2014 Chrysler Town and Country powertrain problems

Complete transmission failure or loss of drive capability, often at highway speeds. Vehicle loses power to move or enters limp mode. Owners report sudden whining noise, inability to accelerate, vehicle stalling mid-drive, transmission slipping, stuck in gear, or refusal to shift. Can occur without warning lights or with delayed check engine light.

When: Mileage ranges from 5,025 miles to 116,000 miles; commonly reported between 29,000–100,000 miles. Some failures within first year of ownership.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses ability to accelerate or move; Transmission fails to shift gears properly; Whining noise from transmission; Engine revs high (5,000–7,000 RPM) but vehicle won't accelerate; Sudden stalling while driving at highway speeds (35–75 MPH); Transmission slipping under load; Vehicle stuck in one gear; No warning lights or delayed check engine light appearance

Codes mentioned: P2764 (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Circuit Low), P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire), Check engine light (delayed or absent at time of failure)

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; owners report dealerships installing refurbished/rebuilt transmissions rather than new units. Refurbished units have arrived with metal shavings, indicating prior internal damage. Transmission front pump, torque converter, and clutch pack failures documented. Cost reported as $3,000–$5,000+. Some vehicles required multiple transmission replacements within warranty period.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to replace transmissions with new units; warranty only covers refurbished or rebuilt transmissions. Dealer diagnostics often cannot replicate or find codes at service. Chrysler engineers unable to provide permanent fix after extended service periods (210+ days). Multiple complaints cite Chrysler refusing recall or responsibility despite pattern of failures.

Flex plate (part connecting crankshaft to torque converter) cracks repeatedly, sometimes multiple times within months. Cracking can immobilize the vehicle while driving and requires full transmission removal for repair. Indicates underlying engine or transmission defect.

When: At 50,700 miles (first occurrence); repeated cracking documented at 6+ month intervals thereafter within first year of ownership or while still within warranty coverage period.

Symptoms owners cite: Flex plate cracks without impact or accident; Vehicle loses rotational power transfer from engine to transmission; Potential vehicle immobilization while driving; Hesitation and jerking when accelerating; Unpredictable vehicle speed control

Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission must be removed to access and replace flex plate. Parts cost and labor are substantial. Owners report cracking recurred 3+ times in 8 months with mileage under 100,000. Mechanics note cracking indicates greater powertrain defect.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to acknowledge problem or issue recall despite multiple complaints of loss of control at highway speeds. No warranty coverage after initial 36,000-mile or similar period.

Engine misfires, jerks, shudders, and hesitates under acceleration. Owners feel jolting and hiccupping at idle and cruise speeds. Engine ticking or clanking audible. Spark plug replacement does not resolve recurring misfires.

When: Reported across wide mileage range (6,000–115,000 miles). Common complaint pattern suggests systemic issue. One owner notes 2011–2013 models have same engine design; 2014 models experience identical failures.

Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and shuddering during acceleration and while driving; Engine stalls at stops or red lights; Hesitation when accelerating from stop; RPM fluctuation without corresponding speed change; Engine ticking or clanking noise at low speeds; Rough idle with periodic cutting off

Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire), Check engine light (may appear or remain off)

Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement performed but does not resolve misfires. Owners report dealerships unable to find root cause or provide lasting repair despite multiple visits. No permanent fix documented in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler offers no extended warranty or recall acknowledgment. Earlier model years (2011–2013) have recall for same engine design issue, but 2014 models excluded despite identical symptoms and 3.6L Pentastar engine.

Significant oil leaks from oil filter housing or oil cooler assembly, typically on driver's side of engine. Plastic oil cooler housing cracks or fails. Oil accumulates on engine and underneath vehicle. Owners report sudden onset after recent service or without apparent cause. Shops report this is a common failure pattern for this engine.

When: Reported from early ownership through high mileage; some failures occur within 6 months of service (e.g., 4,000 miles after last oil change). One owner with 66,000 miles, another with 50,700 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Visible oil pool under parked vehicle; Oil coating engine bay (driver's side especially); Oil dripping onto transmission and exhaust manifold; Strong oil smell; Sudden onset after routine maintenance or spontaneously

Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing/cooler assembly replacement required. Part number cited: 68105583AA. Owners report part costs ~$250, but secondary transmission repairs triggered by oil contamination have run ~$5,000. Multiple repair shops confirm this is a very common failure; one shop stocks 5 replacement units regularly. Warranty expiration means owner bears full cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread reports. Owners note same engine used in 2019 Dodge Challenger, raising concern for pattern continuation. Dealership services performed by owners did not prevent failure.

Electrical wiring harness shorts out, particularly in transmission control circuits. Wires corrode, break open, or fail to solder correctly, causing loss of signal between engine control module and transmission valve body. Replaced multiple times without permanent resolution.

When: Failures documented at low mileage (22,000 miles) and across ownership period. One case with 210+ days out of service attempting resolution.

Symptoms owners cite: Front airbag warning indicators illuminate; Transmission control failure; Voltage from TIPM to valve body shorted to ground; Wires corroded or broken open (particularly on bottom side of harness); Power loss or transmission engagement failure; Inability to move front driver and passenger seats

Codes mentioned: P2764 (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Circuit Low)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced valve body 3+ times without resolving underlying wiring defect. Wiring harness was identified as root cause but never permanently repaired. One owner's van remained in service 210+ days before manufacturer admitted no permanent repair possible. Front seat wiring harness replaced 4–5 times in one case without lasting resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued written admission that no repair could ensure resolution after extended service period (210 days). Dealerships unable to provide permanent fix despite multiple part replacements. No recall or design fix documented.

Power steering suddenly loses assist without warning, typically at highway or city speeds. Steering becomes manual-only and difficult to control. Turning vehicle off and restarting restores assist temporarily.

When: Reported at 35 MPH and 115,000 miles. Appears sporadic without predictable timing.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering reverts to manual operation (heavy resistance); Vehicle difficult or impossible to steer safely; Failure without warning lights or indicators

Repairs/costs cited: Turning vehicle off and restarting temporarily restores function. No permanent repair documented. One owner did not seek diagnosis or repair.

Accelerator pedal becomes stuck or jammed at full throttle without mechanical obstruction. Engine races at full speed despite operator not depressing pedal. Floor mat not involved.

When: Incident occurred during right-hand turn at a traffic light.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to full throttle unintentionally; Accelerator pedal mechanically free and clear (no obstruction); No floor mat or debris blocking pedal; Requires multiple engine off-restart cycles to restore normal function; Vehicle overheats during incident (smell of hot engine)

Codes mentioned: Oil change due indicator (red lightning bolt)

Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports Chrysler blamed floor mat despite clear absence of obstruction. Multiple off-restart cycles required to restore normal pedal function.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler blamed floor mat despite owner's clear statement that pedal was free and unobstructed.

Transmission pump fails suddenly without warning. Pump may be defective or wear prematurely. Symptoms include inability to move vehicle or loss of hydraulic pressure in transmission.

When: Documented at 129,000 miles; vehicles built January–April 2014 subject to recall for same issue. Vehicles from later model years (2015–2016) also recalled for transmission pump failure.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to move after pump failure; No warning lights or prior symptoms in some cases; Transmission loses hydraulic pressure; Vehicle immobilized mid-drive

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pump replacement required. No repair cost cited in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership informed owner VIN was not included in recall despite symptoms matching recalled vehicles exactly. Manufacturer provided no assistance. Earlier model years (2014 early production and 2015–2016) were recalled for identical issue; later 2014 production (post-April 2014) apparently excluded.

Left cylinder head fails requiring replacement. Narratives note 2011–2013 Pentastar engines have existing recall for this defect; 2014 models with same 3.6L engine exhibit identical failures but are excluded from recall.

When: Reported at over 100,000 miles. Owner notes recall exists for 2011–2013 models; 2014 excluded despite same engine design.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine performance degradation; Potential loss of compression or coolant leak

Repairs/costs cited: Left cylinder head replacement required. Owner quoted $5,000 for repair at 100,000+ miles.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2014 model despite identical issue and engine design to recalled 2011–2013 models.

Engine shuts off suddenly while driving, causing loss of power steering, brake assist, and instrument lights. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable or difficult to control. May occur at stops, highway speeds, or city streets. Restart restores function temporarily. Recurring issue across multiple trips.

When: Multiple occurrences over extended period; one owner reports 3 separate incidents with family aboard.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; Loss of power steering (steering locks up); Loss of brake assist or ability to shift gear; Instrument lights go out; Vehicle immobilized until restart; Check engine light may or may not appear; Stalling at red lights or during braking

Codes mentioned: P0304 (cited in one case with random shut-off), Check engine light (variable presence)

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service attempts with no resolution documented. One owner reports dealership unable to determine cause. Owners report dealerships find no codes or cannot replicate issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refusing to acknowledge or address defect per owner complaints. Dealerships unable to provide permanent repair despite multiple visits.

Transmission cooling lines leak transmission fluid. Widespread complaint online but no recall issued to date per owner research.

When: Timing of onset not specified; multiple online complaints documented by owner.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking from cooling lines; Fluid visible underneath vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: Cooling line replacement required. Cost not specified in narrative.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite ongoing reports and pattern.

Transmission slips under load or hesitates to engage when placed in drive. Vehicle hesitates before moving or slips while accelerating. Repeated service attempts fail to resolve.

When: Onset typically within first year of ownership or few months after purchase. One owner reports 7 dealership visits over warranty period with no resolution.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping during acceleration; Hesitation or delay before transmission engages; Loss of grip or slippage under load; Vehicle shudders when accelerating; Difficulty moving forward from stop

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership service visits (up to 7 documented) without finding or fixing root cause. Dealerships deny transmission problem or cannot find codes.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claim inability to find problem or deny transmission fault. No warranty replacement offered before warranty expiration. Manufacturer providing no assistance per owner reports.

Crankshaft sensor fails due to corroded or improperly secured wiring harness. Sensor replaced multiple times; harness wiring was out of place, broken, or corroded. Intermittent repairs without lasting resolution.

When: Defect documented at dealership across multiple service visits over extended period.

Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty starting vehicle (has to crank hard); Rough running engine; Loss of power while driving; Sudden power loss at highway speeds (75 MPH); No warning lights displayed; Engine running but no response to throttle

Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replaced twice; wiring harness corroded wires fixed and harness secured. PCM replaced. Same problems recurred 2 weeks after repair. One incident involved sudden power loss at 75 MPH on expressway; vehicle restarted and was driveable but dealership unable to replicate issue or find codes.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler provided loaner vehicle while diagnosing, but ultimately returned vehicle unresolved with dealership unable to find codes or duplicate failure.

Vehicle jerks, shudders, and has rough running characteristics, especially when driving under load, towing, hauling cargo, or during acceleration. May be related to transmission hesitation or engine misfire.

When: Reported across wide mileage range; sometimes first sign of dysfunction after purchase.

Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and shuddering during acceleration and towing; Rough idle and stalling at stops; Hesitation when depressing accelerator; Unpredictable vehicle speed control; Shuddering during braking

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits often result in no diagnosis or temporary fixes. Root cause not identified in most narratives.

Vehicle rolls backward or drifts out of park while parked without operator input. Vehicle parked on flat, level surface. In one case, vehicle drifted into parked cars causing collision.

When: Mileage 5,025 and 40,100 miles reported; vehicle sat parked when failure occurred.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls or drifts backward while parked; Occurs on level, non-inclined surfaces; No operator input or brake engagement failure noted; Vehicle left in drive or park position per narrative

Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle remained undiagnosed or repaired per owner. Collision occurred into two vehicles; airbags did not deploy.

Engine motor mount bolts were never installed at factory, causing loud clanking noise during initial acceleration and deceleration at low speeds.

When: Identified immediately on first drive home from dealership (approximately 100 miles after delivery from another dealership with 199 miles on odometer).

Symptoms owners cite: Loud clanking noise at low speeds during acceleration and deceleration; Noise evident on initial drive home

Repairs/costs cited: Missing bolts installed by dealership at warranty service visit.