2013 Chrysler Town and Country powertrain problems

Transmission loses motive power, stalls, or requires replacement due to internal pump failure, bearing wear (supplier defects), snap ring breakage, or design flaws. Occurs at low mileage (22,000–90,000 miles). Owner reports cite technicians mentioning design defects and junk supplier bearings in the 6-speed unit.

When: 22,000–90,000 miles; many within warranty

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Whining sound before failure; Transmission will not move even with accelerator depressed; Loss of pump pressure; Transmission slipping at low gears; Hard shifting or clunking during gear changes

Codes mentioned: P0944 (Loss of prime), P0731 (Gear ratio error in 1st), P0846 (2-4 or 2C pressure switch rationality)

Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; $4,700 cited in one repair. Some repairs attempted but failures recurred.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer contacted but could not resolve; owner received only Chrysler 1-800 number. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.

Engine shuts down without warning while driving at various speeds, sometimes with loss of all electrical power (dash, lights, radio go dark). Vehicle can be restarted after turning key off and restarting, but failures recur. Some stalls tied to fuel pump replacement attempts that failed. Occurs with and without check engine lights.

When: Various mileage; 75,000–175,000 miles cited

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; Instrument panel goes dark or stays on; Radio and heat blower shut off; Vehicle will not accelerate; Multiple stalls per week or month; No check engine light in some cases

Codes mentioned: P0018 (Crankshaft/Camshaft position correlation Bank 2 sensor), P0300 (Random misfire)

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement attempted but did not resolve stalling. PCM replacement recommended in one case but not performed due to cost. No successful repairs documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in most cases. One case mentions WIN module and control internal grade power module replacement recommended but not performed.

Vehicle continues to accelerate after driver releases pedal, or accelerates violently without input. Putting transmission in neutral does not stop motor racing. Throttle body warning light illuminates. Occurs after transmission software update in at least one case. One incident resulted in loss of steering control and collision.

When: Low to moderate mileage; one incident at 30,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when pedal is released; Motor continues racing in neutral; RPMs spike to 1,800 or higher; Red throttle body warning light on; Sudden violent acceleration while parking; Steering lockup during acceleration; Brakes smell hot after hard braking to stop acceleration

Codes mentioned: Throttle body light (red warning)

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced foot pedal but issue recurred. Dealers unable to find fault or replicate problem. One collision damage repaired but vehicle continued to have unintended acceleration.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission software update was performed before at least one incident; dealer said they could not find anything wrong and contacted Chrysler (unresolved).

Transmission downshifts suddenly to low gear without driver input, locks in low gear, or shifts into neutral while driving. Gearshift display does not reflect actual gear. Accompanied by high engine RPM, loss of speed, or hard clunking when engaging gears.

When: Low to moderate mileage; examples at 22,000 and 55,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift to low gear at city speeds; Vehicle locked in low gear after downshift; Gearshift indicator does not match actual gear; Spontaneous shift to neutral while driving; Hard clunk when shifting from park or reverse; RPM jumps to 4,000+ after downshift; Speed limited to 20 MPH while in low gear

Codes mentioned: P0731 (Gear ratio error in 1st)

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement in at least one case. Some anomalies corrected by restarting vehicle, but issue recurred.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer could not duplicate failure in one case. Manufacturer notified but case remains open with no resolution documented.

Flexplate breaks or wears, causing loud rattling or grinding noise from engine area. TIPM replacement also required in at least one case. Owner noted both parts commonly replaced together on 2012–2014 models and expressed concern about safety (potential highway shutdown).

When: Low to moderate mileage; owner concerned about recurring pattern

Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling noise from engine area; Noise louder when A/C is on; Vibration and shaking at idle; Starter spins freely with no resistance (broken flywheel variant mentioned)

Repairs/costs cited: Flexplate replaced; TIPM replaced in same repair. Owner noted this is a common pattern across multiple 2012–2014 vehicles.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned. Owner stated belief that these parts should have triggered a recall.

Vehicle in park gear suddenly rolls backward or forward without driver input, sometimes after engine off or while idling. In one case, vehicle rolled down embankment causing severe injury to occupant. In another, parked van rolled backward after keys removed.

When: Low mileage; examples at 30,000 miles and during short idle period

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward from park position; Vehicle rolls forward in park; No park engagement felt or heard

Repairs/costs cited: One incident required door and sub-seat stowing area repairs. Cause unknown per owner. Damage estimates $4,000+.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in cases reported. One incident investigated by independent mechanic with no determination of cause.