21 Best & Worst Chrysler Town & Country Years (Explained)

The Chrysler Town & Country is a versatile people mover that was produced from 1990 until 2016.

It’s a good choice for minivan shoppers looking for upscale accommodations at a reasonable price.

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at all of its best and worst years.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Chrysler Town & Country Are:

The best Chrysler Town & Country model years are 2015, 2014, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1999, and 1998. The worst model years of this model are 2008 to 2013, 2005, 2006, 1996, 1997, 2016, 2001, and 2002. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Chrysler Town & Country?

2015 and 2014 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2015 and 2014 Town & Country models offer adaptable rear seating, various cargo bay configurations, and lots of standard and optional features.

For the 2014 model year, there are four trim levels: Touring, S, Touring-L and Limited.

For 2015 a new entry-level LX trim was introduced while the former Limited trim is divided into the Limited and Limited Platinum trim levels.

Across the board, models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (283 hp) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and are all front-wheel-drive.

Owners have given these models the thumbs up for their interior, comfort, seat capacity, reliability, manufacturing quality, and sound system.

2015 Town & Country:

• Edmunds: 3.9 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
• JD Power: 78 / 100

2014 Town & Country:

• Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
• JD Power: 80 / 100

2015 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“I was supplied this vehicle from the company I work for. I was extremely happy about this because I was driving a 2006 Dodge caravan at the time. When I switched to the new Town and Country I noticed such an improvement in luxury and technology…”

2007 Chrysler Town & Country

While mostly unchanged from the previous year, the 2007 Town & Country is a considerably more reliable vehicle.

It comes with various helpful features, including in-floor storage and a full set of flat-folding rear seats.

This model also takes advantage of Chrysler’s patented Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system which allows the second-row and third-row seats to be quickly folded into the floor for significantly more storage. 

This model year comes in 4 trim levels: Base, LX, Touring, and Limited.

We recommend prospective buyers to at least go for the LX trim level as the Base is only a short-wheelbase variant of this minivan. 

• Edmunds: 3.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2007 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“We bought our vehicle new. My van has on it today 198,046 miles and it still runs strong. Now while 80% is highway miles, the fact that this vehicle is still running good and strong means I have a well-engineered vehicle. If anything gives me any cause for concern, I deal with it asap. I think the brakes are the parts I have replaced the most often and the front 3x more than the back. But, that’s part of maintenance…”

2004 and 2003 Chrysler Town & Country

With excellent ride and handling dynamics, a refined drivetrain, and an upscale-looking interior, both the 2004 and 2003 Town & Country models are decent picks.

For 2004, T&Cs include a tire-pressure monitoring system and revamped audio and entertainment packages. The lower-priced Voyager model was discontinued and a short-wheelbase Town & Country was added to the lineup.

New optional features for 2013 include a one-touch power sunroof and a factory-installed DVD entertainment system. Also for this year, a six-CD changer replaces the previous four-disc unit.

It’s important to note also that 2004 was the final year that all-wheel drive was offered.

2004 Town & Country:

• Edmunds: 4.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2003 Town & Country:

• Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2004 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“Excellent all around performer. You can use it as a week-end warrior and haul furniture or landscaping material since the seats are easily removed. Then put the seats back in, give her a quick wash and presto the van is ready to take you to the ball in luxurious style. Easy to work on if you are that type and very easy to drive even in tight parking lots. The climate control system is a no brainer in its operation as are all the electronic upgrades that separate this van from most…”

2000 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2000 Town & Country offers great standard features, decent ride quality, and a pleasant exterior design.

New for 2000 are trim level changes and added body colors, namely: Shale Green, Bright White, Patriot Blue, Bright Silver, and Inferno Red.

There are two engine choices available depending on trim – a 3.3-liter V6 and a 3.8-liter V6.

The 3.8-liter V6 is standard equipment on models equipped with AWD.

Owners praised this vehicle for the following qualities: comfort, interior, seating, handling, steering, spaciousness, ride quality, reliability, and manufacturing quality. 

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2000 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“We bought this van used 3 years ago with about 160,000 miles on it. We had to replace the alternator within the first month, but that was the most major repair it’s needed since we’ve owned it. Needless to say, that leaves me very satisfied with the van’s overall mechanical reliability. Starts right up every try. It’s not the zippiest van I’ve ever driven, but is a very comfortable ride…”

1999 Chrysler Town & Country

The 1999 Town & Country earnt strong consumer reviews and auto journalists described it with the words “elegance, expressiveness, grace and grandeur”.

It boasts car-like ride and handling qualities with an added touch of luxury.

This model is also available with all-wheel drive offering increased traction on slippery surfaces.

Owners have praised this model for the following aspects: comfort, appearance, interior, reliability, manufacturing quality, handling, steering, and seating.  

• Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

1999 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“Bought this vehicle used with 60,000 miles on it. It has without a doubt been the best most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. It now has 140,000 miles on it and still going strong. Very reliable, practically no repairs outside of normal wear ie breaks, etc. Fuel mileage is very acceptable for such a large vehicle and 6 cylinder – about 25 on the highway…”

1998 Chrysler Town & Country

The 1998 Town & Country, despite its dated design and technology, cannot go without mention on our best list.

Once described as having a class-leading design, the ’98 T&C comes loaded with standard equipment and is a posh option for minivan shoppers.

New for this particular model year is a new Chrysler-signature grille, a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine, high-performance headlights, and 3 new body colors.

This model comes in 3 trim levels: LX, SX, and LXi.

Fuel economy according to EPA estimates is 17 to 18 MPG for combined city and highway driving. 

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

1998 Town & Country, Edmunds review:

“This is an excellent van to drive – quiet, roomy, powerful, and comfortable. We bought this to replace an Audi sedan, and our young kids loved the extra space from day one. The Town & Country is a distinct step up from the Grand Caravan/Voyager; it’s option- laden with no compromises. It feels very solid and well-made, and equally at home on the highway or in the city…”

Consumer Scores For Best Chrysler Town & Country Years

Related: How Long Does a Chrysler Town & Country Last? (Useful Guide)

What Are The Worst Years For The Chrysler Town & Country?

2008 to 2013 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2008 – 2013 Town & Countrys accumulated thousands of complaints and should be avoided.

The 2011 model even received the notorious “Beware Of The Clunker” award from CarComplaints.com, although the other models from ’09-’13 weren’t much better.

On the NHTSA website owners reported a wide variety of issues including the car shutting down whilst driving, warning lights flashing on the instrument panel and an ongoing list of various electrical-related problems.

Many of the complaints can be traced back to a failed TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) which controls the electrical system in the car.

“My van has a failing tipm and apparently this is a common thing with these vans. It causes the horn to sound, wipers to start even when the vehicle is parked with no one in it and the engine off. It also causes the vehicle to shut off the fuel pump causing the vehicle to shut off while driving.”

“All of a sudden the whole vehicle completely shuts down. No lights, power steering goes out, brakes lock up and engine shuts down. This was in the middle of the road as I was driving.”

Another cause of headaches for owners of these model years was related to the ignition switch, which was also responsible for the vehicle shutting off whilst driving.

“This issue has to do with the ignition switch. While driving, the car would randomly shut completely off causing a loss of power to the electrical systems, power steering, effective braking, etc. This has occurred several times.”

“The vehicle totally turns off while driving. The steering locks and brakes don’t work. It has something to do with the key or ignition. It’s not an engine stall. It’s loss of everything as if the key was turned off. This is very dangerous.”

The airbags were problematic too. Issues ranged from unintended deployment of the airbags, Chrysler taking too long to fix recalls to missing emblems on the airbag.

“Emblem on airbag was removed by the dealer, this is their resolution to the repair, I now have an empty emblem hole in the center of the steering wheel airbag.”

• The 2008 Town & Country had a total of 261 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 2,900 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2009 Town & Country had a total of 76 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 1,089 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2010 Town & Country had a total of 286 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 2,409 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2011 Town & Country had a total of 298 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 1,064 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2012 Town & Country had a total of 167 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 808 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2013 Town & Country had a total of 87 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 853 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Faulty TIPM
• Intermittent electrical failure
• Premature brake wear
• Engine stalls or shuts down while driving
• Engine will not start
• Not accelerating
• Blind spot detection system failure
• Transmission stopped working

2005 and 2006 Chrysler Town & Country

The duo of 2005 and 2006 Town & Country models were riddled with airbag, exterior lighting, steering, and electrical system problems.

According to owners, airbag sensors were problematic and the warning lights would come on repeatedly.

“The problem is that the light on the dash keeps coming on and then going off. I have had this replaced 4 times and each time not at a very cheap price. Yet there still seems to be a problem with the front airbag sensor. This comes on right after starting up the vehicle and then goes on and off as you drive.”

Another frequently reported issue is faulty headlights.

“My headlights go on and off all the time; they even flicker sometimes by turning the headlight switch on and off. They don’t happen all the time. Sometimes I’ll be driving and headlights will just go off by flipping the switch off and a few times they come back on.”

Steering was yet another common issue, with owners reporting steering wheel lock-ups and abnormal whining noises.

“At about 68,000 miles on my 2006 town and country minivan, the power steering started making a loud whining noise. Turns out the rack is leaking and this wears on the power steering motor.”

“Returning from trip, car was making whining sound that got louder with acceleration. Took to dealership (Chrysler) – was told rack was dry – no fluid. $1228 for replacement of power steering and rack”

• The 2005 Town & Country had a total of 182 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 971 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2006 Town & Country had a total of 90 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 578 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Rack and pinion failed
• Transmission failure
• Peeling paint
• Air conditioning malfunction

1996 and 1997 Chrysler Town & Country

The 1996 and 1997 Town & Country models had their own set of unique issues, starting with a fuel tank assembly problem.

According to owners, gas odors could be smelt from the fuel tank as a result of fuel leakage.

This leaking of fuel and the subsequent odor emanating from the tank was caused by a ruptured or collapsed plastic fuel tank.

“1996 Chrysler town and country had a split seam on the top side of the gas tank. Vehicle had a strong odor of gasoline due to the split. Replaced the gas tank, was charged for new tank and labor.”

The second prominent issue was a defective serpentine belt (also known as a drive belt) that was prone to slippage and failure.

This component is in charge of power delivery to many important components located near the front of the engine e.g. alternator, water pump, power steering pump etc.

“Serpentine belt slips/comes off during wet conditions. Has happened 4 times in past 3 months and several times before that.”

“There are some problems with steering. When taken vehicle to dealer, dealer noted that serpentine belt and steering belt tensioner are defective.”

• The 1996 Town & Country had a total of 16 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 940 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 1997 Town & Country had a total of 8 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 400 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Engine will not start
• Stalls while driving
• Loss of power
• Runs rough
• Early transmission failure
• Will not idle
• Airbag deployment failure

2016 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2016 Town & Country suffered from transmission issues and there were many reports of pre-mature transmission failure.

Symptoms included: whining noises, difficulty in shifting, vehicle stalling, lurching or jerking, and the illumination of the check engine warning light.

“While driving home from shopping, the vehicle lost power and started making a high-pitched whining noise. Engine was running fine but the automatic transmission would not shift. This happened on a road with a speed limit of 50mph and I couldn’t get the vehicle to go over 20mph.”

“The transmission pump failed suddenly, resulting in severe slippage in the transmission and loss of motive power for the vehicle. The vehicle struggled to stay up to road speeds on the highway until I could get it parked in a safe place to get my family out of the vehicle.”

Problems with the sliding door were also widespread – owners reported being unable to open or close the sliding door, this was linked to a faulty door actuator.

“Actuator for driver side sliding door lock making loud noise when operating which will lead to failure.”

“The rear passenger door no longer operates. Have been told it is a door actuator problem.”

“Sliding door on driver side will not open manually or automatically whether inside or outside vehicle.”

• The 2016 Town & Country had a total of 38 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 536 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Cylinder misfire
• Sliding door wont open or close
• Multiple electrical problems

2001 and 2002 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2001 and 2002 T&Cs were riddled with airbag-related issues and various electrical problems.

According to owners’ reports, the airbag warning indicator would come on and off at random – the main source of this issue was a faulty clock spring.

This component enables the steering wheel to turn while maintaining an electrical link to the airbag system and other electrical components (such as the car horn).

Electrical problems were widespread and varied, with owners reporting many different issues.

“Headlights flicker and will shut off with no reason or warning. All lights flicker and go off. Interior lights on dashboard etc.”

“Vehicle has electrical problems including but not limited to power windows, wipers, stereo, headlights, and ac controls.”

“Many electrical problems, windows don’t go up and down, radio and cd player does not work, fan on the heater does not come on at times, heated seats do not work, sliding door has come open while driving.”

• The 2001 Town & Country had a total of 105 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 486 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
• The 2002 Town & Country had a total of 47 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 424 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Air conditioner condenser malfunction
• Electrical issues
• Does not shift gears when moving
• Gas smell
• Vehicle caught fire

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

What Problems Do Chrysler Town & Country Have?

• TIPM failure
• Vehicle would not start
• Engine will not turn over
• Blind spot detection system malfunctioning
• Engine stalls or shuts down while driving
• Intermittent electrical failure
• Premature brake wear

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Chrysler Town & Country?

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/chrysler/town-country

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chrysler/town-country

https://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/town-and-country/2016/review/

https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/town–country/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/chrysler/town-and-country

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chrysler/Town_Country/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chrysler/town_country/

https://www.cars.com/research/chrysler-town_and_country/recalls/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/