Chrysler Town and Country 1996–2000 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation minivan (NS) · Chrysler NS
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,294 complaints, 635 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1996 Chrysler Town and Country
Close- Median failure report
- 94,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 938
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 1996
- Fuel system169 reports
- Engine and its cooling system162 reports
- Transmission and driveline147 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1997 Chrysler Town and Country
Close- Median failure report
- 97,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 392
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1997
- Airbag system84 reports
- Electrical system79 reports
- Engine and its cooling system52 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Seat belts — rear/other · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1998 Chrysler Town and Country
Close- Median failure report
- 97,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 296
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1998
- Engine and its cooling system67 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Electrical system62 reports · median 134,000 mi
- Airbag system45 reports
Recall areas Air bags · Air bags — frontal · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 Chrysler Town and Country
Close- Median failure report
- 89,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 362
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 1999
- Airbag system59 reports
- Electrical system56 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Seats48 reports
Recall areas Air bags · Seat belts — rear/other · Seat belts — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2000 Chrysler Town and Country
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 306
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2000
- Transmission and driveline52 reports
- Engine and its cooling system47 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Airbag system30 reports
Recall areas Air bags · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1997; earliest: the 2000, and the 1997 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 1996–2000 Chrysler Town and Country reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 90,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 162,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 635
- Recalls
- 12
Most reported
- Engine and its cooling system15.8% of complaints · median 86,000 mi
- Airbag system14.9% of complaints · median 83,000 mi
- Electrical system14.9% of complaints · median 112,000 mi
Owners filed 2,294 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996–2000 Chrysler Town and Country; the engine and its cooling system leads with 15.8% of them, and half of the 635 that record an odometer reading came by 90,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 60,000 to 125,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1996–2000 Chrysler Town and Country last?
On the 1996–2000 Chrysler Town and Country, half of the 635 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 90,000 miles and 90% by 162,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
95 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 18 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Town and Country reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chrysler Town and Country 1996–2000 · 635 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 65 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 18 complaints (2.8%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 42,000
- 25%
- 60,000
- Median
- 90,000
- 75%
- 125,000
- 90%
- 162,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 16 | 2.5% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 9 | 1.4% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 13 | 2.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 16 | 2.5% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 31 | 4.9% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 65 | 10.2% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 58 | 9.1% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 53 | 8.3% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 53 | 8.3% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 60 | 9.4% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 44 | 6.9% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 31 | 4.9% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 41 | 6.5% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 28 | 4.4% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 22 | 3.5% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 25 | 3.9% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 15 | 2.4% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 11 | 1.7% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 12 | 1.9% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 14 | 2.2% |
| 200,000+ | 18 | 2.8% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Town and Country problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chrysler Town and Country 1996–2000
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline315 reportsmedian 71,000middle half 56,000–95,000
- Airbag system342 reportsmedian 83,000middle half 59,000–106,000
- Engine and its cooling system362 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 58,000–122,000
- Steering184 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 57,000–141,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit169 reportsmedian 92,000middle half 57,000–112,000
- Fuel system223 reportsmedian 107,000middle half 67,000–139,000
- Electrical system341 reportsmedian 112,000middle half 68,000–150,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 362 | 15.8% | 86,000 | 58,000–122,000 |
| Airbag system | 342 | 14.9% | 83,000 | 59,000–106,000 |
| Electrical system | 341 | 14.9% | 112,000 | 68,000–150,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 315 | 13.7% | 71,000 | 56,000–95,000 |
| Fuel system | 223 | 9.7% | 107,000 | 67,000–139,000 |
| Steering | 184 | 8.0% | 90,000 | 57,000–141,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 169 | 7.4% | 92,000 | 57,000–112,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 145 | 6.3% | 96,000 | 68,000–133,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 138 | 6.0% | 69,000 | 50,000–86,000 |
| Suspension | 128 | 5.6% | 101,000 | 76,000–126,000 |
Known problems with the 1996–2000 Town and Country
Transmission 1996–2000
41TE / A604 Ultradrive failure: solenoid pack and clutch pack wear producing harsh shifts, limp-in mode (2nd gear only) and complete loss of drive. Highly sensitive to using non-ATF+4 fluid.
Body 1996–2000
Power sliding door latch, cable and motor failures; doors opening in motion or refusing to latch.
Engine 1996–2000
3.3L/3.8L V6 head gasket and intake plenum gasket leaks at higher mileage.
Before you buy a 1996–2000 Town and Country: the 3-minute check
Generated from 635 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission on 1996–2000 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check body on 1996–2000 cars.
- Check engine on 1996–2000 cars.
- Years differ here: from 296 to 938 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Town and Country problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi24% below | At 90k mi49% below | At 120k mi71% below | At 150k mi85% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 58,000–122,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 59,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 68,000–150,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 56,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 67,000–139,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 57,000–141,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 57,000–112,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chrysler Town and Country 1996–2000 · 635 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 24% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 49% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 71% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 85% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1996–2000 Chrysler Town and Country recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (4), the seat belts (3), the airbag system (2) (why one area can repeat).
Oct 2004 · 1998–2000 · Air BagsThis condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually…
The defect. On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
What can happen. This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all covered vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. For those vehicles with more than 70,000 miles, daimlerchrysler will offer an extended lifetime…
Nov 2002 · 1996–1998 · Air BagsThis condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually…
The defect. On certain MINI vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
What can happen. This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of…
Mar 2002 · 1997–1999 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal…
The defect. On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies. Owner notification began june 3, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized…
Apr 2001 · 1999 · Seat BeltsIf the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: certain van, wagon, pickup trucks, passenger and sport utility vehicles, fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not comply with the requirements of the standard.
What can happen. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Sep 2000 · 1996–2000 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The defect. Vehicle description: MINI vans built with 3.3L and 3.8L engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
What can happen. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began…
Aug 1999 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineIf a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The defect. Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
What can happen. If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module attaching nut with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. The sealing o-ring will also be replaced.
Aug 1998 · 1996–1997 · Child SeatThis can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The defect. Vehicle description: MINI vans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint on the integrated child seat can become difficult to extract when the safety belt latch plate becomes contaminated.
What can happen. This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The free fix. Dealers will clean the latch mechanism. An extender will be added to the emergency release anchor for the child seat safety belts so that the release clips are more visible and accessible to the…
Dec 1997 · 1998 · Child SeatThe child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
What can happen. The child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the routing of the shoulder belt webbing and any found incorrect will be properly routed.
Oct 1996 · 1997 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of…
The defect. The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, may not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
What can happen. As the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of fluid and illuminate the instrument panel brake warning lamp. Continued operation of the…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per Chrysler recall no. 707 And found to be outside the listed suspect master cylinder…
Jul 1996 · 1996 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
The defect. The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the integrated child seat module bolts.
Jan 1996 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineThis condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
The defect. A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
What can happen. This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
The free fix. Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.
Dec 1995 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
The defect. The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
What can happen. Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler tube with a filler tube that has an additional rollover valve. The associated rollover valve vapor hoses will be rerouted.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,294 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 116 (5.1%)
- Fires
- 130
- Injury reports
- 81
- Fatality reports
- 7
Town and Country problems by model year
The 1996 drew the most complaints of this generation, 938, most of them about the fuel system, and the 1998 the fewest, 296. A typical year drew about 362.
That makes the 1996 stand out at roughly 2.6 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 938 | 99 | 94,000 | Fuel system (169) | 7 |
| 1997 | 392 | 90 | 97,000 | Airbag system (84) | 5 |
| 1998 | 296 | 111 | 97,000 | Engine and its cooling system (67) | 5 |
| 1999 | 362 | 167 | 89,000 | Airbag system (59) | 4 |
| 2000 | 306 | 168 | 80,000 | Transmission and driveline (52) | 2 |
What Town and Country owners reported
The vechile stalls while driving down the road regardless of whether highway/city street driving, when attempting to restart it sometimes it starts right back up and other times it doesn't..When it does this jumping the vehicle does nothing. I have seen lots of people on the Chrysler Town and Country site below with…
1996 · 150,000 miles · Engine
There is an known issue with town&country van b/t certain years. I have a 1999. When water splashes from the road or runs off the vehicle, the water lands on the serpentine belt, and causes the belt to slide off. When the belt slides off, the power steering fails to such a degree that it makes the vehicle difficult to…
1999 · 140,000 miles · Problems owners could not categorise
This letter is regarding a manufacturer defect in the 2000 plymouth grand voyager and 2000 Chrysler Town and Country vans. We own both vehicles, and both have experienced this problem. There is an issue with the vehicles in wet weather. When it rains and the driver goes through water, the vehicles shut themselves down…
2000 · 174,000 miles · Electrical system
the contact owns a 2000 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clockspring failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
2000 · 140,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 635 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Town and Country generations
- Town and Country 2001–2007 2,231 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Town and Country 2008–2016 5,081 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system