Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
Failure of both rear brake hydraulic lines causing sudden loss of brake fluid making emergency brake only operable stopping device. Saved old lines. Both lines appear to have rusted through. Mechanic believes problem is with design in how lines are routed above gas tank approximately two feet ahead of left rear wheel. The position of the lines allows road salt and other corrosives to be collected on the steel surface of the hydraulic lines, thus leading to their eminent failure. Please note low mileage of vehicle. Mechanic repaired vehicle by installing new lines, but routed them in a position less susceptible to corrosion. Failure was preceded by noticeable leaking of brake fluid on garage floor. Ultimate failure occurred when vehicle was brought in for inspection/repair. Lines burst when mechanic tested brakes by pressing hard on brake pedal while it was parked. …
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. …
My wife had been driving approximately 30 miles on the freeway. As she was exiting the freeway, she stepped on the brake peddle to slow down normally. She felt pressure from the peddle, but then the peddle went all the way down with no effect. She pumped the peddle at least one more time, but again it went all the way down with no effect. She then had to concetrate on avoiding other cars, but finally rear ended a truck. After the minivan was repaired, we had the brakes inspected by two service centers. The second service center is the one listed in the report and is the one that regularly services our minivan. We are wondering what could cause this type of brake failure and if there are any other similar incidences that have been reported?
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the brakes failed while driving 15 MPH. When the brakes where applied, the contact heard a pop and the brake pedal went completely to the floor. The vehicle was towed. The dealer stated that the brake hoses were not standard parts due to the modification of the brakes for medical handicap purposes. There were two holes in the hoses because the parts were not standard, which caused the brake failure. The current and failure mileages were 75,000.
Brake failure approaching intersection went through red light avoided collision with traffic jumped curb entered parking lot and sideswiped pole in drive through before finally stopping. Could have killed someone or myself and wife. Wife was driving. Dealer and Chrysler special investgator could find nothing wrong with brakes!! Police report on file # 420920 evansville in. Do not feel confident in driving this vechicle until cause is determined and fixed!!!
Continually weak brakes, causing dangerously long stopping distances, intermittent pedal going to floor, outer front disc brake pad wears out between 10000 and 15000 miles inner pad always in excellent condition. Replaced calipers and attachment hardware, bleed brakes. Similar comments by other owners in web searches. Old parts installed problem not rectified.
While driving the rear brakes caught on fire which also caused the floor of the vehicle to catch on fire. The consumer was able to exit the roadway and the fire was extinguished. The insurance company recommended a shop to make repairs. The shop only replaced the brakes and fuel tank. The vehicle two rear tires were also burned in the fire.
ABS: while pulling into yard, applied ABS brakes, vehicle started sliding, tried to turn with no success, tires were sliding at same time, vibrated, snowy/icy weather, loss of control, vehicle hit house.
I am disabled secondary to multiple sclerosis but an still actively employed as a physician. I was thrilled to purchase a vehicle through Chrysler that was adapted by braun corporation with a lowered floor, entervan ramp and hand controls. From the first 6800 miles, I have had repeated problems. In the past year and a half, I have been stranded in my vehicle in my wheelchair and the van has required towing. I was prompted to reach out to you for help because the first problem (at 6800 miles) recurred now at 40,000 miles. My brakes failed entirely without warning and I was travelling at 40mph. Chrysler points the finger at braun and quality coach (the distributor locally). They point the finger at Chrysler. Chrysler said that in 1996, braun cahnged the location of the fuel pump and this required "customization" of the line between the brake pump and the master cylinder. …
Vehicle vibrating above 45 MPH Chrysler said it was the tires, Michelin said it was the vehicle. We got 25%off the cost of new tires on 02/04/99 under a low speed wobble service bullitin notice. Transmission is a joke. Have had vehicle in time after time since 11/14/99 for incomplete work , tools left on the engine!! Transmission fluid and radiator fluid leaking the day after picking up the van. We asked the dealership to check items that another auto shop checked and said needed fixed under the warranty and the dealership told us the other shop didn't know anything that they weren't a dealership! After putting the motor back together, one of the asked to fix components was broken after all and had to be fixed. We are still experiencing problems with "hick-upping" while at a stop also a "wanting to stall and holding back feeling. …
Brake complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 8% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.