Model year guide

1997 Plymouth voyager

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Plymouth voyager is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1997 Plymouth voyager — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Plymouth voyager at a glance

Safety recalls11
Owner complaints368
Combined18–20 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Plymouth voyager recalls 11

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #10E034000 · 10/08/2010

CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.

Fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #06E022000 · 13/03/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN …

Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #03E053000 · 24/10/2003

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.

Fix: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITH…

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #03E045000 · 26/09/2003

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.

Fix: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN…

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #02V293000 · manufacturer #B24 · 07/11/2002

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

Fix: 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…

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #02V076000 · manufacturer #B09 · 08/03/2002

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 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 …

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System NHTSA Campaign #00V268000 · manufacturer #895 · 13/09/2000

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.

Fix: 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 NOTI…

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #98V185000 · 06/08/1998

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.

Fix: 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 OW…

Tires:bead NHTSA Campaign #97V200000 · 13/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEEL. THE TIRES CAN EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS.

Wheels:rim NHTSA Campaign #97V070000 · 28/04/1997

THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS WERE DAMAGED BY THE EQUIPMENT USED TO MATCH MOUNT THE WHEEL TO THE TIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL ROAD WHEELS (AND FULL SIZE SPARE TIRES) WITH NEW WHEELS.

Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #97I001000 · 24/10/1996

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 T…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 Plymouth voyager common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1997 Plymouth voyager safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1997 Plymouth Voyager. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1997 Plymouth voyager MPG & running costs

Combined18–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,538
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Automatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,688 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Plymouth voyager costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,690
Fuel only$17,690
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
186.2 in
Width
75.6 in
Height
68.5 in
Wheelbase
113.4 in
Curb weight
3,527 lb
Front track
63.0 in
Rear track
64.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Plymouth voyager. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 7

REAR SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED JANUARY 16, 2002, BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS ALLEGING THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAILED ON CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 MODEL YEAR CARAVAN AND VOYAGER VEHICLES. THE REPORTS INDICATED A "TAR" LIKE SUBSTANCE ENTERED THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, THUS CAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO JAM OR BIND. IN THIS CONDITION THE SEAT BELT IS RENDERED INOPERABLE, AS THE WEBBING CANNOT RETRACT OR BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE…

NHTSA #PE02004 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 2002 · closed Mar 2002

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING Closed

NHTSA #EA01007 · Electrical System · opened Feb 2001 · closed Nov 2002

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK Closed

NHTSA #RQ00008 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 2000 · closed Mar 2002

POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM Closed

NHTSA #EA99013 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Jun 1999 · closed Aug 2001

POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY Closed

NHTSA #PE99010 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Feb 1999 · closed Jun 1999

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY. RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA #EA97003 · Child Seat · opened Jan 1997 · closed Aug 1998

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP Closed

ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS. CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT. THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING TONGUE IN THE"WELL" LOCATED BETWEEN THE CHILD'S LEGS. ODI HAS 19 COMPLAINTS OF RETRACT LOCKUP. SEVEN OF…

NHTSA #SQ96016 · Seat Belts · opened Sep 1996 · closed Feb 1997

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 141

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 141.

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016

SNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *KB

Bulletin 0500106A · Service Brakes, Air · Sep 2006

SNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT

Bulletin 0500305 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2006

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the VOYAGER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Plymouth voyager. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the clockspring assembly may have been backwound during the vehicle assembly process. This could illuminate the air bag warning lamp and may eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit. Correction: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on vehicles with less then 115 000 kms. Owners of vehicles with over 115 000 kms will be offered extended…

Transport Canada #2002201 · Nov 2002

Accessories

On certain short wheel base mini vans the D-pillar mastic sound barrier patch can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative. In the event of a collision, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the mastic patches with foam blockers and…

Transport Canada #2002048 · Mar 2002

Fuel System

On certain vehicles equipped with the 3.3L or 3.8L engine the Nitrile "O-ring" seals used in the fuel rail may degrade over time and extended exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in fuel leakage, and, in the presence of an ignition source, an underhood fire could occur. Correction: External seals will be installed at both of the fuel rail crossover tube joints.…

Transport Canada #2000215 · Oct 2000

Seats And Restraints

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT. THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELT LATCH MECHANISM MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE SEAT BELT RELEASE MECHANISM TO STICK AND PREVENT THE RETRACTOR FROM RELEASING. THIS MAY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY REMOVING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT. CORRECTION: CHILD SEAT LATCH PLATE MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED AND CLEANED. AN EXTENDER W…

Transport Canada #1998168 · Aug 1998

Suspension

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE TIRE BEADS ON THESE VEHICLES WERE CUT DURING MOUNTING TO THE WHEEL. THIS WOULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THE TIRES TO EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR WITHOUT WARNING. CORRECTION: TIRES WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES.

Transport Canada #1997202 · Nov 1997

Suspension

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL ROAD WHEELS. THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPMENT DAMAGED DURING THE MATCH MOUNT (WHEEL TO TIRE) PROCESS. A SCORE MARK MAY HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE WHEEL WHICH COULD AFFECT ITS DURABILITY. CORRECTION: AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE ALL OF THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS (INCLUDING THE FULL SIZE AND SPARE) REPLACED WITH NEW WHEELS.

Transport Canada #1997097 · May 1997

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Plymouth voyager

Plymouth Voyager is a nameplate for a range of vans that were marketed by Plymouth from 1974 to 2000. One of the few light trucks marketed by the division, the Voyager was initially a full-size van, later becoming one of the first minivans successfully marketed in North America.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1997 Plymouth voyager trims & engines on record

Trims
fwd
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl

1997 Plymouth voyager vehicles on record

Other Plymouth voyager model years

1997 Plymouth voyager — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Plymouth voyager have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 1997 Plymouth voyager. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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

Across all 368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine and engine cooling, power train.

What is the 1997 Plymouth voyager safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1997 Plymouth voyager crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Plymouth voyager get?

The 1997 Plymouth voyager has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.