2000 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Delayed or harsh 2-3 shift, slipping between gears, Transmission overheating, burning smell from fluid, Complete loss of forward gears or stuck in limp mode, Whining or grinding noises during acceleration

Fix: The 41TE four-speed automatic is a known weak point. Internal clutch packs, solenoid pack, and valve body failures are common. Transmission oil cooler lines corrode and contaminate fluid, accelerating wear. Rebuild takes 8-12 hours; replacement with remanufactured unit is often more cost-effective. Always replace the external oil cooler during trans work.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: External coolant leaks at cylinder head seams, especially rear bank, White smoke from exhaust, sweet coolant smell, Overheating, loss of coolant with no visible external leak, Oil contaminated with coolant (milky dipstick)

Fix: Both 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines develop head gasket leaks, particularly between cylinders or into coolant passages. Job requires removing intake plenum, exhaust manifolds, and both heads. Plan 12-16 hours labor. Machine shop work for head resurfacing adds cost and time. Replace timing components and water pump while you're in there.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking or rattling from bottom of engine, worse when cold, Low oil pressure warning light, especially at idle, Metal shavings or glitter in oil during changes, Sudden catastrophic failure with loss of oil pressure

Fix: The 3.3L/3.8L are sludge-prone with inadequate oil changes. Rod and main bearings fail, sometimes spinning and destroying the crankshaft. Requires complete teardown: crankshaft removal, bearing replacement, journal inspection. Typically justifies short-block replacement or used engine swap at 16-24 hours labor. Not economical to repair on high-mileage examples.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant seepage at front or rear of intake plenum, Rough idle, slight coolant loss over time, Coolant smell in cabin when heater is on, Minor overheating or fluctuating temperature gauge

Fix: The composite intake manifold gasket deteriorates and leaks coolant externally or into the oil. Requires removal of upper plenum, fuel rails, and intake manifold. Good time to replace thermostat and hoses. Takes 4-6 hours. Use updated OEM-style gaskets, not cheap aftermarket versions.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Whining or groaning noise during turns, especially when cold, Fluid drips or puddles under front of vehicle, Heavy steering effort, especially at low speeds, Rapid loss of power steering fluid

Fix: The pump itself and the high-pressure hose both leak frequently. Hose crimps corrode and fail. Pump replacement takes 2-3 hours; hose replacement is similar due to tight engine bay access. Flush system and check rack for leaks at same time. Use quality remanufactured pump with warranty.

Estimated cost: $400-750

Typical onset: 110,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition with crank but no fuel pressure, Engine stalling at operating temperature or under load, Whining or buzzing from fuel tank area, Hesitation or surging during acceleration

Fix: The in-tank pump assembly fails, often the pump motor itself. Requires dropping the fuel tank (2.5-4 hours labor). Replace with complete module including fuel level sender to avoid comeback. Recall 00V346000 addressed some pump failures but didn't cover all units. Check fuel filter condition during replacement.

Estimated cost: $550-900

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine/trans movement when accelerating hard, Transmission shift linkage feels sloppy

Fix: Transmission mounts collapse from fluid leakage and age. Front mount is especially prone to failure. Rear mount often tears at the bracket. Replace both at same time (3-4 hours). Dramatically improves shift quality and reduces driveline clunk. Use OE-quality mounts for longevity.

Estimated cost: $350-600