8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,040
Average Mileage:
69,400 miles
Total Complaints:
61 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (36 reports)
  2. replaced tipm (11 reports)
  3. module replacement, key replacement, software update (6 reports)
  4. bad fuel pump relay in the timp10/ (3 reports)
  5. replace win module (2 reports)
  6. turn completely off and restart (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chrysler dealer.

problem #61

Feb 202020

Town & Country Limited 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

I purchased a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country Limited in January 2019. 4 months later I can’t drive it because it wouldn’t start. Of course it’s just outside the dealer 3,000 mike or three month warranty. Check engine light kept saying misfire in cylinders 1 and 3. Goodyear said put a new starter in it. Of course that’s not covered under my basic extended warranty. So I did. Didn’t help. It would still intermittently start. Then it completely died and check engine light said all six cylinders misfired or malfunctioned.

It sat for three months before I found a dealership that would work on it and allow me to make payments. This guy even paid for my vehicle to be towed from Goodyear, which I was paying to do a diagnostic to see what the f was wrong with it. Had a new engine put in it by the new dealer. Plus had to have two wheel bearings replaced and new tires put on it at the same time. A month later, still having issues with not starting. I’m getting sick of being stranded. Take it to a different mechanic. All signs and tests pointed to a bad alternator. Paid to get that repaired. Drive it for another month or two, van doesn’t want to shift correctly and revs too high.

Just got the transmission replaced. Guess what... still having f'ing issues with starting, it has been towed four times since May. Mechanic said the wire harness was hanging. Got those replaced and put a new battery in it. Still not wanting to start. I might be able to get two or three stops before I get in and it won’t start. Wipers turn on whenever they feel like. Can’t use the push start because the very next time it won’t start. Can’t leave the doors open if the van isn’t running or the van won’t start. Seems if it’s in the 90’s, it won’t start. It has had a jump start a few times. Locks unlock or lock at times on their own. Can’t run the radio or air conditioning at the same time for a short time or it won’t start.

All tests show alternator, starter and battery are working fine. Battery is over 12v. Mechanic said as soon as I told him about the wipers, he said it was the TIPM and only a dealer can fix it because it needs to be programmed. ARE YOU FING KIDDING ME? Who the hell has $1200-$2000 to fix that! I sure as hell don’t and I’m sick of getting stranded, especially in this freaking heat with two small kids. Chrysler....get your sh*t together and fix the issue. No way should this vehicle have had to have all these major repairs in a year and 8 months of ownership. This is bs!

- Kristie L., Liverpool, US

problem #60

Jan 242018

Town & Country

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

I have a 2011 Town & Country that has had starting problems a year after I bought it. Didn’t want to start so replaced the battery. After it kept happening we replaced the starter. It still had problems. Changed the alternator but a while after that it kept going on. After doing some research I found out that there have been problems with the TIPM. Starting in 2019 the vehicle started cutting out on the freeway which scared me so much. As of today I have ordered a TIPM and according to most the problems it should work as I am not getting it from the manufacturer since I would still be getting their problems.

Very frustrating

- Suzanne M., Yuma, US

problem #59

Sep 112019

Town & Country LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

FAULTY TIPM. OTHER MODELS RECALLED. NOT THIS ONE. COST $2000.

- Ronald W., SOUTHPORT, NC, US

problem #58

Sep 012018

Town & Country Touring 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,345 miles

I owned this car for less than 40 days. After having many older vehicles throughout my life with many many problems, my husband and I decided to over extend ourselves with a car payment in the hope that it would be more reliable and help us to earn more money and spend less in repairs. Within 40 days the van would occasionally refuse to start leaving us stranded. When brought to the shop the van would not replicate the failure to start. Money money money. Now we were paying a large for us car payment for a disabled vehicle. Finally the car would not start for a shop and they were able to diagnose and repair it by replacing the tipm after having the van for over a week. We finally have it back and are praying this is it for problems.

- Daniella N., Revere, MA, US

problem #57

Jan 312018

Town & Country Limited 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

We purchased a used 2011 Chrysler T&C Touring van in August 2017, beautiful condition, low miles. About 1 month later was first time we experienced it not starting. This has become quite a predictable issue. It will ALWAYS start in the morning, so I am able to drive to work. It sits all day in lot, and ALWAYS starts so I can get home. But I have learned, best not to stop for any errands, because all bets are it will not crank, will not start once engine is warm and then turned off and left to sit for 15 minutes or more. Sometimes it will start after a few attempts, but other times I have sat for over an hour. I bought if for my wife to drive, but until we figure out the problem, it is very unreliable starting. Once running, the van runs very well. It has a new battery, and I kind of assume the starter is o.k. for obvious reasons. So maybe it is the WIN (LOSE?!) module others have told about. Wireless Ignition Node module. Any suggestions? Thanks

John K - Minnesota

- John K., Forest Lake, MN, US

problem #56

Dec 192016

Town & Country 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Dec 2016 my car would not start. Jiffy Lube diagnoses as bad alternator and changed it (paid $650.00) Alternator not charging after the change took to the dealer. Chrysler Dealer diagnose as bad TIMP. Replaced and paid $1200.00

On January 3 2018 would not start. Chrysler Dealer diagnose as bad battery (paid $360.00). Car worked for 2 weeks then would not start Chrysler Dealer diagnose a bad harness (estimate over $2000.00).

Took car to another dealer, was told the issue is with the new battery terminal and because the harness was cut. To change it requires new harness estimate over $2000.00 ( paid $125.00 for checking).

Took the car to independent shop replaced starter (paid $485.00). Car will not start new diagnose replace TIMP. Waiting for parts department to open on Monday.

I used to love Chrysler, beginning to change my my mind.

Update from Feb 25, 2018: TIMP replaced pickup up the car from repair drove couple miles and shutoff the engine. Came back to drive again the car will not start

- Nick M., Coral Springs, US

problem #55

Nov 242017

Town & Country Touring-L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Car intermittently does not start. Is it the FOB, WIN module, TIPM?

- Justin M., Indianapolis, US

problem #54

Aug 092017

Town & Country Touring-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Purchase this vehicle used at a dealer. Runs and drives great, two weeks later it occasionally doesn't want to start. After several attempts it starts. Read online, that it could be the fuel relay on the TPIM or some switch/solenoid in the transmission. Both of which are expensive repairs. I ordered a cable manufactured online here: http://www.verticalvisions.com/TIPM_cables.php to test the fuel relay and fuel pump. But the fact it starts in neutral leads me to believe it is the switch/solenoid problem. I am taking it to the dealer and will see if they can find out what is wrong. Based on what I have read, if the problem doesn't happen at the dealer, they won't be able to diagnose. This no crank no start has happened 5 times so far.

- Bob F., Milwaukee, US

problem #53

Jun 022017

Town & Country

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Three times in the last two weeks the car won't start. AAA verified it is not the battery or connections. Waiting about an hour seems to correct the problem and the car starts. There is one "thump" when the key is turned. All the indicator lights come on and the radio, power windows etc. all work. The dealer can't duplicate the problem so they can't diagnosis it or fix it.

After looking at your website I see that I am not alone. It appears the TIPM is involved according to your other contributors.

An unreliably starting car fills one's life with stress.

- Paul T., Overland Park, US

problem #52

May 212017

Town & Country Touring-L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

First day when engine would not start, I tried to jump start at home and it worked. The next day morning, hit the same problem, and this time jump-start did not work and I had to tow it to the Chrysler Service dealer. The dealer was not sure initially and said generally there would be some indication from car-computer.

After two days said that TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) need to be replaced. In addition, he also said that, after replacing this chances are that a fuel-pump replacement need to be done. For TIPM itself, he is charging me $1500. Just two months back I got major service done and this TIPM is a hard-blow on me. I thought its a simple battery problem. Not sure if dealer is saying true, i still had to go get it done. And the vehicle is going to sit there for 2 weeks.

- Naga C., San Jose, US

problem #51

Feb 132017

Town & Country Touring L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

Vehicle keeps turning over but doesn't start. I discovered that if I start the vehicle with remote start, and then turn it on, it turns on.

- Beth L., Ormond Beach, FL, US

problem #50

Dec 052016

Town & Country V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Frustrating as it's not a consistent issue. My wife does not feel safe or comfortable taking the van anywhere as she may get stranded in a parking lot with the car not starting and no one around to help. No conditions to point to. Wet weather, dry weather. Morning, afternoon or evening, warm engine or cold engine. Very random.

Probably a TIPM issue as we are having other issues such as the fuel pump continuing to run or the drivers door lock not working and thus not being able to close the drivers door.

- Dan F., San Tan Valley, AZ, US

problem #49

Jul 302016

Town & Country Touring-L 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

This is a very inconsistent problem. For a while it would have problems turning over several days in a row, then it went a few weeks starting just fine. Then it went back to having the problem almost daily. On average, when the problem arises, it takes 4-6 attempts before it finally turns over. Failure looks like this: I insert the key, turn the key, no engine activity sound at all... the electronics/lights come on, but the engine doesn't make a peep. After 4-6 tries, it usually turns over like it should. I took it to the dealer who said they "couldn't reproduce the problem" and therefore couldn't fix it. Even when I suggested it may be the TIPM, they said they tested that and it appeared to be working fine. I know Fiat bought Chrysler after this van was made and they don't want to pay for old ownership's mistakes, but it's just plain wrong that this hasn't been recalled. I hope they realize by not doing the right thing, their brand loyalty will suffer. Very disappointing.

- bbnnd, Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #48

Sep 152016

Town & Country LX 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,521 miles

It started with the van not starting, like it was getting no fuel. Eventually, after several tries it would start. But then another problem started. When the van was turned off the fuel pump would still run!!! So I would disconnect the battery to get that to stop. After much researching I found a company online that specializes in Chrysler TIPM issues. They have come of with a TIPM by-pass cable that is working for the most part but is really a temporary fix. The best and more permanent fix would be for CHRYSLER TO ADMIT THEY HAVE FAULTY TIPM's AND DO A RECALL!!!!!!!!

- Kevin L., Warren, MA, US

problem #47

Oct 312016

Town & Country Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,789 miles

Really love this car despite the starting issues. What disappointing is that Chrysler failed to tell me. That many others have had similar problem. This would indicate a faulty design or product. Won't be bragging about Chrysler cars anymore

- drkimda01, Cartersville, GA, US

problem #46

Jun 092016

Town & Country Touring L 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,913 miles

Intermittent issue where van will not start spanning last almost 6 months. At first, it would start after several attempts. Sometimes it would take simply opening the door for it start. Took to dealer and they cannot repeat problem and therefore can't troubleshoot. When wife dropped it off, it wouldn't start. By time a tech came to get it, it started right up. Problem persisted and eventually it would not start and jumping it didn't work although that had worked before. Called tow truck. When they arrived, the van started. Took to dealer again, but after 2 says they can't repeat issue. I bought TIPM bypass cable that many reported having success with. When it arrived, I tested the fuel relay and it was a solid green light. Waited for it to fail again, which was today. I tried to test...green light. Tried bypass and still no start. Called tow truck. Again started before it actually needs tow. No need to take to dealer and that is waste of time. Truly frustrated by this. Hundreds have same complaint, but Chrysler has no solution. I will definitely not be buying Chrysler again.

- tleonard, Biloxi, MO, US

problem #45

Aug 012016

Town & Country Touring 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,150 miles

I bought my 2011 Town&Country used in June 2013 with about 13,500 miles on it. Within six months, I started having problems with the push button ignition. I would push the button, it would start, then immediately stop. Usually by the 5th attempt, I could get it to start and remain running. Since 2013, I have had it back to the dealer about 4 times for this problem. The key fob has been replaced, they have "cleared the computer/flash wireless ignition, put a new battery in the key fob, and did a PCM update. The service dept. always reports that there are "no codes" and they always seemed baffled by the problem. They have also suggested that having 2 key fobs could adding to the problem.

This problem has gone from the start/stop issue, to now pushing the button and having it attempt to turn over, where I have to then push the button to get it to stop attempting to turn over. I will often, but no always get "key not detected" error message, which on a few occassions has resulted in the car alarm going off which is delightful, because since it doesn't recognize my key fob, it's difficult to turn it off. I travel with a pack of batteries for the key fob and attempt to replace them in the car while I'm having problems, and this occasionally works.

I can sometimes bypass the iginition button and start the car remotely using the key fob, when pushing the ignition button doesn't work, other times I have to try various combinations of each to eventually get it to start. I would estimate that 6 out of 10 attempts at starting the vehicle now result in a problem. I've finally contacted the corporate Chrysler customer service number and will be assigned a case manager. I have another appointment next week at the dealership and will see what happens. Fortunately, I videotaped one event of it not starting so hopefully this will give them some insight to the problem. I did this because I'm soooo tired of them saying it didn't happen to them and there are no error codes.

Bottom line, there seems to be no rhyme nor reason as to why it doesn't start. I've been fortunate that I've never been completely stranded and have kept trying various combinations of using the ignition button and key fob until I finally get it started. Although the problem seems to be getting worse, and I'm sure that one of these days none of my tricks will work. If anyone has had success in getting this problem repaired, I'd love to hear your solution!

- Ben M., Ithaca, NY, US

problem #44

Aug 092016

Town & Country Touring 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Since early summer my 2011 Chrysler van has had intermittently failed to turn over or start. After a few tries it would start. On Aug. 9th we called a wrecker to tow it to a Chrysler service center. When he arrived it started. We drove it to the dealer and they replaced the starter. The day after we returned home it failed to start. Cost $296. We returned it to dealer who kept it for 1 week but could not duplicate the scenario. They did say they tightened up some things. No charge. A day later it failed to start. A few tries and it started. Very frustrating. I then checked this site and found numerous similar complaints. Where is Chrysler's support? Rick S., Champion, MI.

- Rick S., Champion, MI, US

problem #43

Jun 012015

Town & Country Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Started having issues with the vehicle not starting in June 2015. Replaced the battery and it seemed to make things better. I had intermittent problems with the windshield wipers going off randomly even though there was no rain in sight (this has been an issue since I bought the car - thought it was just something quirky).

Around April 2016, I was driving around my neighborhood looking for my children and the car suddenly lost power. I was driving a little under 25 mph when this happened. I took my van up to the Chrysler dealership after I did some internet investigating and came upon several forums regarding bad tipms (which is what I think this is). The mechanics looked at me like I was crazy and said they didn't know anything about this tipm issue which I think is a complete lie.

Within the last couple of months my car would not start and I thought maybe I hadn't put enough pressure on the brake when starting up but I don't think that was the problem. Two days ago, I went out of town and when we were getting ready to head back my car wouldn't start again. Tried turning it off and back on again several times. Also tried to get it to start by the remote start but the car went crazy and the alarm started going off and wouldn't stop until I exited the car and locked/unlocked the doors.

Thankfully my brother knows a little bit about cars and said to turn off all the accessories (radio/ac) and the car finally started up. I'm hesitant to drive my van around anymore considering that I drive 3 children around constantly for activities. Chrysler needs to stand behind their products and fix these issues which are a danger to the people driving them and those out on the road.

- Heather M., Dothan, AL, US

problem #42

Jul 182015

Town & Country Touring 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,218 miles

I am speaking up for all the owners who have had the same problem with their Chrysler product that we have had where it won't start / doesn't crank... We have five events start in July 2015 and continuning to today, June 26th, 2016. My dealership has done these things , in this order: 1) Battery - I knew and they knew it wasn't a battery, but, batteries aren't covered in warranty, $279. Same. 2) Software upgrade - Really, Chrylser? Same, no improvement. 3) New Key FOBS and coding. Same, no improvement. 4) WIN module. Same, no improvments. 5) Most recently, had my van 10 days with the promise to install a "co-pilot" computer and drive it like my wife does; 45 miles a day in Silicon Valley gridlock. Half way through my update was that they were walking by 5 or 6 times a day and no problem, van starts. I reminded them that parking and doing just fly-byes was not the plan. They then said they needed permission to drive my car? I told them they'd had that for a week. Friday, 6.10.2016, I got a text to come get my car. Couldn't repeat problem. When I got to the dealer they had only gone 37 miles in ten days or less than 10% of our normal driving. I then asked for a Chrysler number to open my own case. Once that was done, had a case open, I was quite articulate with the case worker about what the problem was and everything that the dealer had done that did not fix the problem. She found a STAR case related to a not starting problem. I questioned her as to whether or not in this case the dealer should have already reviewed this STAR case and she said that no, probably not since it had not been fixed. I went right down and showed the STAR number to my service advisor. We read up on it together and both agreed it was not related. He even confirmed with his technician and the tech said he'd reviewed it months before and it is unrelated... Imagine that!

I then left my case worker a vmail updating what I had done at the delearship and that my wife had video recorded the latest event which I had shared with the dealer and sent them the link. I shared the link with the case worker as well. We then got an email from the case worker saying she could not see the video, (not enough bandwidth), but had sent it to the dealership. This was my second YELLO flag that she was not listening as I told her I had already viewed the video with the dealership and left them a copy... I told her how embarrasing it must be to work for Chrysler in 2016 and be unable to call IT for help opening a video link...

This is where it turns an ugly corner. On Thursday, 6.23.2016, my case worker called to tell me that the disposition from the service director was that if they wanted me to have them continue to work on my van that I would have to not only PAY for the last 10-day event but also the rental car fees. yep. You all heard that correctly... I told her that not only could I translate 'dealerese', (What can we say to this family to never see them again?), but, that statement fell some where between blackmail and extortion. We debated the simple facts of my warranty. She said nothing can be paid for under warranty until the problem is diagnosed and that those troubleshooting costs were mine to bare. Her statement was that the dealer did not know what the problem was. I tried to expalin that the van had been towed, several times DOA and that the video absolutely demostrated the same issue that has been going on for 11 months now, what was she missing?

I then called to talk to the service director. I had been in this person's office twice in the last few months trying to get an understanding of what is next? When I agreed to give them a try, for the 5th time, he told me he's willing to work on a 100 times if needed be. I asked him if he had just heard what he said and then explained that NO customer wants the same thing worked on more than once.

During our conversation, June 24th, 2016, I called him on his attempt at blackmail my family, told him what I really felt which was that he'd hoped to never see me again etc. He then told me how in the red he was on my car, (and, probably many, many, others), and that he'd asked my cases worker for additonal funds, which she refused to approve. Now, at this point, I have the case worker and the service director both caught in conflicting statements and who is responsible for what? I then asked the service director if anyone above him thad old him to say what he was alleged to have said to my case worker or if he made that call on his own? Muddled answer... I then clarified my stance; Does anyone other than you, your service advisor and me, know anything about what is going on with van here at the dealership? He's boss, no... The dealership GM, no, no one. No, the game is exposed for what it is...

I called my case worker back. Filled her in on what I chatted with the service director about and that, with just a hour or so off interent research, found out my issues were going on all over this country and had been so for years. Also, that it was obvious Chrysler knows it has a big problem and is playing a shell game with responsibility. I gave her the same ananlogy I gave the service director. This is like a VW smog software thing with the only difference being that VW knowingly manipulated software to cheat the system. In this case for Chrysler, whether or not it is premeditated, now that the facts of this problme are so widely known and that Chrysler can't fix the failures in the field, how culpable are they to continue to allow this go on?

I have an escalation going on with my case worker demanding it be moved abouve her to a supervisor. Of course her biggest motivation on June 23rd, was not about doing the right thing but to close my case. When I asked her she could even think to justify that desire the response was that we had a disposition from the dealership service director and that she had other cases to work on. I emphatically declared that I would not allow this case to swept under any Chrysler rug. Pending...

The service director called me back, June 24th. To tell me he had called Chrsyler and that were working on a solution and would talked to be next week.

What we all know is that there is no clear-cut solution. They cannot fix this problem. Too much integration. The last comment I have is extremely telling of this issue. When we bought this 2011 in Oct. 2014, the finance manager made one of the most provoking statments to my wife and I to buy an extended warranty. He stated that these cars are being engineered now with more circuits, components and integration than at any time before. He related the between our 2009 T/C to this 2011, 1100 plus new circuit designs were added and that 'they' did not know where new problems might arise but that we should definately protect ourselves. We did and it was the best advice we ever been given, from a dealerhdip finance manager, who was looking to actually protect us from financial chaos. He was so right that on June 1st, 2016, when I dropped it for the 10-day, nothing got done event, I stopped by his office to thank him He remembered me, I explained what we had been going through. He just shook his head and said that at least we had gotten our money out of the warranty... Just not a relaible, trustable, family vehicle.

Too bad that the Chrysler dealership service director and my case worker don't act or feel the same way.

Stay tuned, it will only get uglier.

dentonca

- Chris D., San Jose, CA, US

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