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 2001 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2001 t&c was parked in my driveway when I decided to crank it to ge the air conditioning going while I went to shut the gate to our yard. When I turned around the car was going down the driveway with the driver's side door still open. The van didn't stop until it ran over the neighbor's fence and got caught in it. When I got to the car I noticed it was in reverse (had it been in neutral it probably wouldn't have moved because the area is so flat). I don't know how it got into reverse because I didn't even get in the car, just my arm to crank it. The emergency brake wasn't on since it was such a flat place. Once I got the van loose I tried in vain to see if it would go into reverse without my foot on the brake, but I couldn't make it happen so that tells me I didn't accidentally cause it by hitting the gear shaft with my arm. …
My wife was killed when the gear shift engaged while she was putting groceries in the back of her van in the stores parking lot. There were no witnesses. Florida state high patrol at the scene pieced together the likely events. When the car started rolling backward, she May have reached in the driver's side door to stop it. The door May have knocked her under the car, killing her instantly. This was reported to Chrysler in 2014. I raise it again because of recent problems with gear shifts in later Chrysler models. ... Updated 08/23/16
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, the transmission failed to go forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure on the power train. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
My 2001 Chrysler t&c ex only has 52,000 miles on it. I do not tow or haul any heavy material with it, but yet I need a new tranmission costing $3,200.00. The check engine light came on and the next day it failed. I took it back to the dealer and was informed that 5 seperate things were wrong with the transmission. Since I was over the 36,000 miles it was not covered under warranty. I asked the mechanic how 5 things were wrong with the transimission that only has 52,000 miles and not be defective and covered under a warranty and he replied " it does seem odd that 5 things failed with it only having 52,000 miles." I called Chrysler to asked that it be fixed as a warranty, the same thing I had to do when the A/C failed and was later recalled, and they made it seem that it was my fault for not purchasing the extended warranty. …
My 2001 Chrysler Town & Country at 73,000 miles had the check engine light come on. My wife started the vehicle the next day and she said that it sounded like the motor was going to fall out when she put it in reverse and the vehicle would not move. We had our local mechanic check it out. He said that there were two transmission codes showing defect but he did not have the proper equipment to check it out further and we had to take it to the dealer for service. We were able to get the vehicle working again so we took it to the dealer who is 50 miles away. On the trip to the dealer it went into "limp in" mode at 65 miles per hour. The vehicle violently decelerated and about put my wife through the windshield. She "limped" in to the dealers parking lot where the vehicle died. 7 days later and $2800.00 I got my vehicle back with a new transmission. …
I have a chyrsler 2001 Town and Country minivan with 81,000 miles. Experienced a major failure of the transmission on 2/12/06 from western new york to my home in cleveland, oh. Failure occurred outside erie pa on interstate 90 . Had the van towed to Chrysler dealership in erie pa. And then I rented a car to get back to cleveland. Dealership called and said that the output/input shaft had broken and sprayed metal through out the transmission including damage to the transmission case. Dealer stated that the van required a new re-manufactured transmission at $3,800.!! I called Chrysler for assistance because I felt that a vehicle with 81,000 miles on it should not have a major transmission failure like that, and I also felt the cost of the repair was excessive. Chrysler's response was sometimes this happens and there is nothing they can do. Case closed. …
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. …
I purchased the vehicle in November of 2002 used with 47,000 miles. The vehicle would buck when it switched to high gear. I took the vehicle back to the dealership at which time they replaced the torque converter. The vehicle then began a loud rattling noise when the air compressor was engaged. The dealer informed me that I needed a new air compressor, I refused the service noting that my air conditioner, defrost and all other functions were there. After a month, the final solution was a loose bolt holding the alternator. I have had the ignition replaced, this was the 2nd time in a year the vehicle left my family stranded. Now, a year and a half and 60,000 miles later, my transmission has once again failed with the diagnosis a torque converter problem. The repair requires a complete overhaul for a mere $2,500. …
Engine light came on. Had car into repair shop but they could not find problem. After retrieving vehicle and driving home, car bucked and lunged me forward. I was barely able to pull over the side of the highway. Fortunately, no one was following too closely. Had to have car towed as it no longer would move in any gear. Car smelled as if something was burning. Transmission needs replacing. Car just went over 41,000 miles while I was driving it home! Will try to see if Chrysler will cover costs, but somehow I think I will be on my own. As many transmission failures as there are documented just on this website, one would think it should warrant an investigation at the very least. I always said I would never buy a Ford. Now I also will never buy another Chrysler. I thought I had purchased a good quality, dependable vehicle. It will be toyotas for me from now on.
Transmission started a whining sound at about 48,000 miles. This sound is just audible when driving around Town. However, after 2 hours on the highway at 65mph it becomes very pronounced. If engine is shut off for 10 minutes the loud whine is back to a "normal" level. This appears to affect nothing else in the vehicle's operation. But it certainly can't be considered normal. We fear taking the van on the road since something in the transmission appears ready for self distruction. Other than a failed battery at 2 years (about 46,000 miles) this is the only problem experienced. This t&c lxi with all the options except power tailgate and 52,000 miles (mostly highway) has been an excellent vehicle to date and this obviously coming transmission problem at this early stage is a disappointment to say the least.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chrysler Town and Country, 15% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (54 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 7 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.