1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager

The 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager was a popular minivan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was available with several engine and transmission options, including:

• 3.0L V6 engine: 150 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque
• 3.3L V6 engine: 164 horsepower, 200 lb-ft of torque
• 3.8L V6 engine: 182 horsepower, 225 lb-ft of torque
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• 5-speed manual transmission (only available with the 3.3L V6 engine)

Owners generally praised the Grand Voyager’s functionality but had some complaints about its reliability.

Engine

3.0L V6 Engine

• Blown head gasket:
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, rough idle, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3L V6 Engine

• No Issues Found

3.8L V6 Engine

• Timing chain tensioner failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake valve guide wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace intake valve guides
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Slipping or hard shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, delayed engagement, shuddering
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, overheating, vibration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Strut and shock failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive noise, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace struts and shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery drain, dashboard warning lights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starting system issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, no-start condition
  • Solution: Repair or replace starter, battery, or ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuators failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking doors, power locks not working
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not working, difficulty opening or closing windows
  • Solution: Replace power window motors or switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager was a practical and comfortable minivan with some reliability issues to consider. The most common engine concerns were blown head gaskets and intake manifold gasket failures, while the transmission was prone to slipping or hard shifting. Other potential issues included alternator failure, door lock actuator failure, and dashboard cracking. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly depending on the specific problem and the extent of the repairs required.