The used Chrysler Town and Country to buy is a 2011-2016 van with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and a six-speed automatic. I'd lean toward a 2014-2016, since those years sit outside the cylinder head problem below, and I'd want paperwork showing the recalls were done. It's a lot of minivan for the money in October 2026, honestly. It also has two weak spots to know before you sign: a Poor score in the IIHS small overlap crash test, and an early Pentastar left cylinder head problem on 2011-2013 vans whose extended warranty has run out.
MotorTrend says the fifth-generation Town and Country arrived for 2008, and that Chrysler replaced it with the all-new Pacifica for 2017. Our used Chrysler Pacifica guide covers the newer van. The Town and Country is the twin of the Dodge Grand Caravan, so read our used Grand Caravan guide too. CR describes the Chrysler as the upscale version, so expect more standard equipment on the same basic van.
2008-2010 vs 2011-2016
The split that matters is the 2011 update. Before it, MotorTrend's 2010 page lists three V-6s: a 175-hp 3.3 pushrod, a 197-hp 3.8 and a 251-hp 4.0, with four- and six-speed automatics. Consumer Reports liked the 2008 redesign's quieter cabin and swiveling second row but said handling, braking, fuel economy and fit and finish still weren't impressive, and that the Asian competition was much better. For 2011 the Pentastar 3.6 replaced all three engines. CR says it improved fuel economy noticeably, and the interior and handling got better too. By 2016 MotorTrend rates the 3.6 at 283 hp and 17/25 mpg, and it's the only engine.
The seats are the reason people buy these. Stow 'n Go folds both rear rows into the floor, with storage bins under them when they're up, and MotorTrend lists 140.3 cubic feet of space behind the front seats with everything stowed. Before you buy, open every bin and check for water. A wet Stow 'n Go well or a musty carpet is a reason to look closer for leaks or flood history.
The Pentastar cylinder head issue
Chrysler extended the warranty on the left cylinder head of 3.6 engines in select 2011-2013 vehicles, Town and Country and Grand Caravan included. Its 2014 warranty bulletin D-14-12 blames valve guide and valve seat wear that can cause a misfire and a check engine light, and it raised coverage from 5 years or 100,000 miles to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date. The matching service bulletin has dealers run a leak-down test on cylinders 2, 4 and 6 and replace the head at 25% leakage or more, tied to codes P0300, P0302, P0304 and P0306. Ten years from even a late 2013 sale has come and gone, so any head replacement now comes out of your pocket. On a 2011-2013 van, ask for records of the head being done and scan for misfire codes.
Recalls to check by VIN
I pulled 2008 through 2016 from the NHTSA recalls API on Friday afternoon, October 16, including the 2015 Town and Country query. The ones I'd look for:
- 14V373, 2008-2010: a jolt can knock the ignition switch out of Run and turn off the engine, which takes out the air bags, power steering and power brakes. Dealers replace the switch and key fobs. Keep only the key on the ring until it's done.
- 14V234, 2010-2014: the vent window switch in the driver's armrest can overheat and start a fire.
- 16V461, 2015-2016: the transmission pump may seize and cut power. Dealers replace the pump.
- 11V487, 2012: a short build window of 3.6 engines with debris that could ruin the connecting rod bearings. Chrysler replaced the engine.
- 16V047 and 20V396, 2008-2010: air bag control units on some 2008-2009 vans can corrode and fail, and a loose steering wheel emblem or its nuts can fly out when the driver air bag deploys.
- 16V044, 2015-2016: some windshields went in with expired urethane primer and may come loose in a crash.
Wheelchair-converted vans have extra recalls from the conversion company, so check those separately. Our Chrysler recall check by VIN post shows how.
Safety and the honest downsides
MotorTrend reports the IIHS gave the Town and Country Good ratings in the moderate overlap, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, but Poor in the small overlap test. CR calls that Poor result a safety shortcoming and notes that forward collision warning and automatic braking weren't offered at all. MotorTrend also complained about a firm, bumpy ride, road and wind noise at low speed, a powertrain that felt crude next to its rivals, and a fussy 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen. It ranked the van last in a comparison test while calling it a great value. If any of that is a dealbreaker, the used Honda Odyssey guide and the used Toyota Sienna guide cover the obvious rivals.
Prices and the report
CR's retail ranges run about $4,525-$5,350 for a 2011 and $6,650-$10,450 for a 2016. A family van can have a long, rough past, so read the history for rental use, accidents and odometer gaps. A free title-brand check on NMVTIS takes a minute. Ignore a seller's emailed PDF and pull the report from the VIN yourself. CarVins is a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller and isn't affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Right now one report is about $5.50 as a guest or $4.50 for members, and a CARFAX plus AutoCheck pair is about $6.75, where buying direct usually costs $39.99-$44.99. The checkout total is the one that counts.
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