VehicleVerdict

1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 922 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.0 times the median Grand Voyager year — the 1996 model ranks #1 of 19 Grand Voyager years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (117), electrical system (114), and transmission (110), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

922

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

11

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

39

Fires reported

11

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Grand Voyager years?

See all Grand Voyager years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11713%
Electrical System11412%
Transmission11012%
Fuel System10712%
Airbags9210%
Brakes677%
Visibility & Wipers576%
Body & Structure505%
Speed Control374%
Steering313%
Suspension243%
Child Seat212%
Latches & Locks202%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)192%
Other182%
Seat Belts131%
Lighting121%
Seats71%
Tires & Wheels61%

Does the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V293000AirbagsNovember 7, 2002 · 1,500,521 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V268000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2000 · 1,163,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

99V216000Fuel SystemAugust 9, 1999 · 635,469 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.

Consequence

IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHING NUT WITH A NUT THAT INCLUDES TIGHTER DESIGN TOLERANCES. THE SEALING O-RING WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

98V185000Child SeatAugust 6, 1998 · 157,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.

97I001000Seat BeltsOctober 24, 1996 · 150,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence

THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.

Remedy

OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.

96V136000Seat BeltsJuly 18, 1996 · 200 units

Defect

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULE BOLTS.

96V002000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 1996 · 265,000 units

Defect

A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND STRAP FOR THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

96V006000EngineJanuary 11, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Consequence

INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

95V236000Fuel SystemDecember 8, 1995 · 80,000 units

Defect

THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE WITH A FILLER TUBE THAT HAS AN ADDITIONAL ROLLOVER VALVE. THE ASSOCIATED ROLLOVER VALVE VAPOR HOSES WILL BE REROUTED.

95V225000SeatsNovember 28, 1995 · 20,000 units

Defect

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.

Consequence

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE BOLT MAY FAIL AND CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE SEAT RISERS, WHICH INCREASES THE POTENTIALOF INJURY TO ITS OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BENCH SEAT TO RISER BOLTS.

95I004000Seat BeltsSeptember 25, 1995 · 5,224 units

Remedy

CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH CHILD SEAT ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED SEATS CONTAINING RETRACTOR IMPROVEMENTS. THE REVISED SEATS WILL ALSO INCREASE CHILD COMFORT BY INCORPORATING PROTECTIVE SEAT BELT WRAPS TO PREVENT BELT CHAFE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE, THEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN OIL LEAK, BUT THEY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 25, 2004 · fire

CONSUMER STATES THE WIRING HARNESS IS COMPLETELY MELTED DOWN, CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF SIMILAR CASES ON THIS MAKE AND TYPE OF VEHICLE HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE (CLAIM # 59-V461-637). *YD

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 26, 2000 · fire

TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER BYPASSED WHILE A NEW COOLER WAS ON ORDER, FIRE SUSPECTED TO HAVE STARTED IN THAT AREA CLAIM # 22-V361-586. NLM

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2000 · fire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF GASOLINE AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE BEGAN UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 22, 2010 · fire

I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT GOING 60 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! IF I WOULD NOT HAVE TURNED THE WHEEL LEFT WHEN I DID AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE DEAD ON I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 5, 2003 · crash

1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager — common questions

Is the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 922 complaints put the 1996 model at #1 of 19 Grand Voyager years. It is one of the Grand Voyager years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Grand Voyager problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (117 complaints), electrical system (114 complaints), transmission (110 complaints).

Does the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 11 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Grand Voyager years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Voyager years to avoid are 1996, 1998, 1997, 1993, 1992, 1999, 1994, 1991, 2000. The cleanest record among Grand Voyager years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.