1991 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, milky oil on dipstick, overheating, rough idle and misfires

Fix: The 3.3L/3.8L head gaskets fail due to inadequate clamping force and coolant chemistry issues. If caught early, head gasket replacement runs 12-16 hours labor. If driven while overheating, expect warped heads (add machine work), cracked blocks, or complete short block replacement at 25-35 hours labor. Many shops recommend doing both gaskets, timing components, and water pump simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200 for gaskets alone; $4,500-7,500 for short block replacement

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: pink fluid leaking near radiator, transmission slipping or delayed engagement, milky transmission fluid, overheating transmission

Fix: The steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to the radiator, and the internal cooler can leak, allowing coolant into the transmission. This destroys the A-604 Ultradrive transmission within miles if not caught immediately. Proper fix is replacing both lines, external cooler adapter fittings, and often the radiator if internal cooler failed. If coolant contamination occurred, the transmission needs complete rebuild or replacement. 3-5 hours for lines/cooler only; 15-20 hours for transmission rebuild.

Estimated cost: $400-700 for lines and cooler; $2,200-3,800 for transmission rebuild if contaminated

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: harsh or delayed shifts, stuck in second gear (limp mode), no upshift beyond second, intermittent shifting problems, check engine light with transmission codes

Fix: The A-604 four-speed automatic uses electronic solenoid packs that fail regularly, causing erratic shifting or limp-mode operation. The transmission control module can also fail. Solenoid pack replacement requires dropping the pan and valve body (4-6 hours). If internal clutches are burned from poor shifting, full rebuild is needed (18-22 hours). This transmission has a terrible reputation for durability.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 for solenoid pack; $2,500-4,000 for rebuild

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling noise on cold start that quiets after warmup, metallic whirring from front of engine, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes

Fix: The timing chain tensioners weaken and guides wear on these engines, causing chain slap and potential timing issues. While not as failure-prone as some engines, ignoring the rattle can lead to jumped timing and valve-to-piston contact. Timing chain, guides, tensioners, and gears replacement runs 8-11 hours. Smart to do water pump, seals, and gaskets while in there.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, whistling or hissing sound from engine, higher than normal idle speed, lean codes

Fix: The lower intake plenum gasket deteriorates and creates vacuum leaks, affecting idle quality and fuel trim. Upper and lower plenum gaskets should be replaced together. Includes removing upper intake, throttle body cleaning, and related vacuum lines. 4-6 hours labor. Not catastrophic but worsens drivability significantly.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle, engine rocking visible under acceleration, transmission thud on hard stops

Fix: The hydraulic engine mounts and transmission mount collapse with age, causing excessive drivetrain movement and vibration transfer. Front engine mount and transmission mount are the usual culprits. 2-4 hours total labor depending on how many are replaced. Cheapest fix on this list but significantly improves driving experience.

Estimated cost: $350-650