2004 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2004 Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan known for its versatility and family-friendly features. Engine options included a 3.3L V6 producing 180 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, a 3.8L V6 producing 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L I4 producing 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque (only available on short wheelbase models). All engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available features like power sliding doors. However, some common complaints included reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and electrical systems, and a perceived lack of fuel economy.

Engine

2.4L I4

No Issues Found

3.3L V6

• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor acceleration, and failing emissions tests.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, and a sweet coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor acceleration, and failing emissions tests.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, and a sweet coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, delayed engagement, harsh shifting, and generally poor performance. Can worsen over time.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change might help. More severe cases require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid/filter) - $3000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than the front, leading to a bumpy ride, poor handling, and premature tire wear. Particularly prevalent on models with rear air suspension.
  • Solution: Replace worn-out coil springs or, if equipped, repair or replace the air suspension components (air springs, compressor, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and longer stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors failing to open or close properly, intermittently working, or making grinding noises. Often related to worn rollers, cables, or faulty actuators.
  • Solution: Replace faulty rollers, cables, actuators, or the entire power sliding door assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to go up or down, making grinding noises, or moving slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges failing to work, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Lower Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the rocker panels, around wheel wells, and on the lower portions of the doors.
  • Solution: Cut out and weld in new metal, body filler, and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles will break.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat will not adjust forward or backward. Sometimes it will only go one way.
  • Solution: Replace the power seat motor or entire seat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner will fall and sag.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Chrysler Town & Country, while appreciated for its practicality, suffers from a range of reliability issues. The most concerning are transmission problems, which can be costly to repair. Electrical issues, particularly with power sliding doors and window regulators, are also common. Suspension problems can lead to ride quality issues. Exterior rust and interior part breakage can reduce the value and attractiveness of the van. Overall, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor in potential repair costs. The severity of issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the chosen repair method.