Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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.
In June 1999 consumer took vehicle to dealer because side sliding door would not lock. Dealer fixed problem. Then, in January 01 while van was moving consumer's daughter reaches from her seat and was able to pull door open. Contacted dealer, and dealer said there was a new system that they could install for a high price or they could install old system for a cheaper price.
Both power locks on side doors do not function and both doors do not latch securely. Doors can be opened even when security alarm is armed.
Doors locked by themselves, with the keys in the ignition and my son in his car seat in the back seat.
Consumer state that the sliding door became very difficult to close. In order to close the sliding door, one would need to make adjustments to the latch before closing, ea96-025.
Sometimes the door cannot be opened on the inside of the van. Someone will have to get out of the van and open from the outside. Please describe the problem in more details.
Clock spring is bad. Also, air bag warning light came on. Dealer has replaced clock spring. Driver side sliding door does not unlock due to latch failure.
Consumer experienced sliding door latch failure. The latch has been repaired once. (3) other repairs related to the door also took place. #ea96025.
Unable to open the sliding door on the passenger side, door latch failure, also brake rotors malfunctioned, causing rear brake pulsation.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the locks & latches of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 3% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches 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 door lock & latch 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 locks & latches 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.