1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager: complete transmission failure

Filed Jul 26, 2003 · Transmission · 55,865 miles · CA

Automatic transmission failure @ 55865 miles while on vacation in northern california. Waited 5 1/2 for tow, got to dodge dealer, told me the transmission blew up, warranty is only for 36000, but transmission repair is a common problem amongst dodge, chrysler, plymouth vans according to "inside service consultants" who have seen this problem many times. Was even told if the "public" knew about it, sales would tank!

Filed Feb 2, 2003 · Transmission · WI

I just had my third mopar rebuilt transmission installed two weeks ago in my 97 plymouth grand voyager--3 speed automatic--3.0 litre. I bought this 97 ply grand voyager with 30k miles from a reputable dealer. This original trans went at 75k. I then had the first mopar rebuilt installed and replaced within 3,000 miles due to a flatly torque converter. The second, and third were replaced, at 85k and 97k, respectfully, due to the same problem. This torque converter, "shuttering", problem is the main symptom. Mopar has replaced the transmissions, parts and labor, without delay. My question---why is this happening sooooooo often? The warranty is good of 36/36,000 miles, which expires at 111,000. Is there any recourse to this situation? Is there a problem with these transmissions? Wayne efferson.

Filed Jan 28, 2003 · Transmission · RI

While driving on the highway at 45 MPH vehicle's transmission blew. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts

Filed Jan 2, 2002 · Transmission · IL

I was on my way to work at 6:30 one morning on a two-lane highway, driving about 60 MPH, when the transmission failed. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and park. I shut off the engine, started the van again, and tried to proceed. The van would not shift out of first gear. I pulled off again and called my husband. He called the local dealer and was told that it "sounded like it was an electronic problem" and it would be safe to drive the vehicle home in "limp" mode. The van is still in the shop. What was thought to be an electronic problem has now turned into a major problem. It seems that some gears inside the transmission broke. The estimated cost of repair is $1500.00 or higher. The dealer told us that he has not seen a problem with these transmissions. I was told by two different transmission places that they have seen a lot of problems with these transmissions. Several sites on the web also list consumer complaints about these transmissions. This van has been maintained properly so I think it is unreasonable for the transmission to fail like it did. There were no warning signs at all. What upsets me is the potential for a major accident in a case like this. What if I had been passing someone, someone had been tailgating me, etc.? I also wonder how many other people have had this problem but did not report it? What, if anything, can be done? Mm.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

I was driving my ply. Grand voyager se home on wed july 18th at appx 6 pm. I stopped at a light ( I was the first car at the intersection ) and when I took my foot off the brake and pressed on the accelerator, the car made an awful grinding noise. The person behind me assumed that I was moving and came within inches of crashing into me. I stopped the car and turned it off. As I stepped out (into traffic) I did not see any debris or leakage underneath. I tried putting the car into neutral and the car would not move. I had to call the police and aaa to tow me to the dealer. I was told that I needed a new transmission. I have always kept up with my repairs and had no prior history of slippage. I was told that a pin became loose and that the gears simply fell out of place. I was told that this could have happened while driving! This scared me due to the fact that I have a family and my life was in jeopardy while driving what I thought was a safe family vehicle. I could understand if I had prior warning signs of the transmission slipping, but for something like this to happen without any warning is alarming. I hope that this is not a common issue with the plymouth grand voyager. I have owned 5 cars in my lifetime. They have all lasted well into the 100,000 mile range without any major problems due to my diligent maintenance. I feel that this is a serious issue in workmanship that can cause a potential catastrophic end to a driver or a family(ies). I hope that this issue be looked into further, because I feel that this is not an isolated case. Thank you, [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *js

Filed Jun 21, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

When making a left or right turn engine races, but transmission fails to engage. Also, transmission only functions properly when it is in reverse or first gear. Dealer has replaced transmission five times, which has not corrected problem. *ak front brakes failed twice.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Transmission · MI

I have been told my mechanic at kelly buick dealership in mason (chrysler dealership) that the bolt that broke and caused the damage to my transmission is a defect in design in the differential and that in their opinion there should be a recall. At the time that my van was taken to their dealership for damage determination, they had a another plymouth grand voyager there with same damage and since then, I have learned of another van that the same thing happened to and needs a new transmission because this bolt broke. I asked the mechanic if there was anything that I could have done to prevent this from happening and he said no that there is no way of determining that this would happen or be able to prevent it through preventitive maintenance. I am thankful that I was not doing 70mph down the highway with my four children in the car. The damage that this bolt breaking caused when it happened, caused my steering to lock up and I was unable to turn my steering wheel at all. I had to coast to a stop along side the road. Had I been traveling the highway and that happened, I do not want to think of what could have happened. I have talked with chrysler corp. And their position is that because the vehicle is no longer under a warranty, and that at this time there is no recall on my van for this problem, they will not cover this repair. I disagree with that determination totally. This is a repair that was caused by a defect in their design and therefore is a cost incurred to me that is out of my control. It is not like I did not take care of my engine or brakes and they failed me, that would be in my control. I believe that there is a serious problem here that needs to be addressed before someone gets killed. Even though I am sure it is very profitable for chrysler in the long run (they are getting people back over and over in replacement transmission repairs) it is a very dangerous situation and needs to be handled immediately.

Filed Oct 28, 2000 · Transmission · VA

The automatic transmission failed and had to be replaced or rebuilt. I believe it was caused by a design flaw.

Filed May 30, 2000 · Transmission · MD

Transmission main seal damaged causing fluid to leak and imminent transmission failure. Transmission specialist said such failure is very unusual for low mileage vehicle and suggested recall may be issued for voyager/caravan models. Dealer denied this is a manufacturer problem. Review of the federal safety agency complaint section reveals otherwise. How many failures does it take for a recall to be issued?