The Chrysler Town & Country was produced from 1990 to 2016 and is one of the highest selling minivans in U.S. history.
It’s essentially an upscale version of the Dodge Caravan boasting more standard features although they both share the same powertrain.
If you’re considering one as your next family vehicle, you might be wondering about its average lifespan and dependability.
We’ll cover that in this article, read on to find out…
Table of Contents
Here is the short answer to how long the Chrysler Town & Country lasts:
The Chrysler Town & Country is a durable minivan that can last between 200,000 – 250,000 miles on average providing it’s well maintained and driven conservatively. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles a Town & Country can provide 13 – 17 years of service before requiring uneconomical repairs.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Chrysler Town & Country?
The Chrysler Town and Country got off to a bumpy start in life and models from the early 1990s were known to have transmission failures under 100,000 miles.
The T&C transmissions have come a long way since those dark days though and you should expect a bare minimum of 150,000 miles although our research suggests they should be good for 200,000 – 250,000 miles.
If you experience transmission failure with this many miles on the clock then the cost of repairs will exceed the van’s value.
The engines shouldn’t pose any major problems as long as they’re properly maintained, most of the later models from the 2000s use Chrysler’s famous 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 known for its reliability and durability – it’s widely used across many other vehicles from Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Ram.
Chrysler vans have a good reputation for longevity and across various van forums online you’ll find no shortage of owners who have hit high numbers some of which are in excess of 300,000 miles, and you can even find Town and Country’s listed on Car Gurus with over 350,000 miles.
How long your Town and Country lasts is ultimately down to you, the owner. Keeping on top of servicing and repairs can add thousands of available miles to the odometer.
The life expectancy of your Town & Country will be cut short if you avoid:
- Using quality OEM parts
- Service appointments
- Routine oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Driving smoothly
There’s no doubt these vans can withstand the test of time, however your result will be heavily impacted by usage, personal care, and luck.
Does the Chrysler Town & Country Rust Easily?
The Chrysler Town and Country is prone to rust although no more so than any other van, the fourth Generation was reportedly the worst for overall rust problems. If you live in an area where the roads are salted aggressively during the winter then regular car washes every couple of weeks will be the best rust preventative.
Pay special attention to the strut towers on third-generation models made from 1996 to 2000, there have been reports of these rusting out completely which would compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Other common problem areas for all generations of the Town & Country are:
- The bottom of the sliding doors
- Front and rear fenders
- Rocker panels
- Tailgate
- Hood
The fifth and last generation of the Chrysler Town & Country that were sold from 2008 onwards used aluminum hoods that won’t rust as steel does. However, it’s not uncommon to see paint bubbling on these hoods.
Tips to protect your Chrysler Town & Country from rust:
- Regularly wash and dry your car: This includes its underside (especially during the winter) to remove the salt, dirt and grime that causes rust. We recommend having a detail shop wash everything underneath at the end of each winter.
- Repair paint damage and scratches: Exposed metal will oxidize. If it’s beyond a DIY fix, speak to your local body repair shop.
- Garage: Store your van in a garage to protect it from harsh weather and bird droppings.
- Waxing: Wax your car twice a year. Not only will this give your Town & Country a nice shine, it also gives it a protective coating against rust.
- Rustproofing: If you’re planning on keeping your Chrysler Town & Country for a very long time, you might want to consider a rustproofing treatment; popular choices are Krown and Rust Check.
- Ceramic Coating: A popular choice for those who want to add an extra layer of protection to the paint job.
- Drain out water from the sliding doors: Regularly check if the door’s drain holes are clogged and drain out any water that’s collected inside the door to prevent excessive corrosion.
What is High Mileage for a Chrysler Town & Country?
A Chrysler Town & Country with 120,000 miles on the odometer is considered high mileage. Although the van will likely have many years of service left it will require more maintenance with old age and will be at a higher risk of transmission failure.
As vehicles get older the average cost of maintenance and repairs creeps up too.
Buying one with over 120k miles won’t necessarily equate to a sour outcome.
A well-maintained T&C with 120,000 miles might be a better purchase than one with 80,000 miles that had multiple owners, led a rough life or was a prior rental car.
When buying a used Chrysler Town & Country, always consider the following:
- Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
- Get a second opinion. Take it to an independent auto repair shop or at have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
- Inspect engine for obvious leaks and obvious damage. If the engine looks immaculately clean it means it was washed. The question is why? Most likely to hide oil leaks and similar nasty problems.
- Check the CarFax. This doesn’t guarentee anything but can help give a clearer picture of wear and tear. Make sure it has minimal damage, if any. Analyze the data to make sure if something did happen, it wasn’t engine related or mechanical.
- Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. If one family owned it and drove the full mileage and serviced the car, then you can almost guarantee they took good care of it throughout their ownership.
- How long you are planning on keeping the car. If you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending a bit extra on something more reliable.
- Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for. Does the steering wheel, pedals, or shifter look suspiciously new? If so theres a good chance that the car was very heavily used, and those parts were just replaced before sale.
- Check the car’s VIN and get a full history report. Was it a taxi or rental car? Recalls? How many owners? Real mileage? Stolen? Any accidents? If you’re buying a second-hand, always check the VIN – you never know what the van has been through.
How Long Does the Chrysler Town & Country Last Compared to Other Vans?
Let’s take a look at some of the Town & Country’s rivals in the minivan segment and see how they compare in terms of reliability.
Chrysler Town & Country vs. Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is built on a similar platform to Town & Country, the mechanics are the same but side by side they look very different.
The expected lifespan of the Dodge Grand Caravan is 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13 – 17 years, which is the same as the Town & Country.
- RepairPal gave the Grand Caravan a reliability rating of 4/5 which is only slightly higher than the Chrysler Town & Country’s rating of 3.5/5.
- Annual repair costs for the Grand Caravan is estimated at $673 which is slightly higher than the Chrysler Town & Country’s average of $636.
- Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country matching reliability scores of 3.9/5.
The Grand Caravan was discontinued in 2020 – 4 years after the T& C – so lower mileage models are going to be easier to find.
The Town & Country will come with more standard features although the same options are available on higher-end Grand Caravan models.
They both offer lots of passenger and cargo room and have good safety ratings however they are quite different in appearance so that will play a big part in which one you opt for – the Dodge having a more athletic look.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
Chrysler Town & Country vs. Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica replaced the Town & Country in 2017 as Chrysler’s flagship minivan.
Although both minivans use the same V6 engine, the Pacifica now also comes in a hybrid version.
The Chrysler Pacifica has the same expected lifespan as the Town & Country at 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13 – 17 years.
- RepairPal gave the Town & Country a reliability rating of 3.5/5 and estimates its annual average repair costs at $636.
- RepairPal doesn’t have any reliability ratings or average annual repair costs for the Pacifica yet.
- Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Pacifica a score of 4.1/5 for reliability while the Town & Country got a slightly lower rating of 3.9/5.
The Chrysler Pacifica looks more modern than the Town & Country and will have all the latest tech including a built-in vacuum cleaner.
The newer Pacifica is also going to be more expensive so you’ll have to stretch your budget a little more.
Check out our article: How Long Do Chrysler Pacifica’s Last?
Chrysler Town & Country vs. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey has been in production since ’94 and is now in its fifth generation.
It sits at the top of the minivan class thanks to its upscale interior, lengthy list of safety features and comfortable performance.
The Honda Odyssey is expected to last a bit longer than the Town & Country with an average lifespan of 250,000 – 300,000 miles or 17 – 20 years.
- RepairPal gave the Honda Odyssey and Town & Country similar reliability ratings of 3.5/5.
- Annual repair costs for the Odyssey is a little cheaper at $547 compared to the Town & Country’s $636.
- Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Odyssey a slightly higher reliability rating of 4.4/5 compared to the Town & Country’s 3.9/5.
Although the Honda Odyssey has a better reputation for reliability, the Chrysler Town & Country doesn’t fall too far behind.
The Odyssey offers a marginally superior driving experience with better fuel economy and a more quiet ride. And while the Odyssey offers more trim levels, options can get expensive.
Both vans are highly popular options in the segment and we’d advise taking both for a test drive before making any big decisions.
Comparison Chart
Chrysler Town & Country | Dodge Grand Caravan | Chrysler Pacifica | Honda Odyssey | |
Annual Repair Cost | $636 | $673 | NA | $547 |
Reliability Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | NA | 3.5/5 |
KBB Consumer Rating | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
Lifespan (miles) | 200k – 250k | 200k – 250k | 200k – 250k | 250k – 300k |
Is the Chrysler Town & Country Reliable?
The Chrysler Town & Country isn’t the most reliable minivan in the segment but it’s not too far off either, Repair Pal has ranked it in 4th position with an above-average score of 3.5 out of 5.0.
Overall the T&C shouldn’t pose too many problems providing you keep up with basic maintenance and follow the service schedule.
Having said that some model years were less problematic than others and we’ll take a deep dive into that in the following section – in summary, models from 2008 – 2011 were known to have a lot of electrical problems.
- RepairPal gave the Chrysler Town & Country an above average reliability rating of 3.5/5 which is in line with other minivans, including the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
- Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Chrysler Town & Country a very respectable reliability rating of 3.9/5.
- J.D. Power gave the Chrysler Town & Country a Quality Award in 2016 which is given to vehicles with the lowest number of reported issues during the first 90 days of ownership.
- J.D. Power also ranked the 2016 Chrysler Town & Country as the 2nd best minivan overall which places it above the Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Reliability Compared to Other Minivans
Model | Reliability |
Kia Sedona | 4.0 / 5.0 |
Dodge Grand Caravan | 4.0 / 5.0 |
Honda Odyssey | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Chrysler Town & Country | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Nissan Quest | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Toyota Sienna | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Ford Flex | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Volkswagen Routan | 3.5 / 5.0 |
Avg. Minivan | 3.5 |
The Best and Worst Years for the Chrysler Town & Country
As with all vehicles the Town & Country has had its good and bad years…
Worst Model Year
According to the CarComplaints website, the 2011 Town & Country had the most complaints and is also considered the worst model year closely followed by the 2010 model. This is also reflected in data from the Car Problem Zoo website.
The most common complaint about these Town & Country’s were electrical issues – some of which were more serious than others.
There are many reports online of these models completely shutting off whilst driving, leaving the driver with no power – unable to steer and in some instances without any brakes.
From 2008 to 2011 this was a recurring problem – sometimes it only required a battery replacement, whilst in other instances it was tricky to troubleshoot.
This issue seems to start occurring at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles although complaints started tapering off significantly after 2011.
Car Complaints has noted the worst problem as TIPM failure (Total Integrated Power Module – a computer-controlled central fuse box) which would prevent the van from starting.
This reportedly occurred at an average mileage of 82,000 miles and cost $900 to fix and was most prevalent on the 2011 T&C.
Best Model Year
The best model years for the Chrysler Town & Country are the 2013 and later models as these had far fewer complaints overall. Electrical and engine stalling issues were largely dealt with by then.
These newer models also came with leather seats and a rear-seat entertainment system as standard on all trim levels as well as heavy-duty brakes which will give you more stopping power, especially if you’re towing heavy loads.
Related: 21 Best & Worst Chrysler Town & Country Years (Explained)
Model Year and Number of Complaints
Here is the total number of complaints listed on the CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo database for every model year of the T&C:
Model Year | No. of Complaints Car Complaints | No of Problems Car Problem Zoo |
2016 | 18 | 402 |
2015 | 23 | 321 |
2014 | 86 | 688 |
2013 | 78 | 774 |
2012 | 153 | 745 |
2011 | 278 | 1021 |
2010 | 272 | 2342 |
2009 | 74 | 1078 |
2008 | 256 | 2856 |
2007 | 65 | 298 |
2006 | 90 | 570 |
2005 | 173 | 969 |
2004 | 10 | 194 |
2003 | 50 | 256 |
2002 | 47 | 419 |
2001 | 105 | 486 |
2000 | 30 | 322 |
1999 | 16 | 379 |
1998 | 24 | 310 |
1997 | 6 | 400 |
1996 | 16 | 940 |
1995 | 3 | NA |
What About Recalls for These Models?
The Chrysler Town & Country has had a total of 86 recall campaigns from 2000 to 2016.
You can check if your Chrysler Town & Country has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Mopar recall site or the NHTSA recall database.
It is important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.
Here is the total number of recall campaigns for every model year of the Chrysler Town & Country since the year 2000:
- 2016: 5
- 2015: 3
- 2014: 3
- 2013: 3
- 2012: 4
- 2011: 2
- 2010: 5
- 2009: 6
- 2008: 7
- 2007: 2
- 2006: 4
- 2005: 7
- 2004: 6
- 2003: 6
- 2002: 8
- 2001: 7
- 2000: 7
Chrysler Town & Country Model Year List
First Generation:
- 1990 Chrysler Town & Country
Second Generation:
- 1991 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1992 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1993 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1994 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1995 Chrysler Town & Country
Third Generation:
- 1996 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1997 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1998 Chrysler Town & Country
- 1999 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2000 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2001 Chrysler Town & Country
Fourth Generation:
- 2002 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2003 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2004 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2005 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2006 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2007 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
Fifth Generation:
- 2009 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2010 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2011 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2013 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2014 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2015 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2016 Chrysler Town & Country
Is the Chrysler Town & Country Expensive to Maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for the Chrysler Town & Country are quite affordable and about average for the segment.
Parts are widely available and the vehicle itself isn’t overly complex which helps keep maintenance costs down.
According to RepairPal:
The average annual repair cost for the Chrysler Town & Country is $636 which is just under the average cost for all minivans at $647.
It’s also slightly cheaper than the average for all vehicles in its database which is estimated at $652.
Model | Avg. Annual Repair Cost | Frequency of Unscheduled Repairs (per year) | Probability of Severe Repairs |
Kia Sedona | $495 | 0.3 | 10% |
Dodge Grand Caravan | $673 | 0.3 | 11% |
Honda Odyssey | $547 | 0.5 | 12% |
Chrysler Town & Country | $636 | 0.3 | 12% |
Nissan Quest | $659 | 0.3 | 14% |
Toyota Sienna | $554 | 0.4 | 15% |
Ford Flex | $713 | 0.4 | 14% |
Volkswagen Routan | $745 | 0.7 | 11% |
Avg. Minivan | $647 | 0.4 | 12% |
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Ram ProMasters Last?
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
The Town and Country’s brakes should last on average between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This is dependent on driving habits and the type of traffic you normally drive in.
You can expect your brakes to wear out sooner if you frequently stop and accelerate in stop-and-go traffic.
- Brake pad replacement, which includes parts and labor, can cost anywhere between $150 – $300 per axle.
- Full and complete stops from a high speed are the #1 cause of premature brake pad wear.
- A sporty driving style will lead to faster deterioration of brakes, a slow and steady style will help them last longer.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The Chrysler Town & Country’s stock tires usually last between 40,000 – 70,000 miles or 3 to 5 years. However, they can wear out much sooner. This is dependent on various factors such as driving habits, climate, and road conditions.
- Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
- Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
- Have a mechanic or tire shop check your wheel alignment every 6 months.
How Long Do Chrysler Town & Country Engines Last?
The engines equipped in the Chrysler Town & Country should last at least 200,000 miles and overall have a very good track record for reliability.
Most Town & Country’s use timing chains that typically last the entire lifetime of the engine – adding to their reliability and ease of maintenance.
Only the 4.0-liter V6 uses a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles.
How Long Do Chrysler Town & Country Batteries Last?
The Chrysler Town & Country’s battery usually lasts between 3 – 5 years. A vehicle’s battery life varies depending on many different factors such as climate, driving habits, and battery type, among many others.
- Keep your battery tightly fastened: The vibrations of your car can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
- Limit short rides: Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
- Storage: Keep your Chrysler Town & Country stored indoors to protect it from extreme changes in temperature.
- Control Corrosion: Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from build-up.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
According to the owner’s manual, the Chrysler Town & Country’s spark plugs should be changed every 100,000 miles.
Spark plugs are usually inspected every time you take your vehicle for routine maintenance and they may be replaced earlier than expected if necessary.
Signs of a fouled spark plug include:
- Reduced gas mileage
- Lack of acceleration
- Rough idling
- Hard starts
- Engine misfires
What About Insurance Costs?
The average cost of full comprehensive coverage for a Chrysler Town & Country is $1,304 per year or around $109 per month.
In comparison, its rivals in the minivan segment cost an average of $1,246 per year, which is $48 cheaper.
Insurance costs can vary from person to person; be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Chrysler Town & Country.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Chrysler Town & Country
- Adopt smooth driving habits.
- Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
- Use quality parts and fluids.
- Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
- Regularly wash your Chrysler Town & Country to remove dirt and grime to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust developing.
- Check your Chrysler Town & Country’s engine oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid levels and top them up when required.
- Keep your Chrysler Town & Country stored in a garage to help protect it from the elements.
- Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your Chrysler Town & Country needs and what quantity, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.
Related: 15 Best & Worst Kia Sedona Years (With Facts & Stats)
Resources
https://repairpal.com/reliability/chrysler/town-country
https://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/grand-caravan
https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/odyssey
https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/sienna
https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/town–country/
https://www.kbb.com/dodge/grand-caravan/2016/
https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/pacifica/2017/
https://www.kbb.com/honda/odyssey/2016/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/chrysler/town-and-country
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/dodge/grand-caravan
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2018/chrysler/pacifica
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/honda/odyssey/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chrysler/Town_Country/
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html
https://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/town-and-country/2016/cost-to-own/
http://www.fcacanada.ca/owners/en/manuals/2016/2016E-Town_and_Country-OM-4th.pdf
https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/chrysler/chrysler-town-and-country-insurance/