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 1997 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When vehicle is in park and the key is not in the ignition, the consumer can still shift the gears to reverse. Dealer has been notified. The rearview mirror had fallen. (assumed due to the heat) the consumer's daughter moved the gear shift down and in reverse and the second vehicle was adjacent but several feet behind the vehicle. The driver's side door was severely pushed forward and the front end of the second vehicle was damaged.
The vehicle was shut off and in park. My 18 month old hit the automatic shift lever without applying brakes. The car was on an incline and rolled out into 2 lanes of traffic. The car was not on nor did she put her foot on the brake. The lever moved from out of park and into reverse. Luckily no one was injured, but it could have been worse. I chased the car down the incline into traffic and we were only hit by one lane of traffic. This is a serious safety issue, especially since it is mom's with little children that drive Mini-vans. The tow truck driver said that this should not have happened, my van has a defect. Thank you for your time!
I went to dmv to have my car inspected and was given a report that stated several parts on my vehicle were recalled. I am trying to find out if vehicle can be serviced for free from dealer because of the defects or will I have to pay for them? Parts listed under recall were rc-j25-09 emissions recall j25 mopar value line catalytic converters my car failed for emissions problems b24-clockspring safety recall - lifetime warranty 895- safety recall fuel rail seals.
While in traffic the car jumped to neutral. I pulled off the road and tried to put the car into drive, but it although I could move the lever to drive, the transmission would not shift out of second gear. When stopped it would start in second gear and not shift into third. I crept in traffic with emergency blinkers on to a transmission shop where I left it. Being new years day it was closed.
During service had transmition oil & filter changed at 69,000 miles. No silver sparkles in old oil noted. At 86,000 compleat trans failure. When pan removed from trans. "chunks" of metal noticed in oil!!!!! Warranty did not cover $3,700 to replace trans. Regardless of temp, trans shifts when it wants to and will stall engine in a minute for no reason.
While driving at 65 MPH vehicle jumped out of gear, and the engine revved very high. Consumer stopped the vehicle, and killed the engine. After a minute consumer restarted the vehicle and pulled out. Currently, vehicle would not go out of second gear. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined that a new transmission was needed.
Vehicle stalled, and consumer had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Arriving a tschool the transmission failed in traffic. Had to push it into the parking lot, then called tow truck. Contacted nanufacturer after discovering that this was a very common failure, but not recall item.
Consumer's four year old child was able to put van right into gear when key was turned to the start position. The van rolled downhill about 150 feet, through an electric fence and hit three trees. Please provide any further details.
Three-year old was playing in vehicle with baby sitter supervising and wa sable to shift gear out of park, vehicle rolled down the driveway across the street into neighbor's yard and stopped when hittiing retaining wall.
The consumer stated the transmission locked up while driving. The vehicle was towed and upon inspection it was discovered the transmission contained chunks of metal. The planetary had disintegrated.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, 11% of the model year's 388 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 5 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 1997 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death 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.