Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
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. …
Intermittent loss of speed. Transmission stucks at lower gear. Vehicle runs fine for a while and suddenly jumps to lower gear, bringing the van to a sudden low speed. Luckly escaped from a major accident while overtaking a truck on highway at the speed of 70miles/hr. Showed the vehicle to Chrysler dealer. They just kept the van for long time and replace a piece of wire and said its good to go. But problem came back again after a week. Now they say all wiring has to be replaced which could cost me like $1700 to $1800. I'm the second owner and I take good care of this van, changing fluids, filters & stuff. If this is engineering mistake by Chrysler with their transmisson, then shouldn\\'t they take care of this issue. I spoke to Chrysler customer service and they said since this van is out of the warranty they are not responsible. Thanks.
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. …
Fuel rail - NHTSA campaign id # 00V268000. Dealer does not show record of this recall, nor does diamler Chrysler recall line [phone]. Fuel is leaking onto the engine block from crack(s) in the fuel rail. Dealer will not repair free of charge, will charge full repair costs. Jack extension - the jack that comes with the minivan has a small "extendor" piece that fits into the jack then into the designated place on the frame in order to jack the car up. When I jacked up the van using these pieces, the van slipped off the jack/extension piece, damaging the running board (and narrowly missing my head!). It appears there is supposed to be a cotter pin to hold the extension piece onto the jack, but this was not included.
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
Consumer had to replace a tire due to pothole damage. While checking the pressure of the tires and returnig the spare, consumer noticed that t cable that holds the tire in place is frayed and is about to rub against metal.
Clockspring replacement. After the consumer paid for the repairs, he received a recall letter in the mail regarding the clock spring and is now requesting reimbursement. The radio was inoperative.
Radio does not receive fm stations, interior lights intermittently came on with door opening
The jack extension that came with an accessory (molded running board) is not adequate for vehicle, when in use the extension tilts out of place making the jack very unstable. Mjs
Airbag light came on, dealer replaced clock spring assembly. Radio was cutting out when going around corners and tape player would not work, dealer replaced radio.
Equipment complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are equipment problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the equipment & accessories of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 2% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories 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 equipment problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.
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.