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2013 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY

3.6L Pentastar V6FWDAUTOMATICgas
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5-Year Cost of Ownership
$13,483 maintenance + known platform issues
~$2,697/yr · 220¢/mile equivalent · $5,968 maintenance + $6,815 expected platform issues
Compare this engine
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3.6L V6
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3.6L Pentastar DOHC V6 (283 hp)
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4.0L V6
Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2013 Town & Country (RT platform) is plagued by serious powertrain issues, particularly transmission failures and engine problems on high-mileage 3.6L Pentastar V6 models. The 62TE transmission is the Achilles' heel of this generation.

62TE Transmission Failure (Clutch Pack / Solenoid Block)

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed 2-3 shifts, transmission shuddering during acceleration, limp mode with P0750 or P0871 codes, complete loss of forward gears
Fix: Most cases require full rebuild or replacement. Internal clutch packs wear prematurely, solenoid body failures common. Rebuild: 12-16 hours labor. Remanufactured unit swap: 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Leak (TIPM Contamination)

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: milky pink transmission fluid, chocolate milk appearance in coolant reservoir, transmission slipping after engine reaches operating temp, erratic shifting when hot
Fix: Cooler integrated into radiator end tank fails, allowing coolant/ATF mixing. Requires radiator replacement, full fluid flush of transmission and cooling system, often followed by transmission failure if not caught early. 4-6 hours labor plus potential transmission damage.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 initially, $3,500-5,000 if transmission damaged

3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant loss with no external leaks, white smoke from exhaust on cold start, P0302/P0304/P0306 misfires (left bank), milky oil or oil in coolant, overheating
Fix: Left head prone to cracking between valves or head gasket failure due to heat cycling. Requires left head removal, inspection/resurfacing or replacement, new gasket set, timing chain inspection. 14-18 hours labor. Often find worn guides/chain tensioners while apart.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000

Rocker Arm / Lifter Failure (3.6L)

Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: ticking/tapping noise from engine, worse at cold start, P0300 random misfire codes, loss of power, check engine light with multiple cylinder misfire codes
Fix: Roller rocker arms wear or lifters collapse, especially with poor oil change history. Requires both head removals to access, replace all rockers/lifters as set, inspect cam lobes. 16-20 hours labor. Do timing chains while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure

Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: fuel pump cycling on/off randomly, wipers running on their own, gauges going haywire, no start / no crank intermittently, horn honking randomly, multiple electrical gremlins at once
Fix: The TIPM controls most electrical functions and fails from internal corrosion or component failure. Requires TIPM replacement and dealer programming. Located under hood, accessible. 2-3 hours labor plus programming time.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Water Pump Failure (3.6L - Internally Driven)

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant leak from timing cover area, grinding or whining noise from front of engine, overheating, coolant in oil (catastrophic failure mode)
Fix: Water pump is internally driven by timing chain, hidden behind timing cover. Failure requires front cover removal, timing chain work. Do timing chains, guides, tensioners at same time. 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Transmission Mount Failure

Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive/reverse, excessive vibration at idle in gear, visible engine movement when accelerating, drivetrain shudder during throttle tip-in
Fix: Right-side transmission mount (dogbone) tears or separates. Common wear item on these heavy vans. Straightforward replacement, support engine/trans, swap mount. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Owner tips
  • Change transmission fluid every 50k miles with Mopar ATF+4 only - extends 62TE life significantly
  • Monitor coolant level religiously - early catch of oil cooler failure saves transmission
  • Use quality oil and 5k mile intervals on 3.6L - rocker/lifter wear is oil-maintenance sensitive
  • Budget $3-5k for transmission work when shopping - it's not 'if' but 'when' on high-mileage examples
  • Check TIPM recall history (P68079485AB) - Chrysler extended warranty on some batches
  • Timing chain service at 100k miles prevents water pump grenading and taking engine with it
Hard pass unless under 60k miles with immaculate records and you're budgeting $4k for inevitable transmission work - these are money pits after 100k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
489 jobs across 17 categories

body (30)

brakes (41)

cooling (21)

drivetrain (24)

electrical (75)

engine (67)

exhaust (24)

hvac (23)

interior (24)

maintenance (32)

steering (19)

suspension (47)

transmission (30)

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.
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