9th Jun 2005, 08:25

1999 Voyager Espresso, Known problem with sudden and catastrophic transmission failures. Just got the estimate, with a 46,000 mile used transmission. Replacement is over $3000. DO NOT BUY this vehicle. This is known problem and Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth is doing nothing about it.

13th Jun 2005, 11:36

Few of the transmissions I've seen die are "sudden," unless they died of some sort of abuse. I've seen "sudden" transmission death from the use of the wrong fluid (the manual SPECIFICALLY states Mopar ATF+3 ONLY), excessive tire spinning, and other abuse; but most trannies I've seen die of a manufacturing fault give some hint they're on their way out before they go.

I've also seen Mopar transmissions make it 150K miles and beyond. My 1992 Voyager made it that far, and I've got a 1999 Caravan with 105K and no problems.

23rd Dec 2006, 18:53

My 1996 Dodge Stratus is 190,000 miles and has the original 41TE transmission it was built with, I change the ATF every 30,000 miles with ATF+3 and a fresh tranny filter and shifts as smooth as new. (The 41TE is used on Minivans too with some reinforcements).

If you pull trailers and heavy loads with your Voyager, you should get a transmission cooler. Chrysler / Plymouth has a special towing package with transmission cooler and other extras.

27th Oct 2009, 05:09

My parents have a 1999 Voyager four cylinder 16 valve. The van has been great, given the fact all regular maintenance was done. Although as soon as the warranty expired, so did the transmission, literally one mile out of it. When I took the trans apart, the main shaft was twisted in two with proof of casting flaws. That was a one hundred thousand mile warranty.

The 1997 Dodge Caravan with the same powertrain failed at 94,000 miles, so we got a new trans free, and I will tell you my mother is in no way abusive to her vehicles, she likes to make everything last.