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 1998 Plymouth Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated, while traveling 30mph, panic braking was attempted to avoid a vehicle stopped at a red light. The ABS activated and the vehicle slid into the rear of the vehicle stopped at the light. The contact was wearing a seat belt; sustained no injuries and the police took a report at the scene. The vehicle was never inspected to determine what caused the ABS failure.
This is a company vehicle. It was used on Tuesday of this week without problem. Thursday it was used again, and the coworker who used it this time found that the brakes were just barely able to bring the vehicle to a stop from a slow roll. Fortunately, he was able to safely return to the parking lot without incident. When I checked on the vehicle later that day I noted a puddle of brake fluid on the ground under the rear axle. Thinking that possibly some road debris had punctured a brake line, I took it into the shop, a Dodge dealer. There they found that one brake line had rusted completely through. Also, they noted significant rust on other places in the lines. I had the shop give me the old lines after the new ones were installed. I have them available for photographing or physical analysis. …
Another 1998 Plymouth Voyager van with the rear brake lines broken. Happened on the road, brakes worked and less than 3 miles down the road when driver attempted a turn, brakes went to the floor. Driver was able to park the vehicle. Vehicle was driven home by husband using front brakes only where the broken lines were discovered. With no apparent reason for the corrosion, research reveals multiple incidents on mid to late 90s' Plymouth vans with corroded or rusted rear brake lines. I will replace with aftermarket parts to avoid repeat failure.
Dt: contact went to have brakes checked on 8-3-05, just a routine check, and the mechanic noticed that left front caliper bolts were incorrect and have damaged the steering knuckles. He told her the left front wheel was spinning inside the knuckles, within 7 months after purchasing the car had to replace the transmission. Also, the ignition switch was bad.
While driving at an undetermined speed, and brake pedal was depressed pedal went to the floor. When this occurred vehicle pulled to the left. The failure was caused by brake pads coming off the brake. Dealership indicated that there was a defect in the brake design that caused premature brake wear.
Dt: caller got recall work done on clock spring, but it did not fix the problem. The air bag light was on before it was fixed, and now the air bag light was off , and the ABS light and engine light were on, and none of gauges worked. Dealer said there was nothing else they could do. Dealer said they could do a diagnostic, but consumer would have to pay for it. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.
The brake light illuminated several times after releasing the brake, the repair shop stated that vehicle needed new rotors and that the cylinders were leaking, the consumer authorized the work and request the faulty parts, upon inspection by dealer it showed that the rotor and wheel cylinders had normal wear but the brake pads needed replacing, consumer believes these parts should last longer than 2 years. Nlm
The pads would be grinding into the rotors when ABS brakes were applied. The vehicle failed to stop right away. The brake pedal pushed hard to stop. Rotors were cut by brake system after braking to exit ramp. Took to dealer at least 12 different times for brake problem. Was informed by dealer & mechanic not to bring vehicle back on lot. Each time vehicle taken to dealership, manufacturer was notified.
Windshield wipers turn themselves on/off intermittently and without warning. Occasionally windshield wipers will not turn on when engaged by driver. Consumer feels that body control module is faulty. The radio was inoperative, the brake light on the dash board does not illuminate, the emergency brake switch had to be reconnected consumer was unable to open doors from the inside. *akjlg
Right and left front brake pads worn away/ rotor damage to both sides. When asked, the mechanic at midas states vechicles this new and with this low of mileage don't usually have this much brake damage, but lots of Plymouth voyagers 98's and 99's have been coming in with this same amount or more damage.
Brake complaints in other Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Plymouth Voyager?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Plymouth Voyager, 9% of the model year's 323 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Plymouth Voyager brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Plymouth Voyager, though it has 5 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 1998 Plymouth Voyager brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires 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.