The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country might carry forward unchanged. However, the minivan’s performance potential remains unnerved. In a competitive segment, the American vehicle amasses popularity with its practical seating space, tantalizing interiors, and potent engine option. Despite its burly design, Chrysler’s prime offering is precise in its handling and delivers a subtle and refined experience to the occupants. Even its reliability is top-notch and for a vehicle that sells well over 100,000 units, the sales-to-grievances ratio does not seem troublesome. In the current iteration, the minivan records 579 complaints, a majority of which deal with its electric system. It has been recalled 4 times and has a single investigation listed to its name. The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country price starts just shy of the $30,000 mark and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the NissanQuest, the Kia Sedona, and the Honda Odyssey.
2012 Chrysler Town and Country User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: In the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country problems list, buyers of the minivan have reported the airbags failing to deploy in case of a crash. As a result, complainants have recorded injuries, which causes the problem to qualify as a safety concern.
Electric System Complaints
- Exterior lighting issues: Across the current iteration of the 2012 Town and Country, buyers have reported the headlights losing power inadvertently in the automatic mode. As a result, the visibility gets restricted and buyers are required to shift to the manual mode to carry out the intended operations.
- Malfunctioning sliding doors: The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country electrical problems largely deal with the issues of its sliding doors. In most cases, buyers have reported the sliding door opening and closing unexpectedly, sometimes, even when the vehicle is in motion. On the other hand, some buyers have also recorded the failure of the doors to open and remain stuck, due to failed actuators.
- Overheating vent window switch: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country have reported the vent window switch overheating, which increases the risk of a fire. While not many problems have yet been reported on NHTSA, the brand has introduced a recall to tackle the issue in its initial stages itself.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems: In the list of the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country issues, buyers have reported the minivan shuddering and vibrating excessively. This is followed by the illumination check engine warning light. While the underlying cause has not yet been determined, the failure of head gaskets and rod bearings can result in a possible stall.
- Failure of fuel pump relay: The failure of the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country fuel pump relay is one of the most commonly reported problems. In several cases, buyers have reported the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failing, which results in an engine stall. While the cause for the issue has not been determined, some other models from FCA suffer from a similar issue.
- Failure of transmission unit: The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems are a common complaint. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the vehicle hesitating while speeding and shifting between gears. The transmission downshifts independently and sometimes slips through gears, which causes the vehicle to stall.
2012 Chrysler Town and Country Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
7th May 2014 |
14V234000 |
Overheating vent window switch |
The vent window switch in the driver’s armrest may overheat, which can result in a fire. |
Dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of cost. |
|
2. |
2nd May 2012 |
12V191000 |
Improper functioning of pinch sensors |
Due to faltering right-side liftgate pinch sensors, the liftgate might require additional force to close in the final stages. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the right-side liftgate pinch sensors, free of cost. |
|
3. |
3rd Apr 2012 |
12V141000 |
Faltering rear hub and bearing assemblies |
Due to improper machining of the rear hub and the bearing assemblies, the wheel might separate. |
Dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly, free of cost. |
|
4. |
29th Sept 2011 |
11V487000 |
Possible engine stall |
Due to the debris inside the 3.6L engine, the rod bearing may fail inadvertently. |
Dealers will replace the engine for free. |
Should you buy the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
Absolutely! The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country recalls and problems list might seem extensive, yet it is not worrisome. For most issues that have been recorded by the buyers, there are definitive solutions made available by the brand. Additionally, most issues, except for the electrical system faults, have a restricted impact, and chances are that your vehicle might not suffer from the ancillary niggles. So, yes, for us the 2012 Town and Country is a sensible option as it coalesces practicality from its capacious and functional cabin with a high degree of trustworthiness and subtle driving demeanor. Alternatively, if you do want to look out for alternative options, the 2012 Honda Odyssey also promises an enriching experience.
