1996 Chrysler Town And Country Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 162about this part
- Share
- 17%of 938 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 162 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Chrysler Town And Country, 17% of the 938 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 28 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During a light rain, I drove my 1996 Chrysler town & country through 2 inches of standing water. The water splashed into the engine compartment and caused the serpentine belt to jump off the pulleys. Internet discussion groups shows that this is common complaint among 1996 - 2000 Chrysler t & c owners. I have purchased an aftermarket kit designed to prevent this from occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #10231120, filed 2008-06, 215,000 miles“1996 town & country minivan 3.8 l engine, cracked rocker arm pedestal. After a little investigation on my part this appears to be a widespread problem. Chrysler modified the engine in 98 to improve part performance and my replacement head has this modification. This is clearly a design or manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10054878, filed 2004-01, 94,000 miles“The serpentine belt on our 1996 Chrysler town & country lxi, makes a horrible screeching sound, that we've almost come to appreciate, when faced with it's alternative silence, when the serpentine belt gets wet & slips off. The immediate & dangerous result is loss of power steering, leaving the driver surprised with their inability to safely maneuver the van. Within less than a minute, a fast hazard bell sounds & the engine temperature sensor is pinned at hot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232952, filed 2008-07, 80,000 miles“The serpentine belt on my 1996 Chrysler town & country lxi, makes a loud squeal and then falls off a week later. When driving in rain and going over a puddle the serpentine belt falls off this has happened so many times that I have installed brackets one by the tensioner and one by the pulley. The immediate & dangerous result is loss of power steering and power brakes next is water pump fails causing engine to over heat so unless you have a spare belt in your van at the time and the tools to change it you are let stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #10234146, filed 2008-07, 140,000 miles“The serpentine belt came off our Chrysler town & country in a driving rain storm. We were stranded in charlotte, north carolina 70 miles from home until after midnight when a friend came and drove us home. We left our van in a parking lot overnight. We are hoping that it is not vandalized or stolen when we go today to repair it. When this belt comes off, power steering is gone, which can cause an accident leading to serious injury or death. This is a common problem that all automobile mechanics and Chrysler van owners know about, but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10225806, filed 2008-04, 116,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 26 | 2% |
| 2009 | 10 | 1% |
| 2008 | 44 | 2% |
| 2007 | 18 | 8% |
| 2006 | 15 | 3% |
| 2005 | 50 | 6% |
| 2004 | 16 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 31 | 8% |
| 2001 | 24 | 5% |
| 2000 | 47 | 15% |
| 1999 | 34 | 9% |
| 1998 | 67 | 23% |
| 1997 | 52 | 13% |
| 1996 | 162 | 17% |
| 1995 | 6 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 7% |
| 1993 | 21 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chrysler Town And Country
176 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
147 complaintsAir bags
124 complaintsElectrical system
120 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
75 complaintsSteering
74 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsVehicle speed control
66 complaintsEquipment
43 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chrysler Town And Country
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology