Home · 2012 Chrysler Town And Country · Complaints

What 632 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Chrysler Town And Country

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (632)Crash / fire / injury (35)Electrical system (393)Engine (100)Fuel system (58)Transmission & drivetrain (35)Body & structure (33)Visibility & wipers (25)Brakes (22)Airbags (18)Lights (17)Steering (16)

35 of 632 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Apr 29, 2024Electrical systemFire

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 ODI 11585730

Aug 1, 2023Engine & coolingFire

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 ODI 11535665

Apr 27, 2023AirbagsCrash1 injury

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 ODI 11519284

Dec 29, 2022Electrical systemFire2 injuries

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 ODI 11499362

Mar 19, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFire

FUEL PUMP RELAY STICKS AND CAUSES BATTERY TO GO DEAD. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CHRYSLER IN 2021. THEY EXPLAINED THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TIPM IN MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME FUSE RELAY BOX WHICH COULD CATCH FIRE. MY 2012 WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS. DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. ORDERED CHRYSLERS RELAY BYPASS KIT FROM MULTIPLE OUTLETS INCLUDING OEM CHRYLER PARTS DEPARTMENTS ONLY TO GET CANCELLED DUE TO AVAILIBILITY FOR ONLY RECALLED VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE SHUTS OUT RANDOMLY AND WILL NOT START . THE FUSE BOX FINALLY DID START SMOKINING AT THE FUEL PUMP FUSE #25. i HAD TO ORDER A COMPLETE TIPM NOW BECAUSE IT DAMAGED THE CIRCUIT BOARD.ALSO,WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THE FLEXPLATES (FLYWHEEL) IT SHATTERED AT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLTS

NHTSA ODI 11457377

Jan 11, 2022Electrical systemLane DepartureFire

I was driving my 2012 town & country van on the expressway and the van started slowing down and were jerking backwards and forward it was trying to shut off. I became very afraid for my children safety as well as mine. Ignition switch was stalling while I was driving. The car behind me was driving so fast ,that I had to pull off the expressway before me and my family would die. This should be a recall so other family member would not die. Bad ignition switch can cost a family their life's. Please look into this I thank God that me and my kids are still alive. I would like to have a recall on this item( ignition switch) before it cause someone life. Please fix my van. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11447074

Dec 20, 2021AirbagsCrash3 injuries

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the contact crashed into another vehicle which resulted in none of the air bags deploying. The contact sustained injuries to the knee and head injuries, the contact's daughter which was sitting in the passenger seat sustained a headache, and the contact's son which was seated in the rear driver's side seat sustained a headache and sought medical treatment. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was towed again to an insurance mechanic. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,901.

NHTSA ODI 11444462

Jun 28, 2021AirbagsCrash2 injuries

During an accident, the front driver side was impacted. My brother was driving, and hit his head on the windshield after air bags failed to deploy. He rear-ended another vehicle on the highway when he was going somewhere around 40-50 MPH. He is handicapped, and therefore was seat belted into his wheelchair in addition to the car seatbelt. It is believed that his chair seatbelt kept him from hitting his head harder or from permeating the windshield. Pictures included below show his van (white) and the vehicle he hit (grey/silver) with the rear end damages.

NHTSA ODI 11422662

Oct 19, 2020Electrical systemBody & structureCrash

THE VAN WILL JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING TRACK IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS IT HAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY 32 TIMES WHILE IN MOTIONS SOMETIMES STARTING RIGHT BACK UP OTHER TIMES TAKES SO CRANKING TO GET IT TO TURN OVER. LAST WEDNESDAY 10/14 THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL IN A 45 MPH ZONE AND THE VAN WENT RIGHT OFF THE ROAD LUCKILY NO DAMAGE AND NO ONE BEING INJURES. IF THAT WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT MORE DANGEROUS. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MANY OF THIS YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO THE SLIDING POWER DOORS WILL NOT SHUT AND STAY SHUT WITHOUT HOLDING THEM WITH PRESSURE TO CLOSE THEY ALSO WILL CLOSE RANDOMLY AND ALMOST CLOSED ON MY 4 YEAR OLD IN IT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY BODY IN THE DOOR SO SHE DID NOT GET SQUISHED. I CAN GIVE ME DETAIL ON EITHER IF YOU NEED ANY.

NHTSA ODI 11365267

Apr 28, 2020Body & structure1 injury

VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE POWER LIFTGATE MALFUNCTIONED, SLAMMED SHUT AND LOCKED ON POINTER FINGER CRUSHING MY DIGITAL NERVE. THE LIFTGATE MALFUNCTIONED TWO YEARS PREVIOUS TO THIS INCIDENT AND WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT IT BEING REPLACED WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS PART OF THE VEHICLE. IM VERY LUCKY THE ONLY THING THAT WAS INJURED WAS MY FINGER. THIS COULD EASILY KILL SOMEONE

NHTSA ODI 11322523

Jan 28, 2020Electrical systemEngineFire

DOOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE EVERYWHERE, SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD.

NHTSA ODI 11302437

Jan 17, 2020Body & structure1 injury

HAND PINCHED IN DRIVER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND NOT STARTED.

NHTSA ODI 11300016

Apr 13, 2019Electrical systemFire1 injury

DRIVER DOOR CAUGHT FIRE AFTER RECALLED WINDOW SWITCH WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY, A FRIEND BEHIND ME HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER SO THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE DRIVER DOOR

NHTSA ODI 11195989

Mar 30, 2019Electrical systemFire

MY BLIND SPOT SENSORS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. I BROUGHT THEM TO A DEALER THAT SAID THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO THE SENSOR HOUSING. I JUST GOT HOME AND REMOVED BOTH SENSORS AND BOTH ARE CORRODED FROM WATER DAMAGE THAT CLEARLY ENTERED AT THE SEAMS OF THE HOUSING. THIS IS SO BAD THAT THEY ARE SPLIT OPEN BECAUSE THE CORROSION AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF SHORTING WIRES AND MELTING PLASTIC IN THE AREA WHERE THE SENSORS ARE HOUSED IN THE REAR BUMPERS. THIS ISSUE WAS PRESENT IN BOTH SENSORS AND AFTER SOME ONLINE SEARCHES IT APPEARS THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER DRIVERS OF THIS MAKE/MODEL ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. BECAUSE THE BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM IS A SAFETY FEATURE I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. IF THESE PARTS ARE NOT RECALLED SOMEONE'S FAILED BLIND SPOT DETECTION SENSORS ARE GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT LEADING TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH (IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY.) I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO INVESTIGATE OR SEND A REPLACEMENT PART THAT WOULD BE SEALED TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI 11192650

Feb 28, 2019Body & structure1 injury

THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE OPENED NORMALLY AND MOMENTS LATER FELL SUDDENLY AS THE OPERATOR WAS PLACING ITEMS IN THE VEHICLE. THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OPERATOR ON THE HEAD CAUSING INJURY NOT REQUIRING TREATMENT. THE LIFTGATE WAS CLOSED AND LATCH ENGAGED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. WITHOUT WARNING THE LIFTGATE MOTOR ENGAGED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND THE OPERATOR SUFFERED PROPERTY LOSS. THE OPERATOR PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE LIFTGATE BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE LATCH TO ENGAGE. THE OPERATOR CONTINUED TO DESTINATION CAUTIOUS WITH THE LIFTGATE OPENED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE AND ENGAGE THE LATCH. THE LIFTGATE WAS SECURE WHEN THE OPERATOR PROCEEDED TO ENTER THE BUILDING. SOME TIME LATER, THE OPERATOR WAS NOTIFIED BY A CO-WORKER THAT THE VEHICLE LIFTGATE WAS OPENED. THE RECENTLY REPLACED STRUTS ARE NOT SUPPORTING THE LIFTGATE AND IT FALLS SUDDENLY ON THE OPERATOR. THE LIFTGATE OD ALSO ENGAGING WITHOUT OPERATOR INITIATING THE ACTION, EVEN WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI 11183203

Sep 20, 2018Electrical systemLightsDriver assistanceFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM, NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM, AND THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA FAILED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIMBERLY CAR CITY (625 W KIMBERLY ROAD, DAVENPORT, IA 52806, (563) 391-8300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BUMPER, MODULES, AND WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO WATER EXPOSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. A CHRYSLER ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAIR31876429. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11130303

Jan 25, 2018Electrical systemBody & structureFire

RESPONDED TO A VEHICLE FIRE AND FOUND THIS VEHICLE WIT FIRE AND HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR AREA. THE DRIVER HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE STATED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE DOOR OF HER VEHICLE. THE HEAT DAMAGE WAS MOSTLY IN THE AREA OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. OWNER AND DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE STATED THE WINDOW BUTTONS HAD BEEN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. FIRE MARSHAL WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI 11064907

Oct 1, 2017Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFire

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR QUARTER VENT WINDOW SWITCH. THIS CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE MY VAN CAUSING ALL OF THE WINDOWS AND ELECTRIC DOORS TO CEASE OPENING, LITERALLY TRAPPING MY THEN 3 YEAR OLD TWINS INSIDE THE VAN ON 11/30/16. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN 8/31/17. THE SECOND ISSUE INVOLVES A RECALL ON THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE WHEN THE VAN WAS BRAND NEW. IT HAD TO HAVE REPROGRAMMING OF SOFTWARE BECAUSE OF POOR SHIFT QUALITY. THIS WAS DONE ON 1/1/12. THE LAST ALMOST 2 YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE REVOLVED AROUND THIS ISSUE. MY VAN FREQUENTLY THINKS IT'S STUCK IN REVERSE WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY IN PARK SO IT WON'T START. THIS CAN GO ON FOR DAYS. IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/18/16, 11/3/16, 11/30/16, AND AGAIN ON 8/31/17 ALL FOR THIS EXACT REASON. I HAVE NUMEROUS TIME STAMPED PICTURES FROM THE 9 MONTH GAP THAT I STOPPED BRINGING IT IN TO SHOW IT WAS STILL DOING IT. I DIDN'T BRING IT IN, HOWEVER BECAUSE THE ISSUE WAS NEVER RESOLVED BECAUSE NO CODE CAME UP. THIS TIME CHRYSLER HAS CAME UP WITH 8 THINGS THAT IT IS BUT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE BACK ORDERED POWERTRAIN MODULE TO COMPLETE THE LAST OF THE 8 ITEMS. IN THE MEANTIME THEY ARE MAKING ME PAY OVER $1000 OUT OF POCKET FOR A RENTAL I CAN'T AFFORD. THE FIRST TIME THE ELECTRICAL FIRE HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY IN AN ICE STORM WITH MY CHILDREN AND DOG WHERE THERE WERE NO EXITS. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING WITH THE GIRL I BABYSIT ON A 50MPH ROAD. WHEN THE CAR THINLS IT'S IN REVERSE, IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN THE PICKUP LINE AT SCHOOL CAUSING OTHER PARENTS TP GET ANGRY WHEN I AM BLOCKING EVERYONE. SOMETIMES I GO TO START MY CAR AND IT'S FINE, OTHER DAYS OR MINUTES IT THINKS IT'S IN REVERSE. IT HAS BEEN THE BAIN OF MY EXISTENCE. *TT NO INSPECTION, RO WITH COMPLAINT OF "VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE": 1/11/2016, P25 OPEN AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT UPDATED 7/23/18*JB

NHTSA ODI 11030759

Jul 9, 2017Electrical system1 injury

THE POWER LIFT GATE WAS OPEN AND COLLAPSE ON TO MY WIFE HEAD , AND WILL NOT STAY UP AND WILL NOT LATCH EITHER TO CLOSE THE DOOR THE CAR WAS PARKED AND MY WIFE WAS LOADING GROCERY IN THE TRUNK AND IT GAVE OUT HIT HER IN THE HEAD AS SHE WAS LOADING!!

NHTSA ODI 11003885

Jan 25, 2017EngineFire

ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT AT 60,850 MILES SITTING IN PARKING LOT.

NHTSA ODI 10947582

Aug 8, 2016Seat belts1 injury

AN ONCOMING DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC (ME) BEFORE TURNING LEFT. WE NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT, BUT WHEN I BRAKED HARD AND SWERVED, BOTH OF THE SEAT BELTS IN THE THIRD ROW HOLDING MY CHILDREN'S CAR SEATS CAME UNDONE. (BOTH CHILDREN STILL USE THE FIVE-POINT HARNESS WHILE IN THEIR SEATS.) ONE CHILD (STILL STRAPPED INTO HER CAR SEAT) FLEW INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE OTHER CHILD (ALSO STILL STRAPPED INTO HER CAR SEAT) FLEW INTO THE BACK OF THE MIDDLE ROW SEAT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HER.

NHTSA ODI 10893959

Jun 7, 2016Body & structure1 injury

2012 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURY WHEN VEHICLE OPEN POWER LIFT GATE FELL AND STRUCK CONSUMER. *SMD

NHTSA ODI 10873049

Jun 7, 2016Body & structure1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. AFTER THE LIFTGATE WAS OPENED, IT INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A PINCHED ARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V191000 (EQUIPMENT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 10872956

May 9, 2016Electrical systemAirbagsBrakesCrash

I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT HIT FROM SIDE MY CAR SUSTAINED OVER 5,000 OF DAMAGE MY CHILDREN AND I WERE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER THEY JUST ADVISED ME TO GO TO DEALER TO HAVE AIRBAGS CHECKED. NEVER OFFERED TO DO ANY FURTHER INQUIRY. CURRENTLY, MY VAN STARTS AT TIMES AND AT OTHERS DOES NOT MY NEW BATTERY WHICH WAS COSTLY CONTINUES TO BE DRAINED I CALLED CHRYSLER THEY SAID IT WOULD COST 145. JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY AVAILABLE TO CHECK THE CAR I SAID TO THE SERVICE DEPT. "YOU KNOW THESE VANS ARE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS YET YOU STILL CHARGE ME SO MUCH TO HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM CHECKED?" THEY SAID YES DO YOU WANT TO MAKE AN APT.? OF COURSE I DID NOT.

NHTSA ODI 10864051

Apr 8, 2016Engine & coolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BURNED AND THE CONNECTING ROD FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 10854386

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Working with the data? Download all 632 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 27, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Chrysler Town And Country verdict →