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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chrysler Aspen powertrain problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler Aspen, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Aspen's powertrain exhibits multiple serious problems. Transmission issues dominate: owners report the transmission unexpectedly dropping out of gear, particularly Reverse, with one vehicle rolling backward 50 feet into a garage after placed in Reverse, totaling a Toyota Prius. A parked vehicle shifted into Reverse at a gas station and dragged the owner nearly 20 feet, causing $2200 in door damage and injuries. A third owner's Aspen surged to 4000 RPM immediately upon shifting to Drive without throttle input and ignored braking, plowing through a garage and off a 7-foot drop. Dealerships acknowledge the transmission noise and slipping are widespread but say Chrysler has no fix available; one service order contradicted itself by claiming repairs were made when testing showed all same-model vehicles made the same noise.
Transfer case problems plague four-wheel-drive versions—the system randomly shifts from AWD to 4-Lock or Neutral without driver input, sometimes triggered by using the key fob while parked. One owner's truck nearly rolled into a child after shifting to Neutral on an inclined driveway. Engine issues include repeated camshaft and lifter failures; one owner replaced these components twice (first at 98,000 miles, again at 195,000). Gear shifter stuck incidents prevent starting. Chrysler has denied defects despite internal awareness of repeated issues.
Same Chrysler Aspen powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Unwanted acceleration from Park or Drive
Engine revs to 4000 RPM immediately upon shifting into Drive without driver touching the throttle, causing uncontrolled forward motion unresponsive to braking.
When: At startup after placing transmission in Drive
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges to 4000 RPM without driver input; Vehicle accelerates immediately without pedal pressure; Brakes ineffective at stopping the motion
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler stated no problems found; owner notes similar accelerator issues recalled on 2007 Caliber/Compass by same supplier as Toyota units
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Customer Claims Resolution stated no defect found
Transmission slips out of gear, particularly Reverse
Transmission unexpectedly falls out of gear, especially when shifted into Reverse, sometimes dropping to Neutral or failing to hold gear. Intermittent slipping occurs about 10% of Reverse engagements before occurring suddenly without warning.
When: Intermittently when placing transmission in Reverse or other gears; can occur after 4000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise when switching gears; Transmission jumps out of gear without driver input; Engine revs while vehicle stalls abruptly or coasts; Reverse shift indicator box disappears from dashboard; Vehicle rolls backward uncontrollably after shifting into Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership adjusted slack adjuster and tightened shaft bolts without identifying root cause; stated problem persists after service. Another owner reported $2200 in door damage from being dragged when parked vehicle shifted into Reverse
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged multiple customer complaints and stated Chrysler had been notified but had no resolution; other Chrysler models recalled for similar issues but Aspen excluded from recall
Gear shifter stuck in one position
Gear shifter becomes mechanically stuck in a single position, preventing gear selection and causing vehicle failure to start.
When: At approximately 109,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter will not move to other positions; Vehicle will not start
Transfer case randomly shifts gears or engages 4WD unintentionally
Transfer case shifts between AWD, 4-Lock, 4-Low, or Neutral without driver input, sometimes triggered by locking/unlocking doors via key fob while parked. Vehicle may become stuck in 4x4 mode with service light illuminated.
When: At various speeds, stationary, or during low-speed maneuvers like parking; can occur with only 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic shift to 4-Lock or 4-Low at low speeds; Transfer case shifts to Neutral unexpectedly; Vehicle rolls on inclined driveway after shifting to Neutral; 4WD indicator light illuminates and flashes; 4-wheel service and electronic stability lights activate; Unable to reach traffic speed after random downshift to Low
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure; one owner stated dealer guessing at parts rather than checking wiring
Camshaft and lifter failure
Engine camshaft and hydraulic lifters fail prematurely and repeatedly, regardless of maintenance quality. Owner reports this affects over 5000 separate owners across the United States.
When: First failure at approximately 98,000 miles; second failure at 195,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise indicating lifter/camshaft wear
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler replaced camshaft and lifters once at 98,000 miles; failure recurred at 195,000 miles requiring second replacement
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
On 18 november 2010 around 6 pm, my vehicle was parked in the driveway of my home approximately three feet from the garage entrance. To move the vehicle into the garage for the night, I got in the vehicle, closed the door, stepped on the brake, let off the emergency brake, started it, put the transmission in 'd', let off the brake, and did not touch the gas pedal. The engine immediately cycled…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Chrysler Aspen?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Chrysler Aspen?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,000 and 151,100 miles, with the median around 72,653. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 151,100. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chrysler/Aspen.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.