Maximum family space on a minimum budget
The Chrysler Grand Voyager carved out a niche as a budget-friendly full-size MPV for large families needing maximum space over driving refinement. It competes with the likes of the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy but offers vastly more interior room and innovative Stow 'N Go seating. Popular with families and taxi operators, but running costs and reliability keep resale values low.
We track 5 known issues across the Chrysler Grand Voyager range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Chrysler Grand Voyager? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
GS (1996–2000) — Petrol options included the 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6, with 2.5L TD on the diesel side. Our database flags 3 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting point corrosion (£1,500–£3,000 to address).
RT (2001–2007) — Petrol options included the 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6, with 2.5L CRD, 2.8L CRD on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting point corrosion (£1,500–£3,000 to address).
RT-FL (2008–2016) — Petrol options included the 3.8L V6, with 2.8L CRD, 2.8L CRD (Euro 5) on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting point corrosion (£1,500–£3,000 to address).
The load-bearing structure around suspension component mounting points is prone to severe corrosion on Grand Voyagers, particularly where the rear subframe attaches to the monocoque shell. The large, heavy body combined with UK road salt accelerates corrosion in these critical structural areas. MOT data shows this model fails at 20.4x the fleet average for prescribed area structural defects. When the mounting points weaken, suspension loads can tear through the bodyshell, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Structural failure of suspension mounting points can cause sudden loss of vehicle control. The rear suspension may separate from the body during braking or cornering. Professional structural welding repair costs £1,500-£3,000 if caught early, but advanced corrosion often renders the vehicle uneconomical to repair.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
Grand Voyagers suffer from rapid deterioration of front suspension bushes and ball joints, with MOT data showing failures at 516.1x the fleet average. The heavy vehicle weight and soft suspension tuning accelerate wear of rubber bushes, particularly the lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links. This model's high centre of gravity and body roll place additional stress on suspension components compared to conventional cars.
Worn suspension components reduce handling precision and braking stability. Failed ball joints can separate completely, causing loss of steering control. Multiple component replacement is often needed due to the interconnected nature of suspension wear patterns.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 2.8L diesel variants suffer from rear coil spring fracture at 58.7x the fleet average, particularly on high-mileage examples. The additional weight of the diesel engine over the front axle, combined with the heavy-duty rear springs needed to support typical MPV loading, causes metal fatigue. Spring failure typically occurs at the lower coil where stress concentration is highest.
A fractured spring can puncture the tyre or damage adjacent suspension components. The broken spring end can also damage the fuel tank or brake lines. Replacement requires both rear springs to maintain handling balance.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Grand Voyagers show multiple parking brake defects in MOT data - efficiency below minimum requirement (27.2x fleet average), complete inefficiency (26.9x), and single-side inoperative (15.1x). The rear disc parking brake mechanism is prone to seizure due to infrequent use and corrosion. The long cable runs from the console lever to the rear calipers are susceptible to stretching and corrosion, particularly where they route under the vehicle.
Failed parking brake prevents the vehicle from passing its MOT test. On slopes, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly when parked. Complete cable replacement is often needed as individual adjustment rarely restores proper operation once cables have stretched.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Power steering malfunctions occur at 16.9x the fleet average, typically involving pump failure or high-pressure hose leaks. The heavy Grand Voyager places high demands on the power steering system, particularly during parking manoeuvres. The pump is driven by a serpentine belt that also runs the alternator and air conditioning compressor, so pump seizure can disable multiple systems.
Complete power steering failure makes the vehicle extremely difficult to steer at low speeds due to its weight. A seized power steering pump can break the drive belt and disable the alternator and air conditioning. Pump replacement is often the most economical repair option.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Chrysler Grand Voyager common problems page.
Based on 36k real DVSA MOT tests, the Chrysler Grand Voyager fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is light unit fault at 384x the fleet average, followed by coil springs broken (275x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Chrysler Grand Voyager MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 12k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Chrysler Grand Voyager service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Chrysler Grand Voyager has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. Post-October 2004 models are the clear pick, gaining the 2.8 CRD diesel engine, Stow 'N Go fold-flat seating, and a facelift with improved build quality. Always choose a diesel over the thirsty V6 petrol. Avoid the pre-2001 generation entirely due to poor safety ratings and inferior dynamics.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Chrysler Grand Voyager, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Chrysler Grand Voyager issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.