PLYMOUTH VOYAGER · model year

1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

474 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1997PLYMOUTHVOYAGER carries 474 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 28 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1997 VOYAGER is air bags with 47 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (38) and vehicle speed control (24). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 1997 VOYAGER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

474
Complaints
16
Crashes
28
Fires
22
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

474 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS47
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION38
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE18
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL16
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS10
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY8
TIRES8

Recent Complaints

20151001FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

Mileage: 300,000

20151001FireENGINE

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. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

Mileage: 300,000

20140715ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PYLMOUTH VOYAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,321. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL FILTER LEAKED AND RUBBER O-RING COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 3/9/15 *JS

Mileage: 138,000

20130814ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE GAUGES FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE PF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

20120323FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE AND UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT APPLIED A TEMPORARY STRAP AS A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

20111110SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. LEAK WAS AT CORRODED PORTION OF REAR STEEL BRAKE LINE. FORTUNATELY, FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THIS WAS SECOND OCCURRENCE OF CORRODED STEEL BRAKE LINE. FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS 1 YEAR AGO. BOTH FAILURES OCCURRED WHILE IN DRIVEWAY BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR. PRETTY LUCKY! *TR

Mileage: 170,000

20111110SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. LEAK WAS AT CORRODED PORTION OF FRONT STEEL BRAKE LINE. FORTUNATELY, FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

20100829SUSPENSION:FRONT

STRUT TOWERS ARE CORRODED TO THE POINT YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE TOP OFF THE STRUT TOWER HALFWAY AROUND THE TOP. THERE IS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THIS IT WOULD HAVE LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE STRUT SUPPORT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED PREVIOUSLY. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPAIR IT AT THEIR COSTS. PLEASE JUST DO A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET. YOU WILL FIND THIS IS A ISSUE THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IN ORDER TO SAVE LIVES OR INJURIES. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

20100829STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

STRUT TOWERS ARE CORRODED TO THE POINT YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE TOP OFF THE STRUT TOWER HALFWAY AROUND THE TOP. THERE IS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THIS IT WOULD HAVE LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE STRUT SUPPORT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED PREVIOUSLY. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPAIR IT AT THEIR COSTS. PLEASE JUST DO A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET. YOU WILL FIND THIS IS A ISSUE THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IN ORDER TO SAVE LIVES OR INJURIES. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

20100803TIRES

I WAS HEADING NORTH ON SCENIC HIGHWAY, NORTH OF CREIGHTON IN PENSACOLA FL DOING 50 IN A 45 MPH ZONE. SUDDENLY I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG AND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT. I MANAGED TO STOP, CHANGE THE TIRE AND RETURN IT TO SEARS. THE WRITEUP MAN SAID THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GOODYEAR WEATHERHANDLER LS TIRE PROBABLY GOT AN AIR BUBBLE BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE SIDEWALL AND THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUTWARD, FROM ITS SIDEWALL. I GOT CREDIT FOR THE 3 REMAINING TIRES AND BOUGHT 4 MICHELINS. *TR

Mileage: 103,479

20090604AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

RECALL NOTICE FOR CLOCKSPRING ON A 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER. *NJ THE CONSUMER HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE NOTICE. RECALL 02V293000

20090421SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY NAME IS KATIE OLSON I DRIVE A 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VAN WITH THE BUILT IN CAR SEATS. THAT IS WHAT SOLD ME THE VAN I THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE SAFER FOR MY CHILDREN. LAST WEEK I TOOK MY KIDS TO THE PARK AND I WENT TO RELEASE THE BELT AND IT RETRACTED TO MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS NECK. I COULD NOT GET IT OFF OF HERE I HAD TO CUT IT OFF AFTER A HALF HOUR OF TRYING TO LOOSEN IT. IT WAS SO TIGHT I COULDN'T PUT MY FINGER BETWEEN HER THROAT AND THE BELT. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE BUT I TALKED TO A LAWYER AND THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

Mileage: 177,000

20081110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE A 97 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 2 YRS. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN EVERYTHING WAS WORKING PROPERLY. FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. FIRST MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING,THEN MY HORN,NOW MY BLINKERS ONLY WORK SOMETIMES AND ALOT OF TIMES I HAVE TO TURN ON MY BRIGHT LIGHTS FOR THE BLINKERS TO WORK. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHICH MEANS IT IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. THESE ARE BIG PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING SYSTEM AND IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE THE WHOLE THING REWIRED. MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WILL COST OVER $1000 TO HAVE EVERYTHING FIXED CORRECTLY. *TR

20080516POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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. *KB THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD GET STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE. *JB

Mileage: 90,482

20080516STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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. *KB THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD GET STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE. *JB

Mileage: 90,482

20070114ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

LIGHT RAIN, WET ROADS, TURNING LEFT AFTER A STOP, SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING CONTROL. MANHANDLED TO A STOP OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE BELT HAS COME OFF IN RAIN AND LOSS OF CONTROL IS A REAL CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND PASSENGERS AS WELL AS ANY VEHICLES IN THE AREA. 145+ OTHER INCIDENTS NOTED ON THE WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_64215.HTML LINK FOUND BY GOOGLE. SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY BE KILLED DUE TO THIS DESIGN DEFECT. *NM

20061229EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HEADLIGHTS ARE SO FROSTED/YELLOWED YOU CAN.T SEE AT NIGHT.THE LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE WERE NOT THAT GOOD WHEN THEY WERE NEW. BUT NOW THAT THE PLASTIC HAS BROKEN DOWN FROM EXPOSURE TO THE ENVIRONMENT, THE LIGHTS ARE USELESS. MY OLDER CARS HAD HEADLIGHTS MADE OF GLASS AND DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 125,000

20061120VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BCM CONTROL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 49,700

20060908SEAT BELTS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED.

Mileage: 147,000

20060724EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE CLOUDY AND DISCOLORED, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ON 07/24/06 WHO DETERMINED THAT THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT COST.

Mileage: 28,000

Compare 1997PLYMOUTHVOYAGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER have?
The 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER has 474 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 28 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER?
The most-complained component for the 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER is AIR BAGS with 47 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.