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2000 Chrysler Town & Country

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2000 Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan known for its spaciousness and comfort, making it a popular choice for families. The base engine was a 3.3L V6 producing 158 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, while a more powerful 3.8L V6 with 180 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque was available as an option. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the van’s practicality, comfortable ride, and available features like dual sliding doors and a rear entertainment system. Common complaints revolve around reliability issues, especially with the transmission and electrical systems.

Engine

3.3L V6

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased power, and the check engine light illuminating. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
    • Solution: Replacing the spark plugs and wires, replacing the ignition coils, and repairing any vacuum leaks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and a sweet coolant smell.
    • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased power, and the check engine light illuminating. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
    • Solution: Replacing the spark plugs and wires, replacing the ignition coils, and repairing any vacuum leaks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and a sweet coolant smell.
    • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/A604)

  • Slipping or Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission hesitates or slips when shifting between gears. Sometimes accompanied by harsh or delayed shifts.
    • Solution: Replacing the transmission solenoid pack, or in more severe cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of drive, grinding noises, or excessive heat coming from the transmission.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Struts and Shocks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, and excessive body roll.
    • Solution: Replacing the struts and shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Control Arm Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors failing to open or close properly, requiring manual assistance.
    • Solution: Replacing the door motor, door latch or repairing wiring harness.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Radio/CD Player Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Radio or CD player failing to power on, skip or eject CDs.
    • Solution: Replacing the head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Lower Body
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, lower doors, and wheel wells.
    • Solution: Cutting out the rust and welding in new metal panels.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: The headliner detaches from the roof and sags down.
    • Solution: Replacing the headliner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to go up or down.
    • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Center Console Cupholder Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: The center console cupholders are prone to breaking.
    • Solution: Replacing the cupholder or the entire center console.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Chrysler Town & Country, while offering comfort and practicality, is prone to a variety of mechanical and electrical issues. The most significant concern lies with the 4-speed automatic transmission, which is known for slipping, erratic shifting, and eventual failure, leading to potentially high repair costs. Other common issues include engine misfires, intake manifold gasket leaks, suspension wear, and electrical problems. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the transmission, suspension, and electrical systems and be prepared for potential repairs.

Chrysler, Town & Country
Chrysler Town & Country 2000
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