Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving the transmission failed and the vehicle was unable to shift gears. Transmission was replaced twice, however the problem recurred. The horn airbag and cruise control have been replaced. The vehicle had brake problems. The dealer determined that the front brakes were at 45% but the rear brakes were at 70%. The dealer cleaned and adjusted the brakes. The A/C failed, the dealer replaced the fan module. The power door locks failed. The cd player doesn't work. The low beam head lights do not provide enough light therefore the consumer has to leave the high beams on to see. This problem has been checked three times but the dealer said they seem correct. The passenger seat broke. The starter failed and as a result the vehicle would not start. The steering pump failed and as a result the steering wheel became tight when making turns. The rear heater lines were leaking. …
Windshield wiper blades turned on by themselves, and door would not latch at times. Also, transmission/ fue lines/gas tank, and air conditioner went out and were replaced. Aftet warranty expired, thermostat overheated, causing a fire. Owner said vehicle has been a constant problem since purchasing it.
The airconditioner continues to malfunction after several attempts to fix it by my mechanic. After the second setting the van begins to overheat.the clutch in the transmission failed after 63,500 miles.
Automatic transmission occasionally would not shift into overdrive. Often occurred after deceleration from highway speeds. Only way to know was to observe engine RPM. Sometimes could reset by pulling off to side of road and turning engine off for a few minutes, then re-start. First remanufactured transmission also had problems. Second has been okay. Wipers on intermittent settings would wipe several times in a row, then not wipe for an extended period. Created visibility problems. First repair replaced multifunction switch. This didn't solve problem. Second repair replaced wiper motor. Noticed that the heater was not working. Shop determined the evaporator was not working correctly due to leaks. Only way to replace evaporator is to remove instrument panel; very expensive and time consuming.
Auto transmission failed and was replaced after 46,856 miles. Fuel gauge reads empty when 5 or 6 gallons remain - tank replaced, problem never fixed. Windshield wipers will come on by themselves, switch replaced problem still exists. Electric cooling fans failed, module and relay replaced. Driver window moter and regulator failed. Air conditioning compressor leaked, A/C hoses leaked all new system put in.
When making a turn with air conditioning on vehicle will shut completely down, causing a loss of power. The dealer has been contacted. Condensation from the A/C was falling on the elctrical component causing the vehicle to die this occurs because of the flaw in design. Sliding door sticks. Windshield wipers failed. Hazard device failed. Horn malfunctions. Air bags failed.
Transmission made grinding noise under 30 miles per hour. Told it was the differential. We had the "towing package" and have never towed anything. Replaced at dealership for $2100. Air conditioner evaporator has a hole in it. Have not repaired yet. Other minor problems: oxygen sensor replaced, water pump replaced, windshield wiper control replaced, air bag component replaced.
Horn fails to work along with an air bag warning light that doesn't turn off; transmission of the car had to replaced in less than four years; electrical systems in the car acts rather sporadic, radio turns off and on by it self; air conditioning no longer works/ hose failed radiator , and water pump had to be replaced
While driving in rain air conditioning went out, and all the lights on the dashboard went out, windows fogged up, affecting driver's visibility. Also, belt tensioner did not work. The belt tensioner broke for the second time causing lights, power steering and the engine to fail.
While traveling over a puddle of water consumer lost power steering, dealer has been notified. The loss of steering occured twice and the dealer indicated the steering problem was due to the A/C belt failure and failure to install special bracket by the manufacturer.
AC & Heater complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 3% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Town and Country ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 131,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.