On december 24, 2020 our right passenger side rear door malfunctioned and ended up trapping my toddlers head in between the door and vehicle frame. It was incredibly traumatic for all involved. Though the incident likely lasted less than a minute, it was a terrifying frantic minute in which I tried everything to get the door open as it continued to try and close on our baby who was screaming in…
2016 Chrysler Town and Country electrical problems
moderate 92 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 92 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 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 92 electrical 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Town and Country has widespread electrical failures, especially rear sliding door lock actuators that jam unexpectedly and may trap occupants. Owners also report serious issues like engine power loss, transmission limp mode, and fire hazards from electrical shorts—many without warning codes. Repairs are expensive ($650–$1,500+) and often denied under warranty despite a known TSB.
The 2016 Town and Country's electrical system shows a pattern of significant reliability problems, with the rear sliding door lock actuators being the most common complaint. Owners describe these locks jamming in the locked position without warning, preventing doors from opening by any method—key fob, manual button, or manual force. The doors sometimes become immobilized at any mileage, from 20,000 miles onward, often with no diagnostic codes generated. When the actuator fails, it frequently produces a loud grinding or buzzing noise beforehand. Doors have closed unexpectedly on passengers, including children, trapping body parts between the door and frame.
Beyond door failures, owners report engine power loss while driving or at idle—the van suddenly won't accelerate past 40 mph, RPMs redline, and the engine stalls completely in some cases, without warning lights or codes. Transmission shifts are rough and sometimes require manual intervention by the driver.
Other electrical hazards include a blind spot detection module that corrodes repeatedly and a USB port that sparked and caused an electrical fire. One owner's vehicle had outlets billowing smoke into the cabin at just 30,000 miles.
Chrysler issued TSB #23-017-20 for door issues, but owners report the company frequently denies coverage citing mileage cutoffs or VIN eligibility, even though vehicles meet the stated requirements. Dealers cite low reimbursement rates for warranty work, creating friction over repair access. Repair costs for door actuators alone run $650–$1,495, and many owners are out of pocket.
Same Chrysler Town and Country electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Rear sliding door lock actuator failure / stuck lock position
Lock actuator jams or becomes stuck in locked position, preventing the door from opening electrically or manually. Door cannot be unlocked via key fob, manual unlock button, or interior buttons. Some owners report the lock rod gets stuck and can be freed by manually manipulating it from inside the door panel.
When: Occurs at any mileage; reported as early as 20,000 miles and as late as 147,421 miles. Can happen while vehicle is stationary or in motion.
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not open or unlock by any means; Lock stuck in locked or middle position; Unable to access rear passengers in emergency; No warning lights or diagnostic codes; Loud buzzing or grinding noise from lock mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers have replaced lock actuator assembly (part #68030378AG cited). Repair costs range from $650 to $1,495 per narrative. Some owners manually freed stuck lock by wiggling door panel rod; others had independent ASE mechanics perform door panel removal and manual actuator reset.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #23-017-20 issued for rear sliding door issues. However, owners report Chrysler has denied coverage citing mileage cutoffs or VIN eligibility issues despite vehicles meeting stated requirements. Dealers report only 1.2 hrs reimbursement when actual repair time exceeds 3 hours, leading some to refuse warranty repair.
Door lock actuator grinding/buzzing noise
Loud buzzing or grinding noise heard when locking or unlocking the vehicle, originating from the sliding door lock mechanisms. Noise occurs during both automatic locks (when starting to drive) and manual lock button presses. Often precedes complete actuator failure.
When: Can occur at any mileage. Often observed before the door becomes completely stuck.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, persistent buzzing or grinding sound from rear sliding doors; Noise occurs when unlocking/locking the vehicle; Noise occurs during auto-lock function when vehicle begins moving; Sound described as similar to 'Family Feud' wrong-answer buzzer; Eventually may progress to complete lock failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite faulty lock actuators that require replacement. Repair costs estimated at $400–$1,000 or more. No field repair appears effective; actuator replacement necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge this is a known issue but characterize it as a common wear item. No recalls or TSBs specifically addressing the buzzing noise have been mentioned.
Automatic sliding door intermittent operation / loss of power function
Power sliding door function stops working intermittently. Door may not open via the motor button, though manual operation may still be possible initially. Failures occur without warning.
When: Reported at various mileages from early ownership onwards.
Symptoms owners cite: Power sliding door button does not activate motor; Manual sliding possible but power function absent; No warning lights or codes present; Intermittent—may work sometimes and fail other times
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report independent repair shops have refused to perform repair citing parts unavailable or warranty issues. Complete repairs typically require actuator/motor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific TSB or recall mentioned for power door function loss. Owners report difficulty accessing warranty repairs.
Door lock failure with child safety hazard (door closing on occupants)
Door lock and/or closing mechanism malfunctions, causing the door to close unexpectedly on occupants, particularly children. Plastic track components may dislodge during incident. Door will not remain open or locked safely.
When: Occurred while vehicle stationary in reported cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Door closes unexpectedly on occupants without warning; Lock sensor does not prevent closing; Locking mechanism stuck, preventing manual override; No diagnostic codes detected by dealership; Plastic track pieces break or dislodge from repeated attempts to manually hold door open
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics found no codes. One owner reported damage to door frame and lock mechanism requiring repair attempts over 36 days. Third-party shop was unable to provide permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs identified for this specific hazard in narratives.
Ignition switch moves out of run position
Ignition switch moves out of run position, turning off the engine unexpectedly. Problem is more pronounced when engine is warm.
When: Occurs intermittently, especially when engine is warm.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without driver action; Switch moves out of run position; More frequent when engine is warm
Repairs/costs cited: Owner noted Hayes Repair Manual references a recall since 2015. Dealer claimed computer glitch but suspected ignition switch; parts unavailable from dealer (waiting on shipment from China per owner report).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued since 2015 per Hayes Manual reference, but owner unable to confirm current recall status.
Blind spot detection module corrosion and failure
Blind spot monitor module, wire connections, and terminals corrode and fail, causing system malfunction and repeated warning messages. Problem recurs after dealer repair.
When: Reported occurring while driving on highway. Owner reports same issue on prior 2011 Town and Country.
Symptoms owners cite: Random beeping and message 'Blind Spot Detection Unavailable'; Later escalates to 'Service Blind Spot Detection' message; Module and connector corrosion visible upon inspection; Persistent distraction while driving; Recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost reported as $1,400. Owner notes this is an electrical short very near gas tank, creating safety concern. Problem recurs in subsequent driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall mentioned. Owner notes documentation of issue dating back to 2012.
Engine power loss and transmission limp mode / loss of acceleration
Vehicle loses motive power or enters limp mode unexpectedly, limiting acceleration to 40 mph maximum and causing RPMs to redline. Vehicle may recover after shutdown/restart or continue to malfunction.
When: Occurs while driving on highway at normal speeds. One case reported after backing out of driveway. Can occur while idling.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift beyond 3rd gear or accelerate past 40 mph; RPMs redline even at low speeds; Vehicle jolts when shifting; Temporary recovery after shutdown/restart or refueling stop; Recurs unpredictably; No warning lights or diagnostic codes generated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported vehicle in dealer shop for over 40 days since March 2016 without resolution. Another owner replaced battery as advised by dealer without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner filed lemon law claim in New York. Manufacturer offered no recall or warranty assistance.
Complete loss of power and steering/brake function
Vehicle suddenly loses all electrical power, including ability to steer and brake properly. Occurs without warning and creates immediate safety hazard.
When: Reported occurring after being in reverse backing out of driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Total power loss including electrical and hydraulic systems; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brake assist; No warning lights or fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner sought lemon law arbitration in New York State. Vehicle described as extremely unsafe and unreliable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or assistance offered for this critical failure.
Instrument cluster and warning light malfunction
All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; tachometer and speedometer cease functioning. Issue traced to radio short circuit in one case.
When: Occurs while vehicle is running.
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights on dash illuminate at once; Tachometer and speedometer stop working; Engine continues running despite failed instruments
Repairs/costs cited: In one reported case, radio had shorted out causing dash malfunction. Radio was replaced under warranty and problem resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No broader recall mentioned; one case resolved via warranty radio replacement.
Engine continues running after ignition turned off / WIN module failure
Engine continues to run after key is removed from ignition or ignition is turned off. Disconnecting battery does not stop engine. Diagnosed as WIN (wireless ignition node) module issue.
When: Occurs after driver removes key from ignition or turns off vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after key removed; Disconnecting battery does not shut down engine; Safety risk if failure occurred on busy road while engine in 'on' position
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as WIN module issue at independent mechanic and confirmed at Chrysler dealer. Vehicle awaiting repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; treated as warranty repair at dealer.
Keyless entry and door handle failure
Keyless entry system fails to open or close doors and liftgate. Manual door handle button requires multiple presses to function.
When: Occurred at 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors and liftgate fail to respond to keyless entry; Manual button on door panel requires 4+ presses to open; No warning indicators present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed door handles as needing repair. Vehicle was repaired but failure recurred shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number (586519) but offered no further assistance despite recurrence.
Occasional loss of motive power while driving or idling
Vehicle occasionally loses power while driving or idling. Power returns after several minutes of waiting. Battery replacement does not resolve issue.
When: Occurs occasionally while driving or at idle. Mileage not reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power; Vehicle can be restarted after several minutes; Failure recurs despite battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Battery was replaced per dealer recommendation but issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but stated vehicle not included in any recall and offered no assistance.
USB port electrical short and fire hazard
USB port in center console produces spark and loud pop when cable is inserted. Subsequent electrical overheating and system reboots occur when cabin temperature rises.
When: Failure occurred upon plugging USB cable into port.
Symptoms owners cite: Spark and loud pop from USB port when cable inserted; Subsequent Uconnect system reboot when cabin temperature increases; Passenger sliding door lock malfunction after incident; Reboots occur regardless of vehicle in motion or stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified need for new radio unit and new door locking mechanism. Both covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided for repairs.
Outlet and light electrical fire hazard
Outlets and lights in cabin begin billowing smoke. Fire department called to disconnect battery. Serious fire hazard at low mileage.
When: Occurred at 30,000 miles while vehicle parked at gas station.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke billowing from outlets and lights into cabin; Fire hazard requiring fire department intervention
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Chrysler dealer; diagnosis pending at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information provided regarding recall or root cause.
Airbag warning light and wiring harness issues
Airbag light flashes on and off intermittently, then stays on continuously. Dealership diagnoses passenger side airbag wiring harness as defective. Light behavior correlates with driver seat position changes.
When: Airbag light intermittently illuminates, then remains on.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light flashes on/off initially; Light eventually stays on permanently; Light activates/deactivates when driver seat is moved; Wiring harness diagnosed as defective
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommends passenger side airbag wiring harness replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; treated as warranty/repair issue.
Engine stuttering at low speeds
Engine stutters or stumbles at low speeds. Intermittent issue that recurs after dealer repair.
When: Occurs during low-speed driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stuttering/stumbling at low speeds; Intermittent occurrence; Recurs after initial dealership repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed repair but issue recurred within weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific information provided regarding root cause or TSB.
Transmission transmission gear engagement failure
Automatic transmission fails to shift smoothly between gears. Driver must manually intervene to shift gears to avoid collision risk.
When: Occurs during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission does not change gear smoothly; Manual gear shifting required by driver to prevent collision
Repairs/costs cited: Repair not documented in narrative.
Vehicle stalls at stoplight with electrical reset requirement
Vehicle completely stops running at stoplight (idle). Restarts after placing in park but requires electrical system reset. Airbag alarm activates during stall.
When: Occurs at idle at stoplight.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall at stoplight; Airbag light and alarm activate; All electronics (clock, etc.) require reset; Occurs only at idle, not other speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Loud buzz noise when rear passenger side door unlocks. Also closes on own sometimes.
Back sliding door inoperable, dealership sold the vehicle this way, neglected to disclose the issue. When we noticed we refused the sale, dealership added to the sale contract that it would be fixed before delivery, vehicle was not fixed before delivery after several attempts, and a third party off site company attempted to fix the issue. Dealership had the vehicle for 36 days before coming to…
The lock actuator gear strips, causing a loud buzzing noise when locking/unlocking the vehicle and in some cases it will not consistently actuate causing the door to stay locked. The major concerns are 1) if there is an emergency situation and someone is unable to unlock the door to quickly get my child out of the vehicle because the lock is not functional. 2) the noise it makes is loud and…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 92 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 45,000 and 76,662 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 76,662. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/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.