2002 Chrysler Town & Country

Here is a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints associated with the 2002 Chrysler Town & Country, organized by category and component. The 2002 Chrysler Town & Country minivan offered versatility and practicality, making it a popular choice for families. Engine options included a 3.3L V6 producing around 180 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8L V6 with approximately 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission option was a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciated the van’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and convenient features like sliding doors. However, some disliked its uninspired styling and susceptibility to certain mechanical problems.

Engine

3.3L V6

• Engine Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly occur from the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips, low oil level, and burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the leak location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can originate from the water pump, radiator, hoses, or intake manifold gasket. Symptoms include a sweet smell, low coolant level, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Engine Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 3.3L, oil leaks are common from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. The symptoms are the same.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the leak location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can originate from the water pump, radiator, hoses, or intake manifold gasket. Symptoms include a sweet smell, low coolant level, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/A604)

• Transmission Slipping/Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears, shift harshly, or fail to shift at all. This can be caused by worn clutches, a failing solenoid pack, or valve body issues.
  • Solution: Replacing the solenoid pack, valve body, or rebuilding/replacing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Can also cause stalling or difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during turns, and bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the ball joints and/or tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, get stuck, or make grinding noises. This is often due to a failing actuator, damaged wiring, or a faulty latch.
  • Solution: Replacing the actuator, repairing the wiring, or replacing the latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may experience dimming, flickering, or complete failure. Individual gauges may stop working.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor may only work on certain speeds or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust, particularly around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows may fail to go up or down, or move slowly and erratically.
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Chrysler Town & Country is prone to a range of issues, particularly concerning the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Oil and coolant leaks are common, and transmission problems can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with power doors and instrument clusters also affect reliability. Rust is a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. The severity of these problems can vary widely depending on the vehicle’s maintenance history and mileage. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds or rust repair, can be quite costly, potentially making ownership expensive in the long run.