2016 Chrysler Town And Country Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chrysler Town And Country, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)18433.3%
- Electrical10619.2%
- Body & structure7513.6%
- Engine6912.5%
- Interior & seats366.5%
- Driver assistance213.8%
- Airbags162.9%
- Steering112.0%
- Fuel system91.6%
- Brakes50.9%
- Visibility40.7%
- Other / unspecified40.7%
- Seat belts40.7%
- Transmission30.5%
- Suspension20.4%
- Exterior lighting20.4%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Gear skipping, engine loosing power
The transmission vehicle just stopped in the road. Causing road blockage and stranded passengers in the with out cell service. Vehicle has been looked at and this same problem that is listed for the recall but this vin isn't listed in the recall.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
1st Vehicle was driving heavy so I got it checked and the transmission had to be replaced, this was in July?? 2024. The vehicle was still driving heavy 2nd was the traction light(s) VSR?? light turned on 3rd The check engine light came on and gave a P0420 Code. The right catalytic converter was replaced in March 2025 4th The same day I went to repare the Catalytic Converter (before replacement), the Blind Spot System warning came on along with 1. My windshield wipers turning on and off by themselves, 2. rpm went down to 0, 3. the low fuel sign came on even though I just fueled up AND the needle dropped to E, 4. the MPH also went down to 0, 5. the tire detection came on + the light, 6. the ABS light came on, 7. the traction lights came, 8. Heating/A/C system dropped to a lower pressure and then regained pressure, 9. there is a skip when accelerating, 10. won't properly read mileages used11. I lose control of my turn signals, lights, wipers AND hazard light as well as the powered windows Everything turned off and I gained control again Then it started again I turned the vehicle off but the lights kept turning on and off and I kept gaining control then losing it ALL of this occurs while I am driving, at a stop, or just turning on the vehicle Yes this possesses an issue for my and the safety of others No and Yes about the confirmed issues with a certified dealership No because I am scheduled for an appointment with a Chrysler dealer tomorrow (Mar.20th,2025) Yes because I have gone to other dealers and they cannot figure out what the main issue is No the issue has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep., etc. Yes and No to other warnings I knew someone was off because when I turn the key to the run position right before I turn the vehicle on, the check engine light stays on If I leave it in that position until all the other lights turn off, the check engine light remains on When I turn the vehicle completely on, the check engine light disappears
The wire under the passenger side that controls the cruise control and abs system snapped suddenly. There was no impact or accident it just detached itself on the highway
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Issue 1) Side slide door on driver side won't open. I could not get my child out and had to crawl across. Won't unlock, won't open manually, won't open electronically, won't unlock with fab. Issue 2) driver window has failed 3 times now. Like clock work every 2 and a half to 3 years it goes out.
First incident. Driver side sliding door lock failed. Sliding door could not be unlocked and opened from inside or outside the vehicle. Had to use other sliding door to exit van. Door had to be dismantled and failed latch replaced. Approximately 7 years old and roughly 52,000 miles. This was around 9/2023. Second incident. Passenger side sliding door lock failed. Sliding door could not be unlocked and opened from inside or outside the vehicle. Had to use other sliding door to exit / enter van. Scheduled to go in for failed latch replacement at Chrysler dealer. Approximately 9 years old and roughly 63,000 miles. Either one of these unexpected failed door latch incidents could have led to injury or possibly death.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle stalled, and the power steering became inoperable. Additionally, the failure recurred while making right or left turns at various speeds. The contact depressed the brake pedal, shifted to park(P) and restarted the vehicle after each failure. The failure recurred intermittently. The check engine, power steering, and the ABS warning lights and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. While researching on the NHTSA.GOV website, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,002.
Purchased vehicle in March 2024 then in late august 2024 the engine light came on. On October 3rd i took the vehicle to a Chrylser dealer near me and they diagnosed it as needing a TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER REPLACEMENT, #5 FUEL INJECTOR, and VACUUM HARNESS among other things.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Inadvertent passenger side head rest deployment while driving with no collisions.
I am submitting this letter to formally express my serious concern and dissatisfaction regarding a safety issue that occurred and that, under only slightly different circumstances, could have resulted in a far more dangerous outcome. The situation I experienced was not only unacceptable but indicative of a potential systemic failure that warrants immediate investigation. The incident posed a clear risk to my safety and the safety of others. It is deeply troubling that such a failure was able to occur at all, and even more troubling that—had the conditions been marginally different—it could have led to severe injury or worse. This is precisely the type of preventable hazard that NHTSA exists to identify and address before it results in tragedy. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter thoroughly, determine whether similar incidents have been reported, and take appropriate action to ensure that this issue is corrected. Consumers should not be placed in harm’s way due to defects or oversights that compromise the safe operation of a vehicle or its components. This experience has left me with significant concerns about the reliability and safety of the system involved. I urge NHTSA to treat this as a serious complaint and to investigate promptly so that no one else is put at risk.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
For the last few weeks my car has been stalling when I come to a complete stop or as I am breaking. Sometimes it takes as many as 7 tries of putting it in park, turning it off and turning it back on. The check engine light is not on. Mechanic cannot determine problem. I have found hundreds of other claims saying the same thing with no resolution found. This has been a reoccuring problem and is inconsistent. Can happen 5 times in a 5 mile trip and 0 times in a 50 mile trip.
1st Vehicle was driving heavy so I got it checked and the transmission had to be replaced, this was in July?? 2024. The vehicle was still driving heavy 2nd was the traction light(s) VSR?? light turned on 3rd The check engine light came on and gave a P0420 Code. The right catalytic converter was replaced in March 2025 4th The same day I went to repare the Catalytic Converter (before replacement), the Blind Spot System warning came on along with 1. My windshield wipers turning on and off by themselves, 2. rpm went down to 0, 3. the low fuel sign came on even though I just fueled up AND the needle dropped to E, 4. the MPH also went down to 0, 5. the tire detection came on + the light, 6. the ABS light came on, 7. the traction lights came, 8. Heating/A/C system dropped to a lower pressure and then regained pressure, 9. there is a skip when accelerating, 10. won't properly read mileages used11. I lose control of my turn signals, lights, wipers AND hazard light as well as the powered windows Everything turned off and I gained control again Then it started again I turned the vehicle off but the lights kept turning on and off and I kept gaining control then losing it ALL of this occurs while I am driving, at a stop, or just turning on the vehicle Yes this possesses an issue for my and the safety of others No and Yes about the confirmed issues with a certified dealership No because I am scheduled for an appointment with a Chrysler dealer tomorrow (Mar.20th,2025) Yes because I have gone to other dealers and they cannot figure out what the main issue is No the issue has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep., etc. Yes and No to other warnings I knew someone was off because when I turn the key to the run position right before I turn the vehicle on, the check engine light stays on If I leave it in that position until all the other lights turn off, the check engine light remains on When I turn the vehicle completely on, the check engine light disappears
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger side headrest deployed. Vehicle was not involved in a accident. Was parked at the time. Is available for inspection. No one was hurt, but I'm now afraid that the driver side headrest may deploy while I'm driving and could cause me to have an accident. There was not warning or indication that headrest was faulty or ready to deploy.
Driver side headrest deployed (AHR system) while driving at a speed of 55 mph with no accident. Driver bit tongue while driving. I have found many complaints of this issue online. Vehicle hasn't been inspected at this time since it happened a little over a week ago while on vacation. There were no warning signs that it was going to happen. Just purchased this 2016 Chrysler Town and County a little over a month ago and now have this repair to consider of a faulty "safety" system.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving today the vehicle stopped shifting and the check engine light turned on. When I pressed the gas pedal the RPM gauge would go to 4 or 5 but the vehicle wouldn’t move initially. It jolted forward after a few seconds of pressing the gas. Because I had my children in the vehicle, I slowly drove to the garage I see regularly. They checked the code and with that revealed it was something to do with the transmission fluid pressure and the power steering pump.
My steering went completely out. I took it in to the dealership and they replace the power steering pump, said that was not it and replaced the rack. I got it back, and the pump was loud, was clicking when turning, and steering was still moderately unresponsive. They said they would order another power steering pump and go from there. They replaced the pump after several months, and said they drove it with no issues. It is still unresponsive, and will occasionally jerk in one direction when trying to go straight. I am afraid me or someone else will get hurt in an accident with it one day. I just reached out to another dealer as well as Chrysler to see what my options are. It happens at any speed and is constant.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
For the last few weeks my car has been stalling when I come to a complete stop or as I am breaking. Sometimes it takes as many as 7 tries of putting it in park, turning it off and turning it back on. The check engine light is not on. Mechanic cannot determine problem. I have found hundreds of other claims saying the same thing with no resolution found. This has been a reoccuring problem and is inconsistent. Can happen 5 times in a 5 mile trip and 0 times in a 50 mile trip.
My 2016 Chrysler Town and country van, started making horrible noises while I was circling to get my friend at the airport. There was no warning light and no place to stop. I slowly drove 2 miles to a gas station and parked it over night, got it towed to my regular shop in the morning. They told me transmission oil pump had failed. They referenced me to NTHSA SAFETY RECALL 16V461000 ( Chrysler recall number S44 ) for transmission oil pump. Recall was for dates Aug 2015 thru Aug 2016. My vehicle DOM was December 2015, right in the middle of the recall date range. However, for unknown reasons, my VIN is not included in the NTHSA recall and Chrysler / FCA / Stellantis is refusing to pay for the $7500 repair. I would like NTHSA to please add my VIN number to the above referenced recall. Please let me know next steps. Thank you!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle stalled, and the power steering became inoperable. Additionally, the failure recurred while making right or left turns at various speeds. The contact depressed the brake pedal, shifted to park(P) and restarted the vehicle after each failure. The failure recurred intermittently. The check engine, power steering, and the ABS warning lights and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. While researching on the NHTSA.GOV website, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,002.
My wife had just gotten on the interstate and had accelerated to ~75 mph. Then without warning, the steering system locked up making it hard to navigate. Both the gas pedal and breaking system went off line as well. Luckily, there wasn't any vehicles in the immediate vicinity. She was able to allow the vehicle to coast to a stop as she wrestled with the steering wheel to try and get the vehicle to the side of the road. As the vehicle was slowing down (to around 25 mph), the speedometer indicated that she was at 100+ mph. This could have been devastating in most situation. Just prior to getting on the interstate, she was on a one lane road with 18-wheelers passing by her head-on. What if this was to occur if she was approach a cross walk with pedestrians crossing, or other vehicles (to include motorcycles), she would not have been able to stop. When she finally made it over to the side and the vehicle had stopped. She turned the vehicle off and everything was fine again, like nothing ever happened. This is our first and hopefully last occurrence. But looking online, this is nowhere near being close to the first occurrence of this type. Please see the following website which shows 413 reports for this make and model (but various years): https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chrysler/town_country/steering-problems.php There is also this website as well: https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-steering-wheel-lock-up-while-driving The problem with that site is there are too many geniuses on there stating that this is not possible and follow on by showing their knowledge, etc. Others addressed solely the steering wheel issue stating it's a pump or fluid, etc. It also mentions of make/model this had occurred on (i.e. Mazda, Chevy Corvette - recall, etc.). Regardless, this is a major life threatening issue that is constantly occurring out there. Sadly, there are probably several instances where as the driver did not survive the incident, hence unable to report it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers side window sudden fell off the track and into the door while driving No accident, nothing unusual, just the door suddenly coming off and crashing inside the door
MIDDLE CLIP ON SUN VISOR WITH GARAGE DOOR OPENER SNAPPED OPEN CAUSING THE VISOR TO DROP AND WILL NOT STAY UP. CAUSED ME TO RUN A RED LIGHT DUE TO THE OBSTRUCTED VIEW. SAFETY CONCERN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The styrofoam headrest snapped in half and came off of the base of the car seat. Graco will not replace even though it renders the car seat useless because they say it does not cover under warranty. The car seat is a little over 2 years old.
PRIMEWELL VALERA TIRE DOT Y9H3 LEHX 4217 . EXPERIENCED FATAL SEVERE SIDEWALL TEAR (RUPTURE) WHILE DRIVING (FREEWAY) UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. RAPID LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE 13LBS OR LESS AND INABILITY TO PROPERLY CONTROL AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THESE PARTICULAR BRAND OF TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED BY GITI CORPORATION IN INDONESIA IN 2017. MANUFACTURER HAS RECALLED NEARLY 400,000 TIRES OF THIS EXACT BRAND AND MANUFACTURE DATE DUE TO SIDEWALL RUPTURE (SEVERE TEAR) FROM NORMAL USE. I TALKED WITH GITI TECHNICAL SERVICES AND THEY CLAIM THIS TIRE DOT IS NOT ON THEIR RECALL LIST. NO COLLISIONS INVOLVED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving down the road, 30mph, driver side head rest deployed, hitting me in the back of the head.
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while attempting to strap the car seat into the 3rd row seat belt, the buckle failed to attach. The contact stated that an internal piece was missing. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN and there was no warranty on the vehicle. The contact was advised to purchase the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was unable to shift out of first gear, failing to exceed 30 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the transmission and torque converter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission solenoid to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on another occasion, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission and torque converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to a second local dealer: Ilderton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat (701 S Main St, High Point, NC 27260), where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission and torque converter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,545.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANS AT 105000 MILES. THE ROCKER ARMS FAILED AT 97000 MILES. THE FRONT LOWER AARM BUSHINGS FAILED AT ABOUT 60000 MILES. THE REAR SLIDER DOORS DON'T LOCK AND WHEN THE DEALER TRIED TO REPAIR THEM THEY MADE IT WORSE NOW THE WINDOWS IN THOSE DOORS ARE FAILING. ALSO A CODE FOR THERMOSTAT HOUSING POPPED UP AFTER THE ROCKER ARM REPAIR. WHAT A TERRIBLE VEHICLE. IT'S ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND I'M A STICKLER ABOUT MAINTENANCE.
CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND AT RED LIGHTS FRONT END STRUTS ARE WORE OUT TRANSMISSION SKIPS CAR RPMS GO UP BUT WANT SHIFT 9 CODES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have had two 2016 Town & Country’s both of which have the same issue of the automatic high beam occasionally not turning off for oncoming vehicles. I have in fact been pulled over because they failed to turn off for a Michigan state police officer. The problem occurs most when on a large divided highway such as an interstate or in curves. This has been an issue ongoing with both of them and the sensor has been since discontinued by Chrysler so I can’t try replacing it anymore however the fact that both of mine have done this indicates to me that this is a larger problem.
MY WIFE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION 5 MILES FROM OUR HOME AND ALL OUTLETS AND LIGHTS BEGAN BILLOWING SMOKE INTO THE CABIN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. IT HAS 30000 MILES DRIVEN. SHE HAD TO EVACUATE THE CHILDREN, AND IT WAS TOWED TO A CHRYSLER DEALER (MILLER IN LEBANON, NH) WE ARE WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSIS. *TT*DT*TP *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
During highway travel noticed vibration in steering wheel. inspected tires and noticed tire GOODYEAR VIVA3 225/65R17 (PJ2Y LDHR) shows side belt bubble. Concerned that tire may ruptured during highspeed travel. Request NTSB review manufacturers design for sidewall construction and or broadcast recall on tire type with deficiency sidewall concerns.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .