2003 Chrysler Town And Country

245 federal complaints (336 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 74 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 32 model years of the Chrysler Town And Country →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
245
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
61
Electrical system
44
Power train
29
Engine & cooling
25
Air bags
25
Brakes
18
Glass & wipers
17
Lighting
17
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 24 complaints01 years old: 45 complaints2 years old: 21 complaints3 years old: 22 complaints4 years old: 24 complaints5 years old: 20 complaints56 years old: 20 complaints7 years old: 22 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 4 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 241 of 245 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 28 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 32 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 27 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 30 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 26 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 13 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 182 of 245 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

61 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM GETS HOT. I LOOSE STEERING, FRONT TIRE WOBBLES AND BRAKE STARTS SMOKING THE HOSE KINKS ALSO. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

44 complaint records1 fire report
"WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING ALL DOORS WILL OPEN AND LOCK INTERMITTENTLY. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE COMPUTER.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Power train

29 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP14002
opened Sep 2014
closed Apr 2015Fuel System, GasolineEngine Stall After Refueling
This defect petition evaluates July 7, 2014 allegations from an owner of a model year (MY) 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that engine stall occurs in these vehicles without warning after refueling.The petitioner's vehicle is a Chrysler RS platform...
EA04031
opened Nov 2004
closed Apr 2005Latches/Locks/LinkagesPOWER LIFTGATE LATCH - led to recall 05V134000
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004...
PE04054
opened Jul 2004
closed Nov 2004Latches/Locks/LinkagesPOWER LIFTGATE LATCH
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 30, 2004, BASED ON ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNWANTED OPENING OF THE VEHICLE'S POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) WHILE DRIVING.IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC)'S SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO ODI' S INFORMATION REQUEST...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
05V134000Latches/Locks/LinkagesON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE THE STRIKER ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING.Normally free
04V386000SteeringON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3.3 OR 3.8L V-6 ENGINE, THE UPPER POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE MAY SPLIT AND CAUSE A FLUID LEAK.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2005103
2005-04-11
Other3,069On certain vehicles, the power lift-gate (PLG) latch may become stuck in an unopened state and may not cinch on the striker during a PLG closing cycle.
2004276
2004-08-04
Steering150,116On certain minivans equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine, the upper power steering cooler hose could split, causing a fluid leak. Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003623
Nov 2016
EquipmentWiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or...
23027
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemReturn: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF.
23137
Aug 2016
EquipmentInspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
23104
Aug 2016
Exterior Lighting05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20244
Aug 2016
EquipmentCBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order.
Volume 2, Issue
Aug 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
22892
Aug 2016
EquipmentReturn: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA.
22867
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemInspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB.
22958
Aug 2016
Electrical System1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20616
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemP/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached.
Volume 2, Issue
Jun 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003215
Feb 2015
EquipmentPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
2302007
Sep 2007
StructurePOWER SLIDING DOOR ADJUSTMENT AND DIAGNOSIS AID. *KB UPDATED 10/26/07. *NJ
1400207
Apr 2007
Fuel SystemCLEANING PROCEDURE FOR THE MECHANICAL THROTTLE BODY. *KB
0500106A
Sep 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *KB
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
0500305
Mar 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
1900805
Nov 2005
SteeringREVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
1900403
Aug 2005
SteeringSTEERING SHUDDER. *TT
0500204
Jun 2005
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
0200405
May 2005
SuspensionCREAKING/SQUAWKING SOUND FROM FRONT STRUT AREA. *TT
0200305
Mar 2005
SuspensionRATTLE/KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0200403
Feb 2005
SuspensionMUFFLED RATTLE SOUND FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. 2004 VOYAGER INCLUDED. *TT
0800505
Jan 2005
Electrical SystemPOWER LIFTGATE (PLG) SERVICE. *TT
0500404
Dec 2004
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
1900504
Oct 2004
SteeringPOP/TRICK/CREAK SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN. *MJ *EH
2100804
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT
2301004
Sep 2004
StructurePASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT
2400503
Jun 2004
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILURE. *TT
2100503
May 2004
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT *MJ
0802103
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemVEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) BRAKES MAY HAVE THE ABS, BRAKE, AND TRAC OFF LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER (SKIM) MAY HAVE THE SECURITY/VTA LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT
0803403
Mar 2004
Electrical SystemNEW SPARK PLUG FOR 2.4L ENGINE. *MJ
0800604
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemINSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION. *TT
1800504
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingNO-START, START & STALL MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0508/P0509. *TT
0800504
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemERRONEOUS ACTUATION OF HORNS, HEADLAMPS, AND PARKING LAMPS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED. *TT
1900603
Sep 2003
SteeringKNOCKING SOUND FROM LOWER STEERING COLUMN. *TT
1802603A
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NO START (ENGINE WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY), MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0016, P0116, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499, P0522, P0622, P1604, P1681, P1686, P1698. *TT
0500403
Aug 2003
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
2100603A
Aug 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT. *TT
2100503A
Aug 2003
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
1802803
Jul 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE WITH PROPERLY FUNCTIONING EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM REPEATEDLY SETS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0456 WHEN CUSTOMER REGULARLY COMMUTES ON A STEEP GRADE. *TT
0703
Jul 2003
StructurePROCEDURE TO REMOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN SERVICING THE FRONT BLOWER MOTOR WITHOUT REMOVING THE HVAC ASSEMBLY. UPDATE. *TT
1802603
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NO START (ENGINE WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY), MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0016, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499. *TT
1802303
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemBATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATION, ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1594. *TT
2100603
Jun 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
C20
Jun 2003
SteeringPOWER STEERING FLUID COOLER HOSES MAY SPLIT AND CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C20. *TT
1900103
May 2003
SteeringPOP/TICK SOUND IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. *TT *MJ

Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chrysler Town And Country →