PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chrysler Town and Country brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 28,593 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Town and Country (this page) | 39 |
| 2012 Town and Country | 12 |
| 2013 Town and Country | 12 |
| 2014 Town and Country | 14 |
| 2015 Town and Country | 4 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 39 brakes complaints filed for the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler Town and Country we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 39.
Owners have filed 39 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHRYSLER/DODGE: WHEN BRAKING, STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE, BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES AND/OR FLOOR PAN VIBRATES AND NEED TO REPLACE, BOTH, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BRAKE LININGS AND RESURFACING, AND INSTALL NEW RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. MODEL 2011-2012 CARAVAN, TOWN AND COUNTRY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Town and Country generates consistent complaints about premature brake system failure starting as early as 8,000 miles. Front rotors warp and require resurfacing or replacement multiple times—owners report 3–4 rotor interventions before 50,000 miles. Rear brake pads wear metal-to-metal by 27,000–35,000 miles, and one owner replaced all four brakes and rotors four times in just 10,000 miles. Dealers and repair shops acknowledge the problem, with technicians stating rotors are manufactured too thin and caliper pins lock up. Multiple owners report Chrysler reps confirming this is a known defect but offering no recall.
Brake feel degrades during normal operation: shuddering and vibration intensify as vehicles age, with one collision reported at 52,000 miles due to inadequate braking response. Rear brakes occasionally seize or overheat severely—one owner watched rear brakes catch fire after a highway off-ramp. The ABS module itself fails in some vehicles, taking out the speedometer, transmission shift logic, traction control, cruise control, and door locks simultaneously; Chrysler halted parts sales for over a year with no solution offered.
Warranty coverage is inconsistent: some owners get $100-copay repairs under extended warranty, others pay out-of-pocket. Chrysler issued a service bulletin for caliper pin issues rather than a recall. The emergency brake warning system lacks an audible alert, allowing drivers to unknowingly drive with the brake engaged, accelerating rear brake wear.
Same Chrysler Town and Country brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rotor warping and premature wear
Rotors warp and wear prematurely, typically between 15,000–50,000 miles. Owners report repeated replacement cycles—some replacing rotors 3–4 times before 50,000 miles. Dealers acknowledge the rotors are manufactured too thin. Warping causes vibration and shuddering during braking, especially at highway speeds.
When: 15,000–50,000 miles; some failures as early as 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or shuddering when braking; Front-end shimmy during braking; Pulsating sensation in brake pedal; Steering wheel requires two hands to control during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing ($130–$200) or replacement ($248–$765 for front and rear); pad replacement often required simultaneously. Owners cite OEM rotor availability issues and 4-month backordering.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler warranty covers rotor replacement within 36 months/36,000 miles (with $100 copay for extended warranty holders) but not outside that window. Some vehicles granted extended warranty; others not covered. Service bulletin posted instead of recall. Previous recall ended in 2010 and does not cover 2011 model.
Brake pad premature wear and uneven wear
Brake pads wear out far sooner than expected—often within 20,000–35,000 miles on rear brakes, with some replaced 4 times in 10,000 miles. Uneven wear between left and right wheels is common. Dealers state this is 'normal wear and tear,' but owners report multiple replacements within months.
When: 18,816–35,000 miles; repeated replacement cycles documented
Symptoms owners cite: Metal-to-metal brake contact; Burning smell from brakes; Excessive heat radiating from wheel; Grinding noise when braking; Squeaking or squealing from rear brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Pad replacement $124–$450 per service. Multiple owners report paying out-of-pocket repeatedly; some use aftermarket pads from AutoZone rather than OEM. Calipers occasionally stuck or seized, requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to cover under warranty if owner does not use dealer for repairs. Some owners report Chrysler rep suggested posting complaint to NHTSA hoping to trigger recall. No recall issued; treated as wear item.
Brake fade and loss of braking power
Brake pedal loses effectiveness or travels to floor without stopping vehicle. Occurs during downhill driving or extended braking. One owner reported collision due to inadequate braking response at 52,000 miles. Dealer diagnosed insufficient heat capacity for vehicle weight.
When: 4,000–52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floorboard; Vehicle fails to stop or slows inadequately; Intermittent brake failure; Reduced braking effectiveness on downhill
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer recommended ceramic braking parts replacement; parts on backorder. Vehicle not repaired in reported case. Collision resulted; no injuries reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but case not opened in at least one incident. Recommended solution (ceramic parts) not implemented due to parts availability.
Rear brake sticking and overheating
Rear brakes seize or stick, causing extreme heat, smoke, and complete brake pad wear in short distances. One owner reported rear brakes visibly on fire after sharp turn. Rear calipers and adapter brackets reportedly defective or poorly designed, preventing proper pad release.
When: 27,000–42,000 miles; can occur suddenly
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from rear brakes; Extreme heat radiating from rear wheel; Smoke or fire from rear brakes; Pulsating sound from rear; Brake pads stuck in caliper bracket
Repairs/costs cited: Rear calipers, adapter brackets, and rotors replacement $200–$765. One dealer noted OEM adapter brackets were causing brakes to seize and installed non-OEM brackets to resolve. Brake hose failure documented in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership willing to fix; Chrysler willing if customer pays. No recall or formal service bulletin addressing root cause.
ABS module failure and multiple system outages
ABS module fails, triggering cascading loss of multiple vehicle systems: ABS, traction control, speedometer, transmission shifting, cruise control, seat-belt notification, rear electric doors, and parking sensors. DTC codes C2200 (Internal fault ABS module), U1110, U1120, P0501 documented. Chrysler engineering review halted ABS module part sales for over a year; modules unavailable or backordered. Affects vehicle drivability and safety.
When: 68,000 miles in one case; 86,000 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights (ABS, ESC, Engine); Loss of speedometer function; Abnormal transmission shifting; Loss of traction control; Loss of cruise control; Rear electric doors inoperable; Seat-belt alarm system failure; Rear parking sensor failure
Codes mentioned: C2200, U1110, U1120, P0501
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement part #68089474AA retail value $1,300+ plus installation and dealer reprogramming. Parts on engineering hold and unavailable for purchase. One owner advised by dealership to 'get rid of the vehicle.' No repair completed in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler placed ABS module part on hold for over one year due to engineering review. No recall issued. No alternative modules or fixes offered to owners.
Brake warning light intermittent or stuck on
Brake warning light illuminates intermittently without corresponding brake system failure. Light will not stay on long enough for dealer to diagnose while illuminated. Dealership unable to find fault and advises owner to drive with warning light on. Creates owner confusion about actual brake status.
When: Intermittent over several months
Symptoms owners cite: Red brake warning light on dashboard illuminates intermittently; Light comes on and off at random intervals (5–100 miles between occurrences); Light duration 10–90 seconds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Dealership and independent shop unable to diagnose or fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership recommends driving vehicle with warning light on, offering no solution.
Emergency brake stuck or difficult to disengage
Emergency brake (parking brake) can remain engaged without driver awareness due to inadequate warning system. Red warning light is not visible from all seating positions. No audible chime alerts driver. Result: rear brakes overheat and wear prematurely from continuous friction; in emergency stop scenario, overheated brakes are ineffective, increasing stopping distance and collision risk.
When: Can occur during any driving session
Symptoms owners cite: Red brake warning light not visible to driver; Emergency brake remains engaged while driving; Rapid rear brake wear and cracking; Burning smell from rear brakes; No audible warning when emergency brake engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake replacement required after emergency brake engaged undetected. One owner had to replace rear brakes due to this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Design flaw remains unfixed.
Locked caliper pins causing rotor warpage
Caliper pins seize or lock, preventing proper brake pad movement. Result: uneven brake pad wear, rotor warping on affected side, and violent shuddering during braking. Chrysler issued service bulletin but no recall.
When: 44,000–46,000 miles in documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or shuddering when braking (described as 'ABS pulsating x10'); Grinding or clicking from rear brakes; Uneven brake pad wear; Rotor warping on one side
Repairs/costs cited: Front pads and rotors replacement; rotor resurfacing. Multiple service visits may be required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler posted service bulletin instead of issuing recall. No formal fix recommended.
Caliper malfunction: pads frozen in bracket or backing clip dislodgement
Brake pads freeze inside caliper bracket preventing normal operation. Backing clip dislodges and contacts rotor, causing damage. Occurs 8–12 months after brake service. Rotor damage requires replacement. Dealership identifies defective OEM adapter brackets causing seizure.
When: 8–12 months after brake service; 12,000 additional miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pulsing when braking; Burning smell; Extreme heat from wheel; Uneven brake pad wear; Locked or frozen brake pads
Repairs/costs cited: Caliper replacement, rotor replacement, adapter bracket replacement. Dealership replaced OEM brackets with non-OEM to resolve recurring seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Chrysler willing to pay for repairs if customer pays deductible or service fee.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I smelled something burning on the driver's side of the vehicle. After driving a short distance (15 minutes) I found the tire was very hot. The car had previously been inspected 3 weeks prior, had brake pads replaced, and inspection detected no issues. Had car taken to mechanic and found a brake hose failed resulting in caliper not releasing. Brake hose and brake pad needed replaced. This is…
When my vehicle had about 16000 miles on it, I noticed that when breaking during highway speeds, the vehicle would vibrate. I took the vehicle to my dealer at about 17000 miles and was informed the issue was caused by warped rotors. The brake pads were fine, but the rotors would need to be machined or replaced. I opened a ticket with Chrysler since the brakes were out of warranty at 12000…
Had brakes trouble with your 2011 Chrysler Town and Country?
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 brakes problem on the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 17,000 and 46,000 miles, with the median around 28,593. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 46,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2011/Chrysler/Town and Country.
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.