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 2003 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving unknown speeds, the contact heard an abnormal rumbling noise while shifting gears. Prior to the failure, an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there were no recalls and referred her to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Over 20 miles per hour, car pauses for more than a normal minivan period of time, prior to accelarating. Also noise is heard coming from below minivan, when accling., that was not present up till a couple of months ago. Dealer service station claims that minivan was tested and pause in accl. Is normal. Noise still be checked out. If slow gaps in accl. Are normal, than why did this not happen for first year we owned the minivan? We've had recalled power steering hose changed as per recall instructions, power steering had, prior to recall, made extreme noises at times that were not normal, hose replacement seems to have solved that particular problem. Also, in past year and a half, had problem was A/C, and also defective fuel pump. Finally, when purchasing the 2003 limited own & Country, was told by ref. …
Events leading up to failures on 2.28.07, I purchased a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country lxi with 56,000 miles from arlington Acura in palatine, il after a carchex inspection & test drive. Upon driving home to minnesota that day on interstate expressways, I encountered two major mechanical problems: failure, consequences & repairs 1. Shuddering & leaking rack & pinion - dealer advised these are common failures for this model and recommended replacement for $800 asap because a dry cylinder will lock the steering column. Chrysler will not replace under it's 7/70 powertrain warranty, so I will have to pay this when I get the money. 2. Jerking transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear - during four visits, dealer attempted to find cause, spending $3,000 in warranty repairs. …
I own a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country that I purchased new in oct. Of 2003 from mortiz in fort worth, texas. Since purchasing this van it has been used for mostly long distance trips and has been serviced regularly. At the end of January 2007 my transmission solenoid pack started leaking. On feb. 15, 2007 I bought a new solenoid pack from madison square Chrysler in huntsville, alabama. I installed this item myself being that all that was involved was unbolting the old one and installing the new one. On feb. 20, 2007 with mileage of 87918 I had the transmission fluid flushed by the above mentioned dealer as well as oil change and maintenance checks. On feb. 28, 2007 the check engine light came on. I returned to the dealer on March 1, 2007 with mileage of 87990 for another round of service costing $1033.42. …
Dt: consumer purchased a new vehicle in 2003 and since then there have been numerous problems. Over the weekend, while driving 45 MPH the consumer applied brake pressure because she was approaching a red light and discovered there were no brakes. The brakes were mushy/loose and went to the floor. They were not responding to pressure. The consumer pumped brakes in up and down motion and they activated, but were weak in their response. The consumer was able to stop just barely missing another vehicle. Consumer drove vehicle about a mile to the dealership, who stated that master cylinder failed and would have to be replaced. A new master cylinder was ordered. However, the parts have not yet arrived. Consumer wished to file a complaint at this time even though she did not know the outcome of this repairs. This was the first time this happened with the brakes. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Town and Country. While driving at 65 MPH the vehicle stalled. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and installed a transmission carrier, but indicated that the fuel injection pump could also be the cause of the failure. This incident occurred for three weeks and continued to occur after being repaired. The failure occurred when the vehicle was hot or cold. The contact stated that there were no warning indicator lights when the stalling occurred. However, when the vehicle lost power the oil light indicator was lit. The contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle due to the frequent stalling incidents, including one that occurred at 1 am. Updated 2/22/2007 -now the vehicle exhibits a rough start condition. The steering had become very tight and makes noise. The radio will not play and the vehicle cuts off when it is on. Transmission problems. …
Engine will die at a stop sign. Engine will also die while coasting between 30 to 65 MPH. There is no warning signs when this occurs. Obviously power steering will be lost instantly. Power brakes will also fade after three applications. After bringing the car to a full stop or placing the gear shift lever to neutral and cranking the engine it will re-start. This is an intermittent problem since 2009. Chrysler dealers are unable to pin point the problem due to lack of engine service codes. Over time they have changed fuel filters, throttle body cleaning, tune ups, crankshaft position sensor replacement, BCM re-learn etc. Internet blogs indicate this is a common problem with Chrysler Mini vans. Some technicians attribute it to electrical harness shorting. I wonder if there are any safety recalls or service bulletins issued by Chrysler. …
I purchased my van in August of 2003. I noticed the brakes were squeaking and took it to the dealer to have them checked out. I was told that my front brackes had 15-20% of the pad left and that they should be replaced and the rotars turned .tthe vehicle has only 22,000 miles on it. It seems to me that brakes should last longer than 22,000 miles.I was told I must do allot of "city driving" I am now experiencing "rough,delayed shifting at about 15 MPH. Hesitation, clunk. The transmission has "slipped" out of gear while driving and also rough downshifting. I certainly expected a better quality manufactured vehiicle than what I have experienced so far. I doubt I will ever purchase another vehicle from Chrysler!!.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the transmission shifted when engaging the second gear, and it slipped back into first. The vehicle jerked harshly each time trying to shift gears, it eventually shifted gears. The contact was told by the customer care center on more than one occasion that they will notify him when they have diagnosed the problem. The contact stated that it has been four years that he has been trying to have this same problem repaired. The contact was told by the dealers engineer that the problem was in the computer system. The contact stated that the transmission has been unsuccessfully repaired on three different occasions. Updated 02/22/07
I purchased a new 2003 Chrysler Town and Country on 7/14/2003. The intent was to have a very reliable vehicle prior to going on two vacations. I left for the first vacation on cape cod in massachusetts on 7/26/2003 after owning the vehicle for 12 days. On July 29, 2003 the vehicle started but any attempt to idle up the vehicle would cause it to stall. (I owned the vehicle for 15 days!) it was towed to central cape Dodge in hyannis where it was diagnosed as having a faulty PCM. (power control module) the vehicle remains at the cape all but ruining one vacation, and the part apparently is on national backorder and remains out of service probably ruining my second vacation. On July 29
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country, 11% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 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 2003 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.