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 1997 Plymouth Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After starting vehicle, stepped on brake pedal, pedal went to floor. Leak was at corroded portion of rear steel brake line. Fortunately, failure occurred before shifting into gear. This was second occurrence of corroded steel brake line. First occurrence was 1 year ago. Both failures occurred while in driveway before shifting into gear. Pretty lucky!
The brakes on my vehicle have gone out 6 times. The initial time was at 30,000 miles and every 10,000 miles since then. Each time the mechanics have looked futher and further into the problem and have now discovered it is the steeriing knuckle that locks the caliper and brake pad into the knuckle. It brake pad grinds into the knuckle causing pits into the medal of the knuckle and brake pads worn out every 10,000 miles. These are warranty covered parts that will be replaced by the warranty company if they are give a reason for this defect and defect is caused by a covered part. The dealer cannot explain what is causing the problem. Chrysler corporation has been informed and they will not get involved because the car was not fixed at the Chrysler dealer every time. …
This van, slightly over 1 year old, has a history of stalling, windshield wipers going on without reason and off, radio breaking, tape player making noise when not used and the brakes went out the first time, I was told it was fixed, and the very next day they went out again almost causing a serious accident and deaths. This is serious and I would like to know actions taken by NHTSA concerning this as I have seen many other instances/complaints of stalling, windshield wiper problems and serious brake defects and breakdowns on NHTSA's customer complaints on the internet. I believe that NHTSA should give more serious investigative attention against daimler Chrysler concerning the stalling and brake problems as this is putting people's lives in danger it seems on a constant and re-occuring basis!
Vehicle was sitting in the yard. When moving the right wheel was locked up. Called boniface-hiers Chrysler-Dodge, merrit island cswy, merrit island, fl 32952 and had the vehicle towed to them. Next day they called and said the brake shoe was rusted to the drum. Cost of repair $90.00. Clean break and turn drumb. Picked vehicle up and break was draging. Made another appt. And took vehicle back. Was told break drum was out of round. They turned the drumb again and put it back together. The break is still draging. Was told not to drive the vehicle through water puddles by the service advisor..have heard that there is a directive out on the rear break cylinders but not sure????( dot number: )
While driving at approx. 65 MPH, a vibration was noted from under the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, when attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floor, and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. Driver pulled into the median on us 15, and the grass and mud slowed the wehicle to a stop. Dealer was unable to replicate the problem, and denied any history of similar problems.
In icy conditions with temperatures approximately 10 degrees f, brakes did not activate without excessive pedal pressure apparently due to failure of power assist. This happened twice within 24 hours during a trip to flint, mi. Upon returning to virginia, the vehicle was taken to greenbrier Chrysler-Plymouth, who inspected and advised that they were unable to duplicate the failure.
While vehicle was being driven air bags deployed without a collision occurring, cause unknown. Also, in rainy weather conditions water enters vehicle from dash area, causing electrical shortage. The windshield wiper had no gasket along botton. Tire tread separated while traveling. Four sets of brake pads and two sets of rotors faile in two years period.
Consumer took car into dealer for a squeak. Mechanic noticed that the rotors were heat struck and pitted. They were not able to fix the rotors, they had to replace them. Rotors on jeeps from 96-99 had been recalled, possible that these Chrysler rotors might be defective also.
Vehicle has had a rubbing sound in the rear brakes. Six times dealer has attempted repairs, but the brakes continue to grind. The vehicle has also, on three ocaasions, lurged forward while driver's foot was firmly on brake pedal. Recently, the right rear brake has locked up.
Engine oil leak due to blown engine head gasket. Thumping from rear of vehicle. Silencer pads and straps replaced on gas tank. Still thumps. Brakes: howling from rear brakes. Pads/mastercylinder and springs replaced.
Brake complaints in other Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Plymouth Voyager?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Plymouth Voyager, 9% of the model year's 346 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Plymouth Voyager brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager, though it has 6 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 Voyager brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 170,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 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.