1996 Dodge Neon problems
Owners have filed 887 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Neon with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 42.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 11.8%.
Complaints887
Crashes58
Fires5
Injuries35
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 42.2% · 374
Electrical system 11.8% · 105
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.6% · 103
Power train 5.5% · 49
Air bags 5.1% · 45
Unknown or other 4.2% · 37
Structure 2.8% · 25
Steering 2.7% · 24
Severity
Of those complaints, 58 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 35 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Neon in this data, 1996 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,561 miles.
In owners' own words
Engine head gasket has failed, leaking large amounts of oil into the posterior part of the engine. Through research have found this is a common problem with the Neon, and at times has resulted in engine fires. This poses a significant safety risk and I am wondering why there has not been a recall. I also feel that chrysler should be held accountable for this failure and needs to pay for the cost of the repair. Engine and engine cooling
While stopping at a traffic light the vehicle cuts off and would not restart for about one hour. The vehicle would crank would not turn over. This incident happened 6 times between the 21st and 24th of august 1998. The dealer could not duplicate the problem, and could not find out what was wrong with the vehicle. On september 4th, the vehicle just cranked and never started. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Engine and engine cooling
Engine stalls at stops on occassion, there is a recall for the 1996 Dodge Neon but for vehicles made between january 1995 and november 1995, my vehicle was made in november 1995. My problem is the same problem described in the recall but I'm told it's not on the recall list because it was made during november 1995. Would like recall dates re-examined since it appears to me my problem is the same as the recall. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge Neon years
1995 1,415 complaints · 23.7% engine and engine cooling 1997 553 complaints · 44.1% engine and engine cooling 1998 451 complaints · 48.6% engine and engine cooling 1999 152 complaints · 38.8% engine and engine cooling 2000 489 complaints · 14.9% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 199 complaints · 16.6% air bags