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2012 Chrysler Town And Country Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Chrysler Town And Country carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical system and rear. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door and power liftgate mechanism failures.” 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.

5 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #12V141000 · Mar 4, 2012

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT FULLY MACHINED.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Campaign #11V487000 · Sep 29, 2011

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.

Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #12V191000 · Feb 5, 2012

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.

Risk: THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. 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 2012 Chrysler Town And Country.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door and power liftgate mechanism failures

STRUCTURE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-08

“PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF FROM THE TOP TRACK WHEN OPENED WITH BUTTON. THE DOOR WAS HANGING. CAR WAS STATIONARY ON A NYC STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310553
“The driver's side sliding door became inoperable suddenly. The locking mechanism was stuck in the locked position and would not release via key, manual, fob, or buttons. A buzzing noise occurred when trying to lock or unlock”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538107
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322523

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Blind spot detection system failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2023-01

“THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE SENSOR THAT SHORTS OUT DUE TO WATER INFILTRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191164
“PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION FAILED. LOCATED IN WHEEL WELL. HOUSING WAS CORODED, DIRT, SAND ,& WATER DAMAGE INSIDE CORRODED WIRES. COST TO REPAIR / REPLACE <$1000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193382
“THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING AGAIN. THIS WAS REPAIRED ON MAY 12, 2017 FOR A COST OF $1409.84 AND HAS FAILED AGAIN. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO NHTSA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309591

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and powertrain failures

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2023-05

“The Flexplate/Flywheel cracks every 4 years for us, this is our second repair same part. Dealership says now there is a reinforcement plate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522076
“I HAVE A 2012 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY. ITS STARTED INTERMITTENTLY NOT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. I CAN SHUT IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON THEN IT WILL WORK. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT WILL WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350355
“THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE HAS STARTED SLIPPING AT 94000 MILES. I NOTICED IT HAPPENS WHEN TAKING OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309316

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine mechanical component failures

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-11

“Catalytic converter is reported to me as needing to be replaced. Check Engine light came on which indicated this error. It’s only at 84k miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699337
“The bearings in the rockers went bad and allowed the rockers to make contact with the camshafts. The camshafts are bad and the rockers are bad. There is metal in the oil system now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446891
“I HAD THE FOLLOWING REPLACED IN JUNE 2020: 6 SPARK PLUGS, 6 BOOTS, AND AN INTAKE GASKET SET. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND IT IS STILL READING #2 MISFIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404572

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt and active head restraint malfunctions

SEAT BELTS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-03

“Driver's seat active headrest deployed while vehicle was in motion with cruise control set at 35 MPH. Loud bang accompanied by the headrest hitting the driver in the back of the head causing the driver to jerk the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595807
“SEAT BELT FASTNER IS COMING APART ON DRIVERS SIDE. NOT ALLOWING FOR SMOOTH BUCKLING. THE SEAT BELT HOLDER IS COMING APART AND MUST BE SNAPPED BACK TOGETHER IN ORDER FOR SEAT BELT TO SECURELY FIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485825
“DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THAT IS ANCHORED TO THE SEAT (OR CAR FRAME?) ON THE LEFT SIDE OF DRIVER CAME OUT WHEN DRIVER TURNED TO LOOK OVER SHOULDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397416

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

111 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-07

“Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road. Once key is turned off and back on, car restarts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699567
“The ignition switch AKA WIN MODULE has to be broken, making it extremely dangerous to drive my vehicle. Any time I go over a bump or the key wiggles slightly the car will turn right off and I lose full control over the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753587
“The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630452

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)

70 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

16

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 2012 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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