Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When exiting my vehicle Sunday, it would not shut off nor would the key come out. I was finally able to turn the engine off but not get the key out. This meant that the acc mode was allowing power to remain on. Because the dealership was closed on Sunday, the power remained on until I could call them Monday morning. I was told to jump the vehicle off and bring it in. When driving to the dealership, I realized the radio no longer was functioning because of the power failure caused by the ignition switch that was not working. They replaced the ignition switch free of charge but will not fix the radio. I am confident it was caused by the failure of the key and the subsequent power drain. All of this was caused by the failure of the ignition switch. I am not a mechanic but a teacher so I May not be using correct terminology. I hope you understand what I am trying to explain. …
The vehicle was in park and running in a parking lot. The van had been running and in motion for approximately 10 minutes prior to arriving at the parking lot where it was then placed into park and left running while waiting for my kids to get out of school. Radio on, heat on then with no warning at all the vehicle shut off, lost all power. I was unable to remove the key from the ignition. It would not go into the off position allowing me to remove the key. I tried to turn the key to the various positions to start the car and nothing happened. Auto locks would not unlock, the car was completely dead. I sat for about 5 minutes in a panic trying to figure out how cars I was blocking were going to get out of their parking spots. Then the van suddenly started up on its own. My hands were not on the keys, nowhere near the ignition and it just started up. …
My car stops while driving down the road without warning, easily restarts after shifting into neutral. However, RPM goes to zero, lose power steering. Did not have this issue prior to key fob recall. It has done this several times, usually when weather is colder like 30 degree. Have also notice blind spot aid system will periodically not function. Heated seat light occasionally do not function. The blind spot and heated seats are minor compared to car stopping dead. It did recently while going around a curve and was very scary. I've taken it to two different dealers and they state there are no engine codes showing. I told my husband if I die in a vehicle crash, especially if rear ended or while turning to sue Chrysler. Do not have this problem in warm weather. I'm afraid to have anyone in my vehicle, especially my five grandkids. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving 25 MPH, the traction control indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart on the first attempt. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (milne's auto group, 1900 s cedar st, imlay, michigan, 48444), but the failure could not be duplicated or diagnosed. It was confirmed that the ignition module was replaced in 2012. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and recommended that the vehicle be taken to another dealer for a second opinion. The contact was referred to NHTSA; however, no additional assistance was offered. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred in the past; however, it went away until recently. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
In dec 2013, was driving to park and ride. Multiple lights were displaying ESP and traction. Whatever was going on it effected forward motion and seemed as if the vehicle was controlling itself to go forward while making grinding sounds. It cleared up as I continued to drive. I contacted dealer and parked until I, carefully/slowing drove it into service department. They called me at work and told me it was clkspring--steering angle/clockspring, part # 56046497ad and the costs about $800.00! I stated was it a powertrain issue and was told no. Now, February 2015, the same issue seems to be occurring. The traction light is flashing, ESP light is lite. If I step out of the vehicle and close the doors, they lock on their own (that May be a separate issue, not sure).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the EGR valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the EGR valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Was driving down the road and car right front brake activated the car went immediately into the left lane lucky no car was coming ABS light and ESP light came on. Car was too dangerous to drive brake system just activated with out notice at any speed. Took to dealer they said clock spring in steering wheel was defective part number 56046241ag. This is a very dangerous situation needs to be a recall on this part. Looks like it is a frequent problem while researching this problem. At high highway speed could lose control of vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving 50 MPH. After the failure, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (electrical system); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
I was driving down navajo boulevard a main road in holbrook arizona a vehicle coming from a side road pulled in front of me and I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. I then proceeded down navajo boulevard and quickly realized that I had no power no steering, no brakes, nothing although the engine was still running. I was able to proceed down the road and turn onto a side road to the side until it completely quit running and was able to stop on its own.
Clock spring c123f c123b c1219 and c2204. Just reached 80000 miles and eap traction light is on and the brakes start grabbing doing straight down the highway. I have had two other vans that had recalls on clock spring. Wonder if there should be a recall on the 2009 Town and Country for clock spring work and steer angle codes.
Traction Control complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country, 3% of the model year's 707 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Chrysler Town and Country traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 6 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 2009 Chrysler Town and Country traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 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.