2016 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler Town and Country we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (11).
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Town and Country has a recurring electrical/engine shutdown problem that kills power steering and brakes without warning at highway speeds—dealers struggle to diagnose it because no check engine light appears, and multiple pump/rack replacements haven't fixed it in some cases. This is a serious safety issue that can leave you unable to steer or brake in traffic.
Owners report that the 2016 Town and Country loses all engine power while driving, causing the steering wheel to lock and power brakes to fail. One driver was doing 75 mph on an interstate when steering locked up and the speedometer went haywire; she had to wrestle the wheel to the shoulder as the vehicle coasted down. Another lost power steering and brakes on a highway incline at 60 mph and had to coast through a curve into a stop light. One owner said the same thing happened to him twice—once in 2017 and again in 2021. A fourth owner's engine simply died at low speed in the subdivision; dashboard lights came on and wipers activated first.
When this happens, the vehicle restarts normally, and there's typically no check engine light. Dealerships say they can't diagnose it without the light being on or the failure happening during a test drive. One owner had his power steering pump replaced twice and his rack replaced, but the steering still clicks, sounds loud, and jerks unexpectedly.
One owner reported it happens after driving through standing rainwater. Another mentions the ignition system won't read the key fob or mechanical key, making the van unable to start—a different but related electrical problem on the same model year.
Same Chrysler Town and Country steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss with steering wheel lockup
Engine shuts off completely while driving, resulting in loss of power steering, power brakes, and all electrical systems. Steering wheel becomes locked or extremely difficult to turn. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable until driver manually coasts to a stop and restarts.
When: Occurs at various speeds (ranging from low speed to 75 mph highway driving); some cases occur after extended driving, others without pattern; one case reported after driving through standing rainwater
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies completely while in motion; Steering wheel locks or seizes; Loss of power steering assistance; Loss of power brakes; Dashboard lights illuminate; Vehicle becomes unresponsive to controls; Speedometer displays incorrect speeds (one case showed 100+ mph when actually slowing to 25 mph); Vehicle restarts normally after stopping
Codes mentioned: No check engine light in some cases, Transmission fluid pressure related codes in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replaced (multiple cases, with one requiring two replacements); steering rack replaced; dealership diagnostic testing found no failure codes in at least one case; issue persisted after repairs in several cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler opened a case and was notified in at least one complaint; however, dealer stated inability to diagnose without reproducing failure or check engine light present
Intermittent power steering failure and unresponsiveness
Power steering becomes unresponsive or weak; steering wheel exhibits jerking motions or clicking sounds when turning. Issue may persist even after pump and rack replacement.
When: Occurs at any speed and is described as constant; clicking noise when turning
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes unresponsive; Power steering pump makes loud noise; Clicking sound when turning wheel; Steering jerks in one direction when attempting to drive straight; Moderate unresponsiveness even after repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replaced; steering rack replaced; second power steering pump replacement performed; issue remained unresolved after multiple repairs
Steering wheel lockup during driving without complete power loss
Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn while vehicle is in motion, independent of complete engine shutdown. Driver must forcefully wrestle wheel to maintain control.
When: Can occur at highway speeds (75 mph reported) without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locked or extremely hard to turn; Difficult to navigate vehicle; Requires forceful steering input to control vehicle; Gas pedal and braking system reported as going offline in one case; Issue resolves when vehicle is turned off and restarted
Ignition system failure—key fob and mechanical key unresponsive
Key fob and mechanical key insertion fail to engage the ignition system. Vehicle will not start or loses all electrical function while driving, making the ignition unable to read the key.
When: Reported at 93,000 miles; preceded by intermittent no-start conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob does not respond; Mechanical key insertion does not engage ignition; Vehicle loses all power while driving; Intermittent failure to start before complete failure; Vehicle repeatedly turns on and off
Synthesized from 11 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 2016 Chrysler Town and Country?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 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?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 66,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.