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).
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering) and took the vehicle to the dealer to have the emblem removed. The contact was informed that once the replacement emblem was received, he could bring the vehicle back. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer several times and was informed that the replacement emblem was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he placed duct tape on the steering to cover the emblem screw holes. The contact stated that he was concerned about the airbag deploying while driving over a bump. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer but was unable to speak to anyone. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Our 2009 t&c stalled in city traffic this morning without any warning when slowing down to below 20-30 MPH (with the traction control light briefly illuminating after the stall). It had stalled previously 3 separate times in similar situations when either my wife or son were driving the van. Of course when the engine dies there is no power steering or power brakes which makes handling the vehicle extremely difficult. The van immediately restarts when you turn the ignition key, but the CEL does not light up so there are no codes in the computer to help diagnose the problem. This is a serious problem that lots of people are having. Just read the blogs on the internet. If the van stalls while making a turn and you can't brake or steer, then it's just a matter of time before a potentially serious accident occurs. …
Recently purchased vehicle used (dealership filled with fuel after test drive but before we took it home). On the way home on city streets (while approaching an intersection), the engine stalled causing loss of power brakes & power steering. After putting the car in park, it started up & ran fine. A couple days later, my wife was driving it & while turning right at an intersection it did the same thing. She barely was able to safely complete the turn due to the loss of power steering. After that incident it hasn't happened again (but we haven't filled it with fuel again yet). Research on the net leads me to think it is the common problem with a valve in the fuel tank. We are very nervous driving the car & are dreading our next fill up. This is incredibly unsafe & I hope Chrysler is willing to do something about it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving, the check engine warning indicator remained illuminated. In addition, the instrument panel started to flicker. The vehicle stalled and the driver was able to coast into a parking lot and power off the engine. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to dewey Dodge Chrysler Jeep (located at 3175 se delaware ave, ankeny, ia 50021, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was faulty under the instrument panel and hood. The contact was stated that the clockspring in the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
My family (including children) were driving on the interstate going through atlanta, ga on vacation heading to another family members house for thanksgiving and all of a sudden my van completely cut off. I lost steering, electrical, everything!!!! Luckily I was able to glide over to the side and restart my engine and it seemed as though everything worked correctly for the rest of the vacation. I contacted Chrysler by email inquiring about the recall and of course just got the "I'm sorry we're working on it, but at this time we don't have the parts to fix it." that was only the first incident!!! It happened again around 03/15/15 - same exact problems happened! Once again I contacted Chrysler, and I also contacted my dealer, but got the same exact run around!! Not a happy person with Chrysler!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving at various speeds, the power steering and brakes seized and the vehicle decelerated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, shifted into park, and restarted the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V139000 (electrical system), which had been expanded into NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (electrical system, air bags). The vehicle was not included in the new expanded recall. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
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 various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions and the vehicle was towed. The contact also stated that the traction control indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became stiff and inoperable while driving 40 MPH. Luther brookdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (8188 brookland blvd, brooklyn park, minnesota 55445, [phone]) was made aware of the failures and repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (electrical system); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 69,000.
During the past week, five different times while driving the vehicle has shut off, losing all power including power steering. The car needed to be put into neutral and restarted. This occurred even after removing all additional keys and keychains from the key fob. The incidents occurred at various speeds ranging from 25-60, including once on a highway/highway entrance ramp. Two dealers were contacted regarding recall and both stated that recall parts are on backorder with no expected date of arrival. An attempt to contact Chrysler group recall assistance center directly was made, unfortunately after sitting on hold for over an hour, no contact was made.
Steering complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country, 5% of the model year's 707 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 16% 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.