2008 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 2008 Chrysler Town and country problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, several common problems have been reported:
- Premature Brake Wear: Owners have frequently complained about premature brake wear in the 2008 Town & Country, with issues arising around 40,000 miles. The stock brake rotors and pads are reported to be weaker than those of other brands, leading to the need for replacements costing around $400 for rotors and $250 for pads.
- Engines Dying While Driving: Another significant problem reported by owners is engines stalling and dying while driving, often occurring around 100,000 miles. This issue is commonly linked to the exhaust gas recirculation valve and can cost around $600 to replace. Engine problems can be a major inconvenience and safety concern for drivers.
- Electrical Issues: The 2008 Town & Country has been associated with various electrical problems, including intermittent electrical failures. These issues can lead to a range of malfunctions in the vehicle, impacting its reliability and safety on the road. Addressing electrical problems can result in costly repairs and inconvenience for owners.
- Sliding Door Problems: Owners have reported issues with the sliding doors of the 2008 Town & Country, including failures in the automatic operation of these doors. This can be a significant inconvenience for families using the vehicle, especially when transporting children or cargo.
- Poor Build Quality: Some owners have expressed concerns about the overall build quality of the 2008 Town & Country, indicating that the vehicle may not meet their expectations in terms of durability and longevity. Poor build quality can lead to a range of issues and impact the overall satisfaction of owners with their vehicles.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country highlight the importance of understanding potential issues associated with this model. Addressing these issues promptly and proactively can help owners maintain the reliability and safety of their vehicles.
What is the problem with the 2008 Town and Country van?
Top 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Problems
- Shifting Harshness and Shuddering Issue. ...
- Failure of rear evaporator. ...
- The Power Window Motor and/or Regulator May Fail. ...
- Reasons for Excess Oil Consumption. ...
- Key May Not Start Car or Release From Ignition. ...
- Head lights turn on/off.
How many miles will a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country last?
How Long Will the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Last? A properly maintained 2008 Town & Country will last around 200,000 miles, about 100,000 miles shorter than top competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at $542 per year.
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.
What is the problem with the 2008 Town and Country van?
Top 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Problems
- Shifting Harshness and Shuddering Issue. ...
- Failure of rear evaporator. ...
- The Power Window Motor and/or Regulator May Fail. ...
- Reasons for Excess Oil Consumption. ...
- Key May Not Start Car or Release From Ignition. ...
- Head lights turn on/off.
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.
How long will a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country last?
How Long Will the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Last? A properly maintained 2008 Town & Country will last around 200,000 miles, about 100,000 miles shorter than top competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at $542 per year.
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.
2008 Chrysler Town and country complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Chrysler Town and country.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2008 Chrysler Town and country recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2008 Chrysler Town and country.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
- Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
- Consequence: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
- Manufacturer: Freedom Motors, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.
- Consequence: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER, TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 24, 2007, THROUGH JULY 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) CONDENSATE LEAK FROM THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET ONTO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL (ORC) MODULE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING.
- Consequence: AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WATER LEAK At THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) DRAIN GROMMET WHICH CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
- Consequence: AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: ELDORADO NATIONAL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
- Consequence: A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.
- Remedy: ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.
Negative 2008 Chrysler Town and country car reviews
Positive 2008 Chrysler Town and country car reviews
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We recently purchased our second 2008 Town and Country, both of which were pre-owned. Our first minivan was the LX trim, and our current one is the Limited. We bought the first minivan with 95k miles on it, and sold it with 130k miles and after 4 years of ownership. It was a solid vehicle, but it didn't have all the options we needed. Two months ago, we were lucky enough to find a black 2008 TC Limited. The value of these minivans is unbeatable; the price of the minivan, OEM parts, and dealership labor is still under 17K. Let's be realistic, this minivan may not be as durable as a Toyota, BUT you get huge savings and a lot of features that you can't find with other manufacturers. It's not expensive to maintain, and we believe it's reliable enough.
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An overall good family vehicle. I travel constantly interstate, and I take the seats out and camp in it. I find the Stow 'n Go floor storage bins most helpful, as I keep supplies in them and that saves more room. I tinted the sides and rear windows limo-tinting, to cut down solar ray intrusion. I really like the convenience of the overhead DVD player. All in all, I'm a big fan!
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This is an excellent purchase for the price. Although the leather may be too soft for kids, which is why I gave an 8 for the interior. The exterior could have used better quality plastics, but it should still hold up. The 4.0 engine, fun factor, and onboard electronics are impressive, especially for a mini-van. The doors were acting up, but my friend who has the same van showed me how to fix the problem by tightening a hex screw on each door. The only improvements I would suggest are wider tires and a better location for the spare tire. Overall, a great buy!
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I've owned several cars and minivans over the years, and my wife's previous vehicle was a 01 T&C with 139K miles which we traded for this new T&C. I'm a lifelong Corvette owner, but let me tell you, I argue with my wife daily about letting me drive this vehicle. Chrysler invented the minivan, and they've made it so much better. I absolutely love being seen in this vehicle - everywhere I stop, people ask me about it. I just reply,
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Most other vans look like spaceships inside and out. However, the T and C has a nice wood grain finish and well-designed ergonomic controls. The current body style is considered the best in the class. It also has all the convenience factors, including the swivel and go feature which the kids love. The motor is peppy and has good mileage. Additionally, it has been reliable with no maintenance issues to date. Overall, I would definitely buy it again.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Chrysler Town and country problems:
2008 Chrysler Town and Country Review, Problems, Reliability ...
May 11, 2022 ... The 2008 Town & Country lasts around 200,000 miles with computer and engine problems. At $4,155 – 4,437, it's not worth the money since there ...
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Problems and Complaints - 33 Issues
Top 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Problems · Shifting Harshness and Shuddering Issue · Failure of rear evaporator · The Power Window Motor and/or Regulator May ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2008 Chrysler Town & Country ...
Mar 18, 2011 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...
Q&A: Common 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Electrical Problems
Apr 21, 2017 ... You could have several things going on and it will require some electrical testing to know for sure what is going on. You at least have a bus ...
Rowan Leannon 2025-08-21
Hi there! I noticed that another reviewer mentioned having to replace the rear brakes twice with only 43,000 miles on the vehicle. It seems like there have been some electrical problems as well, including an issue with the starter that is currently on back order. I hope everything keeps running smoothly until the part comes in! I also wanted to mention that the button used to change gears has broken twice, but unfortunately, it's considered cosmetic under the extended warranty plan and is no longer covered. Lastly, I understand that repairing the front headlight cost $300 and took four hours. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Reed Johnson 2025-08-20
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are glad to hear that the engine and transmission of your vehicle have been excellent. However, we are sorry to hear that you have been experiencing issues with the rear axle brace. That must have been a scary experience, but we are relieved to know that you were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop and find a local welding shop to fix the issue. We appreciate your feedback and will make sure to pass it along to our team. Thank you for choosing our brand and we hope you have a great day!
Chadd Altenwerth 2025-08-09
Hi there! We really like the features of the van, such as the powered doors, captain seats, and DVD players. The kids absolutely love it, and we feel that it's a safe choice. However, we have had some concerns about the quality and reliability. With 70,000 miles on ours, it seems to be consuming about 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles, which is a bit worrying. We also had some issues with the EGR valve in the first week we owned it, and we've noticed that it wears the tires pretty quickly. Recently, we've been hearing some strange noises that we think might be a wheel bearing going bad. Additionally, there are a few cheap spots in the interior, such as the handle for the gear shift and the sun visor falling off. The gas mileage is averaging around 18 mpg, which is a mix of town and highway driving. Overall, we would recommend buying the extended warranty for this one! We ended up trading it in due to occasional issues with the transmission not shifting into 2nd gear. Thanks for reading!
Abelardo Zemlak 2025-08-06
I would not recommend purchasing this van. I bought it in 2010 with 25,000 miles on it and unfortunately, within 300 miles of having it, the transmission died. While Chrysler did repair it, I had to pay $500 for the repair. At 35,000 miles, my rear seat would not go down for stow and go and is stuck at a half-cocked position. Not long after that, the other seat also got stuck at a half-cocked position. I have experienced multiple roof leaks, brake problems, rotor problems, and the tires seem to need replacing too often. Currently, I have a major oil leak and the coolant is starting to leak. The window went and got stuck shut, and sometimes the heater won't blow on the window. Additionally, the clock doesn't work and there is a major delay on the radio turning on. There are many more issues that I have encountered.
Greyson Bosco 2025-07-01
I bought this van in 2009 as the second owner with 33,000 miles on it. Since then, I have driven it for about 50,000 miles. The van is comfortable and has plenty of storage space. However, the gas mileage is lower than I would like at 19/23. Unfortunately, I have experienced some mechanical issues with the vehicle. Although some of the problems were recalled and fixed, others were not. For instance, it uses about 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles, which is a major issue for me. Additionally, the sliding door hinges do not support the doors well, causing them to rub on the bottom guide. I have had to take it in for engine service three times, and it is currently in the shop with issues. As a top-of-the-line minivan, I expected the quality to be much higher.