Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Last week, 17 aug 05, I had to replace the fuel tank on my '96 Chrysler t&c [redacted] due to a fatigue crack that was spilling fuel. Chrysler has refused to accept any responsibility since my vehicle is out of warranty. Are there any requirements regarding the longevity and performance of plastic fuel tanks? Other than the obvious safety concerns, the replacement cost exceeded $800. At the time of failure my vehicle had 180,885 original miles and has been meticulously maintained. The location of the crack (top, front, left corner) precludes any accidental impact of the undercarriage. According to the servicing dealer, hayes Chrysler, lawrenceville, ga, the defective tank was destroyed per environmental requirements. Please advise if there is a course of action I can take to ameliorate this problem. Updated 07/19/2012
There is fuel leaking in a drizzle out of the end of the front fuel injection crossover tube/ injection rail assembly onto the valve cover where it accumulates into a puddle of gas on the valve cover. Lip then spills onto the exhaust header. Huge huge fire hazard. This must be recalled. Called my Chrysler dealer and they say there is no known recall on this and would not honor a fix for this problem. How many lives and vehicles must be lost before someone forces Chrysler to recall and fix this. This will be the last Chrysler I own. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*753523
I have a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country with the 3.8l engine that has had the fuel rail recall done. The recall involved putting a clamp type seal around the fuel rail in two places. These seals have both failed and fuel is actually dripping from one of the seals. I have taken the van to the local dealer for repairs I have not heard yet what they will do to resolve this. My concern is that the repair provided by the recall is not sufficient and will fail again in a short time. This is of grave concern to me for the safety of my family. It appears that a poor design is being repaired by an equally poor fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the contact that fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 00V268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The failure and the current mileages were approximately 230,000.
The vehicles plastic tank collapsed on the inside. This resulted in incorrect fuel level reading. The dealer replaced the pump at no charge but the sending unit in the tank has the same reading. The dealer had the fuel tank down, and stated that the tank was sagged, and possibly caused the false reading. Chrysler sent out letters about the problem but when the consumer called the dealer, they stated that this was a manufacturer problem.
The consumer took her vehicle in to the dealer because the fuel delivery rail was defective. The dealer refused to look at the vehicle because the recall was repaired. There would be a charge to the consumer. The consumer can see the gas leaking when the engine gets cold, the gas was flowing over the engine.
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.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealer because of a fuel tank leak . Dealer failed to inform the consumer about a recall of fuel pump. Dealer attempted to charge consumer for recall repairs. The vehicle was eventually taken to another dealer, who made the repairs free of charge, per recall order.
While driving vehicle it simply dies. Usually under load, like passing, with the A/C on. Had vehicle towed. 1st shop replaced coil module and scanned code said mult cyl misfires.2nd shop replaced fuel filter and plugs and wires, third shop replaced fuel pump. This was while I was on vacation.
Prior to receiving a recall regarding the installation of seals on the fuel rail, consumer had already paid for the repairs, however the manufacturer is requesting additional information and the consumer feels this is an attempt to get out of paying reimbursement.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle description: Mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on January 25, 2002.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module attaching nut with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. The sealing o-ring will also be replaced.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler tube with a filler tube that has an additional rollover valve. The associated rollover valve vapor hoses will be rerouted.
NHTSA investigations
Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
Post collision fuel system
Fuel System complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 176 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 19% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (72 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-268 (fuel injection system, Sep 13, 2000); NHTSA recall 99V-216 (fuel pump, Aug 9, 1999); NHTSA recall 96V-002 (filler pipe and cap, Jan 16, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Town and Country fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 12 fires and 1 injury and 3 deaths to fuel & propulsion system 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.