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2011 Chrysler Town And Country Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Chrysler Town And Country carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical system and column. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door lock actuator failure.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V234000 · Jul 5, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.

Risk: An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign #11V315000 · Aug 6, 2011

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

Campaign #25V876000 · Dec 17, 2025

Issue: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Chrysler Town And Country.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door lock actuator failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2024-05

“Rear sliding door lock actuator has failed and is stuck in locked position. It is impossible to open the door from inside or out using either manual or electric opener. This is dangerous as this door can no longer be used in case of emergency or accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446143
“THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF MY CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY HAS SUDDENLY SEIZED AND REFUSES TO OPEN. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY ACTUATOR. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THOUGHT IT A SAFETY CONCERN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307823
“Unknown what part is at fault. The automatic sliding doors will open fully and then immediately close. The feature that is supposed to make the doors stop when they detect something does not activate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11591140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module failure with warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ABS module and Service Brake warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shift indicator also failed to operate as needed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685104
“The ABS light, Traction light, and Brake light all come on and simultaneously. I've been told that the ABS Module is bad and needs to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547859
“THE BRAKES RR WILL LOCK WHILE DRIVING IN THE HWY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11359934

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

TIPM/fuel pump relay stall and no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

141 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-02

“The tipm fuel pump relay is faulty causing the car to start intermittently. It also stalled on a main road without any warning with my kids in the car. Luckily I was able to put the flashers on and drift to the side and others were able to get around without any accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719679
“The vehicle will crank but not start. This happened intermittently at first but is now a consistent issue. Through research I discovered that this is a common TIPM issue on this year Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge vehicles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482744
“WHILE DRIVING OUR 2011 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LTD. ON A CITY STREET, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WHICH ALMOST CAUSED US TO HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT AS THERE WAS TRAFFIC RON FRONT OF AND BEHIND US.. BECAUSE OF THIS, WE LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279337

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cylinder misfire and engine oil cooler leak

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-06

“There is a problem with the engine oil cooler leaking oil on the engine creating a smell of oil burning which is not good to breathe, plus the danger of the engine catching on fire. I am filing this report on 11/28/2021”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441892
“AT 103,XXX MILES, MY VAN'S ENGINE SEIZED UP ON OUR WAY TO OUR WEDDING. I TOOK IT TO A CHRYSLER CERTIFIED MECHANIC IN WEST BRANCH, IOWA, AND WAS TOLD MY CONNECTING RODS BUSTED APART. THE ENGINE HAD PLENTY OF OIL IN IT AND THE ENGINE DID NOT OVERHEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120157
“MY VAN WITHOUT WARNING STARTED RUNNING ROUGHT IN DRIVE, SHAKING, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BLINKING FAST TOOK IT TO MECHANIC. IT SHOWS ALL CYCLINDERS HAVE SEVERE MISFIRING ISSUES. THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY AND TOLD ME TO TAKE TO CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258145

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, A VEHICLE WAS T-BONED BY WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHICH PROPELLED THE VEHICLE INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416168
“I WAS IN TWO ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ELECTRICAL FOR THE TRUNK AND WINDOWS DO NOT WORK, AND THE DOOR ELECTRICAL IS A FIRE HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206587
“On 4/9/12 I was involved in a serious accident that resulted in my daughter obtaining a severe traumatic brain. She was in critical condition and is now severely disabled. The back curtain airbags did not protect her and did not appear to work properly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537527

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

12

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Chrysler Town And Country reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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