Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chrysler Aspen powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Chrysler Aspen, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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
Owners describe multiple failure modes across engine control, driveline, and electrical systems. Electronic throttle control misfires at cold idle—engine stalls at 650 RPM despite pedal input, red warning light flashing for 2–3 seconds before recovery, with no check engine code stored. Over months, this manifests as flat-spotting (weak low-RPM acceleration).
Rear differential bearing failures are the most costly complaint. Owners report grinding and popping sounds for weeks or months, then abrupt bearing destruction. One vehicle tilted and smoked at the rear tire. Repairs run $2000–$2500 for new bearings and rear end overhaul. Critical detail: these failures occurred *after* dealers completed the N08 pinion nut recall (2014–2016); one owner's differential was found empty of lubricant at recall service, later refilled but bearing failure still happened years later. Owners cite Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty language covering differential and drivetrain, yet dealers denied coverage in multiple cases.
4WD system faults occur without warning. One owner's 4WD shifted to Low mode at 35 MPH with no light; another's 4WD engaged at 70 MPH, cutting power to 20 MPH, recovery to 35 MPH max. Radio and turn signals fail intermittently—one radio replaced three times with recurrent failure. Dealerships acknowledged the safety hazard of unintended engagement but provided no lasting repair.
Same Chrysler Aspen powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic throttle control unresponsiveness at idle
Engine remains at curb idle (650 RPM) despite pedal input at ~5% travel; red throttle control warning light illuminates. Engine resumes normal operation after 2–3 seconds without check engine light.
When: May and June 2014; cold start conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine unresponsive to accelerator pedal input; Red throttle control warning light illumination; Delayed engine response (2–3 second delay); Low RPM flat-spotting (mild acceleration hesitation at small throttle openings)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner performed throttle pedal calibration procedure at dealership on 07/19/2014; subsequently engine idle surged to 4000 RPM
Rear differential bearing failure
Rear axle and bearing assembly destruction requiring complete rear end replacement. Owners report humming and popping sounds preceding bearing failure; in one case, bearing failure caused vehicle to lean to one side and smoke from rear tire. Bearing failures occurred post-recall in 2016 and 2019.
When: 2016–2019, months to years after N08 pinion nut recall completion (2014–2016)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud humming noise from rear; Popping noises during acceleration, turning, reversing, and deceleration; Vehicle lean to one side; Smoke from rear tire area
Repairs/costs cited: $2000–$2500+ for rear bearing and rear end replacement; differential drained of lubricant (factory filled)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: N08 rear pinion nut recall (campaign 13V038000); recall performed 2014–2016 but did not prevent subsequent bearing failures; owners expected warranty coverage under Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty; warranty denials cited by owners
4-wheel drive engagement and disengagement faults
4WD system engages or shifts modes without driver input. One owner reports unintended shift from 4WD to 4WD Low at 35 MPH; another reports 4WD engaged on its own at 70 MPH, causing power loss and speed drop to 20 MPH (recovery to 35 MPH max).
When: Instances at highway speeds (35 MPH, 70 MPH); no timing pattern provided; 109,369 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended shift from 4WD to 4WD Low without warning light; Spontaneous 4WD engagement with no known trigger; Power loss during unwanted engagement; Rapid deceleration (70 MPH to 20 MPH)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner manually reset 4WD after roadside stop; no dealer diagnosis obtained; repeat incidents suggest unresolved fault
Electrical system intermittency (radio, turn signals, console)
Overhead console, dash, and radio power loss at random intervals. Radio replaced three times with no permanent fix. Turn signals flash randomly between left, right, and hazard modes.
When: Recurring intermittently; no specific mileage or timing
Symptoms owners cite: Radio and dash loss of power and function; Turn signal malfunction (random flashing between modes); Overhead console outages
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced three times without resolving issue; all replacements failed to cure underlying problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner has Lifetime Powertrain Warranty; dealership claimed all parts were warranted but provided no lasting solution
Cold-start transmission engagement lurch
Vehicle lurches forward several inches when started via remote start in sub-zero ambient temperature, then settles. One occurrence; did not repeat after engine warm-up.
When: Sub-zero temperature (±0°F); cold start via remote start
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurch forward while parked in Park; No repeat after warm-up
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
I had trouble with a humming noise and popping under my vehicle for a few months. The humming got so loud that we could not hear each other talk to one another at all. It popped pulling out, going around a curve, going backwards, or slowing down. The humming stopped all of a sudden after it got very loud. My aspen then fell toward the right side and smoke started shooting out from the passenger…
For no known reason my 2009 Chrysler aspen 4x4 will engage on its own, I have repeatedly taken it in to the dealership (which by the way is horrible) they can not figure out what the problem is . However since I have a lifetime warranty they have claimed I need every single part covered under the warranty with not results. The first time I called the dealership regarding this I was told to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler aspen. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number 13v038000 (power train) had exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The recall notification was received by the contact several months ago. The dealer was contacted and advised that they were unable to obtain the part from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure.
My husband's truck and my aspen are both affected by the n08 recall for rear axle pinion nut. We received the first notice of this recall several months ago, but the notice told us that the parts needed for repair were not available and that we would receive a second notice when they were. We have now received the second notice and I have called our local dealer, southern Chrysler Dodge Jeep,…
Chrysler case #: 29959728 vehicle description: Chrysler aspen limited 4x2 sport utility 4-door I attempted to reach out to my case manager haley and my link has been disabled and her voicemail has yesterday's date. I have not received a call today from anyone at Chrysler corp regarding my case. I did speak today with mopar vehicle protection and they stated when Chrysler placed the max care…
As requested by jake - Chrysler corp, cc#: 29959728 I took my car in for repairs last thursday. Matt richardson called on friday stating that the rear end barrings have come apart on the car and that they not only need to replace the barrings, they need to do an entire overhaul of the entire rear end. He explained they will be replacing the pinion nut which was the n08 recall performed last year,…
I filed a complaint about the pinion nut and rear bearings issue to the NHTSA pinion nut recall - n08 - power train/driveline/differential unit. While stateline Chrysler representative, matt richardson, does not feel that the issue is related to the pinion nut recall, I strongly disagree. The reason stated for the when I press the gas that my car makes noise which appears to be coming from the…
Description to be sent by email immediately following this transmission. Description email will bear this temporary file number. On a weekday sometime in may 2014, I stopper at a stop sign, without he engine fully heated up, turned the wheel over to make a left turn and pressed the accelerator pedal. Despite the fact that I had depressed the accelerator pedal, approximately 5% of travel, the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Chrysler Aspen?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 118,842 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.