Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 there were several problems with the vehicle that would be considered a manufacturer defect. The first component of concern was the belt tensioner which had to be replaced by the dealer because it was observed to be dismantled. The second component was identified when the vehicle was taken in for a regular oil change. The independent mechanic determined there was a major leak coming from the pump seal on the transmission. Once the transmission was taken out of the vehicle, a crack was observed in the torque converter. The transmission had to rebuilt because a transmission for replacement could not be found. The dealer determined the transmission problem was due to a pin drop which has been common in vehicles of this year, make and model. …
My19 98 Plymouth Voyager with the 2.4ltr engine developed an oil leak at approx. 49,000 miles. After tedious searching, I found the leak was confined to the head gasket. Which has turned out to be a very expensive fix. I asked Chrysler if they had encountered this problem, and was told no. So then I decided to check the internet, and lordy lordy the place was overflowing with a multitude of the same problem. I feel that this is a factory design problem, which gives to a serious possibility of loss of property or life due to the oil leaking could catch fire as it drips and mists it's way under the vehicle. The exhaust and converter are both in the path of the oil. Chrysler should reimburse all moneys paid in trying to correct this problem.
The airbag sensor light continued to stay on and horn the was inoperative. The dealer stated the air bag clock spring had failed. A recall was issued, however the vehicle identification number was outside of the remedy scope. The valve cover gasket leaked oil while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who claimed they couldn't find a leak. The vehicle was taken to two other technicians who both agreed that there was a leak. The serpentine belt cracked at 90000 miles. The transmission cooler line clamps were replaced.
Vehicle was shooting sparks from under the dashboard on the driver's side. Then, the brake lights and the dashboard lights could not be turned off. Mechanic had to turn the lights off by disconnecting or touching a wire. The ses light remained illuminated while driving. The horn stopped working. The brake light became stuck and the brakes felt spongy. The interior lights failed intermittently. The rear door lock wouldn't work with the key. The right rear wheel bearings were noisy. One of the front tires had cord separation.
The consumer took the vehicle to have the leaking transmission filter gasket replaced and as they were raising the car on the hoist the starter began to burn, the fire was caused by coolant leaking between the head and block, as the mechanic began to disassemble the motor they found one of the head bolts broken off and lying on the head cover, the broken bolt caused the head gasket to leak coolant onto the starter which caused the fire, the consumer believes this was faulty workmanship at the assembly plant. Nlm
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Plymouth Voyager. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH during inclement weather, the serpentine belt slipped off the pulley, causing the battery warning light to illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 103,000.
1998 Plymouth Voyager loses serpentine belt ,over heats and loses power steering whenever it rains. I had the belt tensioner replaced twice it has not helped now van is at another Chrysler dealership, where they say it is the power steering pump and pulley. They are charging me $400.00 dollars to do this work and I believe this is a manufacturing defect that should be acknowledged and addressed.
Gasoline odor/exhaust fumes were coming into the vehicle through the heating vent on the passenger's side while driving at various speeds. This was due to a flex cross over tube located between the exhaust manifold. Dealer was aware of this issue, but the replacement part was unavailable.
Antifreeze leaked from van suddenly. Took it to a dealer who said it was a head gasket leak. They fixed it at a cost of $1300.00. It had 84,000 miles on it when this occured a few months ago. Was told by mechanic that this is a common problem with crysler vans for this to happen.
While driving, the serpentine belt in the engine broke causing the vehicle to lose power steering. With great difficulty, the driver somehow got the vehicle to the side of the road without incident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the serpentine belt.
Engine complaints in other Voyager years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Plymouth Voyager?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Plymouth Voyager, 24% of the model year's 323 complaints. The component named most often is engine (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Plymouth Voyager engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.