Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Plymouth Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Voyager. After purchasing the vehicle, the defogger failed to operate normally. The driver had to stop the vehicle in order to clean the windows. There have been several failures with the vehicle since it was purchased. The engine was rebuilt and the serpentine belt was replaced on five occasions. The steering was replaced incorrectly by a dealer and was authorized by the manufacturer to be replaced. The brakes and the heating system were replaced under the extended warranty; however, the brakes were replaced four times. The contact was charged $100 per visit. Invoices are available if needed. A complaint was also filed with the state attorney general. The contact is disabled and aware of the safety risk involved in the numerous vehicle failures. On March 27, 2008, the dealer replaced the manifold and cylinder. …
5/21/96, my son and I were impacted at left front of our 1996 ply Voyager van by a 1987 Chrysler. When I applied the brakes, they locked up, we slid slighthly to the right side -- the force from the impact was enough to shatter the transmission housing, the starter, damage the rack and pinion steering, and crumpled the front end in such a way that the passenger door could not be opened. The shoulder harnesses locked up, but neither air bag deployed. The car was alegedly looked at by Chrysler engineers and it was determined that "the sensor had not been hit"... My son and I both sustained permanent injuries as a result of this accident. My question, with this speed, and this front end damage, why did the bags not deploy? I don't buy not hitting the sensor. I've read report after report identifying the sensor as deploying at 8mph... This accident was serious. …
Dt: the contact stated there were several safety defects within vehicle. The service dealer attempted to repair the vehicle numerous times. There was a problem with the defrosting system, the air conditioning belt, heater core, and heater blower, they were all replaced. The replacement of these parts did not solve the defrosting problem. The steering column shook while driving at normal speeds. The dealer has not been able to diagnose the source of the steering vibration. There was a squeaking noise in the brakes. The dealer said this was normal because the vehicle was not in use for a long period of time. The dealer indicated the noise would end with normal use, but the noise continued. Updated 12/7/2005 -
Dealer service department stated this is normal wear cleveland area due to salt. Rotor warpage, extreme vibration and sway bar bushings failure at such low mileage represents dangerous design flaw which is impractical to compensate for with constant replacing of poorly designed and manufactured parts. This is in a vehicle which is typically used to transport families and children. These defects cause actual loss of control problems on the road should be addressed urgently. ***dimsii ivoq posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****742642
I am convinced the ABS failed and contributed to the collision that occurred. I know how to use the ABS and have practiced with it, so know how it feels when the system engages. This is the second time the ABS has not functioned - the first time nothing was found wrong! This time it is being checked again. There were no injuries but much car damage. No estimates yet.
The ABS braking system malfunctioned,causing vehicle to have no stopping ability, and resulting in an accident. Also there is a noise when the ABS system is activated. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem.
Electronic contol unit is bad. This controlls the wipers as well as many other things. Only the windshield wipers do not at this time. I thought we would crash into some when we were on the highway and a big rainstorm hit. We could'nt see anything, it was very scarry. Dealer estimates $579.00 for repair/replacement. Chrysler said "too bad" "not our problem". Also, the parking brake does not hold. I had that checked @ the dealer, who said it could not be adjusted any further w/o risk of the brakes locking up. They also mentioned, the cable was fine, it was not stretched and did not need to be replaced. When we use the ac system, it gives off a bad smell. I think there is some filter in the system somewhere, but they state at the dealership, it does not affect the interior smell of the vehicle when replaced. In otherwords, it will not make the smell go away. …
Noise emanating from the rear drums during stopping at times, inspected the brake system. Pads/shoes were worn out prematurely specifically the rear drum pad which were worn to the rivets at 35K. Because the rear brakes worn fast, the front rotors took over the majority of braking and subsequently warped the rotors. Since replacement, the noise has not occured again. Also windshield wipers began operating by themselves when driving. They would come on and wipe the windshield 1-3 times without ever touching the control switch. Control switch replaced and problem went away, started again sporadically.
When driving there is a cracking noise and when hitting bumps there is more noise intermittently. Dealer contacted numerous times, attempted to repair the vehicle, replaced the sway bar cushion and bushing, and problem still exists. Brakes were making noise from the rear due to shoe and lining, brake assembly failure. Rear right or left brake drum worn out. There is a driping noise from engine due to tensioner/pulley failure.
Brakes lock up when brakes are applied and have difficulty releasing. There will be a burning smell emitted when this problem occurs. Dealership and also private mechanics have examined vehicle, and replaced numerous components in braking system. It has been suggested that computer could be faulty because windshield wipers will engage on their own. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Brake complaints in other Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Plymouth Voyager?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Plymouth Voyager, 8% of the model year's 756 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Voyager brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Plymouth 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 Voyager brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.