2000 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 shift, transmission 'bumping' into gear, Slipping on acceleration, especially when warm, No movement in any gear after warning signs ignored, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark red or brown fluid

Fix: These 4-speed automatics have weak overdrive clutch packs and solenoid pack failures. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor plus parts; remanufactured unit swap is 8-10 hours. Transmission cooler lines often corrode and leak into the cooler itself—always replace cooler, lines, and flush the system during rebuild or you'll be back in six months.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rod knock on cold start that worsens as engine warms, Sudden loss of oil pressure, oil light flickering at idle, Metallic rattling from lower engine block, Catastrophic failure: thrown rod through block

Fix: The 2.4L DOHC has inadequate oil delivery to rod bearings, especially cylinders 2 and 3. Sludge buildup accelerates failure. Once knocking starts, you need a complete short-block or used engine replacement—18-24 hours labor. Pistons, rings, crank, and bearings all need attention; head gasket replacement is mandatory during teardown. This is often a total-loss scenario for the vehicle.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Rough idle, misfire codes (especially P0300-P0306), Coolant in oil (milky dipstick) in severe cases

Fix: The plastic intake plenum gasket deteriorates and allows coolant into cylinders. Requires upper intake removal, gasket set, and often new plenum if warped—6-8 hours labor. Check for coolant contamination in oil; if present, budget for oil/filter changes every 500 miles for three cycles post-repair to flush the system. The 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 doesn't have this issue.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive engine rocking visible from driver's seat during acceleration, Vibration through steering wheel and floor at idle, Hood appears misaligned or higher on one side

Fix: The hydraulic front mount (dogbone) fails, allowing the engine to torque violently and stress other mounts and the transmission mount. Front mount replacement is 2-3 hours; always inspect and often replace the right-side mount simultaneously—it carries the load once the front fails. Transmission mount failure follows within 6-12 months if not addressed together.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Door opens or closes halfway then stops, beeping error, Manual operation difficult, feels like it's binding, Cable visible hanging loose behind door trim, Door stuck in partially open position

Fix: Drive cables fray and snap at pulleys. Requires door trim removal, cable routing through tracks, and motor/module recalibration—4-6 hours labor per door. Aftermarket cables are available but OE Mopar cables last longer. Many owners disable the power function and operate manually to avoid the $800 repair bill.

Estimated cost: $700-1,200

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS and brake warning lights illuminated together, Grinding or chattering from ABS pump on startup, Loss of ABS function, conventional brakes still work, Pump runs continuously, draining battery overnight

Fix: The ABS pump motor and controller corrode internally. Replacement requires brake system bleeding and recalibration—3-4 hours labor. Remanufactured units are the only cost-effective option; new OE is $1,200+ for the part alone. System must be bled with a scan tool to clear codes and reactivate ABS functionality.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 110,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition, crank but no fire, Stalling at operating temperature, especially in hot weather, Whining or buzzing noise from rear of vehicle, Intermittent stalling that becomes more frequent over weeks

Fix: In-tank pump fails from wear and contamination. Requires fuel tank drop, pump module replacement, and strainer—3-4 hours labor. Related recall (00V229000) addressed some early failures but didn't cover all units. Always replace the fuel filter during this job (it's often the root cause of pump failure from restriction). Test fuel pressure before condemning the pump—regulator failures mimic pump symptoms.

Estimated cost: $550-850