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 Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Plymouth Voyager. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving and the cruise control and horn failed to function. In addition, when making a turn, there was a flapping noise in the steering wheel that caused the clock spring to fail. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
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. …
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 -
The seals on the Plymouth Voyager air compressor erode during routine use and can cause the compressor to seize resulting in the powered steering system locking up. There is no mention of this problem or its remedy in the Plymouth maintenance manuals and it is virtually undetectable by routine maintenance of the vehicle. Serious accidents May result from loss of power steering.
Power rack and pinion steering assembly replaced by dealer at approximately 35,000 miles. Assembly had developed a loud, momentary "honk" or "groan." problem is described as follows: when maneuvering in parking lots or other close quarters, if the steering wheel was turned to the right, a loud honk or groan could be heard emanating from the steering system. At the same time, I could feel a noticeable drag on the steering column, sometimes accompanied by a low frequency vibration. The dealer inspected the steering system and informed me that the power rack and pinion assembly had a defective valve. The dealer replace the entire rack and pinion assembly. This new assembly is now beginning to exhibit the same characteristics, at approximately 54000 miles. I suspect that this assembly has the same problem as the original assy which has been replaced.
Power steering went out when driving through mudd puddles at 40 MPH or in car wash. Taken to dealer, belt had come off. Repaired it, but had no answer why it happened. This has happened lots of times. Also, windshield wipers came on while driving, switch has been replaced 5 times. The main belt failed. The water pump failed. The transmission was leaking. The A/C compressor went out burning on freeway.
Front motor mount very bad and engine rocks back and forth and sometimes jerks when coming to a stop. Heater doesn't work on all setting for air. Steering bad, knocks on rough streets and makes bad noise when turning the steering wheel. Smell fuel inside of the vehicle when putting fuel in the tank and sometime smell it when regualar driving.
While driving on the highway or road lost all power steering control. In order to get the vehicle to start, had to put vehicle in park. Contacted the dealer and he took the vehicle in for service 3 time's. The dealer replaced the electrical brain in the vehicle. The consumer is still having problems with the vehicle.
Tensioner snaps off while driving and vehicle loses power steering and belts. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated this was a difficult part to check. Consumer stated that serpentine belt and/or tensioner have failed repeatedly, this is the 3rd failure of this system in less than 3 years.
Left steering is intermittently in-operable, making noise, car was brought to two independent shops, could not identify the problem. Caused a one-car accident white making a left turn. Car was drivable to home. Called police from home, but they did not come out to make a report.
Steering complaints in other Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Plymouth Voyager?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Plymouth Voyager, 4% of the model year's 756 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Voyager steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 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.