1996 Chrysler Town & Country

1996 Chrysler Town & Country

The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country was a popular minivan that offered a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a variety of features. It was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.3L V6 engine produced 162 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8L V6 engine produced 180 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 3-speed automatic and a 4-speed automatic.

People who liked the 1996 Chrysler Town & Country praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and variety of features. However, some people complained about its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

• 3.3L V6
  • Oil leaks: The oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets can fail, causing oil to leak out of the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing belt failure: The timing belt can break, causing the engine to lose power and stop running.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.8L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak out of the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • EGR valve failure: The EGR valve can fail, causing the engine to run poorly and stall.
    • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 3-speed automatic
  • Slipping gears: The transmission may slip out of gear while driving.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Noisy operation: The transmission may make a whining or grinding noise while driving.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-speed automatic
  • Delayed engagement: The transmission may hesitate to engage when shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Overheating: The transmission may overheat and cause the vehicle to lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission cooler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts leaking: The front struts can leak oil, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shocks leaking: The rear shocks can leak oil, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively and handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar links worn: The sway bar links can become worn, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and make noise while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery can drain even when the vehicle is parked.
  • Solution: Test the battery, alternator, and starter to find the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and the battery to drain.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Horn failure: The horn can fail, preventing the vehicle from honking.
  • Solution: Replace the horn.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power window failure: The power window motors or switches can fail, preventing the windows from rolling up or down.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power door lock failure: The power door lock motors or switches can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail light failure: The tail light bulbs can burn out, causing the vehicle to fail safety inspections.
  • Solution: Replace the burnt-out bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $20+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure: The heater core can fail, preventing the vehicle from heating up properly.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air conditioning failure: The air conditioning compressor or other components can fail, preventing the vehicle from cooling down properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty air conditioning component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard gauges failure: The dashboard gauges can fail to work properly, preventing the driver from seeing important vehicle information.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty gauge or sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country is a generally reliable vehicle, but it can experience some common issues. The most severe issues include engine timing belt failure, intake manifold gasket failure, and transmission slipping. These issues can be expensive to repair, so it is important to factor in the potential costs when considering purchasing a used 1996 Chrysler Town & Country.