Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Rear axle spit in two while driving at 50 MPH on back road, lucky not on highway. Tires slammed into wheel wells, caught on fire almost, lots of smoke. Could not control vehicle well, and went off the road at approx 25 MPH and hit a bunch of small trees, injured both knees, refused ambulance transport. Car was towed to my garage and axle replaced with junkyard part and vehicle is back on the road. Scary incident ,could have been worse or fatal if this happened on a highway instead of a local road. Axle tube is just thick sheet metal, not really an iron pipe like you would think, very flimsy. Have nice pictures ifyou are interested. Should recall this flimsy axle.
Rt front strut tower rusted through rotted. Not safe can cause a accident lose control of steering,from what I have reading and talking to several car dealerships this problem has been going on for years and Chrysler is not doing anything I have talked to Chrysler dealers and some say they get it covered and some don't,please lets do something.
While driving 5 MPH in reverse and turning left into a parking space passenger's side front wheel separated from the suspension, and vehicle collapsed. Independent shop stated that ball joints pins were rusted and broke. There were no injuries.
The consumer had taken the vehicle to a local repair shop getting a routine oil change where they brought the rusted strut towers to his attention. The dealer wouldn't cover the repair cost because the vehicle was out of warranty. Scc
The tower which supports the passenger side front suspension strut is rusting through. This is the only rust on the vehicle. The dealer agrees that this will soon be a severe safety hazard. When the strut collapses into the engine compartment the vehicle might suddenly go out of control.I have notified daimler-Chrysler of this problem but they have declined to inspect the vehicle. I have photos and copies of letters sent to daimler-Chrysler motors corporation.it is possible that other Town & Country vans of this model year May be failing in the same way and their owners are not aware of the potential hazard.
The passenger side, front strut mounting tower is rusting through to the point that the strut is about to break through into the engine compartment. Chrysler service manager agrees that it is a clear dfect in the corrision prevention system but refuses to do anything about it. There are at least 18 other reports in this database concerning this issue on '96 Chrysler twn & cnty, Dodge caravan and plymoth voyager minivans. Dt
During vehicle inspection left and right front sway bar link found broken at the sway bar. Metal link remained attached to the strut and just flopped around. Could have easily broken damaged cv joint boot, interfered with steering, or broken a brake line. Dealer responded that there was a huge backlog of parts because this failure was beoming very common. 4000 parts on backorder with Chrysler.
Driver side strut failed twice. Both times resulting in loss of control of vehicle. Repaired under warranty. Windshield wipers operate intermintently resulting in degraded visibility during rain storms. Battery exploded while starting vehicle spreading acid throughout engine compartment. Transmission failed while engaging causing car to leap forward into traffic.
Right strut tower is rusting through. Vehicle failed ny state inspection. There is a hole at the top of the strut tower from excessive corrosion which puts safety/integrity of the front strut suspension in jeopardy and strut can come loose at any time without notice. Feel very lucky strut has not come loose already - very unstable and unsafe.
Left front strut mounting plate has rusted thru allowing the strut to penetrate into the engine compartment. This is the only area of rust on the entire vehicle. Chrysler service personel and multiple mechanics have indicated this is a condition they would expect to see on a vehicle 20 - 25 years old; not 6 years old.
Suspension complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 4% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is front (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.