1994 Chrysler Town And Country Problems
- Complaints
- 154filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 146,600miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — harsh or delayed shifting, sudden drops out of gear, and in some cases internal parts breaking through the housing. Brake and door hardware complaints are also common, and fuel leaks at the injector rail show up repeatedly in later reports. Mileage in the sample is wide, from under 40,000 to over 200,000 miles, so many of these reports come from well-used vans.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission harsh shifting or sudden loss of drive
- 24 complaints (16%)
- median 116,000 mi at 14.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2008
Complaints describe hard or delayed shifting, the transmission dropping from highway gear into a lower gear or neutral, and sometimes a complete loss of forward movement. Several owners report the transmission was replaced or rebuilt and the same shift quality returned later. A few describe a loud bang followed by the van stopping, with a shop reporting a broken internal pin and damage to the housing. Reports are spread from roughly 60,000 to about 169,000 miles, with many clustering past 100,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive long enough to reach highway speed and check for firm or delayed shifts, clunks into reverse, and shudder under light throttle. Ask for transmission service records and whether the unit has been replaced or rebuilt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission shifts too low, and will not up shift until I run of engine and restart. This happended 1/10/2000 at 50mph, and almost caused the car behind me to hit me. This caused the engine to red line for a second.”
NHTSA complaint #717250, filed 2000-01“Vehicle gave no indication of a transmission problem and then one day just stopped functioning at all. When purchased the warranty offered was either the 3/36 or the 12/12 & 7/70. We chose 3/36 which was benificial at one point since we had continuous problems with the computer system in the vehicle and it took almost a year for them to finally take care of that problem..my concern is do we have any options other with any pending issues due to the history of the minivan transmissions? …”
NHTSA complaint #709484, filed 1999-08 - Brakes
Brake pedal to the floor / ABS not working
- 17 complaints (11%)
- median 125,288 mi at 9.6 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe the brake pedal traveling all the way down with little or no stopping power, and ABS that stops functioning or does not pulse as expected when applied. Some reports mention rear wheel lock-up on loose surfaces with light pedal pressure. In several cases the van was taken to a dealer for diagnosis of the ABS system. Scattered across the model year's life, with no clear mileage pattern in the sample; some reports come at low speed while turning or stopping.
What to check: Check pedal firmness with the engine running and confirm the ABS warning light behaves normally. Ask whether the ABS unit or master cylinder has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am experiencing rear wheel lock-up upon initial application of the brakes on a gravel surface. This occurs with very light brake application. After stopping a couple of times on a dry hard surface the brakes appear to work ok.”
NHTSA complaint #10020674, filed 2003-05, 125,288 miles“There would be no pulsing in ABS brakes when they are applied. Would have regular brakes only. Abs brakes failed to operate properly while driving approximately 15mph turning a corner. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #829357, filed 1998-10 - Transmission and drivetrain
Fuel smell and leaks at the injector rail
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe a strong gasoline smell, especially after driving a while, traced to fuel weeping from the injector rail at its joints or from O-ring seals. Owners report being told the rail itself was leaking and in one case the van began smoking and had to be towed. Some owners note that similar Chrysler engines were covered by a campaign but their van was not included. Mostly reported between about 145,000 and 204,000 miles; one report came after a failed emissions test.
What to check: With the engine cool, look and smell around the fuel rail and injector area for dampness or residue, then check again after a short drive. Ask whether the rail, seals or O-rings have been replaced and whether the van was included in any fuel-system campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I took my car to get it smog tested and the guy told me it wasn't going to pass because he showed me where the fuel rail was leaking gas and told me to get it fixed and bring it back. I know there was a recall from 1996 and up but what about my van. I drove my van and it started smoking so I had to call a tow truck and have it towed home so it didn't catch fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11189779, filed 2019-03, 143,713 miles“My wife mentioned that the vehicle smelled like gas. Upon investigation, noticed that fuel rail was wet with fuel. At this point, car was taken out of service, when rail was dry, started engine to nvestigated leak. Fuel was noticed leaking from joints where the rails are connected to each other. Repairs has not been completed at this time. I have been considering sealing with a fuel tank sealant...as I have seen this noticed on web forums.”
NHTSA complaint #10104266, filed 2004-12, 145,000 miles - Latches, locks and linkages
Sliding and driver door latches stick or release
- 20 complaints (13%)
- median 155,163 mi at 13.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2008
Owners describe door latches that stick open so the door will not close, or appear closed but pop open while driving. On the sliding door, the latch can jam in the locked position. Reports mention replacing a latch and then the other door developing the same behavior months later. Appears mostly on high-mileage vans, commonly past 150,000 miles and after years of use.
What to check: Open and close both sliding door and driver door repeatedly and confirm they latch securely and stay shut; check that hinges and latches are not loose or worn.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had two problems with the door latches. The first problem was with the drivers side door. The plastic coating wore off the latch and caused it to stick in the open position, therefore not allowing the door to close. Occasionally the door would close and then get stuck in the closed position. I finally had to have the latch replaced and I have had no problems with that latch since. Now, 8 months later, the side sliding door has the same exact problem. The door will appear to be fully closed and then fly open while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251397, filed 2008-12, 194,327 miles“Tensioner belt malfunction when riding through puddles, resulting in hard steering, replace tensioner belt drive. Tt windshield wiper motor failed, dealer replaced. Sliding door window pops open when door is closed due to latch failure. Power window motor failed. Battery failed. Tire leak(no specific tire information given).”
NHTSA complaint #974931, filed 1995-11 - Body and structure
Liftgate strut bolts break, tailgate drops
- 9 complaints (6%)
- typically at 4.3 yrs old
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Owners report a loud clunk and the rear liftgate dropping or sagging on one side because the gas strut attaching bolts broke away from the body. In some cases the hinge bent out of alignment or the strut was left hanging, and one owner reported the tailgate came down onto them. Reportedly dealers replaced struts or hinges after the failure. Reported across a range of mileages on older vans, often after years of repeated opening and closing.
What to check: Open and close the liftgate several times and watch the strut mounts on both sides for looseness, cracking or rusted bolts; ask whether the strut attaching hardware has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Right hand liftgate support attaching bolts broke, and the right side of the liftgate dropped down under its own weigth. This caused one of the liftgate hinges to curl and ben out of alignment, consumer felt dealer should have replaced hinges when liftgate bolts failed.”
NHTSA complaint #864247, filed 2000-06“Loud clunk when tailgate closed. Reopened tailgate and found right side piston had detached from vehicle frame but was still connected to liftgate. Was able to reclose liftgate for drive to dealer, but roof liner damaged in closing process as strut was in fully extended position. I remember reading a newspaper account in august 99 regarding upcoming recall for this same problem, but Chrysler dealership has no informatin regarding any recall for this item.”
NHTSA complaint #710993, filed 1999-09
Buying note. These vans are old enough that condition and service history matter more than the model year itself; a long test drive, a brake check, and a look at the fuel rail and door hardware would cover the areas owners report most. Confirm which safety campaigns were completed for the specific van before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 154 consumer complaints for the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country. 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 146,600 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 20 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes25 16%
- Body and structure24 16%
- Latches, locks and linkages15 9.7%
- Air bags14 9.1%
- Engine cooling11 7.1%
- Steering8 5.2%
- Equipment6 3.9%
- Fuel system6 3.9%
Also reported: Seat belts (4), Suspension (4), Tires (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Exterior lighting (3), Other or unknown (3), Electrical system (2), Seats (2), Engine (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Transmission started shifting really rough around 116,000. Previous owner replaced the transmission. When they sold it to us at around 150,000, the transmission started shifting hard again. Now at 169,000 it shifts back and forth between 2nd and 3rd gears and is very rough. When shifting into reverse, it clunks. This is after we even took it in and had transmission fixed. No good.”
NHTSA complaint #10238688, filed 2008-08, 116,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 1994 Chrysler Town And Country. The sliding door is currently being held onto the vehicle by one out of three hinges. The door has to be pushed very hard in order for it to close. In addition, the rear wiper does not work and the motor needs to be replaced. The contact has decided not to repair the vehicle. When he places the vehicle into drive, it takes a while to shift. The vehicle makes a thumping sound when it does shift into gear. The air conditioner has not worked since the vehicle was purchased. …”
NHTSA complaint #10237368, filed 2008-08, 116,000 milesBody and structure: “I read in the news that d.o.t. Is considering spending hundreds of billions of dollars to raise the (concrete) median barriers on the hundreds of thousands of miles of the federal highway system...due to the large number of fatalities caused by raised-up pickup truck and sport utility vehicle accidents with normal passenger cars. I submit that perhaps it is time to go back to the legislation considered ten to fifteen years ago ordering manufacturers to set”
NHTSA complaint #700230, filed 1998-10Latches, locks and linkages: “Consumer states six months after purchasing vehicle the latch on the driver's side door did not work, consumer took to vehicle to mechanic and was told that the hinge was broken, mechanic repaired the latch and hinge were repaired, however six months later the problem reoccured consumer then took vehicle to another vehicle and the latch and hinge were repaired again, three months later it broke again, consumer has not had it repaired and now the passenger side hinge and latch are showing the same symptoms.”
NHTSA complaint #561806, filed 2001-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 116,000 and 175,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town & Country · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Chrysler Town And Country version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town and Country 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Town and Country 4WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V305000Oct 12, 2000Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1993–1994, Dodge Caravan 1993–1994, Plymouth Voyager 1993–1994 +2 more
Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with 2-spoke luxury wheels manufactured july 1992 through june 1993; or equipped with 4-spoke sport wheels manufactured from july 1992 through september 1993. The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate…
- 99V213000Sep 2, 1999Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachmentsCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1991, 1993–1994, Dodge Caravan 1991, 1993–1994, Plymouth Voyager 1991, 1993–1994 +2 more
Vehicle description: mini vans. The bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine. If the bolt is loose, the gas strut is over-pressurized, and the frequency of opening and closing…
- 99V113000May 6, 1999Air bagsCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1993–1995, Dodge Caravan 1993–1995, Plymouth Voyager 1993–1995 +2 more
Vehicle description: mini vans. The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger air bag could electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "on" or "start" position can…
- 93V215000Dec 14, 1993Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 1994, Plymouth Grand Voyager 1994, Dodge Grand Caravan 1994
Wheels with misformed lug nut seats were installed on these vehicles. This causes reduced nut to wheel contact area and limits the wheel self-centering capability during installation. This results in loss of wheel lug nut torque retention.
Recall details for the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ00011Steering wheel separationClosed · May 1, 2000
- EA98006Inadvertent air bag deploymentsClosed · Feb 27, 1998
- PE97046Inadvertent air bag deploymentsClosed · Oct 24, 1997
- DP96014Defective air bag crash sensorOpen · Nov 14, 1996
- PE96008Safety blt latch operationClosed · Jan 25, 1996
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Electrical system. Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing…
- 10130080Aug 22, 2016Exterior lighting, Equipment. 05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See…
- 10130079Aug 22, 2016Equipment. Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers…
- 10129047Aug 18, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129045Aug 18, 2016Equipment. CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part…
- 10129044Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. 1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part…
- 10129042Aug 17, 2016Equipment. Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016Electrical system. P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA…
- 10129046Jun 2, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
Other model years of the Chrysler Town And Country
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 527 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 383 | 68,750 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 636 | 66,500 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 681 | 65,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 634 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 773 | 67,800 | 3 | — | 20 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,556 | 74,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 707 | 75,000 | 6 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,939 | 70,000 | 7 | — | 19 | 91 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 219 | 69,482 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 431 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 857 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 167 | 71,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 245 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 404 | 54,750 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 462 | 65,049 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 306 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 362 | 88,800 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 296 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 388 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 938 | 94,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 58 | 125,650 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 154 | 146,600 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 214 | 125,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 135 | 119,969 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 25 | 120,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 13 | 175,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Chrysler Town And Country model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — harsh or delayed shifting, sudden drops out of gear, and in some cases internal parts breaking through the housing. The issues reported most often: Transmission harsh shifting or sudden loss of drive; Brake pedal to the floor / ABS not working; Fuel smell and leaks at the injector rail.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country have?
NHTSA recorded 154 consumer complaints for the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 30 complaints (19% of the total), followed by brakes with 25.
Has the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country (Town and Country 2WD, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Chrysler Town And Country reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 146,600 miles and the middle half falls between 116,000 and 175,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.