Chrysler Town and Country problems
631 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. No active recalls — patterns come from the complaint record.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 10 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
- Engine: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 64,000–130,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
After receiving multiple check engine notifications for "engine misfire", the dealership determined that all the lifters needed to be replaced. We had the work done, and 1 year later the same codes have returned.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH, the rear passenger side sliding door started smoking and caught on fire. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and…
My car would randomly shut down while I am driving leaving me with no power steering. I took it to my mechanic who discovered it was a faulty ignition switch module and recommended I take it to a dealership. If I touch the key fob on my car or hit a bump while it is running,…
The brake lights on the drivers side failed. These lights are LED lights and meant to last the life of the vehicle. They cannot be changed like a standard brake light. This is a safety hazard when stopping or driving at night. *tr
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 631 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 10 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Engine: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 64,000–130,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 374 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 81,494 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 81,494 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chrysler Town and Country has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 631 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.