1998 Dodge Neon problems
Owners have filed 451 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Neon with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 48.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 7.5%.
Complaints451
Crashes56
Fires3
Injuries61
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 48.6% · 219
Air bags 7.5% · 34
Structure 5.1% · 23
Electrical system 4.9% · 22
Power train 4.4% · 20
Unknown or other 4.2% · 19
Visibility 3.8% · 17
Suspension 3.1% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 56 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 61 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Neon in this data, 1998 sits 5th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 8 in the last three years against 8 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 57,050 miles.
In owners' own words
Head gasket blew at 60,000 miles. Fortunately, my cousin is a claims adjuster for an extended warranty group. I was told to go to chrysler and remind them of the others that they have reimbursed for these damages and it worked. Chrysler paid for the repairs, all though it was not easy. I got the run around and an ear full of lies. But, in the end they paid. Don't take no for an answer. They have to fix it. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 62,000 miles
When driving at any speed and going up hills, the consumer has to put the foot on the gas pedal hard to get some speed. On wet pavement the vehicle really doesn't have power. The vehicle will downshift, and when driving it will do light shifting. Vehicle is in the shop, and the dealer said the vehicle passed all the fuel tests, but the problem still occurs. The dealer did some work on the oil pan. Engine and engine cooling
This problem should not happen in modern cars. My car is only a year old. I know that I am not the only person that has found this malfunction as surprising! The dealer probably will never own their responsibility in this matter. I would like to take all percussion to insure satisfaction. I wouldn't even mind if they would agree to releasing me from any obligations. They can have the car back! 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 1996 887 complaints · 42.2% engine and engine cooling 1997 553 complaints · 44.1% 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