2013 Chrysler Town and Country electrical problems

Complete electrical system shutdown while driving or parked, causing loss of engine power, steering, brakes, lighting, and ability to restart. Central power control module fails intermittently or completely.

When: Varies; occurs while driving at highway and local speeds, while parked, after parking for hours, and after cold overnight periods. Onset reported across mileage range from new vehicle to 136,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine shuts off without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; All dashboard lights go dark; Headlights shut off; Radio and all accessories shut off; Multiple restart attempts required; Vehicle may not restart at all; Check engine light illuminated; Warning lights flashing uncontrollably

Codes mentioned: I121300, B19ED, B2501, B2506, B19E0, B2509, B19CD

Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement required, costing $1,200–$1,700. Some owners report reprogramming claimed necessary by dealers (owners dispute this). Multiple owners replaced TIPM 2–4 times in short periods with recurring failure. Parts were reported on national backorder; dealers unable to complete repairs for weeks to months.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recalls issued for Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee (189,000 units) with same TIPM issue, but 2013 Town & Country excluded despite identical component. Class action lawsuits filed against Chrysler; Center for Auto Safety estimated 7 million affected Chrysler vehicles. NHTSA rejected petition to investigate. Dealers unable to replicate problems during diagnostic testing; some misdiagnosed as battery, alternator, or starter issues.

Ignition switch fails intermittently or completely, causing vehicle shutdown during operation, hard starting, or complete no-start conditions. Owners report physical tapping or bumping of key fob or ignition switch triggers shutdowns.

When: Intermittent; more frequent in vehicles driven over speed bumps or on bumpy roads. Affects vehicles from early ownership to 115,000+ miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off while driving without warning; Engine cranks but does not start; Multiple start attempts required; Difficulty accelerating; Stalling on highways and local streets; Loss of headlights during shutdown; Loss of power steering during shutdown; Responsive to physical manipulation of key or fob (tapping triggers failure); Failure occurs while shifting into gear or during turns

Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement required. One owner confirmed the fault by triggering failure via key fob tapping and recorded video evidence. Independent mechanics were able to confirm diagnosis after dealers could not replicate.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Over 300 complaints online documented for identical ignition switch failure. No factory recall issued for 2013 model year. Owners reference similar historical ignition switch recalls on other Chrysler products and earlier model years.

Fuel pump relay within the TIPM fails, preventing engine start or causing unexpected stalls. Relay may stick on, draining battery or overheating circuits. Part of the Totally Integrated Power Module electrical architecture.

When: Can occur from early in ownership to higher mileage. Often triggered after cold overnight periods or after vehicle has sat parked for hours.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to crank or turn over; Requires multiple start attempts over hours before starting; Vehicle starts then immediately shuts off after 3–5 seconds; Battery mysteriously drained overnight with no accessories left on; Engine loses power while driving without warning; Stalling during highway driving at 60+ mph; Remote start feature works when pushbutton start fails; Fuel pump relay audibly fails or makes noise

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and fuel pump relay replacement cost approximately $1,400–$1,700. Owners report replacing both components 2–3 times within short periods (less than 3 years) with recurring failures. One owner bypassed failed relay using paperclip jumper between fuse holders M37 and M25 as temporary workaround. Another owner re-wired fuel pump through cigarette lighter socket after multi-year no-start condition; this caused wiring to overheat and melt inside the socket, creating fire hazard.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2012 model year received recall for fuel pump relay in Dodge and Jeep vehicles. 2013 Town & Country received no factory recall for same issue despite identical component. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram models with same year and issue issued recalls. Class action settlement history noted from 2006 and 2012 for TIPM/fuel pump relay issues in earlier Chrysler Town & Country models.

Battery mysteriously drains overnight or over several hours with no accessories left on. New batteries installed do not resolve the issue. Attributed to faulty relay or TIPM module keeping systems powered.

When: Occurs after vehicle parked overnight or for several hours. More prevalent in cold weather and winter months.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after overnight parking; No lights, no power, unable to unlock with fob; Vehicle will not start despite fully charged battery; New battery drained 3 times within one week; Battery test results normal when checked at dealer; Requires jump-start to restart; Lasts less than 24 hours after jump; Persists even with charged or new battery

Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement ($500–$800) does not solve the underlying issue. Multiple dealership visits and diagnostic scans (reportedly using 'only authorized battery scanner') found no problems. One owner jumped and left running to charge for 5 hours, then dead again the next morning.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships performed diagnostics but were unable to identify root cause. Offered battery replacement as solution without addressing faulty relay or TIPM. Multiple owners received multiple recalls for same issue (duplicated recall notices received 6–12 months apart).

Wipers, headlights, power door locks, A/C, and other electrical accessories fail or operate uncontrollably due to TIPM or related electrical module failures. Includes auto lights failing to engage, wipers cycling without input, doors unable to open/close, and A/C losing function.

When: Intermittent; can occur at any time while driving, parked, or idling. Some occur during weather conditions (rain storms, snowstorms) or temperature extremes.

Symptoms owners cite: Wipers turn on and cycle 4+ times without driver input, particularly in auto mode; Wipers do not operate in rain despite auto mode engaged; Only slow speed available on wipers in manual mode; Headlights turn off while driving at night in auto mode (60 mph reported); Headlights fail to turn on in auto mode; must use manual mode; Auto lights turn on during daylight and clear weather; Power sliding doors fail to open or lock/unlock; 'Function not available' message appears for power doors; Door may close on occupant without releasing (safety hazard); Power seat controls become inoperable; A/C blows hot air only, no cold air produced; A/C compressor replaced but problem persists (traced to electrical); Rear quarter power vent window controls fail; Traction control light illuminates randomly; Airbag light flashes; Electronic throttle control lights illuminate

Codes mentioned: I121300, B19ED, B2501, B2506, B19E0, B2509, B19CD

Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement ($1,200–$1,700) typically required. A/C compressor replacement ($500–$1,000+) may not resolve if underlying cause is electrical. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose intermittent issues. One owner replaced sliding door motor module, door wiring logic module, latch actuator motor, and door track wire bundle without resolution; suspected ongoing wiring issue in door panel that may pose fire hazard.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers issue part replacement (A/C, door motors, switches) without addressing root TIPM failure. Rear quarter vent window switch recall (P25/14V-234) issued but parts remained unavailable for 5–9 months after recall notice sent. Owners received multiple recall notices (duplicate notices months apart) while waiting for parts. Dealers told owners they cannot repair if problem is intermittent.

Steering wheel electrical components, including horn and airbag functionality, become intermittent. Clock spring or related module fails, causing loss of horn and airbag responsiveness.

When: Intermittent; problem goes dead for hours to days, then works again without repair. Can recur multiple times.

Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound when activated; Airbag warning light illuminates; All steering wheel electrical controls quit for hours or days; Controls resume working on their own without intervention; No warning or pattern to failures

Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement required. Parts not immediately available. Warranty covers repair only if component is completely broken; intermittent failures not covered under warranty.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler minivans have historical recall for clock spring problems. 2013 model year not included in expanded recall despite same symptoms. Dealers state they cannot authorize replacement under recall without complete failure.

Wireless Ignition Node module fails, causing intermittent shutdowns and loss of power steering and braking. Related to ignition system control.

When: Increasingly frequent while driving, particularly on bumpy road surfaces. Mileage at failure around 115,000.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off after slight contact with ignition key; Recurring shutdown while driving on bumpy roads; Loss of power steering and braking; Headlights turn off during shutdown

Repairs/costs cited: WIN module replacement required. Manufacturer stated VIN not included in electrical system/airbag recall campaign (14V373000).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed failure and recommended WIN module replacement. NHTSA Campaign 14V373000 exists but affected VIN excluded. Manufacturer notified; referred contact to NHTSA Hotline.

Rear quarter power vent window switch fails or poses electrical hazard. Recall (P25/14V-234, Campaign 14V-530000) issued but parts unavailable for extended periods. Dealers disconnected switches without replacement capability.

When: Issue identified in 2014; recalls issued but unfulfilled for months to years.

Symptoms owners cite: Window control switch fails; Switch poses potential fire hazard per electrical design concerns; Window stuck in up or down position

Repairs/costs cited: Switch disconnection performed by dealer (temporary measure) with promise of replacement when parts available. Parts were on national backorder 5–9+ months after recall issued. Owner paid $0 for disconnection but unable to use rear window controls.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P25/NHTSA 14V-234 and Campaign 14V-530000 issued. Owners received multiple recall notices (duplicates issued 6–12 months apart) despite parts unavailability. Dealers unable to complete repairs; no timeline provided. One owner attempted to contact Chrysler 800-number support; placed on hold 110 minutes with no answer. Owners criticized Chrysler for not setting deadline for parts availability or penalty schedule.

Alternator fails prematurely and may fail again shortly after replacement. 160-amp alternator in 3.6L Town & Country shares components with 2010–2014 Chrysler 300, Jeep models recalled for same issue.

When: First failure reported at 48,000 miles; second failure begun at 58,000 miles (8 months later). Same model alternators recalled on other Chrysler products.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated on dashboard; Electrical functions gradually lost; Vehicle unable to accelerate past first gear; Vehicle dies on busy road; Alternator fails again within 8 months of replacement

Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement cost not cited. First replacement at dealer; second failure imminent.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2010–2014 Chrysler 300 and Jeep models received NHTSA recall for same alternator issue. Town & Country 3.6L uses same components with different housing. Owner believes Town & Country should be included in alternator recall.

Seat heater and wiring harness melt and burn due to electrical defect. Burned/melted areas found on seat back; potential for house fire if vehicle parked in garage.

When: Discovered after battery drain issue; vehicle parked in garage with no use of seat heater.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies unexpectedly; Seat back shows melted/burnt areas in multiple spots; Wiring harness overheats and fails

Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Chrysler refused to assist in repair or replacement, claiming no recall and vehicle no longer in warranty.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler declined financial assistance. Insurance also denied claim citing part malfunction. No recall issued for seat heater defect.

Power sliding door closes on occupant and does not release, trapping child's head. Door mechanism has no safety override or release force limit. Testing shows door can snap pencils and wood blocks.

When: Occurred when child bumped button to close door; child's head caught behind ear.

Symptoms owners cite: Door closes on occupant with sustained pressure; No release mechanism activates; Door maintains pressure on trapped body part; Door can snap objects with high force

Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; safety defect documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owner found online videos documenting same hazard with pencils and wood blocks. Chrysler marketing emphasizes 'family vehicle' safety.