Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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. …
Consumer states that the head lights will frost up on the lens reducing the visibility of the lights when the consumer is driving at night. Contacted dealer, both headlight housings are permanently discolored with a frosted look that cannot be removed. Mr
Chrysler corporation headlights progressively cloud over and light output is reduced creating a dangerous night driving condition. Has NHTSA queried Chrysler about this problem and is there any reaction?
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.
Both headlights appeared to be etched into the outer lens or had some unknown material inside the headlight assembly. Lights were only effective for about 50 feet. Very dangerous to drive at night. Local dealer contacted Chrysler and they replaced both light assemblies at no cost to me. However I have spoken with other drivers with similiar problems. Lens should have better resistance to pitting? Coating inside? Or have an assembly so you do not have to change the complete assembley. Some type of lens only to change or be harder so no damage in just 5 years and low mileage. Can not complain about my service but it seems to be an unsafe design.
Power locks....locks you in, cannot open the doors. Locks you out, cannot open the doors. Does not lock all the doors at once, usually leaves passenger side sliding door unlocked. Have had system replaced, is now worse than original. Also, sets off alarm unnecessarily. ...... - windshield wipers come one intermittently when turning corner, turning on turning signals, or without any justification. Very startling, and extremely distracting when driving and the wipers just come on. Thank you for your work.
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.
While driving headlights fogged up, causing limited sight on both sides of the vehicle, and making it very hard to drive at night. Took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that there could be some condensation or there could be a crack in the lenses. Consumer has the same case with headlights with 1996 Plymouth breeze.
Windshield wipers activated usually after a turn was completed. This affected visibility of other vehicles. Also brakes and transmission failed. Dealer replaced four times the multi function switch/ brake pads/ rotors, and drums; transmission was replaced twice in the last two years, all at consumer's expense.
Consumer noticed turn signal is not loud enough for a hearing impaired person. Vehicle is unable to include a device to inable an impaired person to hear when needed. Consumer believed a volume control device could be helpful. Dealer contracted and no postive response received.
Headlight complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 4% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 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.