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 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Takata recall,serpentine belt has shredded at least six times and just came off three times ,tensioner replaced three times,idler pulley twice,when belt shreds wires sever and van stops abruptly,windshield wipers stop abruptly hesitating before resuming,sway bar links need replaced,o2sensors check engine light to come on,cv axles failing replaced right twice,hub assembly and brake calipers miss aligned,engine mounts failed and needed,replaced,airbag and ABS lights on dashboard panel fuse blowing,taillights possible short causing brake light to fail,battery needing to be disconnected. …
I have problems with my wipers going on and right back off since the month I bought this vehicle in 2000 . I cant get it fixed because noone knows why it does it . Just this week I had my fan relay module replaced , only to learn my transmission is now not worknig it stops at 3rd gear only to drop to 1 gear . While trying to get that fixxed they told me my water pump is leaking (which is OK and expected of most vehicles , ) I have had to have my dash light computer reset because all my ac dfrost and wiper lights were blinking continuously. I dont know what to do this is only a 97 model and I havent even made my final payment but now I have all these expensive repairs. I have had I tick in my motor that rattles on acceleratin forever and change my oil every 3 to 4000 miles like I should . …
I am a police officer and have taken reports twice on Grand voyagers where they have popped out of gear and rolled unnattended. On 5-10-2000 my sisters vehicle which was parked on my graded drive did the same. It nearly ran me over and struck my vehicle. Her transmission can be put into gear without depressing the brakes. The same was true for the two reports I took in my official capacity. The dealer told me that although it is a mandated feature it only lasts so long and that it is not covered under warranty. This is a matter that should be looked into before the defect results into a fatality.
Automatic transmission failure @ 55865 miles while on vacation in northern california. Waited 5 1/2 for tow, got to Dodge dealer, told me the transmission blew up, warranty is only for 36000, but transmission repair is a common problem amongst Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth vans according to "inside service consultants" who have seen this problem many times. Was even told if the "public" knew about it, sales would tank!
The consumer has experienced problems with automatic transmission. While vehicle was parked in the driveway it drifted forward on its own and crashed into the wall in garage. The consumer had to get in the vehicle and put shift indicator down in order to get the vehicle to stop rolling. The manufacturer has been contacted.
The seems to have a lot of problem shifting to a lower gear when on the road. Often we can feel a jitter when the car is in motion and shifting the gear. The air bag light comes on often for no reason. Check engine light comes on and stays on for a few hours and goes away.
I was on my way to work at 6:30 one morning on a two-lane highway, driving about 60 MPH, when the transmission failed. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and park. I shut off the engine, started the van again, and tried to proceed. The van would not shift out of first gear. I pulled off again and called my husband. He called the local dealer and was told that it "sounded like it was an electronic problem" and it would be safe to drive the vehicle home in "limp" mode. The van is still in the shop. What was thought to be an electronic problem has now turned into a major problem. It seems that some gears inside the transmission broke. The estimated cost of repair is $1500.00 or higher. The dealer told us that he has not seen a problem with these transmissions. I was told by two different transmission places that they have seen a lot of problems with these transmissions. …
I just had my third mopar rebuilt transmission installed two weeks ago in my 97 Plymouth Grand Voyager--3 speed automatic--3.0 litre. I bought this 97 ply Grand Voyager with 30K miles from a reputable dealer. This original trans went at 75K. I then had the first mopar rebuilt installed and replaced within 3,000 miles due to a flatly torque converter. The second, and third were replaced, at 85K and 97K, respectfully, due to the same problem. This torque converter, "shuttering", problem is the main symptom. Mopar has replaced the transmissions, parts and labor, without delay. My question---why is this happening sooooooo often? The warranty is good of 36/36,000 miles, which expires at 111,000. Is there any recourse to this situation? Is there a problem with these transmissions? Wayne efferson.
I took the vehicle to a transmission repair shop and was told the main seal (pump seal) was defective and needed to be replaced because of leaking. I choose to pull the trans mission and found a crack on a machined surface inside the bell housing behind the tourque converter. The crack is 1/16" wide and 1" to 1 1/2" long. The machined area looks to be designed to allow clearence for the torque converter. The crack also appears to be push thru from the passengers side drive axle assembly meaning it is raised inside the bell housing. My complaint is this appears to be a flaw in the design that allows clearence for the tourque converter causing a thin wall in the bell housing. Is there any type of recall or investigation that would allow owners to have their vehicles fixed or checked for this problem?
After purchasing my minivan I found what I felt was a serious safety issue. With the car running, the gear shift can be engaged with out the need to depress the brake. I have seen this feature on most cars I've driven or researched. I didn't realize that this was not amandatory feature until a few months later wen I accidently caught the gear shift with my purse strap. I nearly ran myself down. I feet that if this is a minivan marketed to families, this should be taken into account. What if it had been a small child who was where they shouldn't be and this happened? I wasn't sure if any recommendations could be made, but I felt I needed to have someone hear my concerns. Thank you
Transmission complaints in other Grand Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager, 19% of the model year's 261 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager, though it has 4 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 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries and 1 death 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.