1997 Chrysler Town and country problems
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that was manufactured and marketed by Chrysler from 1990 to the 2016 model years. The third Chrysler minivan introduced in North America, the Town & Country adopted its nameplate from the flagship Chrysler station wagon line, adopting its exterior woodgrain trim as a design feature for several generations.
Marketed as the flagship of the Chrysler minivan line, five generations of the Town & Country were slotted above the extended-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager. For 2017, Chrysler retired the nameplate, with sixth-generation Chrysler-division minivans becoming the Chrysler Pacifica. After the 2016 model year, Chrysler marked the sale of its 12 millionth minivan (under all three nameplates). Produced almost continuously for 75 years (with the exception of World War II and 1989), the Town & Country nameplate is the longest-produced Chrysler; its longevity is second only to the Chevrolet Suburban in worldwide automotive history.
Chrysler assembled the first three generations of the model line in its Saint Louis Assembly facility (Fenton, Missouri). The fourth and fifth-generation Town & Country were produced by Chrysler Canada by Windsor Assembly (Windsor, Ontario).
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Common 1997 Chrysler Town and country problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Instrument Cluster Malfunction: One common problem reported by owners is the malfunction of the instrument cluster, leading to issues with the speedometer, odometer, and gas gauge. This can be attributed to ground connections or cold solder joints on the instrument cluster, causing erratic behavior in the gauges and warning lights.
- TIPM Failure: Another prevalent issue is the failure of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which can result in the vehicle not starting. This problem is particularly associated with the 2011 model year but can also affect older vehicles like the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues, such as harsh shifting, shuddering, and rear evaporator failure, have been reported by owners. These electrical troubles can impact the overall driving experience and may require costly repairs to rectify.
- Blind Spot Detection System: Owners have also experienced faults with the blind spot detection system, particularly in the 2012 model year. Malfunctions in this safety feature can pose risks on the road, potentially leading to accidents if not addressed promptly.
- Engine Issues: Engine problems, including an engine that shuts down while driving, failure to turn over, and persistent engine light illumination, have been highlighted as significant concerns. These engine-related issues can be both inconvenient and expensive to repair, affecting the overall reliability of the vehicle.
- General Wear and Tear: Additionally, general wear and tear issues like excess oil consumption have been noted. These issues, although common in aging vehicles, can still impact the performance and longevity of the Chrysler Town and Country.
By addressing these common problems with the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, owners can better understand the potential issues they may face and take proactive measures to maintain the reliability and safety of their vehicles.
What are the worst years for Chrysler Town and Country?
Here are the worst years for the Chrysler Town and Country:
- 2005 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2008 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2010 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2011 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2012 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2014 Chrysler Town and Country.
What is the most common problem with Chrysler Town and Country?
Electrical problems are the most reported problem that arises with the Chrysler Town and Country.
Is the Chrysler Town and Country reliable?
Chrysler Town & Country Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Chrysler Town & Country Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 4th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $636 which means it has average ownership costs.
What was the last year they made Chrysler Town and Country?
2016
The Chrysler Town & Country was discontinued in 2016. WHICH CHRYSLER BRAND VEHICLE IS THE MOST SIMILAR TO THE TOWN & COUNTRY?
What years to avoid on Chrysler Town and Country?
Here are the worst years for the Chrysler Town and Country:
- 2005 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2008 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2010 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2011 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2012 Chrysler Town and Country.
- 2014 Chrysler Town and Country.
Is the Chrysler Town and Country reliable?
Chrysler Town & Country Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Chrysler Town & Country Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 4th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $636 which means it has average ownership costs.
What kind of engine does a Chrysler Town and Country have?
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
Power for the Chrysler Town & Country comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is Chrysler Town and Country Safe?
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Chrysler Town & Country performed well and even earned five stars in overall side crash. This vehicle also earned five stars in every side barrier test, including driver, passenger and side pole.
1997 Chrysler Town and country complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chrysler Town and country.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1997 Chrysler Town and country recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 1997 Chrysler Town and country.
- Manufacturer: CURT MFG. INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
- Consequence: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
- Manufacturer: WIX FILTERATION PRODUCTS DIVISION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
- Remedy: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.
- Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
- Consequence: 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 AMOUNT OF TIME.
- Remedy: 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 MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: 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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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 ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
- Remedy: 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 OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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 VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.
- Remedy: 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 DATE CODE RANGE, MUST NOW HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON REPLACED (CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 714).
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Consequence: THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.
- Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.
Negative 1997 Chrysler Town and country car reviews
Positive 1997 Chrysler Town and country car reviews
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Had it for 5 years and it's been trouble-free! You should definitely buy it, you'll like it!
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You made a great choice with this vehicle! It was purchased at a great price and has been very reliable. Only three parts have needed replacing due to normal wear and tear, which is to be expected. Overall, it sounds like you made a smart purchase!
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Overall experience is great! The car rides smoothly, has plenty of room, and has been extremely dependable - I haven't had any mechanical concerns at all. I'm excited to trade up to a new '03!
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This vehicle started as a good priced buy. Although it needed more work than I expected, I was able to do it myself and save some money. The body was in nice shape, but the mechanicals required a lot of attention. Despite the challenges, I loved the ride and drive. After spending around $1000 on repairs, it started to come around. Unfortunately, it didn't last long as the transmission went out, costing me $2400 to replace. From day one, there was one major concern - the engine would shut down for approximately a second. However, I have noticed that it restarts immediately, even when running at highway speeds. Although this issue doesn't bother me too much, I will keep an eye on it.
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my T/C LXI since 1996. It's been absolutely excellent! I've only needed to do regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance. It's so comfortable to drive and even as a passenger, I always feel at ease. I even installed a DVD player and I'm planning to add a rear view camera soon. With these upgrades, I'm hoping to keep my car for another 8 years at least!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chrysler Town and country problems:
1997 Chrysler Town & Country Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues
Top 1997 Chrysler Town & Country Problems · Shifting Harshness and Shuddering Issue · The Power Window Motor and/or Regulator May Fail · Reasons for Excess Oil ...
Chrysler Town and Country overheating - CarGurus
Dec 7, 2013 ... I have had repeated problems with ... I don't know that this is a common problem.... ... Chrysler town and country 1997 keeps overheating 1 Answer.
Q&A: 1997 Chrysler Town & Country - Gas Station Tips
Apr 18, 2015 ... Verified chrysler technician. replied 8 years ago ago. YES, I am still here. This instrument cluster or gauge issue is a very common problem.
Chrysler Town & Country Questions - My Town & Country shuts ...
Aug 29, 2013 ... 2001 Chrysler T&C 3.8L Problem- engine shuts ... Hi guys I am also having problems with my 2009 Chrysler ... I have a 97 Chrysler Voyager (Town and ...
Q&A: 1997 Chrysler Town & Country LXI AWD 3.8 Engine - Wiring ...
Aug 12, 2008 ... To check for a wiring problem the best thing to do is a thorough visual inspection on the harness which it sounds like you have already done.
Other years of Chrysler Town and country
Are you having problems with your 1997 Chrysler Town and country?
Holden Bradtke 2024-07-10
Hello! Thank you for considering this vehicle. I wanted to let you know that an extended warranty may be a good idea. In my experience, I had to replace the transmission after 60,000 miles and both driver and passenger electric window motors had to be replaced. Additionally, there were a few false sensor lights. However, overall it's not a bad vehicle. Let me know if you have any questions!
Cary Bogan 2024-02-25
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I noticed that you mentioned having to do some repairs on your vehicle every few months. That can definitely be frustrating! It sounds like you've been experiencing some issues with the sensors. On the bright side, I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the ride and performance of your car. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
Dorcas Hartmann 2024-02-03
My wife appreciates the drive and efficiency of the T&C vehicle design. Despite having to replace the transmission three times, we were able to get the parts covered by Chrysler after filing a complaint. The second replacement occurred at around 54k miles, and the third at 63k miles. Fortunately, the parts for the third replacement were also covered by Chrysler.