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2001 Plymouth Prowler Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Plymouth Prowler carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower arm and service brakes, hydraulic. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front lower ball joint separation.” Plymouth ended in 2001, and everything with the badge is a Chrysler or Dodge underneath. The Voyager is a Caravan, the Neon is a Dodge Neon, the Laser is an Eagle Talon and a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Parts are shared and easy to find. Two things decide whether one of these lasts. First, the four-speed automatic in the minivans and Neons requires Chrysler ATF+4 fluid specifically. Generic Dexron will make it shudder and then fail, and this is the most common way these transmissions die. Second, several engines here use a rubber timing belt, including the 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 in the minivans, the 2.0 in the Neon, and the turbocharged four in the Laser. On the Laser's engine a snapped belt bends valves. If you cannot document the last belt, treat it as due.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #03V034000 · May 2, 2003

Issue: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION THAT CAN RESULT IN ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.

Risk: A BALL JOINT THAT HAS SEPARATED MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS WITH MODIFIED ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403 OR CHECK ON-LINE AT HTTP://WWW.CHRYSLER.COM/WEBSELFSERVICE/CHRYSLER/INDEX.JSP

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign #06E022000 · Mar 13, 2006

Issue: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

CHILD SEAT

Campaign #00V366000 · Sep 11, 2000

Issue: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #06E088000 · Oct 23, 2006

Issue: CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk: FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

Recall data refreshed Jul 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Plymouth Prowler.

Reported to NHTSA

Front lower ball joint separation

SUSPENSION

7 NHTSA complaints · 2003-01 → 2020-05

“WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 40 MPH ON A SMOOTH ROADWAY, CITY STREET, THE RIGHT,LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE A-FRAME. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995073
“I OWN A 2001 CHRYSLER PROWLER AND ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2010 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A CAR SHOW AND THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10359386
“WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE TOOK A NOSE DIVE INTO THE PAVEMENT AND SUDDENLY DRIFTED TO THE LEFT HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10004255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ball joint recall remedy parts and tool availability

SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2003-04 → 2003-11

“CONSUMER CONTACTED THE SALES/SERVICE DEALER REGARDING RECALL REMEDY 03V034000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10016043
“DEALER STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS TO FIX THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10046361

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood shock and strut failure with hood dropping

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2004-12 → 2012-03

“HOOD SHOCKS DO NOT SUPPORT HOOD WEIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10104643
“HOOD STRUT RODS RELEASE ( HOLD THE HOOD OPEN AND THEN RELEASE SUDDENLY) THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING AND THE HOOD SLAMS DOWN ON WHATEVER IS IN THE WAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10104656
“2001 PROWLER HOOD SHOCKS FAILURE...HOOD SLAMS SHUT WITH NO WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10104931

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front shock absorber leakage

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2005-06

“THE FRONT SHOCKS ON THE 2001 PROWLER ARE LEAKING THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 7,020 MILES AND IS LESS THEN 3 YEARS OLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10113884
“THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ONCE AT 2000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 8000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10111821

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clock spring failure with air bag warning light

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2005-03 → 2007-04

“THE FAILURE OF THE "CLOCK SPRING" IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAS CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO BE DISABLED, AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10112439
“A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CLOCK SPRING AS THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10187751

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 1, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,000 mi

Chrysler specified 3,000 miles under the severe schedule, which is where an engine of this age belongs. Change at least once a year even if the car barely moves. Nothing in this lineup has an oil life monitor, so the interval is on you.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF+4)

Every 30,000 mi

Use Chrysler ATF+4 and nothing else. The 41TE transaxle, still often called the Ultradrive, is sensitive to fluid friction characteristics in a way most automatics are not. Drain and fill every 30,000 miles. If a shop offers to top it off with universal fluid, decline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Timing Belt

Every 90,000 mi

Applies to the 3.0 V6 in the Voyager and Acclaim, the 2.0 in the Neon, and the turbo four in the Laser and Colt. Replace every 90,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first, and change the water pump and tensioner at the same time. The Laser's 4G63 is an interference engine, so a failed belt is engine damage rather than a tow. The 3.3 and 3.8 V6 use a chain instead and are not on this schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall. On a car this old, tires almost always age out before the tread runs out.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, hoses, and hard lines at every service. Rear drums on the Neon, Sundance, and Acclaim seize on cars that sit, and rusted steel lines are a real concern anywhere road salt is used.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace every 2 years. On a twenty-five-year-old car this is what keeps the master cylinder and the ABS unit from becoming the repair bill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

Copper plugs run 30,000 miles, platinum closer to 100,000. Replace the plug wires at the same time on anything with a distributorless coil pack. After this many years the wires break down before the plugs do.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. Simple on every model in the lineup.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt & Tensioner

Every 60,000 mi

This is the accessory belt, not the timing belt. Replace the belt and tensioner together once either is cracked, glazed, or noisy.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

Every 3 to 5 years. Most of this era uses conventional green coolant rather than a long-life formula, so do not stretch it on the assumption that modern intervals apply. The 2.0 Neon engine has a known head gasket history, and clean coolant with a correct pressure cap is the cheapest defense.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery & Charging System Test

Every 25,000 mi

Test the battery and alternator once a year. Corroded ground straps are common at this age and produce electrical faults that look far worse than they are.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Plymouth Prowler reflects Plymouth's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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