Transmission Failure

8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,670
Average Mileage:
132,250 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (3 reports)
  2. bought a non-Chrysler vehicle (1 reports)
1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager transmission problems

transmission problem

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1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager Owner Comments

problem #4

Nov 012006

Grand Voyager SE 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The transmission completely gave out which the mechanic said is very common on these vehicles at about this mileage. It was very spendy, especially since I had only had the car for 1 year.

- Cindy F., Pocatello, ID, US

problem #3

Mar 012009

Grand Voyager Expresso 3.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 199,000 miles

I will never buy another Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth minivan without a warranty. The amount of problems I've had with this model -- even in light of the high mileage and buying it used -- have been astonishing.

- bahamutt99, Shallowater, TX, US

problem #2

Dec 192006

(reported on)

Grand Voyager ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

REPLACE TRANSMISSION FOR THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 10,000 MILES. BYPASSED THE BODY COMPUTER (IT WILL COST $600 TO REPLACE.) WHICH IS WHAT IS CAUSING THE LOCKS TO SHUT ON AND OFF. SO I OPERATE THE LOCKS MANUALLY. AT THE SAME TIME I KNOW HAVE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE FOR NO REASON THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES THE WHOLE DASH. I STOP THE CAR RESTART AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS FINE. WORKING ON THAT PROBLEM NOW. THE COMPUTER IS $600 PLUS LABOR....

- Isidro O., HialeAH, FL, US

problem #1

Dec 092003

(reported on)

Grand Voyager Expresso

  • 85,000 miles

Our Plymouth Voyager had a transmission failure on 9/8/03. We had it towed to Cowles Nissan Chrysler Plymouth as we have the extended powertrain warranty. They found coolant in the transmission and transmission fluid in the radiator.

However, according to the dealer, none of this damage is covered since the radiator is conveniently not covered in the powertrain warranty. How is the radiator, which cools the transmission fluid, not considered a vital part of the powertrain? The Transcooler lines run between the transmission and the radiator. Therefore, wouldn't the radiator be a critical element?

The Service manager, Don informed me that not only is the radiator not covered but any damage to the transmission would also not be covered due to the radiator being the point of failure. They recommended replacing the radiator and flushing the transmission. I may not be a mechanic, but I have always heard that anytime a foreign material gets into the transmission that it would normally need to be replaced.

I had the car towed to another mechanic who I know personally and trust to perform the same repairs that Don recommended.

This is our second (AND LAST!) Chrysler product. We had to replace the transmission on our last Voyager as well. This time we purchased the extended warranty since the transmissions were still known to be suspect. No effort was made by the dealer to contact Chrysler to see if they could help us at all. I will NEVER own another Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth product and I will go to great lengths to stop my friends and family from making that mistake as well.

This is not due to us abusing the vehicle. We took the van into the same dealership on 2/28/03 complaining that the transmission was slipping out of gear. They replaced a solenoid pack gasket and topped off fluids. We also took it to another nearby dealership, Manassas Dodge, on 1/30/01 complaining that the transmission was hesitating when put into gear. The technician found no problems. Shouldn't this have been detected at some point by one of these technicians? I feel that my transmission and radiator should be replaced at no charge to me. I tried to tell the dealers that something was wrong. I have now had to pay for towing twice and have a car that won't run and yet I still owe a year's worth of payments on. I'd like someone to explain to me how the radiator is not a critical part of the powertrain...

Here is what Chrysler sent me just before I had the transmission fixed (flushed and radiator/transcool lines replaced) and traded the piece of crap in on a 2003 Envoy which I love...

Dear Steven,

Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors regarding your 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager.

The radiator is a part of the cooling system. Therefore, it would not be covered under your Powertrain Service Contract.

Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in question has exceeded the time and mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty.

Although a more favorable reply could not be provided, sharing your concerns with us is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Stacie Perry Senior Staff Representative DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center

- Steve L., Dumfries, VA, US

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