Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
During normal late-morning operation in light rain, vehicle traveling on highway in a slight left turn. Vehicle reported to suddenly begin inertial pivot counterclockwise and began traveling sidewise in direction of travel. Vehicle crossed center line and struck farm tractor. Van was oriented perpendicular to direction of travel and struck with passenger side leading. Farm tractor was struck headon. Van driver was thrown sideways, suffering broken upper right arm and broken neck; dead on impact. Farmer suffered broken ribs. Location of accident: hw b417 between city of bad windsheim and village of illesheim, bavaria, Germany. Decedent was spouse of servicemember living in Germany on official orders.
The transmission and belt tensioner failed, the axle had broken, the horn, wipers, and cruise control failed. The A/C had gone out along with the condenser. There was fluid leakage in the power steering rack & pinion, the vehicle had gone dead. As a result the computer was replaced. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the repair costs. Scc
Transmission pump, is out now, speckled paint on hood and top, sides, back, vibration in front end steering, loud noises, creaks and makes lots of noises, back door on right side will not lock or unlock. I need help with all of these problems. The items repaired was by a friend mechanic.
Reported steering problem in jul 98. Dealer said they were unable to duplicate failure. Dealer was cutter Chrysler Jeep of waipahu. It has been a problem since purchasing the vehicle and seems to be getting worse. Now the steering is locking-up (intermittently) when I go over a speed bump, causing loss of steering control. The windshield wiper problem was corrected by the same dealer on 24 jul 98 as a malfunctioned switch that was on recall and they replaced it as a goodwill repair because vehicle was out of warranty by mileage only. It once agian is failing intermittently. Both of these I feel are traffic safety concerns that the manufacturer should research and correct immediately. The power distribution center I believe is intermittently shorting out and causing many small electrical problems like radio works, then doesn't, lights go on by themselves, and things like that. …
I have received a recall notice for a radiator fan relay, which is not mentioned on your site. Today, I found a new leak of transmission fluid, the red lights are again flashing on and off, there are power surges in the control panels, the engine chokes and shudders. Oh, and the A/C is out again. We won't even mention the windhield wipers which have continually gone on and off since we have owned this car, or the airbag alarms, or the incredible amount of money we have put into this maintained car. My 20,000 car has become a 40,000 lemon. There is simply no excuse for this, mileage or not. I have attempted to keep this car because I wanted a "safe" car for my teenagers to drive. Now, it appears I have them driving the pinto of the 1990's. I thought I was keeping my kids safe!! …
Since purchase in 1996, the ABS failure light has repeatedly come on. There is almost always some type of "buzzing sound" when this occurs. There have been repeated repairs which were done under warranty and for which I paid. Each time, it was indicatedto me that there was some type of "yoke" around the steering column near the firewall which 'had to be replaced'. Now, when the vehicle is started, the buzzing and light event(s) occur instantly, with the ABS light staying on while the vehicle is in operation. I've been told 'not to worry' by the dealer since I still have brakes. Yes, I have conventional brakes remaining, but I also have a noticable decrease in braking ability, especially in 'short stop' conditions. The issue I have with the windshield wipers seems to go hand in hand with this ABS problem. The wipers just 'come on' on beautiful, sunny days. …
Consumer had front end problems since purchase, noise mostly. While driving 55 MPH there was a loud bang, vehicle began strut housing bracket that holds the stabiliser link broke off, causing it to cut into tire. No flat. Struts had been replaced twice prior to this . Stuts have been replaced a total of six times as well as front coil spring, also when gas tank was full it leaked onto the ground fuel tank was replaced, steering makes a noise when turning, suspension makes a lot of noise, wheel bearing msking a nosie,rack and pinion was replaced, vehicle pulls to right,swayar links were replaced,clock spring was replaced,when A/C is on the compressor engages loud sound,windshield falling apart,rotors were replaced,intermittenly wipers turn on by themselves, engine makes a sever noise,stabilizer bar broke.
Engine shuts down repeatedly when decelerating; loss of power steering, brakes; May or May not restart immediately. O2 sensor, battery, ignition cables, belt drive & tensioner, 60K service, 3 service visits: problem still occurs, but less often. Twice, nearly lost control as ps & pbs failed in a turn; engine shuts down particularly while decelerating or braking, as in turns and at traffic lights. Worse when ac was on. Sounds to me as if an ignition controller shuts down under low voltage ("brown-out") conditions.
Vehicle experienced failure of power assist steering system at low speed. Have been told that mfg. Has this problem on a "star list" but not currently on recall. Cost of repair/replacement significant. Possibility of catastrophic/fatal accident due to steering failure significant. Not a happy customer. Manufacturers customer service number not helpful in resolving problem of major equipment failure at relatively early point in life of vehicle. I intend to raise a fuss.
On 3 occasions the steering stopped working. I had no control over the direction of the vehicle. It lasted approx 2seconds. The dealership says a drip from the air conditioner is causing this and that the service bulletin tells them to add an ac spout, and auto tensioner and a belt (serp.?). This is very dangerous and appears to be in quantities that makes the service people very familiar with this problem.
Steering complaints in other Grand Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, 5% of the model year's 569 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury and 1 death to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.