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Plymouth VoyagerModel year report

1997 Plymouth Voyager Problems

Complaints
346filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
90,000miles, 58 complaints with mileage
Recalls
6campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 16 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about airbag and clockspring trouble, transmission failures, and engine cooling or belt problems, with the typical complaint arriving around 80,000-100,000 miles. Many of the reports describe symptoms that appeared gradually (a flickering airbag light, hard shifting, a slowly failing belt) as well as a few sudden failures such as a camshaft breaking while driving. Complaints span both early-life faults under warranty and repairs needed well past 150,000 miles.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission hard shifting, limp mode, or loss of gear

    • 39 complaints (11%)
    • median 73,652 mi at 6.6 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $1,800 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 1998–2008

    Owners describe harsh or clunking shifts, especially around 35-40 mph, and a transmission that drops into limp-home mode or refuses to engage reverse or drive. Several complaints recount a dealer first saying nothing was wrong, followed by a full transmission replacement or overhaul, with metal found inside the unit. Some report the van lurching or rolling while placed in gear, and one describes the transmission failing at highway speed. Reports cluster from about 60,000 to 125,000 miles, with a few failures under 30,000 miles.

    What to check: Drive the van from cold through all gears, including reverse, and watch for delayed or harsh engagement. Ask for transmission service records and whether a replacement or overhaul has already been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “It all began with a bump in the transmission when the AC was on. Soon after that startedtransmission would lock into limp home mode betwen 30 and 35 MPH. It kicked into limp home mode on the highway, while I was driving 65 and put my family in jeapordy. I parked in in the driveway and left it there for 2 months. When I decided to try it again to get it to a mechanic, it wouldn't even go in reverse. Brought it to a chrysler dealership in the area to be repaired at the tune of $2,000 for an overhaul. Metal all throughout the tranny. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10082872, filed 2004-07, 92,000 miles

    “1997 Plymouth Voyager transmission failure. Consumer states that the transmission has failed 5 times. Consumer believes that he is due to some compensation due to the continuing failure of this vehicle. The transmission would not shift properly into gear and sometimes it would get stuck in second gear. Both outer tie rod ends were loose.”

    NHTSA complaint #10228434, filed 2008-05, 90,482 miles
  2. Air bags

    Airbag light on; horn and cruise control stop working

    • 55 complaints (16%)
    • median 85,721 mi at 7.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2015

    Complaints describe the airbag warning light staying on while the horn and cruise control stop working, which several dealers traced to the clockspring assembly. Some owners report the part was replaced under a recall program, while others say a dealer denied the clockspring was the cause or asked for a diagnostic fee before repair. A few say the work was performed without their knowledge or that they paid out of pocket before the recall notice arrived. One owner reports both front airbags deploying at very low speed on a gravel driveway without any collision. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with a few at much lower mileage.

    Recall 02V293000

    What to check: Turn the key to accessory and confirm the airbag light goes out, and test the horn and cruise control buttons. Ask whether the clockspring recall (02V293000) was completed and keep any repair paperwork.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “1. The rear hatch leaked upon delivery. Three attempts were made to put some king of sealant on the exterior to prevent leakage. Some water damage to interior was never fixed. 2. Air bag light on due to clock spring failure. Waited for almost two years for chrysler to issue recall while problem was being investigated by NHTSA. 3. Transmission failure at 115,800km. Estimated $1,800 to repair at transmission shop.”

    NHTSA complaint #10071389, filed 2004-01, 95,000 miles

    “Dealership contacted the consumer to inform him that the seat belt recall 02v076000 and air bag clock spring recall 02v293000 repairs were already performed. Then, consumer never took vehicle to dealer have the recall repairs performed. Manufacturer will be contacted.”

    NHTSA complaint #10074028, filed 2004-05, 10,000 miles
  3. Fuel system

    Fuel smell and underhood fuel leaks

    • 18 complaints (5%)
    • median 92,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2014

    Complaints describe a gasoline smell inside the cabin and fuel leaking from the line or rail near the engine, with one owner reporting the van caught fire from the hood area. Others mention a leaking fuel filter or degraded rubber O-ring seals at the fuel rail. A separate complaint describes the fuel tank straps rusting through and the tank coming loose while driving. Mostly reported between about 74,000 and 138,000 miles, with the tank strap case at higher mileage.

    Recall 00V268000

    What to check: Ask whether the fuel rail O-ring recall (00V268000) was completed, and inspect the fuel lines and tank straps underneath for corrosion or a gasoline smell after driving.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The fuel line from the gas tank to the fuel injection passed over the manifold and developed a hole due to the expansion and contraction of the heat and cold, which caused the fuel to leak on the manifold which was hot and the fumes was pushed back into the vehicle.ts”

    NHTSA complaint #8023692, filed 2002-12, 74,000 miles

    “The vehicle experienced a fuel leak. The electrical system has not worked while vehicle was running. (window, blinkers, and the radio) restarting the vehicle solves the problem each time. Scc”

    NHTSA complaint #10014704, filed 2003-03, 98,000 miles
  4. Engine cooling

    Serpentine belt slips off in wet weather

    • 11 complaints (3%)
    • median 94,500 mi at 8.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2007

    Complaints describe the serpentine belt coming off while driving in rain or snow, sometimes repeatedly over several years, which takes out power steering and charging and leads to overheating. Owners report replacing the belt and tensioner, and in one case a bracket per a service bulletin, without the problem going away. Mechanics quoted in the complaints say the belt and tensioner wear are a known pattern on these vans. Reported over a wide mileage range, roughly 65,000 to 145,000 miles, typically in wet or snowy conditions.

    What to check: Inspect the belt for glazing, fraying or edge wear and check the tensioner and pulley alignment; ask whether the belt or bracket update described in service literature has been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving in the rain/snow causes serp belt to slip off. Over the last 5 years it has slipped numerous times(8+), after careful inspection of the belt and pulleys the belt was reinstalled or replaced. After the belt causing a sensor break, had mechanic troubleshoot and it was deemed the tensioner needed to be replaced and the serp belt replace as well as sensor. After this maintenance, the vehicle continued to lose serp belt. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10161701, filed 2006-07, 112,000 miles

    “While driving on the highway consumer heard a slapping noise from the engine. Dealership indicated that the belt broke off the edge, and the belt tensioner needed to be replaced. Also, dealer indicated that this was a common problem with these vehicles.”

    NHTSA complaint #10061568, filed 2004-03, 65,000 miles

Buying note. These are 25-plus-year-old vans, so condition and records matter more than the model itself. Prioritize a van that has documented transmission and cooling-system work, a completed clockspring and fuel-rail recall, and a solid front strut tower with no rust around the tops.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 346 consumer complaints for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 16% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 18 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Steering (17), Suspension (13), Tires (10), Equipment (9), Body and structure (9), Other or unknown (8), Seats (8), Engine (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Interior lighting (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “My wife was driving our 1997 Voyager up a gravel driveway about 5-10 MPH. Both the driver side and passenger side air bags inadvertently deployed. There was no collision of any kind. My wife and daughter both suffered bruising and facial abrasions from the air bags. It is not covered by insurance stating it is a mechanical failure. I feel this is very dangerous and should covered by chrysler for all parts and service.”

NHTSA complaint #10147872, filed 2006-01, 178,000 miles

Engine cooling: “I have a 1997 Plymouth Voyager. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and has approx. 91,000 miles on it. Approx. 10 days ago, the cam broke and the engine (3.3 liter) suddenly quit while I was traveling on the highway. Power steering was lost and fortuantely, I was able to coast and bring the car to a stop without power steering or power brakes. Repair required replacement of the engine. I am concerned because two repair shops that I spoke with indicated they have had several similar failures. …”

NHTSA complaint #10122420, filed 2005-05, 91,450 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “At about 62000 miles van began to shift hard and clunk at about 35-40 MPH. Took it to the dealer during warranty period and was told that there was nothing wrong with the transmission. At 65000 miles the transmission failed while my wife and 11 month old were driving, leaving them stranded about and hour from home.”

NHTSA complaint #10088453, filed 2004-08, 65,000 miles

Electrical system: “1997 Voyager stahls often. Come to a complete stop at red light, accelerate and the engine stalls. No warning and no warning lights displayed. We start the van up again and continue on. Also, on the highway we had two instances of this van stalling. Was able to restart and continue on. Need help, what is causing this very dangerous situation?”

NHTSA complaint #10068061, filed 2004-04, 130,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

16% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 69,400 and 125,000 miles.

2%0–105%10–259%25–5014%50–7536%75–10022%100–15012%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (58 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 90,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’97’0081’03’06’09’12’15
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Voyager · sedan not rated4 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1997 Plymouth Voyager version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Voyager/Grand Voyager 2WD2.4L 4-cyl3-speed automatic182320$3,350
Voyager/Grand Voyager 2WD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic162319$3,550
Voyager/Grand Voyager 2WD3.0L 6-cyl3-speed automatic172219$3,550
Voyager/Grand Voyager 2WD3.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic162218$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

Other model years of the Plymouth Voyager

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200016861,5002—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199927373,9554—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199832380,0005—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199734690,0006—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199675698,0009—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995336106,5001—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1994529109,4913—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1993615122,0008—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1992701123,0009—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1991520130,0008—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199022670,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1989165140,0002—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198891—2—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198784233,8720—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198653—1—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198531—3—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198422—3—21—Stable

All Plymouth Voyager model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Plymouth Voyager?

Owners of this model year most often write about airbag and clockspring trouble, transmission failures, and engine cooling or belt problems, with the typical complaint arriving around 80,000-100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Transmission hard shifting, limp mode, or loss of gear; Airbag light on; horn and cruise control stop working; Fuel smell and underhood fuel leaks.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Plymouth Voyager have?

NHTSA recorded 346 consumer complaints for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1997 Plymouth Voyager is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 64 complaints (19% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 56.

Has the 1997 Plymouth Voyager been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Plymouth Voyager get?

The EPA rates the 1997 Plymouth Voyager (Voyager/Grand Voyager 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Plymouth Voyager reported?

Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 69,400 and 125,000 miles; 16% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.