2011 Chrysler Town and Country airbags problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Multiple owners report airbags that didn't deploy during serious collisions, warning lights that stay on without repair, and one documented case of fire after a minor impact. Get any airbag warning light diagnosed immediately—don't assume it's a sensor glitch.
Owners of 2011 Town and Country minivans report airbags that failed to deploy during collisions ranging from head-on impacts to rear-end hits at 45 mph. One owner described a head-on collision that resulted in back and shoulder injuries; another reported a severe traumatic brain injury sustained by a child when rear curtain airbags didn't deploy as designed. A third owner had a minor frontal impact that triggered a fire in the engine compartment—red fluid was seen leaking—with airbags still not deploying.
The active restraint headrest system also fails. One owner's headrest never deployed during a rear-end collision but then fired unexpectedly ten days later while the vehicle was being driven normally, striking the driver in the back of the head.
Several owners see the airbag warning light illuminated but never get a diagnosis or repair. One report links repeated non-deployment to TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, which the owner suspects can prevent airbags from working when needed. A dealer indicated that an ORC module fault code (68062118AG) related to airbag issues was not covered under any recall, requiring owner-paid repair.
One owner also reports windshield washer fluid leaking directly into the front passenger airbag compartment when the rear window washer is used, creating a potential electrical hazard in the airbag system.
Same Chrysler Town and Country airbags reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Non-deployment in frontal crashes
Airbags failed to deploy during frontal impacts despite head-on collision forces. One report included an airbag warning light that illuminated after the crash but airbags never actually deployed.
When: At time of impact; 150,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during head-on collision; No airbag deployment during frontal impact; Airbag warning light illuminated after collision but bags did not deploy; Occupants sustained injuries (scrapes, bruises, lower back and shoulder pain; severe traumatic brain injury reported)
Codes mentioned: ORC module code 68062118AG (related to airbag fault), Airbag warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One collision resulted in over $6500 in damage; vehicles not repaired per reports. One narrative mentions TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues potentially linked to deployment failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned; one dealer indicated no recall available for the ORC module fault code.
Non-deployment in rear impact
Active restraint headrest system failed to deploy during rear-end collision at 45 mph, then deployed unexpectedly ten days later during normal driving.
When: First failure during collision; second deployment 10 days later during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Active restraint headrest did not deploy during rear-end collision; Headrest deployed unexpectedly 10 days later while driving normally; Headrest struck driver in back of head during unexpected deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Driver did not lose control of vehicle after unexpected deployment.
Airbag warning light without confirmed deployment status
Airbag warning light illuminated on its own or alongside other warning lights (charging system, TPMS) without clear indication of actual airbag functionality.
When: TPMS light 05/16/2014, airbag light 07/23/2014, charging system light 08/06/2014 in one case; 55,500 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stayed on; Airbag light illuminated while driving; Warning light persistent
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not diagnosed or repaired per reports.
Fire after minor frontal impact
Van caught fire immediately after minor frontal impact when airbags failed to deploy. Red liquid observed running from engine compartment; fire totaled vehicle before fire department arrival.
When: Immediately after minor frontal impact
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in right (passenger) side engine compartment; Red fluid observed leaking from compartment; Vehicle completely destroyed by fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled by fire; no repair possible.
Washer fluid leaking into front airbag compartment
Windshield washer fluid leaked directly into the front passenger airbag compartment when rear window washer function was used.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Washer fluid leaking into front passenger airbag compartment; Fluid pours out of airbag compartment when rear washer activated
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 77,752 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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.