2008 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Stow ‘n Go seating. Engine options included a 3.3L V6 producing 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, a 3.8L V6 producing 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0L V6 producing 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consist of a 4-speed automatic used on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, and a 6-speed automatic used on the 4.0L engine. Owners often appreciate the vehicle’s practicality and family-friendliness, while common dislikes include its reliability issues and perceived lower build quality compared to competitors.

Engine

3.3L V6

• No Issues Found

3.8L V6

• No Issues Found

4.0L V6

• Engine Stalling/Rough Idle
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls frequently, especially at low speeds or when idling. Rough or unstable idle.
  • Solution: Cleaning the throttle body, replacing the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve (if applicable), or addressing vacuum leaks. If equipped with variable valve timing, inspect the VVT solenoid and system for proper operation.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (Used with 3.3L and 3.8L V6)

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting, slipping between gears, hard or jerky shifts. Transmission may not shift properly in all gears.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter and diagnose/replace faulty shift solenoids or valve body issues. In severe cases, transmission rebuild or replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (Used with 4.0L V6)

• Rough Shifting/Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, especially between certain gears. Torque converter shudder or failure.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific issues with the transmission. May require valve body replacement, torque converter replacement, or full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and noises (clunking or squeaking) over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn or Broken Rear Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, especially when loaded. Clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors (both powered and manual) failing to open or close properly. Electrical glitches, jamming, or requiring excessive force to operate.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing/replacing faulty door latches, rollers, cables, or power door motors. Check wiring harness for damage. Resetting the power sliding door system could resolve the problem.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Multiple electrical malfunctions, including stalling, no-start condition, wipers activating randomly, fuel pump issues, and power window/door lock problems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TIPM. Programming required after installation.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate, often with a clicking noise.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty window regulators and/or motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive rust, especially around the rocker panels and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust removal and body repair. In severe cases, replacement of body panels.

  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on severity

  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks failing to function properly, intermittent locking/unlocking, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Stow ‘n Go Seating Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty folding or unfolding the Stow ‘n Go seats. Jamming, broken latches, or cable issues.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of damaged latches, cables, or seat mechanisms.

  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+ per seat

  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is a practical vehicle plagued by various reliability issues, particularly related to the transmission, electrical system, and suspension. Repairs can range from relatively inexpensive fixes (like cleaning the throttle body) to costly overhauls (like transmission replacement or TIPM failure). The prevalence of electrical issues, especially related to the sliding doors and TIPM, is a significant concern. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the possibility of significant repair costs. Due to the wide range of issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.