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 2002 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly jerk and hesitate. Also, the speedometer failed to operate as needed. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop with the pedal extended to the floor. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,346.
Transmission failed at 38,048, car had to be towed, as it was a sat, before a trip we took it to a transmission shop, hoping it was a simple fix from the codes. The transmission had to be rebuilt but I felt it qualified for "if you have an emergency and you have to get a repair from other than an authorized dealer...", Chrysler said this only is for things like batteries or water pumps even though these little details are not stated in the 7 year/ 70,000 mile warranty. In a rude phone message I was told, (after appealing to Chrysler for reimbursement under warranty), that they would pay $1.000 and that was there final offer and that the van was not under warranty, which it is. I hate this car and if we did not have it equipped with hand controls and a scooter lift for my husband(part of the need for a immediate repair) I would sale it. …
My 2002 Town and Country had to have a new transmission in 11/12. In June of this year, my speedometer quit working causing the transmission to shift hard. I took it to the transmission guy who replaced the speed sensor. It worked fine for a couple of weeks. Then my battery light came on suddenly. I had my battery checked and they said it was fine. They said I might need a new alternator. So I had a new alternator put in. The car did OK for about a couple of weeks, then the speedometer started jumping erratically. I took back to my transmission guy who said the speed sensor was fine. He thinks it May be due to a loose wire or a possibly damaged wire or corrosion. So far, no answers and my car is still undrivable. It jumps when I am stopped. It acts like its already in second gear or something. I am afraid to try to drive it as it is dangerous. Help! …
Lincoln Town and Country would stall when shifting. Around 1K miles the vehicle had become hard to shift and would stall. The consumer had taken the vehicle for a recall and felt it was a mistake because the vehicle did not run the same since. On a few occasions moisture filled the vehicle as far back as the middle seats. When the vehicle stopped in the street or at idle it seemed as if the timing was slow. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and smoothed out. The consumer also heard a noise in the motor which turned about 1700-1750 RPM's, and a loud sound had come from the engine area. (the noise had become intermittent) while traveling, the consumer viewed smoke and or steam in which they were unsure of where it was coming from but when they looked under the hood everything looked fine. The dealer was unable to fix the problem. …
Tl* - the contact has a 2002 minivan caravan. The contact stated that when she put the car in reverse or tried to switch gears, the vehicle wouldn't move. She took her vehicle to a dealer for service on 11/24/2006, and it passed there 16 point vehicle check. The contact stated that on 01/04/2007 the car wouldn't switch into gears and she took the vehicle have the transmission repaired because she believed that the failure involved the transmission. The contact was told that the transmission needed to be fixed, and then told that she needed a new transmission. When the contact picked up her vehicle it had not been repaired. After telling the contact that she would receive a new transmission, the contact received a rebuilt transmission. The vehicle still didn't work properly, the dealer told the contact that they were not equipped to repair her vehicle. …
Bought 2002 t&c ex used from Chrysler dealer in xenia, ohio. All maintenance done by same dealership. Car has 52,000 miles on it. After getting home from vacation transmission suddenly died - no warning. Mechanic found 9 codes and one that referenced no hydraulic pressure. They checked the transmission filter and found it to be clean - transmission failed with less than 65K miles on it. Transmission fluid was a proper levels and was not burnt in any way - still a nice red color. Replaced transmission with a jasper reman with 3 yr/75K miles warranty and that transmission just failed with less than 20,000 miles on it while 60+ miles form home with both of our kids in the car. Luckily we were able to get the car to our destination and not stranded on the highway. This time 3rd gear apparently died and our mechanic mentioned that this is a popular transmission and very popular for failing.
Our 2002 Chrysler Town and Country with 30,000 miles on it began having problems with the power steering in December of 2005. The check engine light came on February 2006 so we brought the van into a Chrysler service shop. We were informed that the seal to the power steering fluid was leaking so we had to replace the entire steering rack. The check engine light indicated there was an internal transmission problem. After tearing the transmission apart they found that the torque converter needed replacement as well as the seals on the internal clutches. This vehicle only has 30,008 miles on it. We were forced to pay the entire $3183.89 to fix it. It was a poorly built vehicle with faulty parts. We are upset that Chrysler can not tell us why a vehicle with so few miles needs all these major replacement parts and will not take any responsibility or stand behind this vehicle.
The transmission went out on my 2002 Chrysler Town & Country Mini van as we were driving on the freeway. The van had only 51,700 miles on it! I had it towed to the nearest dealership, and they wanted $4,000 to fix it. I called Chrysler to ask if they would cover the cost of the repair since the mileage was so low, but they refused to help me because the warranty was up. I had it fixed at a transmission shop where they rebuilt the transmission. I don't have the old parts available. There must be a defect in the transmission, or some kind of "weak" parts for it to go out at such low mileage. I do regular maintenance on the van, I change the oil every 3,000 miles, and even did the 30,000 miles service that was highly recommended by the dealership!
I bought a Chrysler Town and Country and the transmission shifts hard into 2nd gear. After the 4th time to the dealer and transmission specialist the transmission specialist finally took the van to auto west Dodge. Auto west Dodge said they have a history on the vehicle from the previous owner and as of now there is no fix for the transmission, because it is a computer problem not a mechanical problem. I still have the problem and they say I am going to have to wait for a fix. The shifting occurs every time I drive the car. The transmission specialist has rebuild the transmission, but can not fix the computer and auto west Dodge said they can not fix the computer at this time either.
Transmission failed at 66,000 miles in the middle of the highway. Front wheels locked up and was unable to roll into neutral. The wheels gave, after prayer, and the vehicle was able to be rolled to the shoulder. Wheels locked up again once the vehicle was on the shoulder. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Chrysler dealership. Was told it would be necessary to replace transmission. It will cost $3200. Chrysler refuses to grant a "goodwill repair" even though it's due to a technical failure and not a wear and tear or poor service failure. I am in the process of sending a complaint letter to daimler-Chrysler, fox 5 news, and the center for auto safety.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country, 10% of the model year's 404 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 4 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 2002 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
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.