In the minivan segment, the 2013 Chrysler Town and Country has been significantly updated. It reeks of practicality with its clever seating arrangement, refined interiors, and a potent set of specifications. Though ride quality can be underwhelming for some, the American van’s oneness lies in its reliability. For a vehicle that sells over 120,000 units, its 605 complaints do not seem worrisome. Even the recall list is restricted to just three callbacks and there is only one investigation listed to its name. A 2013 Chrysler Town and Country for sale is priced at $32,000 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Nissan Quest, the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna. What are the common complaints about the minivan and what are the implications on the ownership experience? Let’s find out.
2013 Chrysler Town and Country User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Random deployment of head restraints: In several cases listed on NHTSA, buyers of the 2013 Town and Country have reported the head restraints deploying inadvertently. Without impact or incidence, the front driver and passenger’s head restraints activate, which results in injuries to the occupants. This happens due to a broke plastic pin inside the head restraints. While it is a common issue, Chrysler has not arranged for any recall to deal with the issue.
- Problems with the airbag system: In the Chrysler Town and Country problems list, there are two issues relating to the minivan’s airbag system. The first problem is concerned with the passenger airbag warning light illuminating randomly, despite an occupant being seated in the front seat. On the other hand, buyers have also reported the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. This has resulted in injuries to the occupants and qualifies as a major safety concern.
Electric System Complaints
- Issues with exterior lighting: Buyers of the 2013 Chrysler Town and Country have also reported issues with the exterior lighting. When set in auto mode, complainants have recorded the headlights inadvertently losing power. As a result, the driver’s visibility is restricted, which can result in a crash. While no solution is currently available, shifting the headlights to manual mode does help restore normalcy.
- Malfunctioning sliding doors: The 2013 Chrysler Town and Country electrical problems also deal with the automatic sliding doors failing to latch correctly. In several cases, buyers have reported the rear doors’ inability to close properly and open inadvertently, even when the vehicle is in motion. While no injury has been reported, such incidents can be hazardous, considering that children might be seated at the rear. Additionally, in a couple of cases, users have also complained about the sliding door remaining locked and not opening, even on command, due to a failed actuator.
- Overheating vent window switch: In the current iteration of the minivan, some buyers have also reported the vent window switch overheating, which can result in a fire. While not many complaints have yet been recorded on NHTSA, a model-wide has been introduced by the brand to deal with the issue. However, most complainants have reported the parts for repair being unavailable at dealerships, which has resulted in a delay in remedy.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems: Buyers of the 2013 Town and Country have also reported the vehicle shuddering and stalling unexpectedly. In most cases, this is followed by the check engine light illuminating inadvertently, and where a diagnosis has been conducted, a cylinder misfire has been regarded as the underlying cause. However, in some cases, complainants have also recorded the failure of the head cylinder gasket to result in a similar situation.
- Fuel pump relay may fail: The Chrysler Town and Country fuel pump problems are highly recurring. In several cases, buyers have reported the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failing randomly, which results in an engine stall. This is a common issue across several brands under FCA, and while a recall has been introduced for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler’s minivan has not yet been included.
- Failure of transmission unit: The 2013 Chrysler Town and Country problems are a common complaint. In a particularly high number 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. While a possible reason is the failure of the hydraulic pump, the replacement of the transmission unit is the most common remedy.
2013 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 July 2013 |
13V291000 |
Improper software in ORC module |
The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module might have incorrect software, which might result in improper deployment of the airbags. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will replace the ORC module, free of cost. |
|
3. |
2nd July 2013 |
13V283000 |
Improper deployment of airbags |
Due to an error in the software, the opposite side airbag might deploy from the point of collision. |
Dealers will flash the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2013 Chrysler Town and Country?
The Chrysler Town and Country recalls and complaints list in the current iteration is rather restricted. For a high-sales volume product, the American minivan delivers reliable performance. While there are some recurring issues with the vehicle, Chrysler’s proactiveness comes in handy for the buyers. There are definitive solutions for the issues and seldom would you find buyers complaining about an underwhelming experience. Even the safety scores are top-notch and for a vehicle that is accessibly priced, the feature list, comfort levels, and a descriptive design provide the best bang for the buck. So, for us, the 2013 iteration of the Town and Country is an impressive choice. Yet, if you want to keep your options open, even the 2013 Honda Odyssey can be considered by the buyers.
