Chrysler Town & Country research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Town & Country is the more upscale version of the Dodge Grand Caravan. From 2011 through 2016 every van has the same 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg), so condition matters more than model year. Leather and rear-seat DVD became standard for 2012, Blu-ray and the sporty S arrived for 2013, and the Limited Platinum topped the line for 2015-2016. It offers a lot of features and space for the money, but inspect the transmission, power doors and the V6's oil filter housing.
Model years covered: 2011–2016. The Town & Country minivan ended after the 2016 model year and was replaced by the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica; there are no 2017 or later Town & Country minivans. This record covers only the 2011-2016 vans (2008-2010 vans of the same generation used older V6 engines).
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Stow n go fold flat second and third rows
- Strong 283 hp V6
- Generous standard equipment
- Rear seat entertainment widely available
- Large cargo area
- Low used prices for the features
- Parts shared with grand caravan
Things to know before you buy
- Single powertrain 2011 2016 condition matters most
- 62te transmission road test important
- Pentastar oil filter housing leaks with age
- Early pentastar left head wear 2011 2013
- Power sliding doors and liftgate should be tested
- No all wheel drive
- Iihs small overlap performance dated
- Replaced by pacifica for 2017
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 5 (2008–2016)
The fifth-generation (RT platform) Town & Country launched for 2008. This record covers its 2011-2016 phase, which began with a major refresh: the 283-hp, 260 lb-ft 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 62TE 6-speed automatic became the only powertrain, the interior was redesigned, and the suspension and steering were retuned. Later years added standard leather and DVD (2012), Blu-ray and the S model (2013), and the Limited Platinum (2015). All were front-wheel drive and built in Windsor, Ontario.
Buyer takeaway: Because every 2011-2016 van shares the same powertrain, buy on condition, mileage and service history. 2012 and later vans have standard leather and DVD; 2013 and later add Blu-ray and rear USB. Favor a van with documented transmission service and no oil or coolant leaks.
Chrysler Town & Country by model year
2016 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2016 Town & Country is the final model year; the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica replaced it. An Anniversary Edition based on the Touring-L marked Chrysler's 90th anniversary with heated front and second-row seats, a heated wheel and a sunroof, and projector headlamps became standard on retail vans. It keeps the 283-hp V6 and 6-speed (about 17/25 mpg). Check transmission-pump and windshield recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Final model year replaced by the 2017 chrysler pacifica
- Anniversary edition for chrysler 90th anniversary
- Projector headlamps standard on retail models
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Windshield recall completion.
2015 Chrysler Town & Country
For 2015 the LX returned as the entry Town & Country and the new Limited Platinum became the top trim, above the Limited, Touring-L, S and Touring. Powertrain is unchanged: 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Certain late-2015 vans are part of a transmission-pump recall and a windshield-installation recall, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Base lx trim returns
- Limited platinum becomes the top trim
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Windshield recall completion.
2014 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2014 Town & Country marked the minivan's 30th anniversary with a 30th Anniversary Edition based on the Touring-L (special wheels, trim and badging). Daytime running lamps became standard and the S model continued. Mechanically it carries over the 283-hp Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). The 2011-2014 driver vent-window switch recall may apply, so confirm by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- 30th anniversary edition based on touring l
- Daytime running lamps standard
- S model continues
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history.
2013 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2013 Town & Country added a sport-styled S model with blacked-out trim, a performance-tuned suspension and black leather, plus an available dual-screen Blu-ray/DVD system with HDMI input and rear USB charging ports. Trailer sway damping became standard. Powertrain is unchanged: 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Some 2013 vans were recalled for airbag-controller software, so run the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- New sport styled s model
- Available dual screen blu ray entertainment with hdmi input
- Rear USB charging ports
- Trailer sway damping standard
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Airbag warning light and recall completion.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2012 Town & Country carries over the 283-hp Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Leather seating and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system became standard on every trim, making even the Touring well equipped. Touring, Touring-L and Limited remain the trims. A few 2012 vans had narrow recalls (for example, a rear hub bearing and a liftgate pinch sensor), so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Leather seating standard on all trims
- Rear seat dvd entertainment standard on all trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Left bank misfire or ticking on early pentastar.
2011 Chrysler Town & Country
The 2011 Town & Country got a major refresh: every van now uses the 283-hp, 260 lb-ft 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg), replacing three older V6s. The cabin was redesigned with nicer materials, the suspension and steering were retuned, and a one-touch fold eased third-row access. Trims were Touring, Touring-L and Limited, and Stow 'n Go seating remained a highlight. Early Pentastar engines should be checked for left-head valve wear.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- New 3.6 liter pentastar V6 replaces 3 3 3 8 and 4.0 liter v6s
- 6 speed automatic on every model
- Redesigned interior with soft touch surfaces
- Retuned suspension and steering
- New chrysler wing badging
- Trims touring touring l and limited
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Left bank misfire or ticking on early pentastar.
Known issues and what to check
- 62TE 6-Speed Automatic: Shift Quality and Pump Recall (2011–2016)
Every 2011 and later model uses the 62TE 6-speed automatic with the Pentastar V6. Used vans should be road tested for harsh, slipping or delayed shifts, since the transmission works hard in a heavy family vehicle. Separately, certain 2015-2016 vans built from July 31, 2015 to April 18, 2016 were recalled because the transmission pump could seize and cause a loss of drive (NHTSA 16V-461).
What to do: Road-test carefully and confirm the 16V-461 recall is complete if it applies to the VIN. - Pentastar V6 Oil Filter Housing / Cooler Leaks and Early Head Wear (2011–2016)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 mounts a plastic oil filter housing with an integrated oil cooler in the engine valley. With age it can crack or its gaskets can leak oil or coolant, which may collect out of sight before dripping. Some early (roughly 2011-2013) Pentastar engines also suffered left cylinder-head valve-seat wear that caused a misfire and ticking; FCA extended warranty coverage on that head for 10 years/150,000 miles, which has likely expired on vans of this age.
What to do: Look for oil or coolant leaks around the oil filter housing; a documented replacement is a plus. - Driver Armrest Vent-Window Switch Overheating Recall (NHTSA 14V-234) (2011–2014)
Certain 2010-2014 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vans built August 25, 2010 through October 31, 2013 were recalled because the power vent-window switch in the driver's door armrest could overheat, creating a fire risk.
What to do: Confirm the vent-window switch recall is complete on a 2011-2014 van. - Power Sliding Doors and Liftgate Operation (2011–2016)
Power sliding doors and power liftgates see heavy family use. Worn cables, rollers, latches, door wiring or pinch sensors can cause doors that stall, reverse, or will not latch.
What to do: Cycle each power door and the liftgate several times during inspection. - Rear Climate Control and Stow 'n Go Seating Check (2011–2016)
Three-zone climate control and Stow 'n Go fold-in-floor seats are key features. Rear air conditioning can lose performance from leaks in the long rear lines, and seat latches and floor bins can be damaged by heavy use.
What to do: Test rear A/C and fold every seat before buying a family van. - Airbag Software (2013) and Windshield Bonding (2015-2016) Recalls (2013–2016)
Certain 2013 vans built May 10, 2012 through June 7, 2013 were recalled because airbag-controller software could deploy the side airbags on the side opposite an impact (NHTSA 13V-283). Certain 2015-2016 Town & Countrys built August 2014 through December 2015 may have windshields installed with expired primer, letting the glass displace in a crash (NHTSA 16V-044).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm these recalls are complete if they apply.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including the vent-window switch (2011-2014) and transmission-pump (2015-2016) recalls where they apply.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Kia Sedona
- Nissan Quest
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Volkswagen Routan
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does the 2011-2016 Town & Country have?
- What changed in the 2011 refresh?
- How is the Town & Country different from the Grand Caravan?
- Which years have standard leather and DVD?
- What is the Town & Country S?
- What should I inspect on a used Town & Country?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What fuel economy does it get?
- What replaced the Town & Country?
- What similar minivans should I consider?