Most common 1999 Plymouth Prowler problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Plymouth Prowler complaints by model year
Best Prowler years: 1997. Compare all years →
1999 Plymouth Prowler recalls (4)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower control arm ball joints May experience a loss of lubrication that can result in accelerated wear and possible separation from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front lower control arm ball joints with modified assemblies. Owner notification began on April 4, 2003.
Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some aluminum castings used in the manufacture of the vehicle frame May have missed the required heat treatment operation resulting in soft frame castings.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these vehicles.
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake system on these vehicles does not comply with FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Remedy: Dealers will attach a wiring jumper to the brake system pressure differential switch.
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The back light bulbs for the liquid crystal display for the gear shift position (PRNDL) and the odometer were not properly installed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly with clusters that have bulbs that have been properly twist-locked in place.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1999 Plymouth Prowler:
BALL JOINT
Ball joint separation
Odi has received complaints that the subject vehicles have had one or both of their lower ball joints separate and cause the front of the vehicle to drop to the ground.daimler Chrysler?s assessment of the ball joint failures is that the joint failure May be precipitated by the loss of joint lubrication.the loss of lubrication could result in accelerated wear and possible joint separation.
What 1999 Plymouth Prowler owners say
Suspension
I purchased my 1999 Plymouth Prowler in August of 2022. I was told that it has a recall on the front suspension lower ball joints that was issued on 03/28/2003. I contacted a dealership for an appointment to get it fixed and they said they would order the ball joints. They also said it takes a special tool to replace them of which they did not have and the would not purchase on. I contacted another dealer and was to the same thing. I can't get anyone to fix it. What can I do. I looked on line and the tool cost about $75.00.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Plymouth Prowler. While the vehicle was being serviced for regular maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the front lower ball joints were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired a few years back for the same failure under a manufacturer recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
Autostick mode is constantly being disabled reverting to automatic mode causing erratic shifting and sudden burst of acceleration and difficulties controlling speed of vehicle. Previously happened on a long hot drive in traffic, according to the owner's manual the system detected power train overheating. Now the car shifts gears at will overriding driver control. There's definitely something defective with the autostick controls.
Consumer states that when vehicle gets to 50 MPH, they start losing power and have to slam on the gas pedal for vehicle to accelerate. Mr
Body & structure
The dealership was unable to perform the lower control arm ball joint recall 03v-034000,the brake system lamp recall 99v-245000, the frame strength recall 99v-313000, and the gear shift position lighting recall 98v-104000 because the parts haven't been available. This has been going on for over 3 years.
Hood shocks do not support hood weight. The hood crashes down and I need to put a support pole there to hold it up. Replacing the shocks does not help--it only happens again. Many other Prowler owners are experiencing the same thing.
1999 Plymouth Prowler engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Plymouth Prowler a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Prowler rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Prowler at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Plymouth Prowler?
The suspension — 9 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm › lower ball joint. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and body & structure (3).
How many recalls does the 1999 Plymouth Prowler have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1999 Plymouth Prowler, the most recent from February 5, 2003 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Plymouth Prowler?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997. See the full Plymouth Prowler years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Plymouth Prowler problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.