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 ↗2012 Chrysler Town and Country powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 90,840 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
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Town and Country | 38 |
| 2012 Town and Country (this page) | 32 |
| 2013 Town and Country | 40 |
| 2014 Town and Country | 51 |
| 2015 Town and Country | 109 |
| 2016 Town and Country | 180 |
2fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler Town and Country we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (32).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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
Owners report transmission issues that dominate the complaint cluster. Intermittent hard shifts, lurching, hesitation between gear changes, and transmission lockup in specific gears show up repeatedly. Some vans lock into 2nd gear shortly after start-up with no diagnostic codes, requiring a restart to clear the issue. Others experience transmission slipping, loss of motive power while driving, or complete transmission failure in the 90,000–190,000-mile range. A few reports cite recently rebuilt transmissions slipping within 2 years of replacement.
Engine stalling occurs at various speeds without warning; some vans restart after minutes, others need battery reconnection. Check engine lights appear inconsistently. Multiple owners describe hesitation and hard acceleration jerking while shifting gears, sometimes accompanied by burning odors from the vents.
Electrical failures include battery discharge tied to a stuck fuel pump relay, a smoking fuse box (#25 fuel pump fuse), and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues that prevent starting. Powertrain control module (PCM) reprogramming was performed on some vehicles at the dealer for poor shift quality early in ownership, yet issues persisted.
Flexplate/flywheel cracking appears repeatedly, with owners noting cracks around bolt patterns and complete inner-circle separation—described as abnormal for a solid piece. One owner had it fail twice over eight years.
Engine problems include cylinder head issues, valve train damage (camshafts, gaskets, valve arms), and oil cooler housing cracks under pressure or heat. Wheel bearing failure occurs even at low mileage (36,000 miles), though some vans fall outside recalled vehicles.
Same Chrysler Town and Country powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission lockup in gear
Transmission intermittently locks into 2nd gear (or thinks vehicle is in reverse while parked) and refuses to shift up or down, requiring engine restart to clear. No diagnostic codes are set.
When: Early in vehicle operation or just after cold start; one owner reported this over 18 months on a 2012 model year vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle locks into 2nd gear after start-up; No upshift or downshift possible; Vehicle thinks it's in reverse when parked, won't start; Issue clears only after engine restart; Thunk or lurch on initial motion; No diagnostic trouble codes
Codes mentioned: No codes thrown to TCM
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced cylinder head for cylinder #2 misfire in one case; Chrysler identified 8 potential causes in another case but was waiting on backordered powertrain module; issue never fully resolved in multiple service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on powertrain control module for software reprogramming performed as early as 1/1/12 for poor shift quality; no successful resolution despite multiple dealer visits
Hard shifting, lurching, and transmission hesitation
Transmission shifts harshly between gears, hesitates, or lurches forward when accelerating or decelerating. Vehicle does not respond smoothly to throttle or brake inputs during gear changes.
When: Occurs repeatedly while driving at various speeds; worse during cold months (December/January reported with higher frequency)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking while transmission is shifting between gears; Hesitation followed by sudden jolts when changing lanes in traffic; Transmission does not downshift when coming to a stop, causing forward lunge; Engine jumps to high RPM with light throttle, then fails to shift to proper gear; Engine RPM goes back and forth during acceleration; Vibration when coming to a stop
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reprogramming performed multiple times at two Chrysler dealers with no resolution; owners report dealership unwillingness to investigate further
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states manufacturer has no records of the issue; many owners report similar problems online that manufacturer does not acknowledge
Transmission slipping
Transmission slips during acceleration or while driving, causing loss of power transfer to wheels and high engine RPM needed to maintain speed.
When: At 94,000 miles (takeoff); within 2 years after transmission replacement at dealership; at 189,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips when taking off; Vehicle requires very hard effort to reach 40 mph with high RPM; Engine RPM indicator fluctuates while driving at low speed; High engine RPM needed to maintain 55 mph
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had transmission replaced in 2015, rebuilt unit slipped within 2 years; rebuilt by Chrysler dealership
Complete transmission failure
Transmission loses all engagement and vehicle becomes immobile. Requires full transmission replacement.
When: At 106,000 miles; at 184,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle comes to screeching halt; Will not move in any gear after restart; Transmission will not engage; Hard shifting followed by sudden loss of power; Loud noise from transmission
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed complete transmission failure with internal parts completely disintegrated; transmission replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Failure could not be duplicated at dealer and vehicle was not included in recall
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates to high speed without driver input and does not respond to brake pedal, forcing driver to shut off engine.
When: At 63,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle independently accelerates from 45 mph to 80 mph; Brake pedal becomes unresponsive; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable; Engine RPM immediately increases to 4,000 after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Failure not diagnosed; vehicle restarted after battery disconnect and reconnect with no recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Engine stalling while driving
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds without warning. Vehicle may restart after delay or require battery cycle.
When: At 109,000 miles; at 35,198 miles; repeatedly while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at 50–70 mph; Engine shuts off in motion on highway; Stalls at 30–40 mph; Engine shuts off when coming to a stop; Engine shuts off indeterminately and all electrical goes out; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Cause could not be determined at dealership diagnostic; alternator, battery, PSC and ASD relays replaced by independent mechanic without resolution; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but no assistance provided in some cases; manufacturer not contacted in others
Powertrain control module software issues
PCM malfunction or poor calibration causes erratic transmission behavior, stalling, and no-start conditions. Software reprogramming performed early in vehicle life did not resolve ongoing issues.
When: Recall service performed 1/1/12 (brand new vehicle); issues persisted for 6+ years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle thinks it's in reverse when parked; Engine computer failure causes transmission downshift; Vehicle filled with smoke (electrical fire); Transmission thinks it's in reverse, won't start
Codes mentioned: P25 code noted in one complaint (Open at time of event)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial recall service reprogrammed PCM 1/1/12; issue recurred repeatedly; Chrysler eventually identified 8 potential causes and awaited backordered powertrain module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall TSB for powertrain control module software reprogramming; parts backorder prevented full resolution
Electrical fire and TIPM failure
Electrical fire originates in powertrain control or electrical module, disabling windows and doors. Related to fuel pump relay sticking or TIPM malfunction causing smoking fuse box and battery drain.
When: 11/30/16 and 8/31/17 for electrical fire; TIPM issue reported as ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical fire inside van; Windows and electric doors cease operating; Vehicle filled with smoke; Fuse box smoking at fuel pump fuse (#25); Battery goes dead randomly; Fuel pump relay sticks
Codes mentioned: P25 (fuel pump fuse)
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical fire recall was supposedly fixed once but recurred; TIPM circuit board was damaged by smoking fuse box; owner ordered complete TIPM replacement; Chrysler relay bypass kit ordered but cancelled due to unavailability for non-recalled vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Rear quarter vent window switch recall performed; Chrysler acknowledged TIPM issue in multiple vehicles with fire risk but owner's 2012 not included due to insufficient complaint count
Flexplate/flywheel cracking
Flexplate (flywheel) cracks around bolt pattern or separates at inner circle without accident or impact. Occurs repeatedly on same vehicle and requires replacement.
When: Every 4 years for one owner (two repairs); at low mileage (64,000 miles or less)
Symptoms owners cite: Clanging noise when idling that stops with throttle input; Inner circle cracked and separated from outer circle (described as abnormal for solid piece); Sound like marbles rattling in tin can at idle and low speed; Noise from rear of vehicle; Cracking around bolt pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs required; dealership states they keep many on hand because it's a known problem; dealership offers reinforcement plate as additional purchase; independent mechanic found and repaired before complete failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealership aware of pattern and stocks parts; owner requested recall and permanent fix
Engine cylinder head and valve train damage
Engine develops internal valve train damage including failed camshafts, gaskets, and valve arms on one or both sides of cylinder head. One vehicle required debris cleaning from cylinder head.
When: At 64,000 miles (with only 18,000 miles driven by current owner over 2 years)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibration when vehicle stopped at light; Vehicle does not respond smoothly to gear changes; Engine performance degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Recall service replaced half of engine heads due to debris; subsequent owner experienced symptoms and needed camshafts, valve arms, and gaskets replaced at cost of $1,100; left side gasket covered under Chrysler warranty, right side not covered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for engine debris on some vehicles; cylinder head replacement performed under recall
Alternator failure
Alternator malfunctions causing battery light illumination, transmission shifting failure, and high engine RPM required to maintain speed.
When: At unknown high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminates on dash; Transmission fails to shift; Engine runs at 5,000 RPM to maintain 55 mph; Battery dies
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced by owner
Hard transmission downshift bang
When shifting from reverse to drive, transmission produces a hard bang or jolt as if vehicle was hit from behind. Occurs intermittently.
When: Repeatedly during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Hard bang when shifting from reverse to drive (40% of the time); Feels like van was hit from behind; Jolt during shift
Repairs/costs cited: Two Chrysler dealers reprogrammed computer multiple times with no resolution; dealers state this is normal behavior
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim normal operation
Reverse gear failure
Reverse gear does not engage or function after vehicle purchase or during normal operation.
When: Three days after purchase; intermittently during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot reverse vehicle; Reverse gear will not engage; All other gears work normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership shop performed free warranty repair within 3 days of purchase
Wheel bearing failure
Right front or rear wheel bearing fails prematurely. One vehicle was outside recall coverage despite known bearing issues on same model year.
When: At 36,714 miles; at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Humming from rear of vehicle at 35–70 mph; High-pitched noise from wheel bearing
Repairs/costs cited: Right front wheel bearing replacement cost $496.24; rear wheel bearing repair cost $500 at dealership, $350 at independent garage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall M13 / NHTSA 12V-141 for rear wheel bearings exists for some vehicles; owner's specific VIN not included in recall; Chrysler customer satisfaction unwilling to provide assistance
Oil cooler housing cracking
Oil cooler housing cracks under pressure or overheating conditions, leading to fluid leakage and potential engine damage.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil cooler housing cracks under pressure or overheating
No-start or ignition disable
Vehicle fails to start or ignition restart is disabled after engine stall. Power remains but neither key nor remote restart vehicle.
When: After engine stall at 45 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine disabled and shut down in motion; Ignition restart disabled after stall; Power remains but no restart possible
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 90,840. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2012/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.