Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle decelerated as the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle when suddenly the front driver's side burst into flames. There were two loud explosions coming from the tire area as the entire vehicle began burning. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed however, the cause of the fire was not determined. There were no injuries reported. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of electrical power and a loss of power steering. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Car stopped, windshields wipers worked lighting worked, canton city police department attempted to help . I had to have the car towed ,prior to the incident autozone printed electrical problems in motion 30th street and market 8/07/2018 recall number 625600
On and around the 24th of June 04 my A/C compressor clutch locked up while driving around locally. This failure put undue tension on the serpentine drive belt, resulting in increased tension and extreme overheating of the belt (smoke poured out under the hood). Luckily I was driving slowly, as I switched off the A/C before the drive belt broke with no additional damage being done to the engine or vehicle (overheating due to water pump stoppage) or loss of control due to power steering failure. I took the vehicle in for servicing, as I had received a document from Chrysler stating that the warranty on the A/C had been extended to 7 years and/or 70,000 miles due to quote lack of lubrication issues (I can supply this document if requested). …
We purchased this van on 7/31/01. The A/C compressor has been replaced three times and some other A/C part was repaired as well. The transmission completely failed causing the car to stop on the freeway with my wife and two small children in the van. There have been other less critical problems repaired under the 3/36 warranty as well. Chrysler gave us their 7 yr./100,000 mile service contract for free after I demanded a buyback (7-1-02 letter) after the transmission failed. They declined a buyback because the problem had been repaired. After the A/C was last repaired, I wrote again (5-12-03) and demanded a buyback or replacement. They referred it to their third-party impartial services group (isg) to set up a replacement. Communications have been initiated with us for a replacement, but we May want a buyback instead. …
The vehicle made a knocking noise in the front end. The dealer replaced the front suspension strut, strut mount, front sway bar and sway bar link. The rear end of the vehicle also made noise. The dealer replaced the transfer gear set. The vehicle also experienced a whining noise in the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the spring clock along with the shroud stabilizer. Power steering fluid due it being clog and caused the steering to whine when turned. The rear lift gate would not open with the remote. Faulty front rotors squeaked when applied. The drivers side window would not go up due to a faulty regulator. The cruise control would not disable when the brakes were applied and the brakes would not work when the cruise control was engaged. The rear windshield wipers were inoperative. The engine made noise when started. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted after waiting a few minutes. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact performed the repair himself that included the replacement of the throttle position sensor, idle air control valve, map sensor and the coil pack. The failure continued after the contact repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic that specialized in electrical issues where the contact was awaiting further diagnosis of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000. The VIN was not available.
Driving down the road made a right turn and airbag light came on then went off. Tried to have it diagnosis but is not listed in computer. Air bag light comes on and off all the time did a search on computer and alot of people have this problem says it is a spring or something in steering column this should be a recall because of all the people with the same problem. Also corroded coolant lines to rear ac/heater lost all antifreeze and van overheated because of this.
T&c ex 2001-steel lines (2) for rear heater rusted through leaking out all its fluid.(hoping there is no damage to engine). These lines go from engine compartment to just under the vehicle. Replacement lines were made of aluminum at a cost of $149 + 6% tax. (was given a slight discount on price)loss of fluid was $21.58 + 6% tax. Labor done by self.
The check engine light illuminated and dealer could not diagnose why. The dealer first suggested that it was due to gas cap not being tightened enough, but that was not the case. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer six times but they could not determine the cause.
Engine complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chrysler Town and Country, 6% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler Town and Country engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 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 2001 Chrysler Town and Country engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.