Here Are The Chrysler Town and Country Years To Avoid
The Chrysler Town and Country is a popular minivan that has been in existence since 1989. It’s a sleek seven-passenger car that was recently discontinued in 2016. Like all vehicles, some years of this vehicle are better than others. You might wonder which Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid if you want this vehicle.
Read on to learn more about the Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid and which ones you should invest in for the long haul. It’s vital to be up to date on the various dangers of specific vehicle models so you can stay as safe as possible on the road. Avoid harm that you can with your newfound knowledge.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
If you’re interested in a new minivan, it’s critical to get the most out of your money. With more than two decades on the market, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Chrysler Town and Country year?
Chrysler Town and Country Years to Avoid
The Chrysler Town and Country has some excellent years that it produced before its retirement, but it also has a few you should stay clear of at all costs. It’s vital to know which Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid for your safety.
The Chrysler Town and Country years to stay away from include:
- 2005
- 2008
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2014
2005 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2005 Town and Country is considered one of the worst years, thanks to its reliability woes ranging from annoying to flat-out safety hazards. CarComplaints has received over 1,000 complaints and seven recalls for this Town and Country model, and the “Clunker” badge.
The 2005 Chrysler Town & Country has a notorious issue with its door locks failing unexpectedly. Owners describe the locks failing to engage, leaving doors unlocked, and the vehicle alarm activating each time a door is opened. A temporary fix involves a precise routine: opening the hood, removing the IOD fuse, waiting five seconds, and then reinserting it. This often resets the system but risks erasing radio settings and clock time. Unfortunately, this problem can reappear randomly, lasting anywhere from days to months.
Specifically, some owners have faced additional frustrations, such as the left cargo door lock failing to respond to electrical controls from the key FOB or the driver’s panel. This malfunction draws significant power from the battery when the vehicle is off, leading to repeated dead batteries and costly replacements.
Moreover, this Town & Country also struggled with electrical issues, as reported by numerous owners. The problems ranged from sudden stalling in intersections to complete failures of the vehicle’s electrical systems. For instance, one owner reported a harrowing experience where the instrument cluster malfunctioned, followed by the smell of burning wires, culminating in the body control module catching fire.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is another problematic model year for the minivan, which struggled with electrical and brake issues.
One of its worst pain points is the faulty TIPM troubles. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has faced criticism for its malfunctioning Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), leading to widespread electrical malfunctions. Owners have reported various disruptive and dangerous issues, such as vehicles stalling unexpectedly, electrical components acting erratically (e.g., windshield wipers activating without input), and complete power loss while driving. Repairing the TIPM can be expensive, with the average repair cost around $1,230. Despite these pervasive problems, many owners have had to replace the TIPM multiple times as the issues frequently recur.
2010 Chrysler Town & Country
This iteration of Town and Country also shared many of 2008’s major issues, including the faulty TIPM. However, it also brought some of its problems to the table, mainly with the engine.
Owners describe sudden and unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving, which disables steering and brakes and creates dangerous driving conditions. The average repair cost is $370, but the issues often recur despite attempted fixes. Many drivers have experienced this failure without any warning, and diagnostic tools frequently fail to identify or resolve the underlying problem. Some have pointed to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve as potential culprits, but lasting solutions remain a mystery.
Conversely, this minivan also had troubles with premature brake wear. Owners have experienced the need to replace rotors and pads excessively often, sometimes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, due to an inadequately sized brake system for the vehicle’s weight. The average repair cost is $410 at around 52,900 miles. Common solutions include rotor and pad replacement, but these only serve as temporary fixes to a recurring problem.
2011 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2011 Town and Country is another troubled model year and a bonafide “Clunker”, according to CarComplaints.
One of the main issues to look out for is the dreaded TIPM failure. Owners have reported 87 instances of such failures, with repairs averaging $1,020 at around 84,550 miles. The malfunctions include persistent issues with the vehicle not starting, fuel pumps that continue running after the engine is shut off, and erratic electrical behavior like spontaneous window operations and unlocking doors. The most common remedy involves replacing or bypassing the TIPM’s faulty fuel pump relay.
Moreover, the 2011 Town and Country also had a spotty blind spot detection feature. The issue tends to arise at an average of 47,500 miles, and fixing it can cost about $1,930. The system often experiences failures that require replacing either the sensors or the entire monitoring system to address ongoing alerts and malfunctions. Many owners express disappointment with the system’s failure just shortly after the warranty period, which suggests a possible defect in the system’s design or manufacturing.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country
Another familiar reliability woe with the 2012 Town and Country lies with its electrical system. One of the most alarming problems is the fuel pump continuing to operate even after the vehicle has been shut off, which can drain the battery and increase the likelihood of a fire breaking out. Additionally, owners have frequently reported that the tire pressure monitoring system fails to work correctly, the blind spot detection sensors malfunction, and the remote start feature proves unresponsive.
This troubled Town & Country also had to deal with serious engine issues. The minivan has exhibited notable engine issues, with multiple reports claiming the engine turns over but fails to start. On average, these problems occur around 71,000 miles, costing owners about $890 to fix. The most frequent solution involves installing a new Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). In some cases, replacing the wireless ignition module or resetting the power module has remedied the issue.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country
Lastly, the 2012 model year is another Town and Country to avoid due to some familiar issues. The Town and Country minivan has an oil filter housing made of plastic that tends to crack, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. This flaw causes engine oil to leak and spread over other components, increasing the risk of damage. Adding to the owner’s frustration is the scarcity of replacement parts, causing significant delays in obtaining the necessary components for repair.
And of course, this model year also had bouts with various electrical gremlins. Frustrated owners have reported engine stalling, power loss, and even fires originating from the vehicle’s wiring. Malfunctioning sliding doors, faulty sensors, and unresponsive remote starters point to broader problems with the electrical architecture.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
Common Town & Country Problems
It’s vital to understand some of the most prominent things that come with these years. As mentioned above, several factors make these the Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid. Some resulted in dangers on the road, while others cost owners lots in repairs for their vehicles.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the main reasons that you should stay clear from these years include:
- Electrical issues
- Engine problems
- Blind spot detection faults
- Uconnect problems
- Defective active head restraints
Many other complaints went along with this vehicle, but these were the main three.
Read on to learn more about these issues in detail. The more familiar you are with what to expect with these faulty years, the better equipped you will be to select a year that will work for you. Let’s go over these problems in depth.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems are the most reported problem that arises with the Chrysler Town and Country. This fault was especially prominent in the 2010 and 2011 models of the vehicle.
Some of the electrical problems include:
- Stalling while driving
- Defective TIPM
- Draining battery
These are just a few electrical issues that come up with the Chrysler Town and Country.
Electrical problems mean the vehicle won’t be dependable in an emergency. Although this problem isn’t dangerous for the most part, it can spark expensive repairs. Electrical issues can also get in everyday life, causing lateness if you drive to work.
Engine Problems
Engine issues are among the most expensive items to fix in a vehicle, which can be a massive problem for those who own the car. Engine problems were the secondary issue that popped up with the Chrysler Town and Country. It was especially apparent in the 2010, 2008, and 2012 models.
A few of the most major engine problems include:
- An engine that shuts down while driving
- An engine that doesn’t turn over
- An engine light that keeps turning on
These aren’t appealing to drivers, and they can be an expensive inconvenience in the worst-case scenario.
When you buy a Chrysler Town and Country, you should get a car that works. Avoid these years to keep away from expensive engine repairs that will cost lots of money to take care of in your life.
THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new sedans with high ground clearance.
Blind Spot Detection Faults
The last issue is blind spot detection faults, which appear most often in the 2012 version of the car. This repair is expensive, but it’s one of the most dangerous issues that can pop up on the road. Lack of blind spot detection can lead to deadly accidents.
The newest models of the vehicle that came out were the best at blind-spot detection, so if you want safety features, focus on the final models that came out. Consider all three of these dangers before you decide which year is the best one for you to invest in for your life.
Uconnect Problems
Chrysler has been using the Uconnect vehicle platform for most of its vehicles. Over the years, Uconnect has improved and added tons of features for drivers. However, one of the many consistent things about the Uconnect system is its many issues. Apparently, the Uconnect tends to freeze, reboot randomly, and become unresponsive to touch inputs.
While not being able to listen to your favorite tunes or radio stations is not exactly a severe issue, it becomes more than an annoyance when trying to access critical features like climate control. Chrysler rolled out OTA updates in 2018 that only made the problems worse by rebooting the system every 30-45 seconds.
Defective Active Head Restraints
The active head restraints (AHR) in many Chrysler vehicles may randomly deploy as if it’s being rear-ended. Unwitting passengers have been struck by the AHR and left disoriented or even concussed. Apparently, this was chalked to a design flaw because the AHR is only held by a cheap plastic bracket which may break due to stress and normal wear.
As you might imagine, the constant fear of being struck to the head by head restraints puts many drivers on edge.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
We’ve talked about the worst years for the Chrysler Town and Country, but what about the best? You should know the good and the bad to understand better which one you should invest in for your home. There’s a lot to consider with this vehicle.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the best years for the Chrysler Town and Country include:
- 2016
- 2015
- 2004
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
- 1995
These years have been some of the best to date with the Chrysler Town and Country, though some may be outdated.
If you are searching for an excellent model, look for a vehicle that came out in one of these years. You’ll get less trouble as an owner, meaning you’ll spend less money on repairs and other risks. Make a smart choice for your Chrysler Town and Country. There are plenty of excellent options out there.
Conclusion
Knowing which Chrysler Town and Country years to avoid is critical in determining which model works for you. From electrical issues to engine failures, the bad years of this car are bad. Picking a good year will serve you well.
Now that we’ve gone over the good and the bad, you can choose what will work for your life. Faulty models may be cheaper, but they’re not less expensive in the long run. We hope that this guide can help you pick the ideal Chrysler Town and Model version for your life! There are many to select from in the world.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
