Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
We purchased the vehicle because it only had 21,486 at three years old and they called it certified. When the air conditioning went out they refused to even reimburse us part of it because we did not have the extended warranty. We have the powertrain a this point until 70,000 miles. We have had engine knocking, which our mechanic added an additive to and seemed to go away but now at the end of August seems to be returning. The tires were terrible at what seemed to us to be low mileage. We had sensors that went and caused the transmission to downwshift so our mechanic repaired. We have submitted that one bill to Chrysler because it turns out it was a powertrain issue on that. We have not received reimbursement yet. …
Over the past 5 years - since the replacement my serpentine belt on my 2000 Chrysler Voyager has popped off 4 or 5 times. Since our local dealer is no longer here I had to pay $93.21 today to have the belt put back. The mechanic checked the belt and tensioner and found both in practically brand new condition and good working order. He could not find a reason why it would come off. Each time it has come off was after a rain. In researching this problem online I found that it has happened a lot to many others also. My former dealer's mechanics also could not explain why this occurs. This is a dangerous situation that needs a quick and permanent solution since all the power controls such as steering are managed by this one belt. Once out you no longer have any power assisted steering. Updated 06/30/11 updated 07/01/11
Feb 2003, vehicle is approx. 4 years old, serpentine belt came off pulley, resulting in loss of power steering. Difficulty turning which almost resulted in 5 accidents - head on collision. Resulted in 3 accidents by being unable to turn vehicle, hitting snow banks, factor involved is heavy snow storm, approx 3 feet. Replaced belts and pump. Vehicle is out of warranty, I paid nearly $600.00.
We have the extended warranty on our car. The van has been into the dealer numerous times as recently as June of 2004. At that time it was a transmission problem. This time the van was not shifting up in gears in the automatic transmission. We thought it was a transmission problem. We got the vehicle to the dealership. The next day they told us it was the emission system,and coincidentally we were 42 miles over the factory warranty of 80,000 for the emission system. We then asked our extended warranty company and they are also hedging. We called Chrysler and a person by the name of "joe" answered the phone who was very rude and when we asked to speak to a supervisor he replied he "was it. " and when we asked for his last name he refused. What we cannot understand is if the emission system and the catalytic converter is involved, why then would it not be covered? …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Plymouth Voyager. While traveling approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle erupted into flames. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and noticed that the engine was not running. The vehicle would not change gears and was coasted to the side of the road. The contact was able to extinguish the flames with a water hose from a residential home. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for a response to determine how the failure occurred and if the vehicle could be repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 98V185000 (child seat), 02V076000 (seat belts), and 02V293000 (air bags), but the contact not receive notification of the recalls to receive the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH there was a smell of fuel and smoke was coming from the air vents. Someone behind the vehicle alerted the driver that the vehicle was on fire. The driver pulled off of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and was totaled. The fire department and the police department were notified. The fire department determined the fire originated from the hood and spread throughout the vehicle. Updated 07/03/06.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel leakeage from rollover valve
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Plymouth Voyager years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (137), 1998 (78), 1997 (58), 1999 (52) and 1995 (39) model years. Engine complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Plymouth Voyager engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-006 (gasoline, Jan 11, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Plymouth Voyager engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (149 mentions), followed by the engine (124).
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.