general problems of the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country - part 2

Car lost power streering and brakes, found out later there was a recall (l25). Brought to dealership in old saybrook, CT. Parts not available. Recall is for exactly the same symptoms we experienced. Called Chrysler for rental or other dealerships, told I was out of luck and out of warranty it is not a warranty issue it is a recall issue. They said park it or drive it. They say it is safe but it is not. If the engine turned off on the highway my kids would be dead. Its ridiculous that they have a safety recall and don't have the parts, they are open for huge liability there. Bottom line is I don't have a safe car due to their defect, and they wont do anything about it. Eta on repair part is not know by Chrysler.

Car stalls for no apparent reason causing me to lose driving functions like brakes and steering. Radio stays on. This happens about every two weeks.

The problems I experienced included: 1. Car stopping while driving 2. Ignition sticks and turns for extended period, then starts 3. Ignition does not start, just clicks, the starts after several tries. I put in new starter for $400 that did not fix it. Chrysler recommended replacement of the win module at my cost of $800 to fix this problem. Said repair should fix all of this issues. They said it was warranty repair and to send in payment receipts for reimbursement. It appears that this was a recall from 2011 under the same l25. This repair was done on 8/22/2014 and did not fix the problem. Have not been reimbursed. Chrysler then acknowledged another updated l25 recall and that the fix will permanently repair van and fix all issues. They sent official recall notice undated but received by me on 9/15/2014. Parts to permanently fix this defect are unavailable currently. I have not driven the vehicle since 9/5/2014 because I do not feel safe in it, as it has stopped on the road previously. The letter states that vehicle may stop, increasing the risk of crash and injury, but that I should go ahead and drive it anyways. What!! as a responsible and safe person, I choose not to drive this rather than take the risk. How can you issue recall but not have the parts to fix it? they do not even have a time frame. How can I expedite recall repairs? what legal recourse do I have? I don't want this car anymore. Will it be safe even when they finally get the proper parts and repair it? I am very upset with this issue, as well as the loss of use of my vehicle for an extended time, inconvenience, mental distress, and additional costs. This is totally irresponsible and lacking in care by Chrysler. This is the same problem gm had with many injuries and deaths. How many people must get hurt or die? I will not buy another product from them.

My town and country is involved in the l25 recall. There have been several occasions where during operation, the key moves from the "on" position. This causes the vehicle to shut off and I am unable to steer or engage the brakes. I have contacted Chrysler several times about this and to receive an estimated time of when the parts will be available for repair. I contacted them today, 1/6/2015 to let them know that it happened again and I almost caused an accident on a major highway. I also requested for them to provide me with a safe vehicle to drive while waiting on the parts for repair due to the concern I had for the safety of my children and other drivers. They said that it was not possible because they did not know when the parts would be available. This disregard for the safety of my family and the public is unacceptable. I would like to be contacted and informed of other actions I can take so that injuries and/or deaths do not occur due to their failure to remedy this defect and refusal to provide me with temporary safe transportation.

While driving the van stopped working, instrument panel lit up, ac and radio turned off,steering locked and brakes did not work. Contacted local dealership they were unable to diagnose after 2 days. Took it home and same thing happened on 7/11/14. Brought to non-dealership mechanic who is looking into steering column/electrical problem but still nothing after 3 days. I have an extended warranty on vehicle so plan to submit expenses to Chrysler.

While driving back from work my vehicle turned off completely. It was rolling and I was unable to brake or turn the steering wheel. There was no power steering, no brakes, all the controls and lights were off. I was in the middle of the busy 4 lane street. I put my hazard lights on and moved over to the outside lane and ultimately was able to turn into the parking lot. I sat there for a while stunned by what happened. After a few minutes I tried to start the van. It did start and I was able to continue on my way home. Exactly the same situation occurred today, July 14, 2014. We also have been having issues with starting the van. After turning the key the van starts up and a few seconds later goes dead.

The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the brake pedal had to be applied with extreme pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,303.

While driving down a main road, the car suddenly shut down. Nothing worked. I could not break or steer as power steering went. The only thing that stayed on was the radio. Car slowly coasted and eventually stopped. My 2 young children were in the car, I have already told dealer about this and they said they could find nothing wrong but that it sounds like a key roll back issue. They told me if it happens while driving again I should turn key as it may have moved from on position to acc position due to a bump in the road. Turning the key did nothing. After the car stopped I attempted to restart car and everything worked except the malfunction indicator light stayed on. This is a serious issue and Chrysler service department did not seem to care when I called! then I begin researching and find that they recalled 2009 vehicles of the same make for the same problem!.

I used my remote key button to start my vehicle, when I opened the door to enter the vehicle I noticed that the windshield wipers came on by them selves, they operated as if they were on delay until I placed the ignition key into the slot and place it in the start position, I then backed up and headed to work, all the way into town my dash lights flickered off and on, the wipers operated all by themselves even though they were turned off, the key chime continually chimed, both of the front window and the side view mirror control buttons on the driver side control panel did not work, but the side door window buttons and the rear louver window buttons and the passenger door window control panel buttons worked, the headlights flashed off and on and the turn signal lights were intermittent when switched on, as I said before the driver side window buttons would not work, therefore I could not use hand signals and I almost got rear ended. Also when applying the brake pedal the brakes would chatter and the front end of the vehicle shook so much it felt like the front end was going to come off. So I shut off the vehicle and started it normally with the key in the ignition, it still went crazy, the same thing was happening as described earlier, I later looked online and one forum answer said to disconnect the battery to try and do a reset, I disconnected the battery completely and then after 5 minutes I hooked the battery back up and started the vehicle, no change it was still doing the same thing and continues to do it every time I start the vehicle. I cannot afford another vehicle payment, so I continue to drive it this way! I have seen this problem mentioned all over the internet posted on many Chrysler and Dodge product forums! it seems to be that there are not any recalls or tsr's relating to this problem but there certainly should be!!!!.

While driving in residential area, van would completely shut off (stall) without notice. Radio/dvd would continue. Major problem with the shut off is that there is no power steering and the breaks would not work! it's happened multiple times. The next day the engine light came on. Took to the dealership and the only code was egr valve code. Technician did not connect it to the engine failure. After discussing with chryler, they felt that the egr valve does contribute to the engine failure at low speed.

I was driving on a NY highway at 60 mph when my car suddenly shut off and the ignition turned to the acc position. I had my child in the back seat and we narrowly escaped an accident. I brought the car to my Chrysler dealership and paid $800 for a clockspring which I was told would prevent this from happening again. It just happened again 3 weeks ago. This time I was in rush hour traffic and almost caused a multiple car collision. I had no control over steering wheel or brakes. The car completely shuts off. I called Chrysler and they said "wow, I never heard that before". Really?? because models 2009-present have been recalled for this exact issue yet you have no idea what I'm talking about. My car was at the dealership again for 11 days and I was told they don't know what the problem is either. I spent $900 on a rental for that waste of time. These 2008 cars need to be recalled before someone gets killed. I do believe it will happen soon because this is a scary situation to be in.

The automatic brake system takes over while driving (not braking) in one tire? this has happened at least three times causing me to go into on-coming traffic once and onto a lawn of a business. There is no ice on the road, I'm not braking, no snow. This is going to kill somebody; if it already hasn't. My personal mechanic says to remove all brakes & brake parts, replace the abs system and other items will be over $5000. 00 im still paying on the bloody vehicle, I cant aford to drive it ( kill myself , family and somebody else ) and I cant afford to fix it. 2008 t & c.

I was driving down my residential street traveling < 25mph taking my 3 young children to school when I veered to the right around our curved street and the traction control and abs brakes begin to kick in causing the car to slow to almost a stop without touch the brakes and creating a loud rubbing noice. I proceeded down the street and the same problem kept happening everytime. I tried to turn left or right. This was a huge saftey concern for me and my family as this could have happened while we were driving on the freeway or in front of the children's school. I brought it to a local certified mechanic and they diagnossed the provlem as a clock spring issue. While research clock springs, I found information that stated that a clock spring should not have any funtioning problems in vehicles with less than 70,000 miles.

My 2008 minivan started going electrically haywire while driving and I immediately drove to a nearby dealer. I pulled into service area with horns blowing, windsield wipers and fluid going full tilt constantly, with all switches in the off position. I had to keep my foot on the brake so the car wouldn't get away from me and plow into some one or thing! after I got into the service area everything stopped. In a few minutes one of the managers cranked the car a couple of times and told me that it would be better to have the car brought back when it had the same symtoms again. They said it is easier to find the problem. So I left and went on line and found hundreds of similar incidents from other owners.

The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated and the entire instrument panel warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the power steering failed and was unable to apply the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the win module and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,029 and the current mileage was 86,000.

3 occasions driving my 3 children to school my town and country became unresponsive. The steering failed, breaks and the car went unresponsive. The electric stability control warning light came on. To remedy, I had to put car in park, and restart vehicle. The last instance when this occurred I rolled into a four way stop as my breaks did not work. An online search has shown many other have experienced this issue with the Dodge caravan and Town & Country both made by Chrysler. Took van to dealer who said diagnostic test showed nothing (other people report this same experience). They updated the pcm software. I find it hard to believe a software update would render my car safe to drive and be the factor that caused it's whole system, brakes included to shut down. This issue needs to be looked at. Mini van drivers carry children!.

Numerous times the car engine/ignition has shut off while driving. All power assist are then disabled. We have been lucky that so far each event has not been on freeway driving and we were able to sluggishly steer the car to the side of the road. We have filed this complaint with our dealer and with Chrysler but are still waiting for recall action. We have been told by our dealership (larry moore Chrysler-peoria , az. That the parts for our model year are not even available yet?? what happens if we are in an accident due to this defect?? seems unconscionable that Chrysler admits the problem (finally), puts out recalls, knows it is a huge safety issue and then is not prompt in settling the matter?.

Since purchasing the used 2008 Chrysler t&c we noticed the brakes were squeaky, caused vibration, or made a strange noise when turning. We have had to replace brakes and rotors multiple times and on our way back to the garage to find out why there's a new noise when we turn a corner. Overall very disappointing for Chrysler to create such a sub-par product for a family vehicle.

Chrysler dealership said rear brakes were at 3 mils after only 10000 miles of wear now on 4/17/13 I again was told the rear brakes were at 3 mils after only 12000 miles of wear that to me and many brake repair shops is very odd and ridiculous.

We have two issues. First: during an abrupt stop recently, the brake pedal mashed to the floor. The vehicle didn't want to stop. I thought it was the abs kicking in, but they are designed to stop the vehicle and keep you from sliding the wheels. This just doesn't seem right and its not the first time we noticed something out of the ordinary. Our van was made for traveling, but when loaded down (not overloaded either) the brakes start to act up. For instance when you start to slow down the vehiclle front end will start to shake. I have newer brakes on the front, new tires (2-weeks old) and brand new rotors (less than 2 months old) on the vehicle so I know nothing is out of balance. I simply don't trust my van and am seriously worried that there is a defect. I have a tow hitch on my vehicle, but am afraid to pull my motorcycle on it because of the brakes acting up. I can only imagine what would happen if I had my trailor hitched. No warning lights are on, but we've noticed that during a quick turn the warning bell dings and a light comes on then goes off immediately. Second: the powertrain doesnt' shift smoothly. I mentioned this to the dealer's maintenance shop, but the guy told me they wouldn't do anything (warrenty wise) unless there was catestrophic falure with the powertrain system. I have a 100k mile powertrain warrenty, and feel the dealer is skirting the issue to keep from paying for covered problems.

I was driving down the highway at 55 and the rear 3rd light brake assembly broke off and crashed on the road.

During the past three months all of a sudden the horn starts blowing erratically, the windshield washers and wipers activate, lights start flashing, the doors lock automatically and the transmission will not shift into high. This has happened five or six times since Aug. , having occurred four times in the past three weeks. It happens while the car is running and while it is not. With each incident the symptoms become worse and the duration is longer. Last week, I had to pull off the road and wait five or ten minutes for it to stop as I could not see where I was going. Yesterday, it occurred while sitting in the garage and I had to disconnect the battery to stop it. The Chrysler dealer says it is the total integrated power module that needs to be replaced @$524. 12. Additionally now at 54,000 miles the front rotors are warped and need to be replaced @ $409. They had to be replaced @ 25,834 and 35,272. When the brakes are applied the front end and steering vibrate uncontrollably. Both conditions are safety issues, have been well document by hundreds of people, and are obvious inherent defects in the vehicle, and should be issues that result in a recall of these vehicles and repairs or replacements made at Chrysler's expense, yet they continue to deny there is an inherent problem. Both issues could result in a serious accident.

While driving down a secondary road at appriximately 25 mph the motor shut down as well as power to the steering and brakes. Proceeded to coast down the road until a safe place was identified to turn off the road. Since power had cutoff steering and braking the vehicle was extremely difficulty. Stopped the vehicle safely and placed the shifter into park and turned the ignition to the off position. Restarted the vehicle with no indication of any further problems. Two months later the same problem occured but vehicle was traveling at 35 mph this time.

Brakes wear out and stop working every 10k miles. Engine consumes 1 quart of oil every 800 miles with no visible leaking or dripping.

I purchased a used 2008 Chrysler town and country touring edition with appx. 30,000 miles on it in late 2011. In may of 2012, I had an accident which only affected myself and the vehicle. While traveling approximately 45 mph the passenger rear wheel came off of the vehicle, causing the van to slam to the ground and me to perform emergency maneuvers to stop. The wheel, having had all five lug bolts sheared off, had bounced off of the vehicle doing considerable body damage. The brakes, axle, tire, et al had to be replaced. I chalked this up to coincidence, paid my deductible, and had over $3,000 worth of work done to repair the damage from the accident. This past Sunday, August 24th, 2014, the exact same thing happened. I was traveling slower this time, about 25 mph, and when I heard the same wheel making noise I pulled off the road into a strip mall parking lot just in time to have the wheel come off again, this time doing damage to the rear quarter panel, the bumper, the axle, brakes, tire, et cetera. It also forced me to make another emergency stop, this time in the lot, where the right side of my vehicle was damaged by the handle of a commercial dumpster that stopped my skid. I reached out to Chrysler because I cannot believe that the exact same thing to the exact same wheel would happen twice, and I now chalk it up to a parts failure on Chrysler's end. I was at first told that they were not responsible and that nothing would be done on their end. The following day, I spoke with the Chrysler dealership where the van was towed and was told by their head mechanic that the failure was due to the (factory) alloy rim. I again contacted Chrysler with this new information and was told that my case was being moved up to a "specialist" and that I would have to wait 3-5 days before I heard from them. I no longer feel safe transporting my family in this vehicle.

* in may at 70mph on I-90, we began to hear a whining, grinding, vibrating noise coming from the left rear of our van. We pulled over to the shoulder ASAP when we determined something was wrong, and then smelled and saw acrid blue smoke pouring out from the left wheel. I thought it was a wheel bearing, and called for a tow. The dealer said it was just some rust in the brakes, and they cleaned it up. In August, the exact same thing happened at 70mph on I-35. We pulled over to the shoulder and smoke poured out again. We let it cool, activated & deactivated the parking brake and drove in reverse and hit the brakes several times until they freed up. Probably not the safest thing to do, but not much choice knowing the brakes stick at freeway speeds. * recently searched the internet & found that the 2008 t&c has a very bad history with brake issues. People are irate and demanding a recall on them. . Read more...

The engine just stalled with no warning. Had no power steering or brakes. Just pulled out of a parking lot where the car was sitting for a few hours. This is the third time this has done it.

Our 2008 Town & Country touring has begun shutting down while moving without warning. It has happened six times in 3 months at both lower speeds, and once going 60+ mph on a busy interstate. When it loses power, we lose steering and breaking power making it very difficult to control the vehicle. This is a very dangerous situation, particularly for a car normally filled with children. It also occasionally will stall every time you start it. Ours will throw no codes and no warning lights come on, so no one has been able to find the problem. The dealership claims no knowledge. This problem is discussed on multiple forums and going back only one year there are at least 7 other complaints of the same issue (odi id numbers: 10453837, 10452564, 10450629, 10441113, 10438800, 10428568 & 10422766) and many more dating past that. I know you all are probably very busy reviewing complaints, but Chrysler and NHTSA should not be waiting for some one to get in a serious accident before figuring this out becomes a priority.

The power booster failed causing a loss in braking capability.

The first problem we noticed with the van was the brakes. They wear out way to quickly. In the 5 years we have had the van we have replaced the brakes 6 times and rotors 2 times. The next problem was what seems to be a well documented leak of the coolant on to the engine causing smelly smoke. We were forced to by the part from the dealer as it was not available anywhere else and paid over 100. 00 for it. Thankfully my husband was able to replace it. Now at 80000 miles the key and ignition has been having issues. It started with not being able to remove the key fob. The engine will cut off but it will only go into accessory. If left overnight or for sometime it will kill the battery. It started occasionally and has progressed to almost every time you cut the engine off you cannot remove the key fob. It will release but it is after sometime sitting in park. It is very frustrating having to leave your key in the ignition and be forced to leave it sitting in a random parking lot and just hope that when you return the battery is not dead. I have researched this issue and it is very common among this van and other Chrysler vehicles. At this point I am so fed up with it if someone decided to steal it because they saw the key in it I would just wish them good luck. I will never own another Chrysler ! seems like there has to be a fire injury or fatality for them to do anything to satisfy all the unhappy customers they have.

1. There are times when right after shutting the vehicle off and coming back to the car several minutes later, it will not start. The key turns but there is no power. I have replaced altenator, and battery and starter. The problem appears to be in the ignition. 2. I have replaced the front wheel bearings at 80,000miles ,also in the 3 years of owning this vehicle I have had to replace front brakesand rotars 2 times and rear brakes once. 3. Oil seems to "disappear" usually 2 quarts in a matter of 1000 or less miles. This vehicle is the most unsafe vehicle I have ever bought. I bought this vehicle on the word of Chrysler that it is a safe and trustworthy van. I have been stranded more times than I choose to count, in parking lots and what not miles away from home, with my 3 small children. It is absoluetly acinine that I have to have a "survival pack" food and water and strollers and things of that nature in my vehicle at all times in case we get stranded somewhere.

We are having issues with mopar products. We replaced brakes at 31,843 miles at Chrysler world in abrahms, WI. Chrysler helped out with that they saw a defect in their van products and paid part of the cost. At 53,861 miles Chrysler world told us we are due for new breaks in the front and need rear brakes also! they said it was ok to drive to az but that the brakes needed attention by spring. Thats 22,018 miles after the replacement! something is wrong and it is not our driving! in the summer we live in rural WI and we travel to surprise, az in the winter. The WI to az trip is 2,100 miles, mostly interstate. Since our purchase more than 20,000 of our miles have been on interstate highways. About 95% of our miles are rural and interstate miles! the next problem occurred on our way to az in October. Some type of spring broke in the steering column. This was repaired at tom obrien Chrysler Jeep in greenwood, in. This was replaced by another mopar product. How long will that last? they said I needed new brakes also but it would be ok to continue to az! I filed a complaint with Chrysler corp. On 11-16-2011 a Chrysler representative phoned and stated they will do nothing as the car is out of warranty. He gave me this case# 21545857 for reference to his phone call and their decision. My brakes are grinding at times when I stop and I feel Chrysler must have a bigger problem with this van than they are telling or willing to make right. I am afraid to take it in to a Chrysler dealer because of the faulty brake linings they installed at 31,843 miles. We are in surprise, az now and have in the past used moore Chrysler Jeep in peoria for servicing.

I was driving along and all of a sudden I heard a squealing noise and smelled a burning smell. I quick pulled over and my rotors on the left rear tire were fire engine red. The next day a called the dealer and sure enough I need to replace the brakes and rotors on all 4 axles. The car only has 15,000 on it. I fear that this will be an ongoing issue and I have kids in the car. I need my brakes to work properly at all times.

The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler town and country. The contact was driving 45 mph when a roaring sound was heard from the vehicle as the brakes were depressed. The brakes were extremely difficult to depress and the vehicle did not respond to braking attempts. There was an increase in braking distance and time as the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 62,000.

Brakes on th 2008 model town and country limited are very poor. I have had them replaced twice now. Once at 8000 and now at 26000 miles. We were on our way for a family outing 5 of us in the van. Driving to great America. When all of a sudden the rear brakes started squeeling again. Then to make matters worse the highway was having constuction done so the right lane was closed as we passed an area. So I pulled over to the far right side. Well after we passed that area of highway the workers deemed that the right lane had nobody pulled over so they switched the signs to make the left lane closed. Thus sending all of the traffic cars trucks what ever directly into my path as I lay under my van looking to see what hjad happened. Luckily other people had noticed and directed themaround me. So no one got hurt this time. But another very costly replacement. . I believe a recall is in order there has been 227 brake complaints when filed 8-4-11.