Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Transmission stopped worked, electrical cluster waving back and forth before and after transmission repair, newly installed transmission broke down 5 days after installation, repair shop claims electrical system not working properly and is cause of transmission breakdown.
I have a 96 Chrysler t&c van the transmission was replaced almost 30 months and 38 k miles ago after it broke a shaft on the inside at 101K miles. Came to a stop at conner went to go forwarded and the van was in neutral in gear position. Dealer did not want to open it up just replace with new remanufactured from Chrysler. Said they were all doing that. Now the replacement unit just broke a shaft for the third gear (bad weld). This is on a transmission with only 38525 miles on it. This was a new transmission when it came out in 1996 and now with 2 broken shafts on two transmissions in the same van, what is wrong with their product and this picture? Who would of tunk it? I placed 165K miles on a 1991 Dodge dakota without any transmission problems. What happens if the shafts break when someone is trying to get on the highway in front of 70,000 lbs of moving truck? …
I purchased a 1996 Chrysler Town & Country lxi from a used car lot "as is".the vehicle had supposedly had a 29 point service inspection.the next day I had the transmission checked due to leaking fluid from the front seal.the differential pin was broken with aluminum shavings in the pan and the filter was laying there loose.it appears that the previous owner had transmission service performed,saw the shavings and parked the van until it could be traded in.there was a light rust cover on the brake rotors to indicate it had been parked.I caught it just in time before the pin broke thru the aluminum case which would have cost an additional $500.00.the aamco dealer has so many of these vehicles with the same problem that they have a broken one on display in their showroom.the mechanic showed me how easy it would be to prevent this problem by getting the proper lubrication to the …
I purchased a used 1996 Chrysler Town & Country van with a 2 year extended warranty. Shortly after purchasing vehicle, I noticed a whirring sound followed by hesitation when putting van into drive or reverse. Dealership where I made purchase took van for a test drive and reported to me that that was normal. I went in again about a year later, while it was still under warranty, and complained of the same problem. This time they put it through some diagnostic testing and concluded no problem. I have this in writing. Well one year and one month to the date the transmission went. No longer under warranty, I had to pay for the repairs, they, however did not get my money. I took them to small claims, but lost. According to click and clack, as long as it was complained about under warranty they are still obligated to fix it. I did forget about complaining to the dealership about this matter. …
On numerous occasions the vehicle will intermittently fail to shift into o/d. It May drive fine for days and then lock in second gear. Manually changing the gearshift does not override the failure. The onboard computer does not log the failure. It does capture the manual shifting event. The only way to correct the probelm is to turn off the van and start it back up. This could correct it for several days or it May recur withing minutes. Totally random. Occurs at any time, night or day. It often occurs during accellerations following turns. This situation is extremely dangerous especially when accellerating onto the freeway during rushhour traffic. We have to pulloff into the emergency lane, shut off the van, restart it up, and merge back into high speed traffic. It is extermrly frightening for my wife especially while transporting my two young boys. …
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.
Chrysler has known about the differential pin problems in it's 41/te(a604) transmission for years. The remedy of proper lubrication is simple. They refuse to fix it and refuse to help owners who must pay for the repairs. These transmission need to be recalled and repaired before they break and knock a hole in the side of the transmission case creating a very expensive repair. I can give you the details of my individual case if you require it.
Transmission failed at 74,000, putting a big hole through the transmission case. Transmission was a604. (at 64,000 the transmission cooler lines were replaced because they were leaking. A month later noticed some leakage but dealer couldn't find anything and told us to keep an eye on it, didn't notice anything until leakage and failure at 74,000) also A/C has leak somewhere, would be very expensive to find and fix.
Consumer called complaining about transmission problems. In a time frame of two years transmission has been replaced twice. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that there was nothing they could do, and advised consumer to call the NHTSA to place a complaint. Also, dealer contacted, and advised consumer to call the manufacturer.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 147 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Chrysler Town and Country, 16% of the model year's 938 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (121 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.