Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chrysler Town and Country powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country have filed 38 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 50,621 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Town and Country (this page) | 38 |
| 2012 Town and Country | 32 |
| 2013 Town and Country | 40 |
| 2014 Town and Country | 51 |
| 2015 Town and Country | 109 |
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 38 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 38 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) 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. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
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 & Country's powertrain is a known problem child across this cluster. Transmission shudder in reverse—especially on inclines—shows up constantly; dealers tell owners it's normal or characteristic of the vehicle, but owners rightfully worry about safety when they have to accelerate aggressively in parking lots to move the van backward. Slipping in reverse that causes rollback at intersections and on hills is documented. Transmission clunking and hard shifting, stuttering in Econ mode, and complete transmission failures requiring $3,300+ replacements appear across multiple narratives.
Starting problems escalate from hard starts to 20–30 crank attempts with no fire, taking 30 minutes to run, and stalling at 70 mph in traffic—serious hazards with kids aboard. One owner was stranded with toddlers after complete electrical shutdown. The fuel pump relay inside the TIPM fails and requires the whole $1,800 module replacement; other Chrysler models got recalls for this defect, but not this van.
Engine surging, RPM fluctuations between 2–7 thousand, rough idle, software failures preventing Econ mode use, and transmission gear-ratio codes (P0733, P0734, P0792, P0740) stack up across dozens of reports. One van rolled backward down a driveway with a child inside, injuring the mother trying to stop it—owner claims Park was engaged. Dealers reflash software, add fluid, test on flat ground, and tell owners nothing is wrong while the issues persist.
Same Chrysler Town and Country powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shudder and Slipping in Reverse
Transmission shudders, jerks, or slips when backing up, especially on inclines or even on level ground. Owners report the vehicle is difficult or nearly impossible to back up on steep grades. Symptoms often occur shortly after starting the vehicle when fluid is cold. Dealers have told owners this is normal or 'characteristic of the vehicle.'
When: Throughout ownership; most pronounced when cold or on inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering when backing up on inclines or level ground; Jerking motion in reverse on slight inclines; Loud noise and heavy vibration when backing uphill; Slipping sensation in reverse; Lunging abnormally when shifting into reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed transmission reflashes and pressure tests; no repairs completed. One owner cited a small torque converter design flaw as potential cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised vehicle operates as designed; issue deemed normal characteristic. Owners report receiving written confirmation from dealers and Chrysler that behavior is not a defect.
Transmission Hesitation and Hard Shifting
Transmission hesitates to engage or shifts harshly during acceleration and gear changes. Owners report stuttering during first gear change in Econ mode with RPM loss and clunk sounds. Hard shifts from Park to Drive occur. Transmission jerks at low speeds in Drive like 'a fish tugging on a line.'
When: Throughout ownership; Econ mode issues noted from early use
Symptoms owners cite: Stuttering and clunking during first gear change in Econ mode; Hard or delayed shifts from Park to Drive; Jerking in Drive at low speeds; RPM loss during gear changes; Inability to engage Econ mode properly
Repairs/costs cited: Econ mode feature advised not to be used. Dealers have had no fix available; Chrysler stated they were working on a fix for Econ mode problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised dealer they are working on a fix for Econ mode gear change issue but no timeline provided. Owners advised to avoid using the feature.
Transmission Clunking and Noise During Shifts
Transmission produces loud clunking, grinding, or knock sounds when shifting, particularly during shifts from Park or into Drive. The vehicle shakes or knocks when placed into Drive from a stop. Noise similar to worn U-joint reported during both upshifts and downshifts.
When: Throughout ownership; noted early and persistently
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or knock sound when shifting into Reverse or Drive; Grinding noise during gear changes; Vehicle shaking when placed in Drive from stop; U-joint-like sound during up- and downshifts; Clunking noise when shifting from Range to another
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer tightened two axle nuts in response but did not address root cause. No successful repairs reported.
Transmission Slipping and Loss of Power
Transmission slips or fails to hold gear, causing the vehicle to roll backward on inclines when stopped in Drive or roll backward at intersections. On steep hills, vehicle rolls backward even when brakes are released normally. Some owners report transmission occasionally does not shift out of first gear during acceleration.
When: Throughout ownership; most dangerous on hills and inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on inclines when stopped in Drive; Transmission slips at intersections causing near-accident situations; Does not shift out of first gear occasionally during acceleration; Loss of forward momentum on hills; Rollback occurs even during normal brake release
Repairs/costs cited: One owner notes transmission slippage is 'known issue.' No recalls issued according to owner reports.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has not issued a recall for this known issue per owner statements.
Transmission Complete Failure / Loss of Functionality
Transmission stops working completely or fails to operate. Vehicle becomes immobilized and requires towing. One owner reported transmission failure at 60,000 miles requiring complete transmission replacement at owner expense ($3,338.92). Another vehicle became stuck in Park.
When: 60,000–97,983 miles reported; can occur throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stops working entirely; Vehicle will not move in any gear; Vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park; Traction control warning light illuminates with shift failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; costs reported at $3,338.92. Gear shift selector replacement needed in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for transmission failure. Manufacturer and dealers have denied assistance with repairs in some cases.
Engine Stalling and Hard Starting
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at various speeds or stationary. Hard starts progress to multiple crank attempts (20–30 attempts) before starting. Engine cranks but does not fire. When vehicle does start, RPM races to 3,000–4,000 before stalling. In one case, vehicle attempted to stall at 70 mph in rush-hour traffic with children aboard.
When: Throughout ownership; can escalate over time
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling while stationary and while driving; Extremely hard starts requiring multiple crank attempts; Crank with no fire; multiple restart attempts necessary; RPM race to 3,000–4,000 after starting, then stall; Takes up to 30 minutes to get vehicle running; Attempted stalling while driving at 70 mph (serious safety hazard)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports gasket was changed but problem persists. Software updates have been attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recognized as ongoing problem under warranty; repeated dealer visits have not resolved issue.
Fuel Pump Relay Failure (TIPM)
Fuel pump relay fails inside the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The relay is hardwired and not separately replaceable; entire TIPM must be replaced at high cost and labor. Causes loss of control while driving. Similar issue reportedly recalled in other Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models but not the Town & Country minivan.
When: Mid-to-high mileage; 60,000–114,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power/control while driving; Vehicle stalls or loses electrical power; Failure to restart or start intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Entire TIPM replacement required at approximately $1,800 in parts and labor. Fuel pump relay itself should be an inexpensive fuse but is not separately replaceable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Other Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models have been recalled for the same fuel relay defect, but Town & Country minivans have not been recalled. One owner alleges manufacturer is avoiding recall to allow the model to 'age out.'
Transmission Software / Programming Failures
Vehicle exhibits transmission programming failures, including inability to shift out of Park and incompatibility with Econ mode. One vehicle had power train control module reprogrammed but failure persisted. Another vehicle developed software failure preventing operation in Economy mode.
When: Early ownership; can persist or develop later
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift from Park to Drive due to programming failure; Vehicle cannot operate in Economy mode due to software issue; No fix available for software-related shift problems
Repairs/costs cited: Power train control module reprogramming attempted but failure recurred. No repair available for Econ mode software failure in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed software failure exists in some units but no repair provided in cases noted.
Power Loss / Electrical Stalling (PCM-Related)
Vehicle loses all electrical power and shuts down while running. One owner left vehicle idling to retrieve children from daycare and returned to find complete loss of electricity. After multiple towing and diagnostic attempts, root cause identified as Power Control Module (PCM) failure. Issue reported as recurring problem with these vans.
When: Mid-to-later ownership; one case at over 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while vehicle is running; Vehicle shuts down during operation; No electrical response after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement required. Owner reports this is a known recurring issue with 2011 Town & Country vans.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler should be addressing this recurring PCM issue per owner statement, but manufacturer response not documented.
RPM Surging and Rough Idle
Engine RPM surges erratically, ranging from 2 to 5–7 RPM at speeds of 40–65 mph, or surges to 3,000–4,000 RPM after starting. Vehicle stalls for seconds during driving. Rough idle and vehicle struggles to stay running. Software updates and fluid additions have not resolved the issue.
When: Throughout ownership; can develop gradually or suddenly
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surging from 2 to 5–7 RPM at highway speeds; Erratic RPM fluctuations; Brief stalling while driving (seconds duration); Rough idle; vehicle struggles to maintain idle; RPM race after starting followed by stall
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates performed; transmission fluid added; gasket changed; none resolved issue. Dealer unable to replicate problem during test drives.
Transmission Gear Ratio / Shift Quality Faults
Check engine light illuminates with transmission-related codes indicating gear ratio errors or shift solenoid circuit faults. Codes P0733 (Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio), P0734 (Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio), P0792 (Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit), and P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch) reported. Vehicle fails state safety inspection due to transmission defect.
When: 149,990 miles and earlier; high-mileage vehicles particularly affected
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Sudden downshift to 2nd or 3rd gear during deceleration over 45 mph; Transmission shifts incorrectly or erratically
Codes mentioned: P0733, P0734, P0792, P0740
Repairs/costs cited: Converter clutch solenoid circuit replacement recommended by independent mechanic. Dealer-only repair; very costly. Most certified mechanics cannot properly diagnose issue.
Unintended Vehicle Movement / Loss of Park Engagement
Vehicle rolls backward or moves when parked and left in Park with engine running. One family's vehicle rolled backward down a driveway with a child inside, injuring the child's mother who was trying to stop it. Owner insists Park was properly engaged but vehicle still rolled.
When: Early ownership; critical safety hazard
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward from Park position when engine running; Loss of transmission hold in Park; Unintended vehicle movement with child inside
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; incident resulted in serious injury (multiple fractures to lower back, ribs, and acetabulum).
Unintended Engine Surge and Loss of Acceleration Control
Vehicle surges forward at high speeds without driver input. Also experiences hesitation and intermittent failure to accelerate. Air bag warning light illuminates intermittently. Fuel pump replacement attempted but surge failure recurred with additional electrical failures.
When: 60,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended surge forward at high speed; Intermittent hesitation to accelerate; Air bag warning light on intermittently; Multiple electrical failures
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced; failure recurred. Independent mechanic identified TIPM failure as possible cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no resolution documented.
Hydraulic Pump Defect (S44 Recall-Related)
Vehicle slams into gears due to a defective hydraulic pump that was subject to recall (S44 recall). This defect causes harsh gear engagement.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slams into gears; Harsh gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Related to S44 recall for hydraulic pump defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: S44 recall issued for hydraulic pump defect in some cases.
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
We have had many mechanical concerns with our new t&c 2011. We have taken our vehicle in many times to cerritos Dodge Chrysler dealership. After a failed attempt to fix something within the transmission, they completely replaced the transmission. There were still concerns and a week later the vehicle had belts and the water pump replaced. To date, many of our initial concerns still exist and…
Transmission clunks when shifting into reverse. Does this frequently. Noted it first a few thousand miles ago, still doing it, also noted that it rolls back when on a slight incline when at a stop sign on a hill, maybe part of the same probably or more problems with Chrysler transmissions, or they forgot to put in a rollback preventer in these new designs. *tr
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 38 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?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,500 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 50,621. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,500; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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 $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/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.