PROBLEM GUIDE

2008–2016 Chrysler Town & Country Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

634

complaints filed for the 2012 model year

2008–2016

Model years affected

$3,500 – $5,200

Typical repair cost, by problem

A TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure causes the vehicle to randomly shut off while driving, with the dash going black and complete loss of steering and braking — the same TIPM problem is reported on the previous-generation Town & Country and on the Dodge Grand Caravan. Separately, a defective plastic Y-pipe burst sprayed scalding antifreeze across the engine bay, damaging numerous downstream components in a single documented incident.

Quick Scan: 19 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

TIPM failure, vehicle randomly shuts off while driving

Complete loss of steering and braking

Check engine light: On

A TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure causes the vehicle to randomly shut off while driving, with the dash going black and complete loss of steering and braking. Ignition switch/Wireless Ignition Node Module failures are also reported.

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Coolant system Y-pipe burst, scalding antifreeze sprayed across the engine

Damaged alternator, starter, battery, brake booster, and more

Check engine light: On

A catastrophic coolant system failure occurred when a defective plastic Y-pipe burst, spraying scalding antifreeze across the engine bay and damaging the alternator, starter, battery, master cylinder, power brake booster, radiator, water pump, and multiple wire harnesses in a single documented incident.

$5,20068,500 mi

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Extensive rust damage requiring repair

Not yet confirmed as structural vs. cosmetic

Check engine light: Off

Extensive rust damage required repair.

$4,90092,000 mi

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Recurring transmission failures

Erratic shifting, slipping out of gear, full replacement

Check engine light: On

Recurring transmission failures are documented across a range of mileages, with erratic shifting, slipping out of gear while driving, and full transmission replacement.

$3,500 – $4,40051,000 – 134,000 mi

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Rear sliding door lock actuator failures

Door locking/unlocking malfunctions

Check engine light: Off

Rear sliding door lock actuator failures cause door locking/unlocking malfunctions.

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Right rear hub/bearing assemblies not fully machined

Same campaign as the Dodge Grand Caravan,

Check engine light: Off

Right rear hub/bearing assemblies not fully machined create a wheel separation risk — recall 12V141000 (same campaign as the Dodge Grand Caravan). Separately, a connecting rod bearing failure from engine-block debris is also recall-covered (11V487000, same campaign as the Grand Caravan).

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Failure of Rear Evaporator

The rear evaporator fails

Check engine light: Off

The rear evaporator fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 391 owner reports on file.

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Power Window Motor and/or Regulator May Fail

The power window motor and/or regulator may fail

Check engine light: Off

The power window motor and/or regulator may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 503 owner reports on file.

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Reasons for Excess Oil Consumption

There are reasons for excess oil consumption

Check engine light: Off

There are reasons for excess oil consumption. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 294 owner reports on file.

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Intermittent Instrument Cluster Failure Causing Erratic Gauge Readings

Intermittent instrument cluster failure causes erratic gauge readings and electrical issues

Check engine light: Off

Intermittent instrument cluster failure causes erratic gauge readings and electrical issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 278 owner reports on file.

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Key May Not Start Car or Release From Ignition

The key may not start the car or release from the ignition

Check engine light: On

The key may not start the car or release from the ignition. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 235 owner reports on file.

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Remote start fails and the engine shuts off within 5-10 seconds with a check engine light

Remote start fails and the engine shuts off within 5-10 seconds with the check engine light on

Check engine light: On

Remote start fails and the engine shuts off within 5-10 seconds with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 183 owner reports on file.

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Head Lights Turn On/Off

The headlights turn on and off

Check engine light: Off

The headlights turn on and off. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 163 owner reports on file.

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Power Liftgate Module May Fail

The power liftgate module may fail

Check engine light: Off

The power liftgate module may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 147 owner reports on file.

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Yellow ABS Light That Stays On Means Anti-Lock Feature Is Disabled

A yellow ABS light that stays on means the anti-lock feature is disabled

Check engine light: On

A yellow ABS light that stays on means the anti-lock feature is disabled. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 117 owner reports on file.

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Underbody Coolant Leaks From Rear Heat/AC Are Common

Underbody coolant leaks from the rear heat/AC are common

Check engine light: Off

Underbody coolant leaks from the rear heat/AC are common. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 115 owner reports on file.

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Airbag Light May Be On Due to Blown Fuse

The airbag light may be on due to a blown fuse

Check engine light: On

The airbag light may be on due to a blown fuse. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.

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Surging While Driving Between 40 and 50 MPH

Surging occurs while driving between 40 and 50 mph

Check engine light: On

Surging occurs while driving between 40 and 50 mph. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 113 owner reports on file.

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Enter your VIN to check for open recalls and technical service bulletins on your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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