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2012 Chrysler Town and Country problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 634owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 16fire reports
- 36%fail the UK MOT
634 complaints, against an average of 556 for the other 4 Chrysler Town and Country model years.
Every Chrysler Town and Country model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
The components named most often in the 634 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Chrysler Town and Country owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 634 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country stall, lose power or shut off while driving?92 owners · 14.5%
- Why does the blind spot monitor give false alerts on my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?41 owners · 6.5%
- Why do the power windows stop working on my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?35 owners · 5.5%
- Why won't my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country start?33 owners · 5.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?22 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility: Wheelchair Restraints/Securement: Latch/Anchor: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Electrical System Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.
Risk: An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.
Equipment CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.
Risk: THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension: Rear CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT FULLY MACHINED.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Engine And Engine Cooling CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Is the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThe driver's airbag emblem may have become loose or detached
Risk: The driver's airbag emblem may have become loose or detached.
Fix: Remove the emblem and the emblem retainers
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: If liquid water or moisture enters the rear quarter vent window switch it may cause the switch to overheat. This can result in a burning smell or smoke being emitted from the switch or in extreme circumstances it can cause a driver's door fire.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the rear quarter vent window switch and if required repair the electrical connector.
UK DVSAIncorrect side airbag may deploy
Risk: In the event of a collision from the B-pillar rearward the incorrect side airbags may deploy. This would create an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to reprogramme the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module.
EU Safety GateThe trade-mark logo may not have been properly affixed.As a result, it may become detached in the event of an airbag release and be projected into the passenger compartment, causing injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA software flaw in the ORC (occupant restraint control) module may cause the side airbags to deploy improperly in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the…Years estimatedDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture penetrating into the control unit for the airbag may cause malfunctions.Years estimatedIn the worst case, this may lead to spurious operation of the airbag.
How often does the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Chrysler Town and Country owners report?
12 of the 634 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The ignition switch AKA WIN MODULE has to be broken, making it extremely dangerous to drive my vehicle. Any time I go over a bump or the key wiggles slightly the car will turn right off and I lose full control over the car. I have to find a safe place to pull over and restart the car by taking the key out and putting the key back in. The part where the key goes in is very very loose. This puts myself and my kids at risk especially driving on the highway! Whenever this happens I would have to find a way to come to a complete stop in which the brakes start skipping because of the malfunction…
The vehicle caught on fire with my [XXX] and me inside. Its currently located at a tow yard and Chrysler has not inspected the vehicle yet. I have a report from the fire department stating the fire was hotter on the left drive side which directly lines up with the current recall of the drivers side door switch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The TIPMs system has been recalled in multiple vehicles and has causes a fuel pump relay failure and numerous other electrical issues . Chryslers recall has yet to include this year make and model despite the fact the identical part is used in the recalled vehicles. Chrysler is picking and choosing which vehicles this recall applies to and it’s putting families at risk of the TIPM failing and leaving them stranded at any time. Chrysler has a packaged replacement part under “recall pricing” but refuses to cover labor to install the new part on certain vehicles.
Fuel Relay System Failure When searching online apparently this is such an extremely common issue there is a special bypass part that was made, and part of a recall for durangos and jeeps but not the town and country, even though this part is failing all the time in this vehicle as well. Before it went completely dead, it did fail once when I was driving, which is a huge safety issue. I was lucky it started again and that I wasn’t going very fast. I didn’t know at the time that is was the fuel relay system failing until it finally stopped working and my car no longer started. Once bypassed…
Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road. Once key is turned off and back on, car restarts.
Catalytic converter is reported to me as needing to be replaced. Check Engine light came on which indicated this error. It’s only at 84k miles. Followed by needing new O2 sensors if the catalytic converter is replaced. Another error was the thermostat which needs replacement. We are looking at over $5k in repairs.
The vehicle randomly shuts off while driving dash goes black and then randomly starts back up or I have to put it in (n) to start it back up while Im at a free role i lose control of the power steering and braking this is a dangerous for myself my children and grand kids also others Im the road this is seriously gonna get someone hurt this issue should not be occurring this is very dangerous
Couldn't reverse vehicle after buying the vehicle three days ago. My safety and my passengers safety wasn't safe I almost got hit from the front and back trying to reverse the vehicle to go. I can put the vehicle in any other gear and it works but the reverse. i called the vehicle repair shop and bring it in to the shop where I was told they were going to work on the vehicle for free since I only had it for three days. I paid for the warranty part and everything. This the second car I bought from Fett's city motors that been dangerous to operate on roads and highways.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side head restraint deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair with a similar failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was advised to…
I have a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country van. In 2021 I had brake calipers replaced on the rear end because they were leaking brake fluid. Again this year same problem. What is going on with brake systems on todays cars? I do not think this is normal wear. How often are consumers dealing with brake problems? Are manufacturers using poorly made parts? I think this needs to be investigated.
The driver's side sliding door became inoperable suddenly. The locking mechanism was stuck in the locked position and would not release via key, manual, fob, or buttons. A buzzing noise occurred when trying to lock or unlock. This exit door being inoperable caused a safety concern to be able to exit the vehicle on the driver's side. It does now allow for quick, easy escape from the vehicle. If the danger was on the passenger side then the only exit is everyone climbing through the driver's door. This issue was verified by Dishman Dodge (Spokane Valley, WA) service team on 8/8/23. The lock…
It's the timp the big black box with all the fuses in it I have had so much problems with it it messed up the alternator and the battery and the doors and the fule pump now I have to get a new box and a fused pump because it won't start at all now it have quite on me while I was driving before it broke all the way down I don't know why they ain't a recall on it yet
2012 Chrysler Town and Country: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 634 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country; the most common categories were electrical system (395, 62.3%), engine (100, 15.8%), fuel/propulsion system (56, 8.8%). There are 5 safety recalls. 7 complaints mention a crash, 16 mention a fire, 24 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
Across 634 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (62.3% of complaints), engine (15.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.8% of complaints), power train (5.7% of complaints), structure (5.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country; the most recent (campaign 25V876000, 2025-12-17) concerns Equipment Adaptive/Mobility: Wheelchair Restraints/Securement: Latch/Anchor: . Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
92 of the 634 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country (14.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. No warning lights are illuminated. Shutoff can occur at any speed and causes loss of power steering, braking etc. Shutdown requires immediate pull off to the side of the road." (NHTSA complaint 11699567, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the blind spot monitor give false alerts on my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
41 of the 634 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country (6.5%) describe blind spot monitoring or parking sensors failing or giving false alerts. One owner wrote: "I kept getting a message that the blind spot system was unavailable. Once removed it smelled of burnt plastic and looked to be water damaged. Upon research I have learned that this could cause a fire and or damage other electrical components of the car" (NHTSA complaint 11479824, August 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the power windows stop working on my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
35 of the 634 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country (5.5%) describe power window or window regulator failures. One owner wrote: "Driver door caught fire after recalled window switch while driving. luckily, a friend behind me had a fire extinguisher so the fire was contained to the driver door" (NHTSA complaint 11195989, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country start?
33 of the 634 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country (5.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Chrysler recalled Jeep n Durango models due to faulty fuel pump relay. Town and Country vans were added to recall expansion. #R09- 14V-530 My van doesn't start properly and have been stranded with 2 young children n cold weather." (NHTSA complaint 11441737, November 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country?
22 of the 634 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Chrysler Town and Country (3.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Catalytic converter is reported to me as needing to be replaced. Check Engine light came on which indicated this error. It’s only at 84k miles. Followed by needing new O2 sensors if the catalytic converter is replaced." (NHTSA complaint 11699337, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Town and Country
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.