1996 Plymouth Neon problems
Owners have filed 476 complaints about the 1996 Plymouth Neon with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 39.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 10.7%.
Complaints476
Crashes41
Fires11
Injuries45
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 39.3% · 187
Electrical system 10.7% · 51
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.0% · 43
Power train 5.9% · 28
Unknown or other 4.8% · 23
Air bags 4.6% · 22
Steering 4.2% · 20
Visibility 3.2% · 15
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire and 45 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Plymouth 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 25 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 73,238 miles.
In owners' own words
There is definitly a problem with 1995-1997 neons blowing head gaskets due to poor design. Chyrsler is aware of the situation and doing nothing to recifiy. Eventually someone will get seriously hurt due to this flaw in design. I have researched this problem endless and have first hadn experience as I own a 1996 Plymouth Neon and had to have the head gasket replaced. This needs to be looked into....And soon..... Engine and engine cooling
There was leaking in coolant. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced oil filter / anti freeze, and engine bolt. Car has to go in for same problem every two years. Consumer feels it's a manufacturs defect/ poor design.*Ak consumer states head gasket failed three times within the first 90,000 miles, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the repairs. Engine and engine cooling
Engine head gasket developed a crack which allowed oil to leak from engine. Consumer had this repaired in 1998, and in may of 2001 was having same problem with vehicle. Head gasket has developed another crack and was leaking oil. *Ak if the oils spills on the hot engine, there could be fire. Changing head gasket every 2-3 years is a serious problem. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…