Top 5 Problems Chrysler Town & Country Minivan 5th Generation 2008-16

Here are the top 5 problems with the 5th generation Chrysler Town & Country, which is available as model years 2008 to 2016. In this video, Andy points out the most common problems, and shows you what you can do to repair or replace the problem!

Check out these diagnostic videos if you need help with other problems:

0:00 Top 5 Problems Chrysler Town & Country 5th Gen 2008-16
0:21 Transmission
0:58 Rear EVAP Lines
1:39 Window Regulator & Motor
1:56 Oil Filter Adapter Housing
2:21 Front Sway Bar Links & Bushings

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

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[vinloy]

One of the best presenters is this guy at 1A Auto. I suggest ATF service [pan drop and filter] in the mid 80, 000 miles range at the latest. Thereafter, 60, 000 miles if you keep the van. The oil filter housing problem emanates from overtightening the filter cap. With proper care, these vans are very reliable.

[nenedecaramelo]

I had a 1997 model T & C LXi since 2003. Going into 200k, it was passing coolant through the exhaust. Other than that, it was the usual maintenance. I had to sell it in 2020, and I chocked as I saw it leave for the last time. Our kids grew in it trips into Mexico to see beaches volcanoes and pyramids in the summers, the grand canyon, San Francisco and Vegas.
I'll never forget my van.

[checkyoursix]

My 2014 T&C Limited was purchased with 35K off a lease in 12/15. No major gripes. Replaced spark plugs, serpentine belt, and serviced transmission at 100K. It does everything I want it to do, with minimal fuss. Been to California, been to Arizona, been to Utah, been to Wyoming, been to Maine a couple of times, been to Florida a couple of times, and back and forth to many places. Change the oil & filter, and the other filters (air & cabin) per maintenance schedule, brakes and tires when you need to, and you'll do all right. Now at 160K, hope to keep it goin' for at least another year - maybe two.

[ajwoodworking]

Our '14 Town & Country rolled over 200, 000 miles this summer. I recently replaced the oil filter cover, had the timing done by our mechanic, and I'll be replacing the struts and sway bars myself very soon. Buying the parts from 1A of course.

[RobCabreraCh]

I own one and it has been really solid in its 8 years and 300k+ miles.

I have replaced a few parts here and there, but it had two big issues. The first one is that the transmission always has a big thump feeling when it's cold or too hot (it's been that way since it was brand new). And the second one is the TIPM fuse box.

The TIPM fuse box grounded the van for about 6 months because it just didn't want to turn on and we didn't know if there was a problem with the fuel pump or the ignition motor. Turns out it was the fuel pump relay that is not serviceable on the TIPM. A brand new one was way too expensive, and the solution was a very simple jumper cable between a couple of fuses. It also kept blowing fuses whenever we tried to adjust the seats, and we solved that with a slightly higher rated fuse. Even though the solutions were simple, it's pretty annoying when you can't use your car for half a year due to a very small electrical malfunction.

All in all, it has been pretty solid, specially for how much mileage we put on it.

[heavyjmertes]

Nailed em! My 2012 has had 4 of these top 5, but has 275, 000 miles on the OD and averages 24.7 mpg.

[katyatx]

Had the issue with the window. Now I’m worried I’ll have the other issues. Had transmission service at around 80k miles. I’m on 108k mikes and love this van. It’s a smooth ride and so practical. Easy to empty the seats to move bigger items.

[manuelkorivu]

Very reliable, I had 3 of them.
Driving à 2009 T&C 4.0l for 6 years, just minors things!
And hauling a 24ft Travel Trailer with minors upgrade (extra trans radiator, balloon in the back) and hitch with extra fixing point in front of rear suspension. Hauling that for 3 years, no problem, and fantastic and practical cargo room !!🙂
Honda Odyssey I had before (1999-2004) had à lot of problems, including a broken transmission !!

[ValknVille]

Drive a 2015 T/C with 130K. Still loving this van. I’ve done routine oil (filter) changes and on 3rd set of tire, 2nd set of brakes.. No major maintenance issues (knocking on wood). Still often question if the engine is running when in idle (very quiet). Bought this van to do longer road trips for Big10 volleyball, ACC football and family trips from Ky to FL or LA. Our family and friends never complain as the ride and seating is comfortable. Still getting 24 mpg on road trips. Besides transmission shifting hard on hills, I can’t and won’t complain.

[donatospoony]

Good to know, it’s 2022, my 2012 hasn’t had any major problems . 10 years ago my evaporated went when I went to Florida but it was covered by an aftermarket warranty. I love my van .

[Hemidakota]

Exactly. Even a Rolls Royce has issues. 1] Driver seat (electrical) and longevity with the booster support wearing out; 2] the Japanese tranny is plain trash, 2nd T&C and noted the same problems again; 3] suspension shocks need to be replaced under 100k miles, fit and finished on panels, still an issue during this time frame (merger of unequal MB/Chrysler). However, this is my sixth minivan. Why do I love this mini? STOW-n-GO, and it will go 300K miles.

[calbob]

As an owner of a 2014 from new, I purchased the Chrysler Maximum Lifetime Warranty based on ownership of other Chrysler minivans.The oil filter leak is EXPENSIVE. Over $600. Don’t forget corrosion on the hood (aluminum). This may or may not get fixed free based on FCA TSB. Check with more than one dealer.

[patricksquires]

This sucker is pretty reliable over all if willing to give overlook superficial things like seat cracks and seat trim breaking.

Ours is 13 years old and have had the front links replaced and rear AC fail. We capped the rear ac for 200 bucks and survive fine off the front AC. The oil weeps just a bit where he shows in this vid but not enough to drip or be a mess. Synthetic oil and still running strong on almost entirely original parts. Impressive.

[philliphunt]

Notorious issue with this vehicle is the Y connector for the heater hose for the front and rear heater cores This Y connector assembly is $100 from Chrysler but can be obtained from auto parts store for less than $10. Connector is directly behind the engine on the right side. The Y itself develops pin hole leaks .
My 2010 Town and Country has 225K miles and I have NEVER changed the transmission fluid and it is like pulling teeth to get any dealer to even check the "dipstick free" transmission . I figure it is gonna happen sometime and a $3k rebuild is still better than making car payments. I had the regulator cable fail on the drivers window and a radiator replacement and an alternator that would not charge. I got a good one!!!

[lm]

I got to 100k miles and had to replace the transmission. I’m glad you mentioned the AC. I’m having that issue.

One little nit, the Chrysler symbol came off the back hatch and dealership said no way to fix it 😦. I have a 2013 T&C. I do love it. It’s pretty much fully loaded as I always purchase the demo car. It’s sorta new but not because it has mileage and dealerships need to get them off the lot after a certain amount of time. I’ve had it for 7 years now. But it is TERRIBLE in the snow!

[Ken-mffs]

81000 miles. No lifter or rocker arm problems (use 5/w30 oil). And trans shifts good as new. I add friction modifier twice a year. Recently replaced rotors all the way around along with the front wheel bearings. If the 3.6 is maintained properly (5000 mile oil changes. Filters etc…) plan on a trouble free experience.

[saleens]

I serviced our 2015 at 50K miles. New fluid and filter. Had shifting issues at 75K and they said it needed a reflash. Drive better. At 94K it has a bad shutter. It seems 2-3 break on it each year. A friend that has a 15 just had the engine replaced at 100K miles.

[TheGenoh]

Love my 2010 Chrysler town and country with 397, 000 run great

[perrymckinney]

The sliding doors would open at random a while after driving at 60 mph. Chrysler says there's no known problem. Dealer couldn't find the problem, they wanted to fix it by disconnecting the door motors. Nothing but problems, full of squeaks and rattles, the interior was solid plastic. Just cheaply built, 3 months after buying it, the transmission started acting up, dealer replaced transmission, a month later it has tyranny problems again, slipping in 2nd gear. Ac would blow 70 degree air, was told nothing wrong. The keyless ignition module failed, was replaced, a week later I'm stranded with it, keyless module failed again, now it needs another module at $3000, and tipm needs replaced, I traded off the junk pile and got a nice ford, the Ford performed flawlessly for 6 years, way more comfortable than the chrysler junk. Every Chrysler I've had was junk full of problems. I traded the van off, the guy who bought the van got killed after the ignition module failed on a busy highway.