2004 Chrysler Town And Country Problems
- Complaints
- 167filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles, 145 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this minivan most often describe the engine stalling or running roughly right after a fill-up, a pattern that shows up repeatedly across many miles, from low-mileage vans to those well past 100,000. Steering noise, leaks and hard-to-turn wheels are the second recurring theme, and a range of smaller electrical and cooling complaints rounds out the sample.
- Fuel system
Engine stalls or runs rough right after refueling
- 50 complaints (30%)
- median 80,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2018
Owners describe the engine losing power, bucking or shutting off within a short distance of leaving a gas station, sometimes with the RPMs swinging up and down. Several say it happens on nearly every fill-up and clears after a restart, and some note that filling the tank only partway avoids it. Complaints commonly point to the fuel tank or its vapor valve and the evap canister, and several owners say the dealer could not reproduce or diagnose the problem. Reported across a wide mileage spread, roughly 30,000 to 166,000 miles, and usually within a minute or two of a full tank.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the fuel tank or vapor canister has been replaced, and check whether a service bulletin covers the tank. If possible, fill the tank full during a test drive and see how the van behaves for the first mile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2004 Chrysler town & country stalls and dies after filling up the gas tank. This happens every time we fill up the van. My wife was driving my 3yr old to preschool today and it died on her several times when pulling out into traffic. This is a very dangerous problem. Evidently it is a common issue, and the repair is replacing the entire fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10363689, filed 2010-11, 105,000 miles“Shortly after filling up with fuel, the vehicle stalls and dies. This has happened several times and we have tried a few different service remedies (fuel additives) with no improvement. We have noticed that this only happens after fill up usually in traffic at less than opportunistic times. Fortunately no accidents yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10622468, filed 2014-08, 120,000 miles - Steering
Power steering noise, leaks and stiff steering
- 16 complaints (10%)
- median 50,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2018
Complaints describe a whine or groan from the power steering, fluid leaks, and steering that feels like it is locking up or is hard to turn. Some owners were told the rack and pinion needed replacement, and others had the power steering pump or the upper cooler hose replaced. A few report the noise is worse on a cold start and in cold weather, and one mentions smoke from a split power steering hose. Most reports fall between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles, though some appear far higher.
Recall 04V3860001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for leaks or a whine when turning the wheel cold. Ask whether the van's VIN was included in the power steering hose recall, since owners report the same hose splitting on vans outside the campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rack and pinion steering on my 2004 Chrysler Town And Country lx needs to be replaced for a cost of $1,000 per the dealer. My vehicle has only 59,000 miles. Leaks power steering fluid, makes noises when turning, and feels like steering will lock up. Numerous similar complaints have been filed.”
NHTSA complaint #10229815, filed 2008-06, 59,000 miles“Power steering pump was replaced, then started making noise. Turned out to be a leaking upper power steering hose. There was a recall on this vehicle for this hose but our VIN was not included in the recall. We paid to get the hose replaced, and we are wondering if this is a continuing problem with this power steering hose that may affect more vehicles than originally were recalled. I do have the old power steering hose.”
NHTSA complaint #10258939, filed 2009-02, 101,695 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission will not shift or jumps out of gear
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2019
Owners describe the transmission holding a gear until the engine revs high, refusing to shift, or abruptly dropping out of drive while moving. One report mentions the van rolling out of park on its own, and another says the dealer could not find a stored fault code. Some complaints note difficulty getting the van above highway speed because it will not shift. Reported mostly between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the van at highway speed and confirm it shifts up through all gears smoothly. Ask whether any transmission control module or solenoid work has been done, and whether fluid changes are documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2004 Chrysler Town And Country will not shift when driving the rpms go up to 4000 and the transmission will not shift to next gear I can not drive it on the freeway it will only let you drive about 40 MPH because the rpms are to high and I( am afraid of damaging the motor driving with such high rpms transmission is an a604 4speed the same as the Chrysler pacifica which has an active recall because of the same problems that I am having.”
NHTSA complaint #10245547, filed 2008-10, 60,000 miles“When driving the van at any speed it will jump gears rev up and then push out to drive real fast it goes from drive to nutral real fast while driving on the road have taken it to the dealer 9 times since had the van just got it in march.”
NHTSA complaint #10129260, filed 2005-07, 32,860 miles
Buying note. Check the fuel tank and vapor canister service history closely, since the after-refueling stall is the most frequently reported problem, and test the van with a full tank. Also inspect the power steering system, transmission behavior at highway speed, and cooling system for leaks before buying.
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 167 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country. 145 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 71,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 16 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 54 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.
- Fuel system58 35%
- Electrical system23 14%
- Steering22 13%
- Engine cooling16 9.6%
- Air bags14 8.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain13 7.8%
- Brakes10 6.0%
- Engine9 5.4%
- Exterior lighting9 5.4%
- Body and structure9 5.4%
Also reported: Suspension (7), Equipment (5), Vehicle speed control (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Seat belts (4), Other or unknown (3), Seats (2), Tires (2), Electronic stability control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “After refueling the van the engine starts easily, I then pull out into traffic and then the engine stalls out in traffic. This only happens after filling the tank full. Usually will restart after the starter cranks a bit. Then the van runs fine until I refill the gas tank again. This has happened on numerous occasions since I purchased the vehicle used three years ago. Your form only has room for one occasion to report.”
NHTSA complaint #10810752, filed 2015-12, 154,000 milesElectrical system: “I found last night when I was about to leave from home for some home depot shopping that my headlights didn't turn on. This is low and high beams. Fog lights, corner lights and indicators work just normally.”
NHTSA complaint #10995314, filed 2017-06, 195,000 milesSteering: “We had to get our steering rack replaced (under warranty) at about 16,000 miles because it was groaning and hard to steer. About 16 months after that at about 42,000 miles the van was in for something else and the dealer told me the steering rack was leaking and needed to be replaced for $1100. They did not even warranty the replacement part itself which did not last.”
NHTSA complaint #10261806, filed 2009-03, 16,000 milesEngine cooling: “After filling my 2004 t&c mini van with gas, I pulled out onto the street and drove less than 2 blocks when turning a corner I lost all power when the engine died suddenly and could not steer very well and was almost hit by oncoming traffic. Had to stop put in park and able to start and drive away.”
NHTSA complaint #10511360, filed 2013-05, 71,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 145 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,860 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 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 · lwb w/sab FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Town & Country · LWB FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Town & Country · wagon 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 2004 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/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. AWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
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
- 04V386000Aug 5, 2004Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Chrysler Town And Country 2002–2004, Voyager 2002–2004, Dodge Grand Caravan 2002–2004 +1 more
On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8l v-6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak.
Recall details for the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP14002Engine Stall After RefuelingClosed · Sep 5, 2014
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. 54 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10230298Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10223762Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Equipment, Body and structure. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
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 2004 Chrysler Town And Country?
Owners of this minivan most often describe the engine stalling or running roughly right after a fill-up, a pattern that shows up repeatedly across many miles, from low-mileage vans to those well past 100,000. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or runs rough right after refueling; Power steering noise, leaks and stiff steering; Transmission will not shift or jumps out of gear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country have?
NHTSA recorded 167 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 58 complaints (35% of the total), followed by electrical system with 23.
Has the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country (Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Chrysler Town And Country reported?
Among the 145 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 71,000 miles and the middle half falls between 32,860 and 120,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.