Owners have filed 868 complaints
about the 2012 Chrysler Town AND Country with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Chrysler Town AND Country. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Chrysler Town AND Country
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2449.0%
Blind Spot Detection
816.3%
Hatchback/Liftgate
48.2%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
48.2%
Door
36.1%
Camera
24.1%
FOG Lights
24.1%
Catalytic Convertor
24.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
112.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
152.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
376.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
11220.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10319.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8315.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13725.3%
150,000+ miles
437.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2012peak 52Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Chrysler Town AND Country
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
DP14004Opened 25 Sep 2014Closed 24 Jul 2015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to...
Recalls on the 2012 Chrysler Town AND Country
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
14V234000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.
Risk: An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
12V191000
EQUIPMENT
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.
Risk: THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
12V141000
SUSPENSION:REAR
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT FULLY MACHINED.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
11V487000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018439230 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the bolts used to attach the removable seats to the floor may contain a defect and could break in the event of a crash, creating a risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the defective bolts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Goodlettsville, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle caught on fire with my [XXX] and me inside. Its currently located at a tow yard and Chrysler has not inspected the vehicle yet. I have a report from the fire department stating the fire was hotter on the left drive side which directly lines up with the current recall of the drivers side door switch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler, MEFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11585730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11585730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesDolton, ILFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the A/C was blowing out hot air. The contact stated that smoke began emanating from the engine compartment and the vehicle started smoking and it caught fire. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the hood was opened and the fire was out by a passenger. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine and engine cooling system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but stated that the parts to complete the repair have been discontinued. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11535665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while making a right turn, another vehicle struck the passenger side of the contact's vehicle, causing several damages to both vehicles. All air bags deploy, but the front passenger and driver-side air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered several injuries and sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totally lose by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11519284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scotrun, PAFire2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH, the rear passenger side sliding door started smoking and caught on fire. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and assisted his four children out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned significantly down to the metal frame. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. The contact stated that two of his children were occupying the second-row seats while the other two were occupying the third-row seats. The contact stated that his son, who was sitting close to the rear passenger sliding door, sustained soot on his face. The contact sustained a sore throat, cough, chest pain, and breathing issues. Both the contact nor his son did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11499362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dorchester, MA
POWER TRAIN
The ignition switch AKA WIN MODULE has to be broken, making it extremely dangerous to drive my vehicle. Any time I go over a bump or the key wiggles slightly the car will turn right off and I lose full control over the car. I have to find a safe place to pull over and restart the car by taking the key out and putting the key back in. The part where the key goes in is very very loose. This puts myself and my kids at risk especially driving on the highway! Whenever this happens I would have to find a way to come to a complete stop in which the brakes start skipping because of the malfunction. After research , I have found that there was a recall with the other Chrysler town and counties from year 2008-2010. I’m not surprised that this is now happening with my vehicle . This is extremely dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11753587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dorchester, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ignition switch AKA WIN MODULE has to be broken, making it extremely dangerous to drive my vehicle. Any time I go over a bump or the key wiggles slightly the car will turn right off and I lose full control over the car. I have to find a safe place to pull over and restart the car by taking the key out and putting the key back in. The part where the key goes in is very very loose. This puts myself and my kids at risk especially driving on the highway! Whenever this happens I would have to find a way to come to a complete stop in which the brakes start skipping because of the malfunction. After research , I have found that there was a recall with the other Chrysler town and counties from year 2008-2010. I’m not surprised that this is now happening with my vehicle . This is extremely dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11753587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goodlettsville, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle caught on fire with my [XXX] and me inside. Its currently located at a tow yard and Chrysler has not inspected the vehicle yet. I have a report from the fire department stating the fire was hotter on the left drive side which directly lines up with the current recall of the drivers side door switch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murphy, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The TIPMs system has been recalled in multiple vehicles and has causes a fuel pump relay failure and numerous other electrical issues . Chryslers recall has yet to include this year make and model despite the fact the identical part is used in the recalled vehicles. Chrysler is picking and choosing which vehicles this recall applies to and it’s putting families at risk of the TIPM failing and leaving them stranded at any time. Chrysler has a packaged replacement part under “recall pricing” but refuses to cover labor to install the new part on certain vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11752428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murphy, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The TIPMs system has been recalled in multiple vehicles and has causes a fuel pump relay failure and numerous other electrical issues . Chryslers recall has yet to include this year make and model despite the fact the identical part is used in the recalled vehicles. Chrysler is picking and choosing which vehicles this recall applies to and it’s putting families at risk of the TIPM failing and leaving them stranded at any time. Chrysler has a packaged replacement part under “recall pricing” but refuses to cover labor to install the new part on certain vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11752428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,288 milesParker, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to turn off. The contact stated that after wiggling the ignition key in the ignition switch, the vehicle started. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to a faulty ignition switch. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,288.
NHTSA complaint #11708382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Relay System Failure When searching online apparently this is such an extremely common issue there is a special bypass part that was made, and part of a recall for durangos and jeeps but not the town and country, even though this part is failing all the time in this vehicle as well. Before it went completely dead, it did fail once when I was driving, which is a huge safety issue. I was lucky it started again and that I wasn’t going very fast. I didn’t know at the time that is was the fuel relay system failing until it finally stopped working and my car no longer started. Once bypassed with the bypass part it started immediately, however I had to buy the bypass part to confirm. This should be a recalled issue though, since it is an extremely hazardous issue if it causes failures while driving
NHTSA complaint #11707187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudbury, VT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road. Once key is turned off and back on, car restarts.
NHTSA complaint #11699567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudbury, VT
ENGINE
Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road. Once key is turned off and back on, car restarts.
NHTSA complaint #11699567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Catalytic converter is reported to me as needing to be replaced. Check Engine light came on which indicated this error. It’s only at 84k miles. Followed by needing new O2 sensors if the catalytic converter is replaced. Another error was the thermostat which needs replacement. We are looking at over $5k in repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11699337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
ENGINE
Catalytic converter is reported to me as needing to be replaced. Check Engine light came on which indicated this error. It’s only at 84k miles. Followed by needing new O2 sensors if the catalytic converter is replaced. Another error was the thermostat which needs replacement. We are looking at over $5k in repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11699337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My van will frequently lose power and die while I am driving it, with NO WARNING. I have to pull off and put it either into park or neutral then turn the key again to get it started again. This has happened more than 40 times over the last 15 monnths. My speeds have ranges from 25mpg in town to 65 mpg on the highway.Most recently on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11692168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
ENGINE
My van will frequently lose power and die while I am driving it, with NO WARNING. I have to pull off and put it either into park or neutral then turn the key again to get it started again. This has happened more than 40 times over the last 15 monnths. My speeds have ranges from 25mpg in town to 65 mpg on the highway.Most recently on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11692168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while Im at a free role i lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others Im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11677903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSyracuse, NY
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the instrument panel turned black, and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred temporarily, and the vehicle restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
STEERING
The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while Im at a free role i lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others Im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11677903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSyracuse, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the instrument panel turned black, and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred temporarily, and the vehicle restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while Im at a free role i lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others Im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11677903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSyracuse, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the instrument panel turned black, and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred temporarily, and the vehicle restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
Couldn't reverse vehicle after buying the vehicle three days ago. My safety and my passengers safety wasn't safe I almost got hit from the front and back trying to reverse the vehicle to go. I can put the vehicle in any other gear and it works but the reverse. i called the vehicle repair shop and bring it in to the shop where I was told they were going to work on the vehicle for free since I only had it for three days. I paid for the warranty part and everything. This the second car I bought from Fett's city motors that been dangerous to operate on roads and highways.
NHTSA complaint #11677399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
Couldn't reverse vehicle after buying the vehicle three days ago. My safety and my passengers safety wasn't safe I almost got hit from the front and back trying to reverse the vehicle to go. I can put the vehicle in any other gear and it works but the reverse. i called the vehicle repair shop and bring it in to the shop where I was told they were going to work on the vehicle for free since I only had it for three days. I paid for the warranty part and everything. This the second car I bought from Fett's city motors that been dangerous to operate on roads and highways.
NHTSA complaint #11677399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Dighton, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The TIPM is malfunctioning and causing the fuel pump to never turn of on the car. the only way to turn it off is to pull the fuse.
NHTSA complaint #11674267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pella, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our van's engine shuts down while driving. It has done it multiple times and our local auto mechanics can not figure out why it is doing it. We are concerned about our safety driving our van. Luckily, we have been able to brake and restart the van quickly to avoid a collision. We have now stopped using the van.
NHTSA complaint #11657821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSchaumburg, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side head restraint deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair with a similar failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSchaumburg, IL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side head restraint deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair with a similar failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.