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 2009 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle randomly stalling after exiting freeway and coming to a stop. This problem is already addressed in problem #12, and could be a common problem that the dealer seems to not duplicate. I have been in phone tag with Chrysler corp. 10 times between 4/17 and 4/28/16 with no resolve. When I do get in contact with the rep he doesn't have a clue. On two occasions the rep asked if I got my car back from the dealer. I have to tell him that the vehicle hasn't been to the dealer since my complaint of no resolve by the dealer. He then says he will have to contact the dealer. This has happen 2 times, the last being 4/28/16. I haven't heard from him since, today being 5/3/16. On line cargurus site says my problem is the torque converter control solenoid not unlocking the converter from the higher highway gear, causing vehicle to stall when exiting and stopping off freeway. …
The issue only occurs when traveling at a speed in which the transmission is engaged into overdrive that I have noticed. Once the transmission is engaged into overdrive and deceleration begins and the vehicle is coming to a complete stop upon exiting the highway/freeway/expressway is when the vehicle shutters (RPM's) dip down to 500 and jump to 1500 multiple times., lunges forward and will stall. At this point it will take multiple attempts to restart the vehicle. One remedy I have found when it begins to start the symptoms is to shift the vehicle in neutral and wait a couple seconds after coming to a complete stop. This doesn't correct the rough idol and minor lunging forward, but it does stop the vehicle from stalling in traffic. I have addressed this issue with the dealer with them only taking it on a minor road test even after explaining they issue. They stated nothing was wrong.
After several hours of driving on interstates at the various legal speed limits from central pennsylvania to massachusetts, the dashboard warning chime started, the information display showed that the blind spot detection system was inoperative and then the transmission down shifted to 3 resulting in excessive engine revs. Cruise control was engaged at the time, but the car was not going down a hill. The driver used the +/- shift control to return the car to gear 6. At the same time, the tire pressure monitor system said that it had failed and then recovered after five minutes. Eventually, the tpm system recovered as did the blind spot detection system. All of these problems have happened in the past individually, but on this trip they all happened at once. The car dealer could not detect any problem.
Instrument panel lights and gauges flicker and moves simultaneous without any warning, transmission gave out at 97,528 miles. From what we were told it is a defect that those cars have. Also I'd point out I know a few people with same problem and they will document their complaints as well.car turns on and only moves in reverse, once you try to place it in drive it shuts off. Defective transmission. This happened to us while we were coming out of the highway and going to a red light stop. While we came to a complete stop the car shook real hard as if we hit something and shut off. We turned on car without a problem but as soon as we placed it in drive the same thing happened a big hit in engine and it shut off. Also aibag lights are on which ive heard means that they are faulty
We have a 2009 Chrysler Town & Country that was idling in park while we were helping a neighbor. After about a minute or two, our car jumped into reverse and accelerated up the driveway smashing into my neighbors garage. There were 8 witness to see this unbelievable event occur. Our neighbor has a long driveway of approximately 30 feet, and our car was parked at the end of the driveway. The car was actually gaining speed while heading towards their garage before slamming into their brick facia on the garage. I contacted our insurance, and then Chrysler who only said sorry this happened. Currently working with the dealership to have the vehicle tested on why this occurred, in addition to getting all the damage repaired.
Three times in the last two weeks, while the van was in park with the emergency brake engaged, it rolled several feet. One of the times it was on completely flat ground. I am very afraid that while parked it will roll and injure or kill someone. This is a very serious safety issue. I read through the recalls and see that there is a recall on the 2015 Chrysler 200 for this already. I have a video of it, but can't seem to upload it to this site. If you could send me an email at [redacted] I could send the video back that way. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
When we bought the vehicle (at around 80K miles) we noticed that you could smell coolant at times, but were told it was nothing. When we took it in for service we were told that it was 2 quarts low on oil. I asked the shop that did the first oil change, thinking maybe they didn't do a proper job- he mentioned that this was a common issue with this year of Town & Country. I took it in for a recall- a good friend wanted to perform an oil consumption test. Come to find out, it was burning oil at a rapid rate. If I hadn't been aware & checking the oil on almost a daily basis, it could have run out & the engine seized. The burning oil causes issues with the rings as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact was unable to shift the gear into park. In addition, the vehicle was unable to restart. The ignition switch fractured and was able to rotate intermittently with the key. All of the instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the key fob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle began to stall and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and it would not restart. After a few hours, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle and was successful; however, it stalled a few minutes later. The contact was able to push the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but no failure codes appeared. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and shut off, sometimes without warning. When the failure occurred, the contact waited a few minutes before attempting to restart the vehicle. After some time, the vehicle would resume normal operation. The contact took the vehicle to napleton's river oaks Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (17225 torrence ave, lansing, il 60438, [phone]), but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Transmission complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country, 5% of the model year's 707 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.