often resurfaced despite attempted fixes.
This minivan also experienced premature brake wear, with some owners needing to replace rotors and pads every 15,000 to 20,000 miles due to an inadequately sized brake system for the vehicle's weight. The average repair cost for this issue was $410 at around 52,900 miles. Frequent brake replacements not only added to the ownership costs but also raised safety concerns.
The 2011 Town and Country continued the trend of TIPM failures, with owners reporting 87 instances of such failures at an average repair cost of $1,020 and around 84,550 miles. These malfunctions included issues with the vehicle not starting, fuel pumps running after the engine was shut off, and erratic electrical behavior like spontaneous window operations and unlocking doors.
Moreover, the 2011 model also had a spotty blind spot detection feature, which often failed around 47,500 miles, requiring costly repairs averaging $1,930 to replace either the sensors or the entire monitoring system. This not only added to the financial burden but also compromised an essential safety feature.
The 2012 Town and Country faced several familiar reliability woes, including electrical system issues and engine problems. One alarming issue was the fuel pump continuing to operate even after the vehicle was shut off, draining the battery and increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, owners reported failures with the tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot detection sensors, and remote start feature.
This model year also exhibited notable engine issues, with multiple reports of the engine turning over but failing to start. The average repair cost for this problem was around $890, often involving installing a new Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or resetting the power module. Engine problems not only caused inconvenience but also raised concerns about the vehicle's overall reliability and safety.
While specific issues for the 2014 model year are not extensively covered in the research, its inclusion in the list of "Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid" suggests that it likely suffered from similar electrical, engine, or other reliability problems as the other problematic years mentioned. Potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly research this model year before making a purchase decision.
In contrast to the problematic years, the following model years are generally considered the most reliable options for the Chrysler Town and Country:
1995
1997
1998
1999
2004
2015
2016
These model years have fewer reported issues and are often praised for their dependability and overall quality. However, it's still essential to conduct a thorough inspection and obtain a vehicle history report before purchasing any used vehicle, regardless of the model year.
When considering a used Chrysler Town and Country, especially from the years mentioned above, keep the following tips in mind:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorough Inspection | Pay close attention to any signs of electrical issues, such as warning lights on the dashboard or erratic behavior of electrical components. Also, check for any signs of engine or transmission problems, as these can be costly to repair. |
| Check for Recalls and TSBs | Ensure that any outstanding recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been addressed by the previous owner or dealer. These can often reveal known issues and recommended fixes. |
| Obtain Vehicle History Report | Services like CARFAX or AutoCheck can provide valuable information about the vehicle's maintenance history, accidents, and potential issues. This can help identify any red flags or areas of concern. |
| Professional Inspection | Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. A professional inspection can reveal potential problems that may not be immediately apparent, especially with complex systems like the TIPM or electrical components. |
| Extended Warranties or Protection Plans | Consider extended warranties or protection plans. While not a substitute for proper maintenance and care, these can provide peace of mind and help mitigate the costs of potential repairs, especially for vehicles with known issues. |
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle: Pay close attention to any signs of electrical issues, such as warning lights on the dashboard or erratic behavior of electrical components. Also, check for any signs of engine or transmission problems, as these can be costly to repair.
Check for recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs): Ensure that any outstanding recalls or TSBs have been addressed by the previous owner or dealer. These can often reveal known issues and recommended fixes.
Obtain a vehicle history report: Services like CARFAX or AutoCheck can provide valuable information about the vehicle's maintenance history, accidents, and potential issues. This can help identify any red flags or areas of concern.
Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle: A professional inspection can reveal potential problems that may not be immediately apparent, especially with complex systems like the TIPM or electrical components. A mechanic's trained eye can spot issues that may be overlooked by the average buyer.
Consider extended warranties or protection plans: While not a substitute for proper maintenance and care, extended warranties or protection plans can provide peace of mind and help mitigate the costs of potential repairs, especially for vehicles with known issues.
Remember, even with the most reliable model years, proper maintenance and care are crucial for ensuring the longevity and dependability of any vehicle.
The Chrysler Town and Country offered families a spacious and practical minivan option, but certain model years were plagued with reliability issues that should not be overlooked. By being aware of the problematic years, such as 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and the associated issues like electrical gremlins, engine problems, and transmission failures, you can make an informed decision when shopping for a used Town and Country.
Conversely, focusing your search on the more reliable model years like 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2015, and 2016 can increase your chances of finding a dependable and trouble-free minivan. Remember to thoroughly inspect any used vehicle, obtain a vehicle history report, and consider extended warranties or protection plans for added peace of mind.
By arming yourself with this knowledge, you can navigate the used car market with confidence and find a Chrysler Town and Country that meets your needs without compromising on reliability.
The article does not cover transmission issues specifically. However, it mentions that transmission failures can be costly to repair for this model.
According to RepairPal, the Town & Country ranks 4th out of 8 minivans for reliability, with an above average rating of 3.5 out of 5.
The average annual repair cost for the Town & Country is $636, which is average compared to other minivans.
The article does not provide specifics on when major issues arise based on mileage for the Town & Country.
The article states that the Town & Country has subpar build quality compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey.
While the article mentions engine issues in general for certain model years, it does not go into details about specific engine problems.
The pros are the ability to fold the seats flat into the floor. The con mentioned is that the Stow 'n Go seats are not very comfortable.
The article highlights that the Town & Country received superb safety scores, but does not provide specifics.
The article does not cover any specific issues related to the entertainment or tech features in the Town & Country models.
Key tips mentioned include thoroughly inspecting for issues, checking for open recalls/TSBs, getting a vehicle history report, and considering extended warranties.
Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.