2014 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler Town and Country in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Town & Country has a critical intermittent stall issue that kills the engine, steering, and brakes while driving—often without warning or fault codes. Multiple owners report dealers cannot replicate the problem, though one paid $700 for a WIN module replacement; additionally, some units show excessive vibration and tire cupping that persists after service.
The dominant complaint across these 22 narratives is a severe, unpredictable power loss while the van is in motion. The engine shuts off completely at speeds ranging from 20 to 70 mph—on highways, city roads, and even during turns into driveways. When it happens, owners lose power steering, power brakes, and all electrical power simultaneously. The only fix is to put the van in Park or Neutral and restart it, which works immediately. Critically, no diagnostic fault codes appear afterward, leaving mechanics confused.
Several owners say dealers cannot replicate the problem or find anything wrong, despite seeing it happen multiple times. One owner paid $700 for a WIN module replacement; another noticed their 2014 had the same symptoms as an earlier recall on 2008–2010 models. The stalls have caused near-accidents on highways, with traffic nearly rear-ending these vans when they suddenly lost power in active lanes.
Beyond the stalling issue, owners report excessive vibration with uneven tire wear (cupping), poor visibility of the gear selector position blocked by the steering wheel, and one case of steering wheel controls failing due to clock spring wear. One owner's transmission stuck in 3rd gear after a stall event. Another reports cruise control causing an unexpected acceleration/veer that led to a collision with a utility truck.
Same Chrysler Town and Country steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss while driving (engine stall)
Engine shuts off abruptly during motion at various speeds (20–70 mph), causing simultaneous loss of power steering, power brakes, and electrical systems. Vehicle must be restarted (placed in Park or Neutral) to resume operation. No diagnostic trouble codes are logged afterward. Occurs intermittently but has increased in frequency for affected owners.
When: Various speeds and driving conditions (highway, city streets, turns); many incidents occur 56k–100k+ miles; reported from Dec 2016 through 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly; Power steering becomes unavailable; Power brakes fail; Loss of electrical power (lights, radio, wipers, dash lights); Vehicle loses speed/momentum; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced WIN module for $700 in narrative #1; several dealers reported unable to replicate or find faults; some owners note dealer diagnosis mentioned 'defective sensors' (narrative #8)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #1 references earlier recall for 2008–2010 models with same symptoms (WIN module issue); narrative #7 mentions earlier modules recalled for faulty ignition; no recall confirmed for 2014 model year at time of complaints
Excessive vehicle vibration and uneven tire wear
Vehicle vibrates excessively during driving, causing violent seat movement. Despite tire balancing and replacement, vibration persists. Tires wear unevenly with cupping pattern. Dealer suggested tire rotation as remedy but underlying cause remains unresolved.
When: Ongoing; reported after tire work (new tires installed, worn within ~60 days)
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive vibration felt throughout vehicle; Violent seat movement; Uneven tire wear with cupping; Worn tires despite recent replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Tire balancing performed; new tires installed; tire rotation suggested—none resolved issue
Poor visibility of gear selector position
Steering wheel obstructs view of dashboard gear selector display. Selector has no labels indicating current gear position, forcing driver to look away or remember position by feel, creating safety risk during reversing or gear changes.
When: Occurs every time gear is shifted; continuously during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel blocks view of gear selector; No visible labels on gear selector; Difficulty confirming gear selection
Steering wheel control buttons malfunction
Steering wheel-mounted control buttons stopped working. Root cause identified as compromised clock spring contacts.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel controls unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed clock spring contact failure
Transmission stuck in gear after stall event
Following a stall event, transmission became stuck in 3rd gear and would not shift. Driver forced to maintain high RPM to exit highway safely. Resolved after placing vehicle in Park and restarting.
When: 12/1/17; occurred after engine stall event
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 3rd gear; Will not shift out of gear
Cruise control overpowering traction during acceleration
Cruise control engaged at highway speed caused unexpected passing gear kick-in, spinning front tires and causing vehicle to veer off road, resulting in collision with utility truck. Dealer refused to examine vehicle; owner suspects defective sensors.
When: Shortly after purchase; highway driving at 65 mph with cruise control engaged
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control causes unintended acceleration/passing gear; Front tire spin; Vehicle veers right unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted; dealer refused to inspect
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2014 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 29,000 and 69,300 miles, with the median around 58,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 69,300. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.