The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to Holcombe Automotive, where it was determined that one of the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the…
2011 Chrysler Town and Country engine problems
moderate 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 36 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Owners have filed 36 engine 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country 3.6L engines suffer from chronic cylinder head defects, oil cooler leaking (fire hazard), TIPM electrical failures causing stalling, and connecting rod problems—many out of warranty with limited manufacturer support. Plan for significant engine repairs, especially beyond 75,000 miles.
The 2011 Town & Country's 3.6L Pentastar engine shows a pattern of serious defects that owners repeatedly discover too late. Cylinder head failures are widespread, with cars stalling, misfiring, and overheating at various mileages; Chrysler issued technical service bulletins (TSB 09-002-14 and D-14-12) acknowledging the problem and designing improved heads, but routinely denies warranty coverage—even though a 2012 model received a recall for the identical connecting rod defect on the same engine.
Oil coolers with plastic bases deteriorate rapidly, leaking oil onto the engine and creating a fire hazard. One owner's replacement failed within four months. Chrysler TSB 09-008-15 addresses this issue, and aftermarket solutions use metal bases instead.
TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) failures cause sudden stalling while driving, sometimes repeatedly in one week, leaving owners stranded and mechanics unable to find the root cause initially. Fuel pump power loss, transmission shifting faults, and starting difficulties compound the electrical gremlins. At least one engine seized from connecting rod failure despite adequate oil.
Owners report taking vehicles to dealers multiple times for the same problem, paying out-of-pocket after warranty expiration, and receiving form-letter dismissals from Chrysler customer service. One owner spent $32,000 on the vehicle, only to learn of the known head defects after searching online.
Same Chrysler Town and Country engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Oil cooler leaking
Oil cooler with plastic base deteriorates and leaks oil onto engine, creating burning smell and fire hazard. Occurs on 3.6L engines; owners report replacement units failing quickly.
When: July 2021 first replacement; failure again by November 2021. Affects vehicles with high mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil burning smell; oil visible on engine; fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic-base oil cooler replaced; aftermarket solutions use metal base instead. NHTSA complaint references part number 68105583AA; Chrysler TSB 09-008-15 (8-7-2015) addresses this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler aware of issue per owner research; TSB 09-008-15 issued. No recall mentioned.
Cylinder head defects
Cylinder heads crack, warp, or break down causing misfire, overheating, power loss, and stalling. Owners report heads are too thin. Occurs across 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines in 2011 model; Chrysler issued improved replacement heads per dealership confirmations.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 75,000 to 167,000+ miles. Some reported as early as 77,564 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (blinking or steady); cylinder misfire (all cylinders or single); rough idle; loss of power at highway speed; engine stalling; overheating (244°F reported); AC failure in hot weather; hesitation on acceleration
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire (all cylinders or specific cylinder), P0300 implied
Repairs/costs cited: Head replacement required; costs reported at $3,219.76 and parts alone. Dealers report need for new improved heads.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler TSB D-14-12 and 09-002-14 address cylinder head issues; TSB expired, denying coverage. Dealership admits known issue with improved heads engineered. Chrysler 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty refused coverage in at least one case. 2012 Town & Country recall issued for same engine and issue (connecting rod failure on 2012), but 2011 not recalled despite same engine.
Engine stalling / sudden shutdown
Engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving at various speeds, sometimes with inability to restart. Multiple instances per owner in short timeframe. Often attributed to TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) or related electrical control module failures. Mechanics unable to reproduce issue initially.
When: Occurs at mileages 33,000 to 101,000+ miles. One complaint notes 10 breakdowns and 7 tows in one week.
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts down without warning while driving; failure to restart or delayed restart; check engine light may illuminate; loss of power while accelerating or coasting; vehicle rolls when stalled on hill
Codes mentioned: TIPM module fault (diagnosis after multiple visits)
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM module replacement identified as solution after 10+ diagnostic attempts in one case. Initial repairs by mechanics unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service unable to help initially. Dealer told one owner to trade in vehicle. After multiple tows and dealer visits, TIPM defect finally diagnosed. Manufacturer offered no assistance in some cases.
Oil filter housing / oil cooler heat exchanger seal leakage
Oil filter housing or integrated oil/coolant heat exchanger seals leak oil from top of engine block below intake. Oil accumulation on engine creates serious fire hazard, especially in warm weather. Leak can be invisible until dangerous accumulation occurs.
When: Occurs at various mileages. Can go undetected until substantial oil buildup.
Symptoms owners cite: oil dripping in garage; oil accumulation on top of engine; burning smell; fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement required. Part number 68105583AA referenced. Labor-intensive diagnosis due to location below intake assembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler TSB 09-008-15 (dated 8-7-2015) issued addressing this issue. No recall issued despite fire hazard designation.
Alternator malfunction with fire
Alternator failure at 128,000 miles caused abnormal grinding noise, smoke from hood, and flames near alternator. Fire hazard with potential for engine fire.
When: 128,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: smoke exiting hood; abnormal grinding noise; flames visible by alternator; no warning lights initially
Repairs/costs cited: Malfunctioning alternator and starter requiring replacement. Parts available but repair not completed at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure. Dealer (Dick Poe Chrysler Jeep, El Paso, TX) diagnosed need for alternator and starter replacement.
Engine overheating / cooling system failure
Engine overheating at highway speeds despite thermostat and radiator service. Temperature gauge reading 100–180°F on hot days with extreme heat. Antifreeze consumption excessive (1+ gallon monthly). Affects 3.6L V6 (283 HP) engines; reported as cylinder head design flaw.
When: Occurred on hot weather driving; one instance noted 244°F reading.
Symptoms owners cite: engine temperature gauge high (100-180°F reported; 244°F extreme case); AC inoperative in hot weather; excessive antifreeze consumption; engine running rough in high temps
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced, sensor replaced, radiator flushed by multiple shops; root cause unresolved in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for cooling complaints.
Engine won't start / starting difficulty
Engine cranks but fails to start, or requires multiple attempts to start. May occur after brief driving (shutdowns) or persistently. Lighting and electrical systems function normally, isolating issue to starting circuit or ignition control.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 600 miles, 75,000 miles, and later. Starting problems in July 2015 reported, recurring after air filter service.
Symptoms owners cite: engine cranks but won't turn over; delayed or multiple start attempts required; lights and windows operate normally; difficulty starting after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Air filter service performed in one case with temporary improvement (two days), then recurrence. No root cause identified in several cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance offered in documented cases.
Oil filter housing pressure relief valve / shaft failure
Plastic pressure relief valve or shaft in oil filter housing can break off or dislodge during service or normal operation, causing catastrophic engine failure. Valve can trap engine in bypass startup mode, preventing normal oil pressure. Affects all 3.6L Chrysler engines from 2011–2013 model years.
When: Can occur during routine oil servicing or at any mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: engine immobilization; catastrophic engine failure; loss of oil pressure indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Technician liability issue; multiple oil filter suppliers have issued bulletins addressing this defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB documented for this specific issue in narratives.
Engine connecting rod failure
Connecting rods fractured and separated, seizing engine at 103,000 miles despite adequate oil level and no overheating. 2011 model affected by same defect as 2012 Town & Country, which received a recall; 2011 not recalled despite identical engine.
When: 103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine seized; grinding or sudden loss of all engine operation
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement necessary; 2012 engines can be used as replacement (same 3.6L Pentastar V6).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued recall on 2012 Town & Country for identical issue (connecting rod failure) but did not extend to 2011 model with same engine.
TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) electrical failures
TIPM module controls critical engine and powertrain functions; failure causes loss of power, stalling, and inability to start. Can occur repeatedly with dealers unable to isolate root cause until multiple service attempts.
When: Occurs at mileages 33,000 to 85,000+
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle loses power while driving; stalling while driving or at stops; inability to start; intermittent recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM module replacement required. Identification of root cause often requires multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledges issue as defective TIPM module after extensive troubleshooting.
Engine continues to run after key removed
Engine does not stop when key is removed from ignition, continuing to run uncontrolled.
When: 101,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine continues running after key removed from ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle held at dealer pending authorization; no diagnosis completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recall exists; refused to assist with repair costs.
Engine hesitation / stumbling on acceleration
Vehicle hesitates when accelerator is pressed, stumbling or losing power. Combined with illuminated warning lights and electrical symptoms requiring jump-start to resume normal operation.
When: 167,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation on accelerator depression; stumbling; multiple unknown warning lights; requires jump-start to resume operation
Repairs/costs cited: Computer replaced, two alternators replaced, two batteries replaced by dealer; failure recurred. Independent mechanic also unable to resolve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification or response.
Severe cylinder misfiring (all cylinders)
All cylinders develop misfiring with no apparent cause; engine runs rough, shakes, loses power, and struggles to maintain speed. Check engine light blinks rapidly. Mechanics unable to determine root cause.
When: Occurs spontaneously during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: rough running / shaking; blinking check engine light; loss of power / lack of acceleration; unable to maintain speed above 20 mph
Codes mentioned: Severe misfiring (all cylinders)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; issue could not be isolated by independent mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic directed owner to take to Chrysler dealership for further diagnosis.
Uncontrolled acceleration / passing gear engagement
Vehicle continues to accelerate after driver removes foot from accelerator during passing maneuver. Passing gear remains engaged uncontrollably, preventing normal deceleration. Required aggressive braking to maintain control at 85 mph.
When: Occurred during single incident on highway pass
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle continues accelerating after driver disengages accelerator; passing gear engages and remains engaged uncontrollably; inability to decelerate normally
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; passing gear released after approximately 0.2 mile.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Fuel pump power intermittent
Fuel pump sporadically loses electrical power, leaving vehicle stranded. Occurs multiple times, creating safety risk if failure occurs during highway driving.
When: Multiple instances
Symptoms owners cite: fuel pump loses power intermittently; vehicle strands without warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission shifting / engagement issues
Transmission fails to shift properly or drops hard into reverse. Vehicle can become immobilized after being parked, unable to shift out of park or reverse despite being in park. Issues also present during normal driving (hard shifts in lower gears).
When: Occurs during normal driving and after parking
Symptoms owners cite: inability to shift from park; delayed shift response; harsh engagement in reverse; hard shifting in lower gears; no diagnostic codes stored
Repairs/costs cited: Issues resolve temporarily after engine shutdown and restart; recurrence pattern suggests electrical control or hydraulic issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Head gasket failure / coolant loss
Head gasket failure causes coolant loss and heating system malfunction. Heating system operates intermittently and cycles on/off by itself despite manual controls.
When: Occurs at undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: no heat output despite system activation; heat system activates spontaneously; coolant loss
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Key recognition and ignition control failure
Vehicle fails to recognize key fob/key and shuts off while driving on highway. Creates sudden loss of engine power and steering/brake assist while in motion.
When: Occurs during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle does not recognize key; engine shuts off while driving on highway; loss of power steering and brake assist
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine noise (hood insulation missing)
2011 model lacks sound-dampening insulation on underside of hood compared to 2010 model, resulting in excessive engine noise transmission to cabin.
When: Present from purchase (January 2011); owner had loaner 2010 for comparison)
Symptoms owners cite: louder engine noise in cabin compared to 2010 model
Repairs/costs cited: 2010 model has insulation; 2011 lacks it. Possible cost-cutting measure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine RPM surge when brakes applied
Brakes cause engine RPMs to surge rapidly with loud revving. Occurred once, cause unknown.
When: Single occurrence at 29,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: rapid RPM increase when brake pedal engaged; loud engine revving
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the engine would not immediately start. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine's number two cylinder was faulty and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. Oxmoor Dodge (4520 shelbyville…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 40,000 and 128,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 128,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.