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 2000 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle was shifted from park into drive without stepping on brake pedal. Anti-theft device was still engaged on brake pedal preventing driver from stopping at red light at intersection. In a panic, to prevent collision with other cars, driver veered off road and side swiped commercial building to stop car.
2000 Chrysler Town and Country with 54,000 the differential pin went through the transmission case. Fortunately, I was only going 5 MPH and only had another 50 feet to drive. I mainly drive highway with my toddler and I am fearful of what could have happened had we been on the highway during our normal commute. My husband was a mechanic for 19 plus years and was able to quickly determine the problem. It is my understanding from experienced mechanics and Chrysler certified mechanics that this is a common issue with the vehicle and it a defect in manufacturing the transmission. This is not normal wear and tear.I contacted Chrysler on July 9th, 2003 to report the problem and see if they would cover the cost of replacing the transmission. I spoke with eric who refused to provide me his last name nor would he transfer my call to anyone else. …
Sudden loss of transmission fluid resulted in engine light warning. Internet searches on this vehicle provided similar complaints on this 2000 Town & Country van. It has 56,000 miles. Also reported leak of brake fluid and dealer suggested replacement of faulty brake fluid drums (potential safety issue). Informed Chrysler regarding this matter but they refused warranty coverage, resulting in expensive repair work over $600 for transmission fluid and brake pad repair work. Also, driver's side automatic window motor stopped functioning and replacement was necessary $325. Dealer reported frequent problems with motor. Dealer informed 9 out of 10 times issue related to replacement of motor so glass can function correctly. Required to function to pass de safety inspection. When attempted to change flat tire, the hydraulic gauge did not hold the weight of the vehicle and buckled. …
Complaint involves a 2000 Chrysler Town & Country ltd AWD minvan 3.8l engine. During its annual safety inspection, my mechanic discovered the flywheel was cracked. I had brought the vehicle in to a) have it inspected b) check a metallic noise the engine had when the A/C was on. Vehicle passed the safety inspection, however he informed me the flywheel was cracked and should not be driven until fixed. It was my understanding that if it failed completely it could cause an explosion with the transmission case being blown apart - not a good thing when this vehicle is used primarily by my wife with our children as the main cargo. I had the vehicle repaired which cost approxiamately $560.
Most 2000 vehicles come with transmission interlock system. With this system, only way to put car in gear is to press brakes. Consumer indicated that his vehicle didn't come with transmission interlock system. His child put car in gear, and car rolled down driveway on two occasions. Front brakes pulsate when applied, deale replaced front rotors. The first incident where child shifted vehicle intor everse, there was damage to the vehicle and to the consumers home, consumer traded in the 2000 for a 2001 because it came equipped with the interlock system, consumer wants Chrysler to reimburse him for the difference he had to pay.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle was shut off when a child was able to move the gear shifter into drive without depressing the brake pedal, while the contact was standing in the exterior of the vehicle . The vehicle began to roll away. The contact was able to enter the vehicle while it was in motion and placed the vehicle into park. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
This 2000 Town & Country has had numerous problems with its drive train/drive selector. The recent has been the following case that has occured twice in the last month with no reaction from Chrysler daimler due to local dealer not being knowledgeable of processes to register occurance. The vehicle, when parked, with engine turned off, and keys out of the ignition, comes out of gear and rolls out of the driveway by itself, with no one in the vehicle. Has spoken with chryser-daimler and they are sending an independent engineer to investigate within 72 hours.
The vehicle started making a loud banging noise at idle when the ac was on. Numerous ongoing problems with ac since vehicle was new. Assumed the ac compressor was bad again, and did not use ac. Problem turned out to be a cracked drive plate (torque plate, flywheel). Vehicle became inoperative. Local Chrysler dealer stated known problem, recently fixed three with identical problem. $125.00 part plus labor to remove transaxle and replace drive plate.
While driving at 65 MPH and with no warning, the automatic transmission failed. The dealer stated that the vehicle was only covered up to 36000 miles. The vehicle lurched forward, screeched and the transmission had gone out. Also, the front seat adjustment motor stopped working in the up and down position. The driver and passenger window motors, ac compressor,and the automatic tailgate close latch all had to be replaced.
Sept. '02, brakes replaced. Jan. '03, rack/pinion replaced. Feb. '03, heater did not work on front passenger side, nor rear driver side. Oct. '03, speedometer/power failed to operate. Stayed in low gear. Dealer says it's the sensor. Part for heater ordered from detroit, takes days to repair due to taking out entire dash. Chrysler "apologized" when I emailed, but offered nothing to offset cost of repairs.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country, 17% of the model year's 306 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 2 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 2000 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.