Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
My wife was driving our kids on the highway at 65 MPH when the van suddenly shifted into second gear. This nearly caused a huge accident. I then find that the transmission needed replacement. I researched this problem and found that this is not a unique problem by any means. Chrysler is aware of this problem, and has not made any significant changes to their transmission. This "safe mode" where the transmission goes to second gear is made to allow the driver to drive to a safe place. If Chrysler can't make a more durable transmission, they should be able to at least make the "safe mode" go to nuetral instead of second gear at high speeds. On a more sad note, $2,400.00 later for a rebuilt transmission(the best price I could find), I found out the the van isn't worth much more than that anyway. Too bad, because I actually like the van and how it works for our family. …
Problem: transmission will not shift properly. Solution: transmission with torque converter and a transmission output sensor had to be replaced at 76,415 miles at a cost of $2041.35. No warranty consideration was given although the van was only 1415 miles/6 months over the 75000/7year extended warranty. This transmission should not have had to be replaced at 76415 miles. I also have a 1984 fifth avenue, 1998 Dodge stratus and a new 2003 Dodge Ram. If this is the type of consideration given to a long standing Chrysler customer or any customer for that matter, I can assure you that I will never purchase another Chrysler product and everyone I deal with personally and in business will clearly understand my feelings about Chrysler.
I bought my Mini-van in 1999 with 68,000 miles on it, after looking through the paper work that came with the vehicle I learned that the transmission had been overhaulded by the dealership at 36,000 miles. In 2001 I had about 84,000 miles when the transmission failed again, it cost me $1800.00 to have it re-built. Now I have 142,000 miles on it and the transmission has gone out again and I am looking at either replacing the transmission with a re-built one from Chrysler which is $1699.00 just for the transmission not including labor, or $1800.00 - $2200.00 for a overhaul. If these transmission have such a problem why aren't they being recalled?
While driving down the interstate doing about 70 MPH I heard a loud noise. Looked at speedometer and it registered 0. I had no power. Barely managed to get van off the road. Got out and looked under it, there was transmission fluid everywhere. Had it checked out by personal mechanic. He then told me that there have been numerous complaints about this year of Plymouth Grand voyagers. I only have 86,000 miles on it. Also the sliding door locks have failed, windshield washers have failed, A/C has failed, not to mention the airbag light, fuel line and all of the numerous other recalls it has had on it.
While traveling at about 50 MPH, the transmission failed with a very loud noise and dumped transmission fluid onto the roadway. Apparently, a pin in the differential had come loose and destroyed the housing and most internal components. I understand that this is a common problem with Chrysler Mini van transmissions. Chrysler has charged me over $2500 for a replacement unit since they will not take the old unit as a ?core?. This should not happen with only 70,000 miles on the car. Chrysler needs to recall these units and admit they have a serious problem with this vehicle.
While traveling at about 50 MPH, the transmission failed with a very loud noise and dumped transmission fluid onto the roadway. Apparently, a pin in the differential had come loose and destroyed the housing and most internal components. Chrysler has charged me over $2500 for a replacement unit since they will not take the old unit as a core . This should not happen with only 70,000 miles on the car. Chrysler needs to recall these units and admit they have a serious problem with this vehicle.
The consumer stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently, and sometimes would not shut off. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the problem was due to the power distribution center of the vehicle which was malfunctioning. To repair vehicle would cost approximately $700.00. The wiper problem would occur at startup, while turning and or while in motion. The transmission would become a problem as well.
While driving the vehicle at 45 MPH, transmission failed without any warning at 70,000. Vehicle was taken to the independent shop who determined the transmission leaked fluid. The mechanic determined that the transmission had to be replaced at the owner expense of $2.800. The vehicle has not been repair due to the cost of replacing the transmission. The consumer request financial assistance to have the vehicle repaired.
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
Automatic transmission failed at the above mileage. The van will shift from first to second, then stays locked in second gear. Further acceleration results in higher RPM with no attachment to a gear.(like you are in neutral). Car is currently in the repair shop waiting an estimate as to repair.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager?
NHTSA has 103 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, 18% of the model year's 569 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (80 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.