2011 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that offers comfortable seating, a spacious interior, and Stow ‘n Go seating for easy cargo configuration. It was available with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the van’s practicality and family-friendly features. Some common complaints include electrical issues, specifically with the power sliding doors and liftgate, as well as concerns about the reliability of the transmission.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Oil Filter Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing, often dripping onto the exhaust manifold causing a burning smell. Can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing. Many aftermarket options are available which replace the plastic housing with an aluminum one, offering improved durability.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires / Cylinder Head Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, check engine light illumination, and potential misfire codes. Early versions of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (Specifically 2011-2013 model years) were prone to cylinder head failure, typically on the driver’s side.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the misfiring cylinder and further diagnosis to determine whether the cylinder head needs to be replaced. If confirmed, replace the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE)

• Rough Shifting/Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid change might alleviate minor symptoms. In more severe cases, the valve body may need to be replaced or the transmission rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 for fluid change, $500 - $1000+ for valve body, $2,500 - $4,500+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable shudder or vibration, particularly at lower speeds or during light acceleration. This can be caused by a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sagging, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. This can be due to worn coil springs or self-leveling shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the coil springs or shocks, depending on the cause. If equipped with self-leveling shocks, replacement is more expensive.
  • 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, sometimes accompanied by warning chimes or error messages. This can be caused by faulty door latches, wiring issues, or motor problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific issue. Replacing the door latch is a common repair. Wiring harness repair and motor replacement are also possible.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate failing to open or close, making unusual noises, or getting stuck. Similar to the sliding doors, this can be due to latch problems, wiring, or a faulty liftgate motor.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause. Latch replacement, wiring repair, or motor replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic electrical behavior, including intermittent stalling, fuel pump failure, horn issues, and power window/door lock problems. The TIPM is a known weak point in these vehicles.
  • Solution: The TIPM can sometimes be repaired, but replacement is often required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows that move slowly, get stuck, or fail to operate at all. This is usually due to a failing window regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Overall Summary

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, while practical and family-friendly, suffers from several common issues that can affect its reliability. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, particularly in its early years, can experience oil leaks and cylinder head problems, leading to potentially high repair costs. The 6-speed automatic transmission may exhibit shifting problems and torque converter shudder. Electrical issues, especially with the power sliding doors, liftgate, and TIPM, are also frequently reported and can be costly to resolve. Suspension sagging can impact ride quality and handling. While not every vehicle will experience all of these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and factor them into their purchasing decision and budget for potential repairs. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but addressing them promptly is crucial for maintaining the vehicle’s reliability and safety.