general problems of the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country - part 1

Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road. Once key is turned off and back on, car restarts.

My van will frequently lose power and die while I am driving it, with no warning. I have to pull off and put it either into park or neutral then turn the key again to get it started again. This has happened more than 40 times over the last 15 monnths. My speeds have ranges from 25mpg in town to 65 mpg on the highway. Most recently on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while im at a free role I lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous.

Our van's engine shuts down while driving. It has done it multiple times and our local auto mechanics can not figure out why it is doing it. We are concerned about our safety driving our van. Luckily, we have been able to brake and restart the van quickly to avoid a collision. We have now stopped using the van.

Has had some issues trying to turn on after sitting over night. It will just kill the battery but it just started to die while driving and the entire system shuts off. All the lights, the steering wheel locks up and gas goes out. All you can do is brake and hope that you can stop in a good spot before it dies fully. This has happened a few times with my kids in the car and now I just don’t dare to drive. The tipm needs to be recalled.

While in motion at various speeds, this vehicle has, on numerous occasions over the last year, abruptly lost power in the middle of traffic disabling the power steering and braking making stopping and steering out of traffic almost impossible. Most of the time the vehicle restarts after turning the key fob off and on. On the NHTSA website I have found numerous reports of the same or similar incidents reported with this vehicle. It is logical to the most casual observer that there is a problem with the ignition system, most probably, the key port and/or the ignition control module. How many of these incidents have to be reported before it is obvious to the experts in the agency to that there is a safety problem with these vehicles being left powerless in motion, in traffic? or maybe a more appropriate question how many people have to be injured or killed before the "experts" and/or bureaucrats decide to do their job.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the totally integrated power module (tipm). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

My car would randomly shut down while I am driving leaving me with no power steering. I took it to my mechanic who discovered it was a faulty ignition switch module and recommended I take it to a dealership. If I touch the key fob on my car or hit a bump while it is running, the car will shut down. No power steering. There are multiple recalls for faulty ignition switch modules but not on my particular vehicle (recall l25 is one of many I have discovered). I have been carefully driving the vehicle because I don't have $1500 to repair. Dealership will fix it at my expense because there is no recall on my particular vehicle.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately two attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wireless ignition node module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Last year, when I purchased this used minivan, it stalled at highway speed 2 hours after purchase on my way home. This random stalling at highway speed continued for at least six months. Then, it began having problems starting. The dealer said I needed a new computer, which I spent nearly $1,000 to get. The stalling at speed continued. It is now getting worse again and seems related to the vertical movement of the key fob in the ignition. Here's what I don't understand: you issued a recall for, what, the 2008-2010 version of this minivan, yet I can also find comments on here and elsewhere online that the problem is still happening. I drive with my grandkids in this minivan. How many people will have to die before another recall is issued? Chrysler did not fix the problem at the manufacturing stage. Please be a government and protect us. Please force them to fix it in a recall. Btw, you leave space for only a single date and speed. It happens all the time at any speed, including startup. Thank you, glenn.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact stated that the battery replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle started jerking while the transmission was shifting between gears. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning smell coming from the a/c vents while driving in hot weather. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Several unknown dealers were notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the vehicle was consistently unable to be started. The vehicle was jumpstarted and operated as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure occurred. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

While taking turns or going over bumps/ potholes the vehicle will turn off and need to be restarted. All systems shut down including power steering, dash, and engine. The driver and occupants are put in life threatening danger due to the total shutdown of the vehicle and all of its accessories. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer or service center but instead a independent auto mechanic. Through their research they found there was similar recalls on mopar vehicles on earlier year models. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Car shut down twice while driving. Then car crank but don't start. Alternator, starter, fuel pump, battery changed and still having same issue.

The driver's side sliding door became inoperable suddenly. The locking mechanism was stuck in the locked position and would not release via key, manual, fob, or buttons. A buzzing noise occurred when trying to lock or unlock. This exit door being inoperable caused a safety concern to be able to exit the vehicle on the driver's side. It does now allow for quick, easy escape from the vehicle. If the danger was on the passenger side then the only exit is everyone climbing through the driver's door. This issue was verified by dishman Dodge (spokane valley, wa) service team on 8/8/23. The lock actuator was the issue. They have replaced it at my expense. (this is the same issue referenced Chrysler TSB 23-017-20) there were no warnings or symptoms prior to this lock failing. We were on a trip July 22 when we first noticed the issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the speedometer and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had assistance from another driver, who disconnected and reconnected the battery to correct the failure. The contact related the failure to a faulty electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Moving stall complete shutdown of the vehicle without warning while driving. Dash dials completely blank, loss of power steering, brake assist and engine power. Presumed loss of airbag function also. The issue first happened a few weeks ago but started to re-occur multiple times in recent days. Last occurrence captured on video (see attached gif). Fortunately it was possible to bring the vehicle to a stop without incident in each case, but the potential for a injury is obvious. Prior to the issue a worsening problem over previous year or so was observed in that while in accessory position, the slightest touch of the inserted key fob would sometimes cause similar shutoff ('off ' position).

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated while driving 45-60 mph, the rear passenger side sliding door started smoking and caught on fire. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road and assisted his four children out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned significantly down to the metal frame. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. The contact stated that two of his children were occupying the second row seats while the other two were occupying the third row seats. The contact stated that his son, who was sitting close to the rear passenger sliding door, sustained soot on his face. The contact sustained a sore throat, cough, chest pain and breathing issues. Both the contact and his son did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Win module. . . Car goes int accy mode while driving and when car is turned off. Engine shuts off at random times, can not restart car. . . Says key not present. All kind of other electrical warnings keep coming up as well.

Starting in 2019 our 2012 Chrysler town and country had stalled out while driving. The entire engine cut out with no warning, losing all power steering, and even braking seemed hard. The vehicle would not start and would only crank over. The only solution was to disconnect and reconnect the battery and the vehicle would start. Problem did not happen again until June of 2022 when my wife along with her mother and our two children were traveling to los angeles, CA from wyoming and the vehicle died while driving on the interstate putting them in situation which could have been deadly. Vehicle would not start again after that and only fix was to disconnect and reconnect the battery and vehicle started again. This has happened another 3 times since June of 2022. Our vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles on it and has had no other issues. From reading other complaints it sounds like this is related to a faulty tipm. However since it never throws a code, no one can tell what is causing the issue since it cannot be replicated and happens randomly without warning. Latest incident occurred around oct 1, 2022.

Vehicle has shut off, while driving, multiple times over the past year and a half. The first instance was summer 2021. Coming to a stop from a highway exit ramp and the van shut off for no reason. I was eventually able to restart and drive within a few minutes. A few days later, the van would shut down, or try to shut down, every time I would slow to a stop during a 2 hour trip. A few months ago, while driving approximately 35 mph, the van dashboard lights shut off, windshield wipers turned on and all other lights and power steering / brakes shut down temporarily. Luckily we were driving in a straight line because I had no power brakes or steering at that moment. Most recent issue occurred 8/27/2022. Driving van on highway, shut off at a light at bottom of exit ramp. We do not feel safe driving this van.

The can has issue starting due to tipm malfunctions effecting the fuel pump. Also causes battery to die from fuel pump not shutting off when car sure off. The car has shut off on me. A few times. Most recently on the highway while being in the left lane. It was very dangerous. And hard for me to get it somewhere safe.

El motor se apaga inesperadamente como si se cortara la corriente del switch.

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler town and country. The contact stated while driving at 5 mph, the vehicle surged. The abs warning light and the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to drive, the rpms reeved up. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The vehicle then lost electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact took the vehicle battery to a local pep boys who charged the battery and advised the contact that the battery was operative. However, the vehicle would not start. The contact replaced the battery herself. However, the alternator started smoking and the contact could smell an electrical burning odor. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Rear drivers sliding door constantly opens and closes, luckly not when the car is in drive. Had a new key fob made with no satisfied results. Chyrsler dealer tech found codes loosing signal. Also key fob will not open or unlock car doors, needed to use a key to operate. Nick paglialonga, 309 panacea, FL 32780 e-mail: pag_32796@yahoo. Com. Thank you for any info on this problem.

The vehicle totally turns off while driving. The steering locks and brakes don't work. It has something to do with the key or ignition. It's not an engine stall. It's loss of everything as if the key was turned off. This is very dangerous.

The external fuel pump relay has failed causing stalling conditions while driving and starting problems. Along with that, it has drained the battery due to not turning the fuel pump off after the car is turn off. The part was recalled on the Jeep and durango models with the same 3. 6l engine. There have been many reports of this online with town and country and Dodge caravan models with the 3. 6l and 5. 7l engines.

Bad relay module: 1. Battery drained while parked in garage overnight, multiple occasions. 2. Fuel pump continued to run and make noise when the vehicle is shut off. 3. Chrysler dealer performed diagnosis and confirmed that the tipm require replacement, replacement part will take additional two months to arrive. 4. Engine stalled while making low speed right turn at high traffic intersection and nearly caused accident with children onboard. Likely caused by shut off fuel pump. 5. The vehicle is absolutely unsafe to drive and require immediate repair.

I was driving my 2012 Town & Country van on the expressway and the van started slowing down and were jerking backwards and forward it was trying to shut off. I became very afraid for my children safety as well as mine. Ignition switch was stalling while I was driving. The car behind me was driving so fast ,that I had to pull off the expressway before me and my family would die. This should be a recall so other family member would not die. Bad ignition switch can cost a family their life's. Please look into this I thank god that me and my kids are still alive. I would like to have a recall on this item( ignition switch) before it cause someone life. Please fix my van. Thank you.

The driver-side rear sliding door lock actuator has failed to operate any longer and because of this part failure, the driver-side sliding door will not unlock or open. The safety of my family is being put at risk because should we be in an accident on the passenger side of the car, for example and "t-bone" or a roll-over that does not allow us to use the passenger side doors, everyone in the back (we have a 7-person family, 5 children in the back) will not be able to exit the minivan without climbing over the driver seat or climbing over the rear seat. And assuming the accident is severe enough to not allow us to exit on the passenger side of the car, I believe it is also safe to assume that injuries will have occurred and the children and/or adults will be unable to climb over or around seats and could be at great risk of injury trying to get out of the car by themselves or by emergency support since no access will be available for them to get safety support boards into the car or for them to get into the car and to the children safely. This problem has been confirmed by a local body shop since the door will not open or close they had to completely remove the door to get into the panel to inspect. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative but it has been inspected by my mechanic and auto body shop. There were no warning lamps or messages warning of this problem or part breakage. It was a situation where we left the house and used both sliding doors and while we were out, the driver side sliding door stopped working. This appears to be a very common problem with Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/ram products and has been going on for years. There are numerous videos on youtube showing people talking about this problem and recalls have been issued for other model vehicles and need to be put in place for my vehicle as well.

It's the timp the big black box with all the fuses in it I have had so much problems with it it messed up the alternator and the battery and the doors and the fule pump now I have to get a new box and a fused pump because it won't start at all now it have quite on me while I was driving before it broke all the way down I don't know why they ain't a recall on it yet.

Car shut off while driving and no indicate any engine light. Very dangerous almost crash w my 4 kids in car. I wanna now if I can sue the Chrysler companies.

Vehicle will randomly shut off when driving. The first time it happened was as I was pulling out onto a very busy road. It also has a hard time turning over to start sometimes. I will have to readjust the key fob and try again.

Vehicle shuts off with no warning. Doors have opened on their own. Just got out of shop as could not start the vehicle or lock the doors. This has been a dangerous experience. There was a recall for this wireless ignition node module on 2008-2010. I believe this recall should be extended to the 2012 also.