1998 Plymouth Voyager Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Automatic transmission
  40
• Driveline › Differential unit
  6
• Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
  3
• Axle assembly
  2
• Manual transmission
  2
• Automatic transmission › Torque converter
  2

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  425%
• 50k–75k
  425%
• 75k–100k
  319%
• 100k–150k
  425%
• 150k+
  16%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Plymouth Voyager owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

While driving approximately 45 MPH, the consumer heard a noise and tried to shut the vehicle off. The consumer hit the guard rail to get the vehicle to stop and the transmission went out. The differential cracked and broke the axle which went into the transmission. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. After the transmission was remedied, 4 days later, the seals leaked.

While the vehicle was on driver's 2 year old daughter shifted the gear into reverse without applying the brakes and vehicle moved and hit the driver. Driver sustained bone bruises all over the body, and was transported to the hospital.

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. …

Plymouth Voyager transmission failed at 36,000 miles. It was just out of the 3 year warranty. Some valve shot through the transmission housing. Transmission fluid sprayed all over the engine compartment including the exhaust. I'm surprised it didn't burn. To do a total rebuild the independent transmission shop had to weld the case because this failure is so common used transmission housings are scarce. This failure was repeated 3 more times in the year that I owned this vehicle. There were also 2 failures of an electronic control valve on the transmission. The transmission shop owner said he fixes many more Chrysler minivan transmissions than any other vehicle. He said its been an ongoing problem with them for at least a dozen years that keeps his family fed. Chrysler denied any knowledge of defective transmissions in their vehicles. …

I have a Plymouth Voyager with 47,000 mi. I'd only had it for 4 mos. When the transmission started to act up. I have been told that it is probably on it's way out seeing as Chrysler knows not how to make a working product. It is very dangerous for me to try to pull out onto a road when I am not sure whether or not I am going to be able to go. When I do and it doesn't move, I then have to hurry up and gun it so as not to get hit from oncoming traffic. The car then jerks into gear after reving up to around 50 if I take it that far. I usually don't because then engine sounds like it is screaming. Shifting is a problem. It is well known to most Chrysler owners that there is a serious problem with their transmissions, yet Chrysler does nothing to upgrade or fix the defects. Had I known this information before I had bought the car, I would've bought a different make vehicle.

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.

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

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for service. Consumer feels that the service was incomplete because, after a week, vehicle started jerking whenever accelerator was pressed. Vehicle was taken to another shop, and consumer was told that transmission fluid was exceptionally low. Less than a week after that diagnosis transmission completely stopped working. The dealer would not make repairs without consumer paying for them.

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.

Dt*: the contact stated a leak was noticed under the transmission when the vehicle was parked. A local independent repair mechanic replaced a shaft seal in the transmission. However, that did not remedy the leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair transmission shop were it was determined the transmission needed rebuilt and the differential needed replaced.

Transmission complaints in other Voyager years