“Oil leaks, dashboard failure, noise in brakes, wind noise in passengers door. Have replaced valve cover gasket twice, replaced oil sendind unit,cam sensor was replaced now I have a big oil leak, car only has 45000 miles on it. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 28, 2004 at 45,000 miles
“Have persistent oil leak. Went to mechanic, stated should be a recall. Contacted daimlerchrysler and did not find a recall. Because of the problem got gasket fixed 2001. Have same problem now and two new mechanics have advised I need a head gasket.everyone I talk to at chyrsler is aware of the problem. Now what do I do? *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 30, 2004
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1996 Neon peaked in 2000, with 78 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 49% of the complaints. In 2022 owners filed 1 so far.
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder96V075000
Filed May 3, 1996151,800 vehiclesChrysler Corporation
Defect. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood96V026000
Filed Feb 5, 199615,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation
Defect. AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..
Risk. SHORTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 1996 Neon.
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPreliminary evaluation PE02082Closed
Opened Nov 6, 2002Closed Apr 23, 2003seat belts
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE/VIBRATION DURING/AFTER UNDERBODY CONTACT WITH MOISTURE. *YC
Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2022CA
Dbr2 not working or obd 2 not working when plug in obd reader no sign of workingness on vehicle
Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 2021CA
I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature gauges
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Aug 1, 2007400,000 milesMI
THE CAR WAS RUN FOR 45MINS AT 10MPH FOLLOWING A TRACTOR. THE LAST 2 MILES WERE AT 55MPH. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS HOME AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALL WIRING AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS ARE A COMPLETE LOSS, HOOD IS DAMAGED, AND ALL LIGHT UNITS ARE RUINED. *TR
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 20, 200798,400 milesIA
ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CEASES TO FUNCTION. SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO, TACHOMETER GOES TO ZERO, GAS GAUGE STOPS, TEMP GAUGE GOES TO COLD. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH., OR WHATEVER THE LEGAL LIMIT FOR A GIVEN AREA IS. A BIT DISCONCERTING AT TIMES. AFTER A TIME PERIOD, THINGS START TO WORK AGAIN, AND THEN THEY QUIT AGAIN. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE NEW. *JB
Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 23, 2006116,000 milesOH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURE INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT WAS OBSERVED TO BE WRAPPED AROUND THE CONTACT'S LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS CHEST, NECK AND LEFT LEG. *NM
Tires
Filed Apr 14, 2006102,850 milesMO
ON 01/03/06, I PURCHASED 4 NEW DAYTON DAYTONA HR TIRES (SIZE 185/60R14) FROM REEVES TIRE IN JOPLIN, MISSOURI FOR MY 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON. ON 02/01/06, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES, THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE (APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH). THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BROKEN BEAD, WITH NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE TIRE. ON 04/12/06, IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED, REBALANCED, AND MY CAR REALIGNED (AGAIN AT REEVES TIRE), MY DRIVERS-SIDE FRONT TIRE DETONATED, AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE, AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. I HAD TRAVELED, AT MOST, 10 MILES AFTER HAVING THE WORK PERFORMED. AFTER I STOPPED MY CAR, I INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND THAT APPROXIMATELY 6-8 INCHES OF THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY GONE. THERE WERE NO CORDS OR FIBERS HANGING FROM THE TIRE. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF THE SIDE WALL HAD BEEN CUT FROM THE TIRE. THE BEAD WAS STILL INTACT, BUT THERE WAS NO RUBBER ANYWHERE ON IT. IT WAS JUST BARE STEEL CORDS. THIS WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES AFTER THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION. AGAIN, THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION OF DAMAGE. I AM A FACTORY-TRAINED MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN, AND I AM VERY CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT MAINTAINING MY VEHICLES. I TYPICALLY INSPECT THE CONDITION AND TIRE PRESSURE OF MY CAR TIRES ONCE A WEEK, AND HAVE NEVER ABUSED THEM OR HIT ANY ROAD-DEBRIS, POTHOLES, ETC. THE FORCE OF THE TIRE EXPLOSION PUSHED THE REAR OF THE FRONT FENDER INTO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE DOOR AND MODERATELY DENTED THE FENDER. I ALMOST LOS
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Jan 3, 200662,000 milesNY
CONSUMER 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON PCM HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED CAUSING COMER VEHICLE TO FAIL EMISSIONS. *TS THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED STATE EMISSION INSPECTION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S READINESS CODES WERE CLEARED EACH TIME THE KEY WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION. THE CONSUMER FOUND A TSB WHICH STATED THAT THE PCM MUST BE REPROGRAMMED TO REMEDY THE CONDITION. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE LOCAL DEALER TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE ELSEWHERE WHERE THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED AT NO CHARGE. *NM
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jun 17, 2005DE
ON EVERY PLYMOUTH NEON IN THE COLOR OF BLUE, THE PAINT IS CHIPPING FROM THE HOOD TO THE TRUNK. ALSO, WHEN IT RAINS, THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ON THE FLOORS AND IN THE TRUNK GETS WET AND IN ORDER TO GET THE WATER OUT, IT HAS TO BE VACUUMED. I BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. AFTER HAVING TO INVEST A LOT OF MONEY IN SOMETHING THAT YOU EXPECT TO HAVE FOR MANY YEARS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING UNLESS IT IS CAUSED BY YOU.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed May 23, 2005CA
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS GETTING HER 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON REGISTERED BECAUSE IT ALLEGEDLY FAILED TO PASS A SMOG CHECK.*MR IN SEPTEMBER 200 THE VEHICLE PASSED THE TEST. IN SEPTEMBER 2003 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER ADVISING HER THAT HER MAKE/MODEL HAD BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE OBD SELF TEST. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL THEREFORE SHE DIDN'T TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. IN SEPTEMBER 2004 WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO REGISTER THE VEHICLE AND OBTAIN A NEW SMOG CERTIFICATE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE FAILED THE MIL/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ALL OBD SELF TEST. UPON REVIEWING THE VIN THE DMV CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SALVAGED THEREFORE IT DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 4, 2005IL
VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN ON THE ROAD. OCCASIONALLY, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DID NOT OPERATE, WHICH DID NOT INFORM OTHER DRIVERS WHEN MAKING TURNS. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT OPERATE, AS WELL PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM INCREASING OR DECREASING SPEED.*AK
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 15, 2005WA
PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE ROOF AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 28, 200445,000 milesVA
OIL LEAKS, DASHBOARD FAILURE, NOISE IN BRAKES, WIND NOISE IN PASSENGERS DOOR. HAVE REPLACED VALVE COVER GASKET TWICE, REPLACED OIL SENDIND UNIT,CAM SENSOR WAS REPLACED NOW I HAVE A BIG OIL LEAK, CAR ONLY HAS 45000 MILES ON IT. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 23, 200483,000 milesCA
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 30, 2004NY
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY PAINT ON MY 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON PEELING OFF. ITS NOT LIKE IT ON THE ROOF OR HOOD ITS ALL OVER THE CAR THE TRUNK, THE DOORS, THE HOOD AND THE ROOF ARE ALL PEELING. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM EITHER.*JB
Structure
Filed Sep 29, 200426,800 milesPA
WHILE DRIVING, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT TYPE OF SURFACE ALL THE GAUGES ON MY 1996 NEON FAILED. SOMETIMES IF YOU TAP THE DASHBOARD GLASS THAT COVERS THE GAUGES THEY COME BACK ON OR IF YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THEY COME BACK ON, BUT THIS ISN'T ALWAYS THE CASE. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 4-6 TIMES OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD STARTING IN MAY, 2004. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalFire1 injured
Filed Sep 10, 2004103,000 milesNJ
WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. AS A RESULT, WHEN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THEY CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE CHEST. *AK *TC
Structure
Filed Aug 16, 2004VA
1. EVERY TIME IT RAINS OUTSIDE I HAVE A LAKE ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE BACK AND IN THE TRUNK WHICH IS MOLDING THE CARPET AND ITEMS KEPT INSIDE. 2. THE BACK UP LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY, DUE TO THE MOISTURE. 3. THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKS REALLY FAST, AND STAYS ON ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. 4. THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS TO BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF AFTER TURNING LEFT. 5. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED ON A STEEP TURN RESULTING ME GOING OFF ROAD, LUCKILY NOT HITTING ANYONE. 6. HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY POOR AT NIGHT. 7. RADIO RECEPTION IS GETTING WORSE. STATIONS THAT USED TO COME IN WON'T ANYMORE. 8. CAR SHAKES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND AT A LIGHT. 9. THERE IS GLARE ON THE WINDSHEILD FROM DASH THAT CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY IN THE DAY TIME.*AK
Visibility › Windshield
Filed May 22, 2004WA
PAINT IS PEELING OFF MY 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON. IS THIS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WINDSHIELD IS GLUED TO THE PEELING PAINT? THE DEALER SAYS CHRYSLER WILL NOT REPAINT IT. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 11, 200473,238 milesMO
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON A 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON SPORT SOHC 2.0. HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT $500.00 REPAIR BILL THROUGH MECHANIC ALONG WITH $200.00 IN PARTS
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Apr 1, 200470,000 milesPA
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 96V026000 CONCERNING THE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, BUT CHRYSLER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THIS RECALL DID NOT EXIST. *AK THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE ENGINE MISFIRING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND SPUTTER AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. *SC *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2004GA
HAVE PERSISTENT OIL LEAK. WENT TO MECHANIC, STATED SHOULD BE A RECALL. CONTACTED DAIMLERCHRYSLER AND DID NOT FIND A RECALL. BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM GOT GASKET FIXED 2001. HAVE SAME PROBLEM NOW AND TWO NEW MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED I NEED A HEAD GASKET.EVERYONE I TALK TO AT CHYRSLER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NOW WHAT DO I DO? *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 8, 200487,418 milesIL
FRONT AIRBAG FAILED TO FUNCTION IN ACCIDENT WITH SEVERE DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD.*AK
Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 2003134,000 milesIN
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 22, 2003KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSE OF FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 31, 200326,000 milesNV
SINCE 1999 THIS CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL. REPLACED CAM SEAL AND HEAD GASKET ONCE UNDER WARRANTY. 1 MONTH LATER (WHEN WARRANTY RAN OUT) HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A COST OF 500.00. 6 MONTHS LATER STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. REPLACED CAM SEAL AND HEAD GASKET AGAIN. 1 MONTH LATER SAME THING. SAID CHRYSLER HAD A NEW AND "IMPROVED" SEAL. GUESS WHAT WE ARE TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER AGAIN TOMORROW. THIS WILL BE THE 6TH TIME. I HAVE PROBABLY SPENT ON REPAIRS THE SAME AMOUNT I SPENT FOR THE CAR. CHRYSLER WON'T DO A THING FOR THE CONSUMERS. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT IT. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP? *PH
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 23, 2003PA
CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE IS VERY SLOW, NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER STATED THERE IS PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY SO SHE HAD TO PAY, VEHICLE HAS ONLY 64000 MILES.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jun 4, 2003NY
WHEN IT RAINED THE VEHICLES TAIL LIGHTS BECAME WET AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE LIGHTS. *NLM
Unknown or Other
Filed May 1, 2003MI
MY NEON HAS A PROBLEM WITH PAINT PEELING. LARGE SPOTS OF PAINT COME OFF ALL OVER THE VEHICLE, BUT PRIMARILY ON THE BACK AND ON THE ROOF. I CAN'T EVEN WASH THE CAR, BECAUSE EACH TIME I DO MORE PATCHES OF PAINT COME OFF. I HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME PROBLEM ON EVERY NEON THAT IS THE PURPLISH (PERIWINKLE) COLOR I HAVE SEEN. IS THERE SOME KIND OF PAINT DEFECT WITH THIS PARTICULAR COLOR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PAINT WAS ONLY UNDER WARRENTY FOR 12 MONTHS, AND SINCE IT WAS A 1996 AND I WASN'T THE ORIGINAL OWNER THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO. I REALIZE IT IS AN OLDER CAR, AND I WOULN'T COMPLAIN IF IT WAS NORMAL WEAR ON A CAR, BUT THIS IS MORE THAN NORMAL AGING.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 8, 200370,000 milesVA
HEAD GASKET ON 1996 NEON FAILED CAUSING CAR TO STOP IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. LUCKILY, NO INJURIES RESULTED FROM THIS FAILURE. DESPITE WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF FREQUENTLY FAILING HEAD GASKETS IN 1995-97 PLYMOUTH AND DODGE NEONS WITH LOW MILEAGE, CHRYSLER REFUSES TO OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND RARELY OFFERS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 10, 200354,000 milesNY
HEAD GASKET LEAK. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO OWN UP TO A FAULTY GASKET. WHY? MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM.*JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 27, 200391,000 milesUT
I HAVE A 1996 NEON WHICH I PURCHASED USED IN AUGUST OF 2001 WITH ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I TOOK IT IN FOR MY MONTHLY OIL CHANGE/LUBE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY HEAD GASKET WAS CRACKED AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO GET IT REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE A $1200 REPAIR. I BEGAN TO CALL AROUND AND EACH PLACE, WHEN I MENTIONED THE PROBLEM AND THE YEAR/MAKE/MODEL OF MY CAR, TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD HAVE GUESSED WHAT THE REPAIR WAS THAT I NEEDED JUST BY ME GIVING THEM THE TYPE OF CAR I DRIVE. I'VE CALLED 5 PLACES NOW TO GET A QUOTE ON THIS REPAIR AND PRICES RANGE ANYWHERE BETWEEN $700 - $1200, DEPENDING ON THE SHOP I USE. BY THE WAY - I LOSE ABOUT A QUART OF OIL PER WEEK. I WANTED TO DO A LITTLE RESEARCH TO SEE HOW COMMON OF A PROBLEM THIS IS, SO I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SO MANY COMPLAINTS THAT IT BLEW MY MIND! I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE HEAD GASKET DESIGN IN PRE-99 MODELS AND CHRYSLER KNEW ABOUT IT. IT WAS NEVER RECALLED, BUT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED IT IS A HUGE CONSUMER FRAUD ISSUE. I HAVE FOUND THAT 32% OF NEON OWNERS HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART - WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY EXTREMELY HIGH. IT REALLY IS TOO BAD THAT CHRYSLER DID NOT STAND UP FOR THEIR PRODUCT RIGHT AWAY BY VOLUNTARILY ISSUING A RECALL OR BY AT LEAST FIXING THE CARS THAT WERE AFFECTED BEFORE THE PART WAS REDESIGNED. I CANNOT AFFORD A REPAIR LIKE THIS ON MY CAR - I BOUGHT A NEON BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY WERE RELIABLE CARS WITH GREAT GAS MILEAGE, WHICH I NEED FOR MY LONG COMMUTE TO WORK E
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 19, 200388,000 milesMI
HEAD GASKET LEAK...WAS REPLACED TWICE...FINALLY A DIFFERENT STYLE THAT WAS NOT FAULTY WAS RELEASED...FIBROUS GASKET LEAKED, WHEREAS THE MULTILAYER METAL GASKET DIDN'T.
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashCrash
Filed Feb 15, 2003MN
DASHBOARD INDICATORS STOP WORKING. I COULD HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WILL READ EMPTY. THE CAR COULD BE RUNNING FOR AN HOUR AND THE TEMPERATURE STILL READS COLD. PH
Service Brakes, Air › Drum › DrumCrash
Filed Feb 15, 2003MN
DRIVING TO WORK AND REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. TIRE WOULD NOT SPIN. PH
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 15, 2003MN
HEAD GASKET FAILED. PH
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 30, 200370,000 milesPA
3 HEAD GASKETS FAILURED IN 6 YEARS RESULTING IN ENGINE STALLING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. FAILURES WERE AT 30K, 45K, AND 70K MILES RESPECTIVELY. MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON 01/29/02. DEALER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF FAILURES. TS
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Sep 24, 2002TX
CONSUMER STATES THAT FUEL LEAK FROM FILTER PICK UP CAUSING BIG PUDDLES UNDER HIS CAR. NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 27, 2002WI
THE VEHICLE NEEDED MAJOR REPAIRS ON THE BRAKES. *YH THE CAMSHAFT SEAL FAILED TWICE, THE POWER STEERING BELTS FAILED WHILE TRAVELING DURING TRAFFIC, AND THE RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. *SCC
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Aug 20, 2002GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO A CIRCUIT BOARD FAILURE. THIS CAUSED THE DIGITAL CONSOLE TO COMPLETELY GO BLANK NOT BEING ABLE TO INITIATE READINGS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2002NY
IN APRIL 2000, HEAD GASKET BLEW, WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC TO CALL CHRYSLER CORP. CALLED THEM AND THEY SENT ME TO CHRYSLER DEALER. HAD TO PAY 195 FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY REPAIRED THE HEAD GASKET. ASLO INFORMED THEM OF WATER ENTERING THE REAR OF THE CAR THRU SIDE WINDOWS. THEY CLAIMED THEY WATER TESTED IT AND FOUND NO WATER LEAK. NOW 26 MONTHS LATER, NOTICED ANOTHER LEAK, TOOK TO MECHANIC WAS TOLD HEAD GASKET NEEDS REPLACING. CONTACT CHRYSLER, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO LOOK INTO THIS. MY COMPLAINT MAKES 108 ON HEAD GASKETS ONLY. THAT IS 108 PEOPLE WHO HAVE SPENT MONIES ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. IF THIS IS NOT RESOLVED CHRYLSER/PLYMOUTH WILL HAVE LOST ANOTHER CUSTOMER. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE?*AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 1, 2002TX
HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE DEGRADING THE LIGHT, RESULTING IN DRIVER LIMITING DRIVER'S VIEW OF DISTANCE.*AKI
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 22, 2002TX
AIR CONDITIONER RUNS OUT OF COOLANT EVERY YEAR--NO ONE, NOT EVEN THE DEALER COULD FIND A LEAK. *AK
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 16, 2002MI
O RINGS ON AIR CONDITIONING UNIT REPLACED ON 6-23-00, EVAPORTATION COIL REPLACED ON 9-12-00. PLUG, SENOR-OXYGEN, EXHAUST, WIRING PKG-POSTIVE CABLE REPLACED 10-2-00, TEMPERATURE PROBE REPLACED 7-19-01. AIR CONDITIONING FAILED AGAIN IN AUGUST, 2001. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE INNER OUTER LEFT TIE RODS 4-9-98, HEAD GASKET 1-28-00, OIL SENDING UNIT 3-3-00, REAR MAIN SEAL AND BEDPLATE 5-9-00.
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jun 27, 2002IA
VEHICLE WAS INVOLED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION.VEHICLE WENT OVER A RAMP AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle AssemblyCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 27, 2002IA
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN VEHICLE CRASH AND WAS THROWN OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THAT TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 24, 2002NC
THE ABS BRAKES ON THE CAR HAVE FAILED ABOUT 8 TIMES IN THE 5 YEARS WE'VE OWNED THE CAR. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS WHO HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2002IL
LOSS OF OIL WHILE DRIVING, AND OIL LEAKAGES WHILE PARKED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM IS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines
Filed Jun 5, 2002IL
TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUILD FROM THE GASKETS ,CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2002NY
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEEDS ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER AND WILL NOT RESTART. VEHICLE RUNS HOT AND ROUGH AS MOTOR OIL LEAKS OUT. A QUART ONCE A WEEK PROGRESSED TO EVERY 2-3 DAYS DUE TO LEAKING OUT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKETS. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Power Train
Filed Apr 22, 2002MO
SPEEDOMETER FAILS OFTEN. DEALER IS NO HELP, THEY WANT A DIAGNOSIS FEE. DANGEROUR TO OPERATE W/O ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER. *AK
Complaints 1-50 of 308, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Neon years to avoid. Owners filed 308 complaints, against about 161 for a typical Neon year. The most common complaint is about the engine (49%).
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
The engine: 150 of the 308 complaints (49%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (54%), stalls (9%) and smokes or smells of burning (4%). The typical report comes at 70,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1996 Plymouth Neon have?
2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 3, 1996. The largest, 96V075000, covered 151,800 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1996 Plymouth Neon problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 83,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 70,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, PE02082 ("SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE"), was opened Nov 6, 2002 and closed Apr 23, 2003.
Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
The manufacturer filed 46 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (10), the engine (9) and the electrical system (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 3, 1996. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.