Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chrysler town and country. While the contact's wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was towed to stephen wade Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (855-227-3516, located at 1724 hilton dr, st. John, utah 84470) where it was diagnosed that the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…
2015 Chrysler Town and Country powertrain problems
moderate 109 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
109
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 109 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Chrysler Town and Country, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 109 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.
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler Town and Country in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 Chrysler Town & Country has widespread transmission failures, primarily pump-related hydraulic pressure loss, affecting vehicles across mileage ranges and with no clear pattern. Many owners report being excluded from the transmission pump recall (Campaign 16V461000) despite having identical failures, resulting in out-of-pocket repair costs of $3,700–$6,500; if buying one, verify your VIN against the official recall list and have a pre-purchase transmission inspection performed by an independent specialist.
Owners report transmission failures across a wide mileage range, from as low as 15,700 miles to 135,000 miles, with the majority clustered between 47,000 and 115,000 miles. The most common failure pattern involves loss of hydraulic pressure in the transmission pump, which starves the transmission of fluid and causes internal damage. Owners describe sudden loss of power, inability to shift gears, slipping transmission, revving without acceleration, harsh downshifts at 5,000-6,000 RPM, stalling at stops, and in several cases, uncontrolled acceleration or vehicle roll-away while in Park with the brake set.
Early warning signs vary: some vehicles show no warning before catastrophic failure, while others exhibit whining or moaning noises from the pump, shuddering on acceleration, hard shifting, or check engine lights (often P0868 for low transmission fluid pressure). Repairs universally require transmission replacement or rebuild, with costs ranging from $3,700 to $6,500. One dealership demanded replacement of the AC condenser ($4,400) alongside transmission work, claiming it was required for warranty coverage.
A critical issue: multiple owners report being excluded from NHTSA Recall Campaign 16V461000, which addressed transmission pump failures in some 2015 Town & Country vans. Owners with the identical failure modes state their VINs were not included in the recall despite having the same defect. One certified transmission mechanic told an owner he had seen four identical pump failures in two weeks. Owners express frustration that identical vehicles with identical failures receive different recall treatment based on VIN.
Same Chrysler Town and Country powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Pump Hydraulic Pressure Loss
The transmission pump fails to maintain hydraulic pressure, starving the transmission of fluid and causing internal damage. This is the most frequently cited root cause across complaints.
When: Across various mileages: 47,190 to 135,000 miles; most common 65,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or moaning noise from transmission, especially at stops; Loss of forward/reverse motion or delayed engagement; Transmission slipping or revving without acceleration response; Inability to shift gears or failure to shift into required gear; Vehicle unable to exceed 25 MPH in some cases; Sudden complete loss of power while driving; Check engine light (often delayed or absent until severe)
Codes mentioned: P0868 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low), P0731, P0792, P1790 (transmission-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement or rebuild required; costs $3,700–$6,500. One dealership required AC condenser replacement ($4,400) alongside transmission work. Transmission fluid often contaminated with metal shards.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 16V461000 issued for some 2015 Town & Country vans with this defect; however, many owners report their VINs were excluded despite having identical failures and symptom profiles. Manufacturer denial of recall coverage is common.
Harsh Downshift and Erratic Shifting
Transmission downshifts abruptly to first gear at highway speeds, causing extreme RPM spike and vehicle lurch. Also includes hard shifting and failure of 2nd gear to engage during normal driving.
When: Reported from 19,212 miles onward; sporadic initially, becoming more frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended downshift to 1st gear at highway speed (50–70 MPH), causing RPM to jump to 5,000–8,000 RPM; Transmission jerks or lurches forward violently; 2nd gear fails to engage; driver must stop, shift to Park, then back to Drive to reset; Hard shifting at stops or during city driving; Manual and sport shift modes become inoperable; Transmission switches in and out of gear unpredictably
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (steady or absent initially)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pump replacement or full transmission replacement. One owner reported warranty denial at 60,000-mile limit despite early reporting at 19,212 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially unable or unwilling to replicate; some dealers suggested transmission fluid flush (ineffective). TCM reprogramming attempted in at least one case but did not resolve issue. No recalls directly address this pattern.
Transmission Fluid Leakage
Transmission fluid leaks from bell housing or hose assemblies, causing reservoir depletion and eventual transmission failure.
When: 64,000 miles reported; also noted at 84,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running hot; temperature gauge reading high; Visible fluid leaking from underneath vehicle; Transmission reservoir depletes rapidly; Vehicle unable to maintain transmission pressure; Failure to shift properly uphill or during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0868 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low) in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission oil cooler hose assembly replacement attempted; also transmission hose line replacement. In at least one case, fluid leakage from bell housing required full transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this specific failure mode; repair performed at owner expense.
Unintended Acceleration and Loss of Braking Control
Vehicle accelerates without driver input or in reverse while in Park with brake applied. Includes sudden power loss while accelerating, and inability to control vehicle speed or response.
When: 76,831 miles; also at various speeds during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates in reverse while parked at drive-thru ATM; Vehicle rolls backward off parking brake while idling on lot; Vehicle accelerates onto owner's front lawn without pedal input; Sudden total loss of power while depressing accelerator (maintains electrical systems); Intermittent loss of engine power during highway driving
Codes mentioned: No engine codes reported for these events
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases; vehicles parked or towed. One case mentions TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) replacement for separate power-loss events.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided by dealer or manufacturer in cases where unintended acceleration occurred. Manufacturer not contacted in all cases.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter fails to function properly, often discovered after transmission pump failure or fluid loss.
When: 98,000 miles (discovered after pump/fluid pressure diagnosis)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders while accelerating; Stalling after transmission fluid flush; Check engine light (P0868) after torque converter replacement attempted
Codes mentioned: P0868 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement performed; however, failure persisted and transmission oil cooler hose assembly also required replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage provided; owner bears full repair cost.
Synthesized from 109 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
This vehicle was driven by my wife with my kids inside the vehicle. Almost causing a accident which now concerns me for the safety of my family. The gears on this vehicle stop functioning out of nowhere. I'm confused on how a vehicle like this which is suppose to be reliable especially to families that travels in these vehicles. This vehicle is only 4 years old and only has around approximately…
I was driving down the highway and my van started to slow down sporadically and then just stopped moving all together. I was stuck on a busy road during rush hour. After being towed to a garage, I was told that I needed a new transmission because the pump had gone out.
There is a recall for 2015 Chrysler town and country, but I was told it is not for my vehicle. The recall number is s44. The recall is for the transmission because if the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. This is exactly what happened to my vehicle today on the highway. The vehicle, with no other known problems, just lost…
2015 Chrysler Town and Country lost propulsion power while driving, endangering 2 occupants and surrounding drivers. While driving on a residential road, vehicle came to a stop at intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from stop and applying gas, vehicle jolted and would not accelerate past 5 miles an hour with transmission engaging and disengaging while shifter was in drive. Vehicle's…
Oil housing has been replaced 4 times. Since 64k miles, now at 112k. There needs to be a recall. There are so many similar occurances. This is a huge fire hazzard.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chrysler town and country. While the vehicle was in traffic, it shifted into neutral independently and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v461000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified.…
Transmission pump failure, causing vehicle to be inoperable. Low pressure.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 109 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 64,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 82,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 64,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. 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/2015/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.