Chrysler Minivan Recall: Risk of Sudden Engine Shut Down

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About 248,000 Chrysler and Dodge minivans have been recalled due to a risk that the engine may unexpectedly shut off, which is suspected of being a factor in at least two auto accidents. 

The minivan recall (pdf), announced earlier this week, affects Chrysler Town & Country minivans as well as the Dodge Journey crossover and Dodge Grand Caravan, all from model year 2010. About 3% of the vehicles may have a defect that allows the key to slip while driving, potentially turning off the engine suddenly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the defect may have been the cause of at least two car crashes, but no injuries have been reported.

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Chrysler Group LLC, now run by Italy’s Fiat SpA, received 32 customer complaints on the issue and also has received 465 warranty claims. The company opened an investigation into the defect in September, and says that it has determined the key can be jostled into the accessory position by harsh road conditions or interactions with the driver.

All of the recalled Dodge Grand Caravans, Dodge Journey and Chrysler Town & Country minivans were manufactured between August 3, 2009 and June 17, 2010 with an ignition assembly manufactured by the same company; Michigan-based Continental Corporation. Chrysler has reported to the NHTSA that the parts supplier was replaced by a company who made ignition switches that were more “robust”.

Chrysler will recall all of the affected vehicles and replace the key entry port, known as a WIN module. In addition, the company said that it will request that any customers who have already had repairs made on their own send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so that it may reimburse them for their expenses.

Affected owners will begin receiving notices in April.

Photo courtesy of alv1nW/Flickr via Creative Commons

Tags: Auto Accident, Auto Recall, Chrysler, Dodge
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67 Comments

Tarah
My 2011 Town and Country is having same issues. Shuts off while driving. Lose power steering and brakes. Will start back up if put in neutral. If the same issue is recalled in the 2008-2010 then why not the 2011? Same parts used!!! Please help!
Doris
My 2013 Chrysler stopped running in the middle of traffic tonight. Chrysler needs to stand behind their cars and fix the problem before someone gets hurt. The Chrysler town and country vans need to be recalled and the problem fixed for the safety of everyone traveling on the roads behind the Chrysler town and country vans.
Angela
I have a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country with this same issue, was told it was the WIN module or TIPM and I’d be looking at roughly $3000 to replace, which I cannot afford. It is unfortunately getting worse and at times becoming very unsafe as it will die when I’m trying to turn or go through an intersection. I wish they would recall this year as well because it’s definitely a problem that’s going to get someone hurt.
Lisa
I have a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country and for well over a year now it stalls while driving without any warning and I lose steering and brakes. It quickly starts again when I put it in neutral and turn the key but this is VERY dangerous to have happen anywhere anytime. I have had the EGR valve, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft sensor, starter and battery all replaced and still nothing ha helped. I think with the amount of complaints about this same thing, there should be a recall from Chrysler about it.
Joan
I have a 2016 Town and Country and it seems since they replaced the transmission in 2021, the car started to jerk then shut off when I come to a stop. It happen about 6 times.
Karen
Mother of 5 children with a 2013 Town and Country touring. Shutting off and they told me they have no recalls on such a problem for my car nor has anyone reported such things with the Chrysler make and model I have. I also have an engine light on with no codes. I just bought this car last year. When it shuts off I have to quickly put it in Neutral restart and then Drive. I never know when it’s going to happen and I’m terrified to drive it but cannot get fired from my employment, I need transportation. Chrysler doesn’t seem to care at all!!!
Maria
My 2018 grand caravan turns of on every stop sign or red light. I strongly believe it’s a manufacturer problem.
Mike
Our 2015 town and country engine shuts down when driving..this is my wife’s van she called me and said it did it again this morning and twice yesterday our mechanic checked and found no codes because it also died on way to church Sunday. Chrysler needs to fix this before someone has a serious wreck..any info would be helpful thanks Mike feb.19 2022 .
Marcelina
I have experienced my 2016 town and country shutting off on me in the middle of traffic twice now very scary. I was just getting off the freeway thank God I wasn’t on it, and all if sudden it just turns off and the Stirring will locked up. So I had to turn off and turn back off real quick. Now I’m scared to drive it on the freeway
Mary
I am having the same problem. Does anyone have the answer to exactly what is going on
Brandon
Had this problem with my 2010 Chrysler town and country just shut off at around 30 mph traction control light came on no power steering or brakes
Albert
October 3 I filed a complaint about my 2015 Chrysler Town and Country having the computer shut down the engine on I-26 at a very critical time which could have resulted in a serious accident if a small woman tried to control it with no power steering or brakes. Everything checked normal although computer codes indicated cam sensors on both sides of the engine. They checked ok. Today 11/3/20 my wife experienced a sudden shutdown in the fast lane 321@ the Milligan hwy intersection. My pregnant granddaughter and 18 month old great grandson were in the car when it was struck hard in the rear as Carole struggled to get control and off the road. Granddaughter went to the hospital by order of her gynecologist for observation of the unborn baby. I had my mechanic check for computer codes but there were none! This top of the line van has 26000 miles on it and is a dangerous and unsafe vehicle. Any legal help out there? Not found any recalls but many cases online of Chrysler engine shutdown. There is a police report on file with the Elizabethton, TN PD.
jose
my 2008 town and country shuts down when driving some times two tree times in few miles when driving in town to dangerous ,like to get some response from chrysler ,why they do not repair these problem.does some one knows what the problem is .probably not even the makers of these ,dangerous vehicles
2014 town and country just shut down 3 times in 1 week.
Bought a used 2014 town and country and it just shut down as I was driving 3 times in 2 days. Very scary and I’m going to call the dealer tomorrow to see about any recalls etc. I want a safe car and already paid a fortune and now have to pay for tests??? Anyone know of any class action suit aghast Chrysler. We csnnnot let them get away with this as it’s a very dangerous situation to ignore.
Canaan
2012 Dodge caravan First started with the airbag light coming on then shutting off randomly. Then it progressed to other lights on my dash and the heat/ac lights. Then when I put my car to go in reverse, it has shut down. All I had to do was restart the key in the ignition it worked just fine. THEN more recently the vehicle shut down while I was going 65 mph on the expressway. All things shut off. Couldn’t even signal to move over. Everything froze up. And like that, it all turned back on. I wasn’t in my van alone. Hubby and kids were with me. Extremely scary. Brought it to my mechanic 3X and put on the diagnostic system and to a liscenced Chrysler Dealership to be diagnosed and nothing has come up. I am scared to drive my van!! That is not a safe feeling. It has happened a few times. What’s the problem and how do I fix it?? HELP!!
Tony
Have got a chrysler voyager 2.5crd 2007 which keeps cutting out without warning, 3 times at very dangerous times on dual carriageway being in the outer lane and twice going up a hill. This has only 84,000 miles on the clock,injectors were mentioned but was told it would be unlikely with low mileage, changed the fuel filter, which it did stat in the beginning and still is ( touch wood ) but no one seems to have any idea to what is happening, out on these 3 journeys i had my partner and grand children in the car which was very scary, i certainly wouldn’t buy another of these cars, they should be taken of the road until made safe without any cost to the owner.
Fred
We have the same Problem, Grand Voyager 2008, runs and dies after a few minutes or suddenly in trafic, wished I never bought this car.
Minna
Please read this Repair Pal page: http://repairpal.com/engine-keeps-shutting-off-on-me-while-driving-seems-to-be-common-on-chryslers-658
Jason
I have the same problems with my 2003 T&C. It stalls while driving at any speed and also while parked. Sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn’t (until the mechanic looks at it, then it starts every time!). No one can figure it out and I don’t dare leave town! I have had parts replaced and nothing is working!
James
I have 2001 Chrysler Town/country van I’m a retired Chrysler engineering employee work in Chrysler Engine Laboratory for years, I also purchase this minivan Brand new in early 2001 and overall this has been a great vehicle but I’ve also experienced this same behavior within the last 18 months and the condition is getting more frequent, just happen today 3 times while I was out driving restarted made home safe, I’ve experienced it at startup idle, while driving at lower neighborhood speeds, also at speeds 65 to 70 mph just so these articles today. I’m still investigating the problem and suspicious of Ignition key Lock cylinder module allowing the key to shift out causing loss of ignition.
Fortunato
I have a 2004 Town & Country minivan and experiencing the exact issue, I think they should extend back further more year models
Brandi
I can’t believe I’m just now seeing this site. I’ve contacted Chrysler directly last year due to this problem. We’ve had our van in 2 different shops, been without it for weeks, paid for a rental car…all for them to tell us “they can’t duplicate the issue”. Unbelievable. I want to get rid of this thing, but hate to give the issue to another person so we feel we’re stuck with it.
Bob
I have a 2014 Town and Country Van and yesterday while driving in heavy traffic it shut down on me. I lost power steering but managed to get it off the road. I then started it up and was able to get to my destination. Yes this could be very dangerous and I do not understand how this problem has been allowed to persist for more than two decades. Chrysler should not even be allowed to sell these vehicles at all! I will take my car “key” off of my key chain and hope that prevents future shut downs, but if it happens again I will get rid of the Van and never buy another Chrysler.
joker
I have a 1999 Dodge grand caravan.and my van stalls out numerous times throughout the day.making turns.parking in a inclined spot.driving anytime between 1-100 MPH…I changed my fuel filter and pump and still no difference …Chrysler don’t fix anything and acts like they have never heard of the problem before me…I don’t make alot of money and can’t afford a safer car so I have to stick it out.to top it off my wife uses it to pick kids up from school while I go to work and always has a new scary “stalling” story .that reason alone pisses me off that Chrysler has no clue what the problem is…wouldn’t even feel right selling this one to anyone else to try and get money to purchase another used car…I hope someone /anyone finds a solution and shares it…good luck everyone
Stephanie
We have a 2013 town and country, have owned it for a bout a year. Last week I noticed that the door locks we’re going crazy and locking at inappropriate times, and my key pad was unresponsive at times. Today I moved my vehicle from the driveway to the edge of the road to pressure wash. Went to move it back, wouldn’t start. Thought it was the battery, so I had my brother in law jump it with a jump box. It started and then stalled out. We tried to start it again and it started smoking from left front of the van. My husband got home, jumped it again, it started up fine and has since. Battery tested fine. So confused, thinking a possible electrical issue. Concerned because of risk of fire, or possible shutting down at inappropriate times ^as mentioned above. Did any of you experience any of these issues prior to stalling out?
Rey
this is still an issue today. Purchased a 2010 T&C from Leith Chrysler, Raleigh, NC with 88k miles. Within 2 months of buying the used car, I am having the same issue. Dealership is telling us basically too bad so sad since they can’t duplicate the problem. WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN 90 DAYS AGO….WTF!!!!
Krista
Just took my 2010 Chrysler Town and Country Touring to the local Dodge service department for the second time in three months for it running hot. Initially the water pump and thermostat were replaced and the radiator flushed. Now, the heater hose assembly, which by the way isn’t just one simple piece but whole bunch of hoses (according the service department), which will now cost me $359.22 and already cost me $500+ (thankfully the water pump was under warranty, we were just shy of 100, 000 miles. Now we are not. This post is not only about the above information, but regarding the on-going similar issues with most people that have already posted. The lovely van shutting off going down the highway. It’s done it at least 10-12 times since we’ve owned the van. Of course the “recall” for the ignition/electrical switch was “fixed” or rigged from how I see it, we can barely pull the key fob out now. AND IT STILL SHUTS OFF GOING DOWN THE ROAD. The service department just told me today that it sounds like this infamous WIN MODULE but that’s not part of the recall. How convenient that what appears to be an on-going issue after the switch is replaced that Chrysler hasn’t owned up to the fact that maybe it’s the WIN MODULE that’s defective???? Perhaps? To get that lovely fixed is going to cost us $598.34 and I’m rather sure none of that is labor. I find it rather crappy that the simple recall isn’t fixing the problem, yet no one admits that it’s the WIN Module that’s defective. How many MVA’s will it take before Chrysler adds it to the recall list?
Terri
I have a town and country as well, I’ve had my 2009 in the shop 4 times,, just shuts off going down the road. and now once again this morning it did it again, they tell me they can’t find anything wrong. This need to be fixed.
Tricia
As stated above, this recall has now been expanded to include years 2008-2010. They issued the recall July 1st, 2014. Check it out on the NHTSA website. And everybody else with model years not included make sure to file a complaint with the NHTSA.
Brian
I have a 2011 dodge caravan and it shuts off while driving !!!!! And when I start the car the key gets stuck in the on position and you can hear the car trying to start over and over !!! This is crazy!!!! And when I call the dealer they say oh there’s a recall but not for your year!!!! Wtf!!!….. Seems like I’ll pay to fix the part and sue them for the bill… I bet they are using the same defected Parton all there cars and oy fixing the ones they have to by law!!!
Michelle
Twice in last 2 weeks this has happened to my 2008 T&C. Chrysler is aware of issue on vans and has a recall L25 for ignition module defect but has yet to “launch” it so dealership mechanics are unaware. If dare to drive van make sure everything is off key ring as weight from other keys etc could add to jarring of ignition key. Make appt now with dealership as it effects 696,000 vans and it takes a month to get appointment. I had vehicle towed and it was seen in 2 days but part must be ordered which takes additional days. Good luck and be safe.
jerry
My 1998 town and country is shutting down also. Is this the same issue that GMC recalled?
Antoinette
I have a 2003 town & country Chrysler. It has stalled (shut off) many times while driving it, and while sitting in a parking lot. Sometimes it would run for 5 minutes, other times it would run for an hour or more before it would stall. Sometimes all the gages will go all the way up and down. I have had many different opinions on what it could be, from the fuse box to wiring to hoses etc. on and on. But the only thing I see right now is DEFECT. Another odd thing, when leaving my daughters one night I got into the wrong van. My key unlocked and started another 2003 town & country Chrysler that was next to mine. Isn’t there a law for this kind of thing?
Gary
We have a 2008 Chrysler Mini Van-V-6 Limited. We have problems with it suddenly shutting off with no warning –have had it happen about once a month –been lucky so far as it has not happened in traffic–Chrysler cannot seem to find the problem. Also at 50mph (exactly) we get a growling ” noise when foot is on the gas. Foot off or below or above 50-=-no problem. They cannot find the csue of this either.On our 3rd set of brakes and tires—best we can say about the car is it rides nice. We must have this car into the shop for something (other than an oil change) 1/2 dozen times a year—every year since we bought it.
Armando
Have a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country Van. All of a sudden it’s stalling and no one can seem to tell me what is going on. Spent way to much money I don’t have to try and fix the issue and still not getting anywhere. At first they changed pvc valve and hose and they game why they thought the reason gave them my money and still having the issue. Owner of the shop I took it to drove and he claims it didn’t happen to him. So now still happening and and they don’t know why. So please let me know how to fix the issue. Very frustrated.
Kathy
I have a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country van. It has been doing the same thing , the engine shuts off while driving! It has happened more than 5 times and it is really scarey, especially when driving 60 miles an hour down the highway and there is no power steering so hard to get the van to the side of the highway! What to do! Need help from the Chrysler company,because the auto dealership repair persons don’t know what to do! Any other advise or help received out there ?
Susan
Have a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country Van. It has been cutting off while driving also. Loose power steering and very hard to steer. Have replaced so many parts, sensors, etc but so far nothing works.
Linda
2008 Town & Country Touring. Purchased 6/5/2014 from a reputable used car dealer in Port Charlotte, FL. I call it the “chunky key” would not turn the van completely off. The Dealer said we have the same problem with that Dodge Caravan. I called the Chrysler Dealer in Punta Gorda, FL. They gave me the phone number for Chrysler Customer Service. I was given a case number and told to go to the Dealer and get the problem diagnosed which will cost me $105.00. I told Chrysler I will pay the $105.00 but I expect them to take care of the rest of the expenses for this vehicle since this is a safety issue. There are currently no “recalls” regarding this problem and after reading all of the notes above that the vehicle can actually shut down on me while driving…………………..I am scared to drive it and very upset that I bought it. I will keep you updated on my results. Chrysler’s Customer Service number is 800-992-1997 if you have not called about your vehicle issues, call them and get a case number. Maybe we will be able to get some help before someone is killed……. Thank you for having this posting on the internet. I would never have known. Be Safe ! Linda
monica
Our family bought a brand new 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan in April of 2010. To date, the van has shut down 30+ times, one of the most recent was when my 15 year old son was suppose to be driving. The power steering does not work, all electric goes off; radio, ac/heat, wipers…everything. The van has been at three different dealers a dozen times. Sensors have been replaced yet the problem still exists. There is no rhyme or reason as to when it will happen. I can be going 15 mph or 75 mph, it does not matter. I have been turning left into traffic or on the express way. This is dangerous and can not be fixed. Chrysler KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM, yet they ignore this major safety concern Chrysler MUST take these vans off the road.
Lori
I keep reading problem after problem but no solution this happend to me today my chrysler town and country 2006 just shut down the steering wheel got super hard and the brake peddal too then it just shut off. Biggest scare of my life. Am scaird to drive it again its dangerous not only for me but for my kids what can I do what if it happens again.=(
puddintame
i own a 2006 chrysler town and country…i just read the post about a person having a similar model that had instrument gauge and light problems….there is a lifetime warantee now from chrysler to fix a problem that the 2006s have had with a headlight switch….that could be causing your problems….you can find it with the nhsta web site….i think i got the letters right….or a friendly chrysler parts guy can print you out a copy that will have all kinds of info on it….just give him your vin #….he said that they are not supposed to do give them out….but that there is really no reason they shouldn’t….i just got one….
Christine
My car shut down in January of 2014 just after pulling into traffic. Luckily we were able to turn off main road into a residential street. I had a brand new battery installed and the WIN Module replaced a few months prior to this happening. It started without issue after being put into park and hasn’t happened again but…..
T George
I just stumbled up on this thread. I own a 2006 T&C. Engine shut off while going around 65 mph on freeway in 2009. Last year, again while driving around same speed, all dash lights started going off and all dial needles started erroneously going back and forth. Both times I asked the dealer to check, and they couldn’t find anything wrong!
cindy
to all on here please make a report to the nhtsa. very simple online. it is the only way to get an accurate count and get things done (recalls). hope we all live that long.
Sharon
I just had the worst scare of my life! Turning where we only have a few seconds to get past vehicles and semi trucks I could hardly turn the wheel barley made it almost got hit. We are making payments to a used dealership just got our 2005 Town and Country only 4 days ago! I CAN’T BELIEVE MYSELF AND MY 2 CHILDREN ALMOST WERE IN A ACCIDENT! It would be no ones fault but the car companies
Dran
I also just purchased a 96 town and country and its shutting off while driving and even sitting in parking spot at a store still have no idea what it is
Norman
I purchased a 2009 Chrysler T&C touring van for my wife to carry my grand children around in. They were driving down the highway, she hears a click and all of the sudden the van shuts off while driving 60 mph. This has happened 3 times in the 2 weeks I have owned this Van. Took to the shop today to try to get another Van. Dealer wants to try to repair 1st. Waiting to hear the lies he will try to tell me when I go back to pick up. Phone call to Lawyer next order of business.
William
We have a 2008 Chrysler town and Country Touring fully loaded. Bought it 4 years ago brand new and it is shutting down quite often lately. Has been to two dealers one of which it been there twice. They send us home with no results to getting if fixed. Called and emailed them in Detroit. Now I have a case number and no one is seems to be doing anything to get this fixed. I had no idea how many vehicles there are with this issue until I cam on the internet. They act like I am the only one with this issue yesterday I came close to being hurt bad when though engine shut off while driving on very busy rd. Screech of brakes every where. I was literally shaking. I think it is a crime that they don’t value a persons life in there vehicles. They have a recall but only goes back to 2009. How about our van?
Mike
dodge caravan shuts off while driving!
Darcy
My Chrysler Town and Country 2009 went crazy on me, wipers would not stop, windows would not open, nothing on panel would work! Took it to dealership they “fixed it” by charging 1000.00 and putting in a Tipton. So it worked for about a week then same thing again! Now they say it is the cluster and want to charge again!!!!! why should we pay when they never fixed the problem. Plus they have had van for about 15 days and just now say they think it is the cluster. Well I did my own research and after seeing a video on YouTube, I think it is the WIN module. I think they should pay me for finding the problem!!!! I am going in tomorrow and making sure they fix what is wrong, not just randomly fix things and charge for it! Who in the car service field does not know that a cluster does not have a darn thing to do with air conditioner!!! These people need to be better trained by Chrysler before becoming an authorized service center.
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