2004 Chrysler Voyager
The 2004 Chrysler Voyager is a minivan that offers practicality and affordability. It was available with two engine options: a 2.4L inline-4 producing 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3L V6 generating 180 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. All models used a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Voyager’s spaciousness and comfortable ride, but common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the powertrain and electrical systems. Many feel the interior materials are low quality and prone to breaking.
Engine
2.4L Inline-4
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
3.3L V6
- Rough Idle/Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, engine misfires, and the check engine light illuminating. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
- Solution: Replace spark plugs, ignition coils, or repair vacuum leaks as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially upon startup. This can indicate wear or stretching of the timing chain. Left unaddressed, can lead to severe engine damage.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, sprockets, and tensioners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic or harsh shifting between gears, transmission slipping (engine revving without acceleration), and delayed engagement.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may temporarily improve symptoms. Rebuild or replace the transmission for a more permanent solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (flush), $2000 - $4000+ (rebuild/replace)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts/Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll in corners, and bottoming out over bumps.
- Solution: Replace worn struts and shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints and tie rod ends.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Door Lock Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the power door locks.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator or wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows that stop working or operate slowly.
- Solution: Replace the faulty power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Instrument Cluster
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges that stop working, erratic readings, or a completely dead instrument cluster.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sliding Door Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficult or impossible to open or close the sliding doors, both manually and electrically (if equipped). Often due to worn rollers, cables, or latches.
- Solution: Replace worn rollers, cables, or latches.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust is common in areas with road salt.
- Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing and sags down.
- Solution: Replace the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the dashboard due to sun exposure and age.
- Solution: Dash Cover or replacement of the dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Chrysler Voyager, while offering space and practicality, is prone to a variety of mechanical and electrical issues. Powertrain problems, especially with the transmission, can be costly to address. Electrical gremlins and interior wear are also common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. The Voyager is considered to be an unreliable vehicle, so be sure to check for each of these issues when shopping for the vehicle.