Once you start a family, transportation won't be as easy as it used to be. Traveling with unruly children by public transport is everyone's worst nightmare. But small cars are not suitable for this task either.
That's why you decided to invest in a minivan. And as you were looking up options, you came across the Chrysler Town & Country mode. Reliable and affordable, it seemed like the perfect choice. Before you commit to this decision, you might want to check out its engine.
The engine is after all the most important part of every car. It represents its performance and reliability. The Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 engine has evolved a lot from 2007 to 2016. If you're wondering what its longevity, specs, and common problems are, you came to the right place.
Key features and my opinion about the engine
- Production years:1989-2010
- Average lifespan of 3.3L V6 EGA:280,000-300,000 miles
- Fuel supply type:port injection
- Power range:150-180 hp
- Fuel efficiency:awful
- Engine block material:cast iron
- Engine reliability score:high
- The most common problems:awful fuel consumption, post-2002 plastic intake manifold may crack, oil consumption, timing chain issues.
What are the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine's Specs?
The following chart includes the most important specs about this 3.3L V6 engine:
Specs |
Value |
Cylinders |
V6 |
Displacement (in cubic centimeters) |
3301 |
Power at 5000 RPM |
131 KW / 178 HP / 176 BHP |
Torque at 4000 RPM |
205 lb-ft / 278 Nm |
Fuel System |
Multipoint Injection |
Fuel type |
Gasoline |
How long will your Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine last?
The answer to this question depends on the year. Those EGA models manufactured before 2000 typically last only about 100,000 miles. This doesn't seem like much. However, you likely don't own such outdated models.
Later ones will last you up to 150,000 miles in the worst-case scenario. But provided you take care of your minivan, it might last up to 250,000 miles. The engine is known to be sturdy and reliable so it should serve you well. But after you pass this milestone, the repairs might become expensive. At that point, you'll be better off getting a new car.
If you drive 15,000 every year, this engine should last you from 13 to 17 years.
This engine also features an incredibly durable timing belt that you'll likely never have to replace.
How can you improve your Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine's longevity?
The 250,000-mile longevity is the best-case scenario. To reach it, you will need to take good care of your engine.
Firstly, you should only buy good-quality original equipment manufacturer parts. This will rule out any possible wear and tear caused by mismatched components.
Don't underestimate service appointments either. These will help you identify possible issues early on. You can then deal with them before they become too serious.
Engine's greatest enemies are friction and heat. Both will wear it down incredibly fast. To prevent this, make sure you change the oil regularly.
This goes without saying, but you should always try to drive as smoothly as possible. Rugged rides put your engine under a heavy strain.
2007 to 2016 Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine Evolution - Which years should you steer clear off?
Though some of the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3 L V6 years have many virtues, others are quite problematic. To save yourself unnecessary pain and regret, keep away from the following years: 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
The magnitude of their issues differs from year to year. Some of them are merely obnoxious to drive while others are outright unsafe. These issues can affect not only the engine but also the electronic devices in the car. We'll discuss them more in the next section.
Common Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine Problems You May Face
While the Chrysler Town & Country minivan may not be the most reliable option out there, it's still a decent choice. However, some of its years were nothing short of a fiasco. These models were riddled with many issues, whether engine-related or not. The best thing you can do is to avoid them at all costs.
Here are some of the most notorious examples of such problems:
2010/2011 Chrysler Town & Country issues
These two years suffer from several electrical problems. The 2011 model is particularly bad. We'd even go as far as to call it the worst one of them all. Here's what you can expect:
- Stalling
We all love a smooth ride. Sadly, these two years offer the opposite of that. Having a V6 engine won't help you much if your car keeps shutting down every few minutes. Some owners also report trouble with starting their Chryslers.
- Excessive battery drainage
Many owners of the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 complain about rapidly draining batteries. This can be a problem if you need to start up your car after a long time of inaction.
- Faulty TIPM
The Totally Integrated Power Module control power distribution across the whole vehicle. When it doesn't function, all hell breaks loose. That's precisely the case with the 2011 model.
A broken TIPM leads to several problems. Apart from the aforementioned issues, it can also affect your headlight, windshield wipers, and brake lights. In some countries, you'd get away with this.
But that's not all. A bad TIPM may wreak havoc on your fuel pump. That starts a whole new series of problems.
Fortunately, the 2011 model was later recalled.
2012 Chrysler Town & Country Blind Spot Detection Issues
Blind spot detection is an invaluable feature, at least when it works correctly. But in the 2012 model, it doesn't. Unlike the previous issues, this one is extremely serious. Not only is it dangerous, but also expensive to fix.
We recommend avoiding this year altogether. Later models had no such issues so you should focus on those instead.
Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine Issues
The V6 engine has been known to act up in some of the Chrysler & Country models. You can notice it in mainly the years 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Here are some of the more serious ones:
- The engine shuts down frequently
If you own one of these models, expect a very bumpy ride. Whereas in the 2011 model the stalling was caused by electrical issues, here the engine itself is the culprit. But whatever caused the issue isn't as important as the poor driving experience you get.
This could also be dangerous, especially when it happens at a junction.
- Engine fails to turn over
Apart from shutting down all the time, the engine sometimes doesn't even turn over in these models. This can be a nightmare especially if you need to be somewhere on time.
- The engine light is on permanently
Even when your engine works seemingly fine, the engine light keeps pointing out its flaws. Driving a car with lit dashboard alerts is never pleasant.
- The engine is noisy
This engine tends to be quite loud. This can be because of low oil pressure, camshaft wear, and collapsed lifters. Some owners even get panicky about these unpleasant noises. However, it's not a problem, it's just the way the engine is.
Low oil levels can make these noises worse. To prevent this, make sure you change it regularly. You can also consider using lower-viscosity oil to tame the cacophony.
Final Thoughts on the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 Engine - Buy or Avoid?
The EGA engine itself is quite durable and reliable. It has a decent longevity of up to 250,000 miles in ideal conditions. This can often mean up to 17 years.
Its main issue is the noise. Even when it operates well the engine generates very obnoxious sounds. Driving your minivan while listening to this din can be frustrating.
But certain Chrysler Town & Country years have substantial issues. Some of them are related to the engine. In these models, the engine keeps stalling or won't start at all. And worst of all, there's no cheap solution to this problem. It mostly affects engines in vehicles manufactured in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
They say prevention is the best medicine. That is certainly the case here. The best way to deal with these engine issues is to avoid them in the first place. We advise you to stay away from the affected models.
But apart from this, the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 engine is a decent option. Its only real flaw is the constant noise. However, finding a good yet affordable minivan isn't easy these days. Little extra noise is a small price to pay for such a good value-for-money option. And you can reduce it a bit by changing the oil as often as you can.
So all told, the Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L V6 engine is a solid option on the minivan market.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Add comment