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 2008 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to make a left turn, and the vehicle shut-off without warning. She exited the vehicle and flagged down two fellow motorists for assistance. While they attempted to push the vehicle, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and resumed normal driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 152,669.
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while attempting to shift gear, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
T & C 2008 VAN UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION happened 2x. Service dept. Of the dealer says no problem found but it happened again. Today I am at dealer service again.Hope they solve the problem, cause several incident like this occured aluready.04
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated, without warning. The contact was forced to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the engine was revving abnormally. The contact stated that with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle continued to accelerate with white smoke coming from the passenger's side front end of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic failed to duplicate the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Yes I having and issue with my wife's 2008 Chrysler Town and Country minivan, about a week ago the ignition module where the key fob sits while driving, has been shifting to the off position on its own while the vehicle is in motion, thus taking power away from the steering and braking system. It has created two incidents where my wife ran off the road dented the left sliding door and scratched the van up, and the other incident was when she was back up it shut down and she slammed into the park vehicle and dented the rear tail gate cause she was not able to bring it to a stop, no damage to other vehicle was made. …
While I was driving on the on-ramp to a highway my car hit a bump and lost control and I started sliding. Thankfully there happened to be no one coming. I noticed that when my van stopped halfway in a ditch and halfway on the left lane I went to move my vehicle it wouldn't move so I then noticed it was off but still in drive and the key was still on. So I put it in park and shut it off then turned it back on then was able to proceed driving but since then my ESP/bas, and traction control light have been on. After having that happened I had the recall on my van fixed. Well the lights are still there and now the driving is worse. I cant control my steering and they say it is my steering angle sensor. They also say my catalytic converter needs fixed and a PCM flash. Which I don't understand how all these problems started since my ignition unwillingly shut off. …
Traveling east on I 180, in left lane ready to turn onto I 80 east, took cruise control off and a loud revving noise occurred, engine shut down. Safely, through built up momentum was able to move across highway to berm off of right lane. Initially thought it might be transmission. Was towed to garage and after initial check, they thought it was a shifting rod. Transmission was removed from car and further testing showed it was the "torque converter". Part has been ordered, waiting till part comes in and can be replaced in car. If highway had not been clear behind us at the time of this incident, all 3 passengers in the van would have been killed by oncoming tractor trailers, etc. It was a very stressful moment for all of us.
Transmission failure at stop sign. Very unsafe as I could have been hit by an oncoming vehicle. No warnings. Just a grinding noise and transmission halted. At the stop sign I stopped and then proceeded to accelerate when safe. But transmission failed within 5 feet. The oncoming car had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting me. I was able to put the vehicle in park and push back. This occurred at new jersey mount laurel at centerton square shopping mt laurel nj at end of the parking lot in front the dsw shoe store. Car was maintained perfectly at the dealership [redacted] at lumberton nj. All service records are available.
The transmission will lock up in "limp" mode so that the speed will not go over 45 while the engine is racing at a high RPM. This is not a great feeling to be driving on the interstate highway when this happens. Another poor design by the engineers. Also, there is not a dipstick on the transmission to check the fluid level. Also another pair engineer design. Chysler vehicles used to be top rated for performance and those are the only vehicles I've owned since 1967! I'm getting so frustrated with my chysler vehicles to the point that I May have to start buying a different brand. That doesn't make me a very happy customer!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as it increased in rpms. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, 3% of the model year's 1,939 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 7 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 2008 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire 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.