Chrysler Town & Country Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead

The 4-speed A604/41TE automatic transmission is critically flawed, suffering from premature wear, solenoid pack failures, harsh shifting, and complete loss of gears due to design shortcomings and poor metallurgy. Rebuilds are common but often temporary fixes.

Age-related electrical issues are rampant, including power window motor failures, instrument cluster anomalies (erratic gauges, flickering lights), body control module (BCM) issues, and wiring harness degradation leading to intermittent faults and starting problems.

The unibody construction is highly susceptible to rust, particularly in northern climates. Common areas include rocker panels, wheel arches, rear quarter panels, subframe mounting points, and underneath the 'woodgrain' trim, compromising structural integrity.

These 4-speed automatics are notorious for premature failure. Common issues include solenoid pack failures leading to harsh shifts or no gears, torque converter shudder, and complete internal component breakdown due to inadequate cooling and design flaws. This often results in a 'limp home' mode or complete loss of drive.

The electrical system is prone to numerous gremlins, often originating from the BCM. Owners report failures of power windows, door locks, heated seats, sliding door motors, instrument cluster gauges, intermittent no-starts, and parasitic battery drains. Tracing these issues can be difficult and costly.

These vehicles are highly susceptible to rust, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Common rust spots include rocker panels, rear wheel arches, the subframe, fuel lines, brake lines, and the rear hatch. Structural integrity can be compromised in extreme cases, and vital lines can rupture, leading to dangerous failures.

The 4-speed Ultradrive automatic transmission is notoriously fragile, suffering from premature failure due to poor design, inadequate fluid cooling, and solenoid pack issues. Symptoms include harsh shifts, slipping, 'limp home' mode, and complete loss of drive.

These vehicles were not well-protected against rust from the factory. Rocker panels, wheel wells, door bottoms, floor pans, and critical subframe mounting points are highly susceptible, leading to structural integrity issues and difficult, expensive repairs.

Aging wiring harnesses, poor grounds, and component quality lead to issues with power windows, door locks, gauge clusters, intermittent lighting, and HVAC blend door actuators. Diagnostics can be frustrating and repairs often involve tracing corroded wires.

The 4-speed electronic automatic transmission is known for premature failure, often exhibiting slipping, hard shifts, or complete loss of gears. Solenoid pack failures are common, leading to 'limp home' mode or no engagement. Chrysler issued numerous TSBs over the years trying to address its inherent design flaws.

Aging wiring, poor grounds, and component failures lead to issues with power windows, door locks, gauge clusters, radio, and interior lights. Intermittent sensor failures (e.g., crank position sensor) can cause stalling or no-start conditions. Body control modules (BCM) are also prone to failure, impacting various functions.

Radiators are prone to clogging and leaking, water pumps fail, and hoses become brittle and crack with age. Heater cores are known to leak, causing coolant loss and soggy carpets. Neglecting cooling system maintenance can lead to engine overheating and subsequent head gasket issues.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is infamous for premature failure due to poor design, sensor issues, and hydraulic problems, leading to harsh shifts, slippage, or complete loss of drive. Often requires costly rebuilds or replacement.

Known for numerous electrical issues including faulty power window motors, door locks, dashboard gauges, intermittent starter problems, alternator failures, and problematic Body Control Modules (BCM) or PCM issues, leading to various operational headaches.

Commonly found in rocker panels, wheel wells, subframe components, fuel lines, and brake lines, particularly in salt-belt states. This can lead to structural compromise and safety concerns if left unchecked.

These transmissions are infamous for internal clutch pack wear, solenoid pack failures, and torque converter lock-up issues. Symptoms range from delayed shifts, slipping, hard engagement, to complete loss of drive. Often leads to expensive rebuilds or replacements.

Various electrical components are prone to failure, including the Body Control Module (BCM), which can cause intermittent issues with gauges, power windows, door locks, lighting, and climate control. Wiring harnesses can also degrade, leading to shorts or open circuits.

Common failures include leaks from the power steering pump or hoses, requiring regular fluid top-offs. Suspension components like front control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links wear out, leading to clunks, rattles, and poor handling.

These transmissions are notoriously prone to failure, exhibiting symptoms like slipping, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and eventually complete loss of gears. Solenoid pack failures are common, often preceding full transmission rebuilds or replacements due to internal wear.

Owners frequently report issues with power windows, door locks, power sliding doors (if equipped), blend door actuators for climate control, and intermittent dashboard lights. The Body Control Module (BCM) can also be a source of various, often puzzling, electrical malfunctions.

The unibody construction and areas like rocker panels, wheel wells, subframes, and rear quarter panels are highly susceptible to rust, especially in regions that use road salt. Brake lines and fuel lines can also corrode, leading to dangerous failures.

Known for premature failure, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and solenoid pack issues. The torque converter can also fail, leading to shuddering and eventual transmission death.

Power sliding doors are notorious for motor and module failures. Window regulators, HVAC blend door actuators, and instrument cluster issues (e.g., dimming or dead pixels) are also common.

Lower ball joints and control arm bushings wear out quickly, leading to clunking noises and poor handling. Power steering pumps and rack & pinion units are also prone to leaks and failure.

The 41TE 4-speed automatic transmission is notoriously weak, often exhibiting harsh shifts, shuddering, solenoid pack failures, and complete loss of gears due to internal wear and torque converter issues. This is a significant and costly failure point.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can cause various intermittent electrical faults, from fuel pump issues to non-working accessories. Power sliding doors frequently fail due to motor, cable, or sensor problems, leading to inconvenient and expensive repairs. Window regulators also commonly fail.

Front suspension components, including sway bar links, tie rod ends, and lower control arm bushings, wear out prematurely, leading to clunking noises, poor alignment, and compromised handling. Rear leaf spring bushings can also deteriorate.

The Ultradrive transmission is infamous for solenoid pack failures, input/output speed sensor malfunctions, internal clutch wear, and overall premature failure, leading to erratic shifting, limp mode, or complete loss of drive. Often attributed to poor design and inadequate cooling.

Aging wiring harnesses, poor grounds, and failing components lead to issues with power windows, door locks, instrument cluster gauges, climate control blend door actuators, and intermittent dashboard warning lights. The Body Control Module (BCM) can also be a source of unpredictable issues.

Common on lower body panels, especially rocker panels, rear wheel wells, lower door seams, and around the windshield/tailgate. Subframe and suspension mounting points can also be compromised, particularly in regions with road salt.

The Ultradrive 41TE/42LE automatic transmission is notorious for premature failure, manifesting as erratic shifting, slipping, or complete loss of gears. Issues often stem from solenoid pack failures, poor fluid maintenance, and inherent design flaws.

The Body Control Module (BCM) and various wiring harness connections are prone to failure, leading to non-functional power windows, door locks, dashboard gauge clusters, intermittent lighting, and power accessory issues. Diagnosis can be complex and costly.

Significant rust often appears on rocker panels, rear wheel arches, subframe components, and floor pans, especially in regions exposed to road salt. This compromises structural integrity and can lead to expensive bodywork or safety concerns.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is a primary failure point, often experiencing slipping, harsh shifts, solenoid pack failures, and complete failure due to internal wear. Neglecting fluid changes accelerates its demise.

Owners frequently report issues with power sliding doors (failure to open/close, motor issues), HVAC blend door actuators, instrument cluster malfunctions, ABS module failures, and power window regulators. These can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.

Body rust is common on rocker panels, wheel arches, and lower doors. Subframe and suspension components can also suffer significant corrosion, compromising structural integrity and leading to costly repairs, especially in regions with road salt.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is a significant weak point, known for premature failure due to solenoid pack issues, fluid degradation, and general internal wear. Symptoms include hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, and eventually complete failure.

Especially in colder climates, these vans are highly susceptible to rust, particularly on rocker panels, rear wheel wells, liftgate, and critical structural components like the front subframe and rear suspension mounts. This can lead to structural integrity issues and expensive repairs.

Malfunctioning power sliding doors are extremely common, often due to faulty motors, cables, or control modules. Other electrical gremlins include issues with the BCM, instrument cluster, HVAC blend doors, and window regulators.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is a significant weak point, often exhibiting hard shifts, slipping, shuddering, or complete failure due to solenoid pack issues, valve body wear, or fluid degradation if not meticulously maintained. This is the most common and costly repair.

Owners frequently report issues with the Body Control Module (BCM), power sliding doors, erratic gauge clusters, climate control actuators (blend doors), and interior accessories like power windows or radio functionality. These often manifest as intermittent faults or complete failures.

Front suspension components, including lower ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings, tend to wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises, loose steering, and uneven tire wear. Power steering pumps and hoses are also prone to leaks.

The 6-speed automatic transmission (62TE) is a major weak point, prone to premature failure, harsh shifts, solenoid pack issues, and slipping gears, often requiring full replacement or costly rebuilds.

The TIPM controls a vast array of electrical functions, and failure can manifest as non-functioning fuel pumps, starter issues, power window/door failures, horn honking intermittently, and various parasitic draws. Diagnosis can be complex, and replacement is costly.

Motors, sensors, wiring harnesses, and control modules for the power sliding doors and rear liftgate are notorious for failing. This results in doors that won't open, close, or latch properly, becoming a significant safety and convenience issue.

Known for premature failures, especially the 6-speed 62TE. Issues include harsh shifts, solenoid pack failure, slipping, torque converter shudder, and complete loss of gears, often due to internal component wear or fluid contamination.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a common failure point, leading to erratic electrical behavior such as power windows not working, fuel pump issues, horn honking randomly, engine stalling, or lights malfunctioning. Power sliding doors are also prone to motor and cable failures.

Especially in rust-belt regions, significant corrosion can affect rocker panels, rear wheel wells, subframe components, brake lines, and suspension mounting points. This compromises structural integrity and safety over time.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is a notorious weak point, prone to solenoid pack failures, erratic shifting, gear slippage, and complete failure. Often due to poor fluid management or inherent design flaws.

The Body Control Module (BCM) and associated wiring harnesses can cause a myriad of frustrating issues including power window failures, erratic gauges, non-functional power sliding doors, and intermittent accessory operation.

Significant rust often forms on the unibody structure, especially the subframe (engine cradle), rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and critical brake and fuel lines, compromising safety and repairability.

The 4-speed automatic transmission is notorious for premature failure. Common issues include solenoid pack failure, internal clutch wear leading to harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or complete loss of gears due to TSBs and design flaws. Neglect of fluid changes accelerates these problems.

This generation is plagued by numerous electrical faults. Common complaints include power sliding door motor/module failures, instrument cluster glitches (intermittent gauges, warning lights), Body Control Module (BCM) issues affecting various functions, and power window regulator failures. Wiring harness corrosion, especially in northern climates, exacerbates these problems.

The automatic power sliding doors, a popular feature, are a frequent source of frustration. Motors wear out, cables break, and control modules fail, often leading to doors that get stuck, won't open/close, or operate erratically. Repair can be complex and requires specialized parts.

The 41TE/42LE automatic transmission is notorious for early failure, often manifesting as harsh shifts, delayed engagements, or complete loss of gears. Solenoid pack failures are common, leading to erratic shifting. Torque converter clutch issues also contribute to premature wear.

The power sliding doors frequently malfunction. Issues range from motors failing, cables breaking, sensors misaligning, or the control module failing, preventing them from opening or closing properly. This is a common and highly frustrating issue for owners.

Owners report a myriad of electrical issues including faulty window regulators, intermittent climate control operation, dashboard light failures, sensor malfunctions (e.g., speed sensor, crankshaft position sensor), and parasitic battery drains. These can be difficult and costly to diagnose.

The 41TE/42LE 4-speed automatic transmission is prone to premature failure, manifesting as harsh shifts, delayed engagement, slipping, or complete loss of gears. This is often due to internal component wear, solenoid pack issues, or inadequate cooling.

Common issues include power sliding door motor/cable failures, HVAC blend door actuator malfunctions leading to poor temperature control, body control module (BCM) glitches, and various sensor failures (e.g., crank position sensor).

Vehicles in salt-belt states are highly susceptible to significant rust on rear wheel wells, rocker panels, subframes, and even fuel lines. This can compromise structural integrity and lead to expensive repairs.

The 6-speed 62TE automatic transmission, paired with the 3.8L and 4.0L V6 engines, is known for premature clutch pack wear, solenoid pack failures, harsh shifts, and delayed engagements, often requiring costly rebuilds or replacements.

This central electrical component can fail, leading to a wide array of seemingly unrelated issues such as intermittent fuel pump operation (no-start), wipers suddenly stopping, power window malfunctions, or non-functional horn/lights. Diagnosis can be complex.

The motors and cables for the power sliding doors are prone to wear and failure, leading to intermittent operation, grinding noises, or complete non-functionality. Sensors can also fail, causing safety reverse issues.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point, causing a wide array of intermittent issues from non-functional fuel pumps, intermittent wipers, horn activation, or headlight problems due to internal circuit failures.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is prone to hard shifts, delayed engagements, solenoid pack failures, and eventually internal clutch wear. This can lead to costly repairs or complete replacement.

Motors, sensors, cables, and control modules for the power sliding doors frequently fail, leading to doors getting stuck, not opening/closing, or operating erratically. This is a common and irritating convenience failure.

Known for erratic shifting, hard shifts, solenoid pack failures, and eventual complete failure, often due to internal component wear or fluid degradation. Neglect or high mileage exacerbates issues.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a central fuse box and relay system that can fail, leading to a host of intermittent electrical issues including non-starting, fuel pump failure, power window/door malfunctions, and lighting problems.

Early versions of the 3.6L Pentastar V6, especially on the left cylinder head, are prone to premature valve guide wear causing misfires (P0300/P030X codes). Oil filter housing/cooler assemblies are also notorious for developing leaks.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is prone to harsh shifting, delays, and solenoid pack failures. Torque converter shudder can also occur.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point, leading to intermittent failures of various electrical components, including fuel pump control, power windows, and horn.

Motors, cables, and latch mechanisms for the power sliding doors are common failure points, resulting in doors that stick, don't open, or close improperly.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a known weak point, prone to internal failure leading to a multitude of issues including intermittent fuel pump operation, stalling, non-functioning wipers, power windows, or even failure to start. This is a common and often costly repair.

The 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission can suffer from rough shifts, delays, solenoid pack failures, or complete transmission failure. While not universal, a significant number of owners report issues, often requiring expensive repairs or replacement.

The automatic power sliding doors and liftgate mechanisms are prone to failure, often due to faulty motors, broken cables, or sensor issues. This can be an ongoing nuisance, impacting convenience and safety.