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1996 problems

FaultScore report

1996 Dodge Neon problems

Owners have filed 887 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Neon with NHTSA between 1995 and 2015. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 12 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Dodge Neon All 1996 cars

FaultScore 70/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge Neon.

How this is worked out

The numbers

887

Complaints

Crashes reported

Fires reported

Injuries reported

74,561 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

11%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 100: Against the median year of the Dodge Neon. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54: 10.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 19: 11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Dodge Neon

Click any bar to open that year's report.

4 10 1,415 887 553 451 152 489 199 230 290 141 133

93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Dodge Neon

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 375 42.3%

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 80,000 mi

Electrical System 105 11.8%

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 88,500 mi

Brakes 104 11.7%

10 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 49 5.5%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Airbags 45 5.1%

33 crashes, 1 fires · median 78,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 37 4.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 55,000 mi

Body & Structure 25 2.8%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

Steering 24 2.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi

Lights 22 2.5%

Median failure at 74,561 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 21 2.4%

Median failure at 53,531 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 20 2.3%

Acceleration & Cruise Control 16 1.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 15 1.7%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Seat Belts 10 1.1%

5 crashes, 0 fires

Suspension 7 0.8%

Seats 6 0.7%

3 crashes, 0 fires

Tires 4 0.5%

Median failure at 97,848 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Wheels 1 0.1%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 251 51.0%

Gasoline 85 17.3%

Frontal 37 7.5%

Front Underhood 28 5.7%

Automatic Transmission 28 5.7%

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 26 5.3%

Foundation Components 22 4.5%

Wiring 15 3.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 1.6%

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 3.2%

25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 6.5%

50,000 – 74,999 miles 25 40.3%

75,000 – 99,999 miles 19 30.6%

100,000 – 149,999 miles 10 16.1%

150,000+ miles 1 1.6%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 1995 peak 31 Jun 2015

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Dodge Neon

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE02082 Opened 6 Nov 2002 Closed 23 Apr 2003 SEAT BELTS

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

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.

PE98012 Opened 26 Feb 1998 Closed 23 Jun 1998 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UNDERHOOD FIRES

Recalls on the 1996 Dodge Neon

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E025000 11 May 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

09E012000 7 Apr 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

06E060000 29 Jun 2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

06E049000 24 May 2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

06E026000 23 Mar 2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

96V075000 3 May 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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.

96V026000 5 Feb 1996

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1996079 17 May 1996 6,257 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. Correction: Rear brake master cylinder piston assemblies will be replaced.

Recall 1996029 12 Feb 1996 1,201 units in Canada

Electrical

AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) TUBE. SHORTING OF THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE DIE OUT. CORRECTION: WIRING HARNESS WILL BE PROPERLY ROUTED AND ANY DAMAGED WIRING WILL BE REPLACED.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Filed 13 Sep 2004 at 86,000 miles Sylmar, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

AFTER REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN DEAD CENTER THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #10091950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Mar 2003 Crowley, LA Crash 3 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

IN AUGUST OF 1999, DUE TO A HEALTH PROBLEM (UNKNOWN TO ME), I FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL OF MY 1996 NEON. I AWOKE IN TIME TO FORCE THE CAR OVER TO A GRASSY MEDIAN BETWEEN TWO PARTS OF A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY. THE CAR FLEW TWENTY OR SO FEET IN THE AIR, MAKING IMPACT WITH THE GRASS, AND CONTINUING WITHOUT POWER STEERING, ETC., FOR APPROXIMATELY. 300 FEET. WHILE IN THE AIR, MY LEFT ARM BROKE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. WHEN THE CAR LANDED DEAD ON TO THE GRASS, THE AIR BAGS BURST, BUT "WILTED" DOWN, THEY DID NOT COME STRAIGHT OUT AT ME AS NORMAL, BUT DOWN, AFTER EXPLODING. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL FOR A CAR IN THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT, AND THAT THE CAR MAY HAVE BEEN IN A PRIOR ACCIDENT, OR THE AIR BAGS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. I RECEIVED CHEMICAL BURNS ON THE INNER PARTS OF THE ARMS, AND DEVELOPED A LUNG PROBLEM DUE TO THE INHALED CHEMICALS. SINCE THE AIRBAGS EXPLODED IMPROPERLY, MY TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS WERE FRIGHTENED EVEN MORE, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN HAD BEEN SHOT. MY CONCERN IS THAT OTHER AIR BAGS MAY REACT IN THE SAME WAY, EVEN IF THERE IS NO FRONT IMPACT. I HAD NOTIFIED MY MECHANICS IN THE EBENSBURG AND CRESSON, PA AREAS, WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, AS WELL AS THE AMBULANCE DRIVERS, AND ANY OTHERS I COULD ABOUT THIS SITUATION. I ALSO NOTIFIED THE HOSTS OF CAR TALK. I HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING ELSEWHERE, BUT I DID NOTICE THAT AIR BAGS WERE NOT MENTIONED ON YOUR WEBSITE, AND FELT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10008498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 Aug 2002 St.louis Park, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FRONT COLLISION AT 40 MPH. UPON IMPACT NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK

NHTSA complaint #8016173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 3 Jul 2002 Santa Rosa, CA Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

CONSUMER STATES AT A 30-35 MPH, VEHICLE CRASHED, HOWEVER THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*JB

NHTSA complaint #8013277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Apr 2002 Neptune, NJ Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FRONT COLLISION AT 35 MPH, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUFFERED SPRAINED SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, AIRBAG SENSOR WAS CRUSHED.*AK

NHTSA complaint #8008162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Apr 2002 Neptune, NJ Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

IN FRONT COLLISION AT 35 MPH SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER. DRIVER SUFFERED A SPRAINED SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK

NHTSA complaint #8008163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Filed 27 Jun 2015 at 107,326 miles Pittsburg, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO LOW. HARD FOR ME TO SEE. ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING AROUND A CORNER, I CAN'T SEE FAR ENOUGH AHEAD. AFRAID OF WRECKING. I TRIED CLEANING THE OUTSIDE HEADLIGHTS THINKING THEY MAY HAVE A FILM ON THEM, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. IF THEIR ARE NO REFLECTIVE MARKERS ON THE ROAD IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE THE WHITE LINE.

NHTSA complaint #10730776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 11 Mar 2014 at 62,000 miles White Plains, NY

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A TUNE-UP HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE EMISSION COIL AND ALTERNATOR BELT AS A REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS LATER DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA complaint #10568374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Aug 2011 at 120,000 miles Albany, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STALLING AND ADVISED THAT IT WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V026000 ( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #10421054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 3 Jun 2011 at 17,000 miles Salem, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL BRAKING FUNCTION WAS LOST WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. SHE STATED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE SHE HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, SHOES, REAR BRAKE DRUMS, AND TWO REAR FLEX LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, WIRING HARNESS, SPEED SENSOR, COIL, VALVE COVER GASKETS AND TIMING BELT ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA complaint #10404329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 3 Jun 2011 at 17,000 miles Salem, MA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

NHTSA complaint #10404329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 24 May 2011 at 137,537 miles NEW Haven, IN

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TL* THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING A 1996 DODGE NEON. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUT FRONT OF AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH THE ENGINE TURNED ON WHEN THE SHIFTER INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MILES ONTO THE HIGHWAY AT A SLOW SPEED. THE MECHANIC CHASED AFTER THE MOVING VEHICLE AND WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE SHIFTER CABLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,537.

NHTSA complaint #10402507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 7 Jun 2008 at 97,848 miles Willow Grove, PA

TIRES

MY CAR WAS DRIVING VERY SHAKY AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF SIGNIFICANTLY. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS BEFORE MY FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW UP IN FRONT OF MY RESIDENCE WHICH CAUSED THE LEFT FRAME TO POP OUT. THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE SUPREME SI P185-65R14 M+S. I ALSO HAVE A RIGHT FRONT TIRE OF THE SAME TIRE BRAND AND MODEL THAT HAS SIGNIFICANT TREAD WEAR, WHICH CAUSES ME GREAT CONCERN.

NHTSA complaint #10230220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Mar 2008 at 150,643 miles Chillicothe, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE NEON THAT KEEPS BLOWING FUEL PUMP FUSES WHEN SHIFTING TO 3RD GEAR. IT IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT I FOUND IN SAME VEHICLE MADE FEW MONTHS SOONER JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER CAR IN 1995 THROUGH 1996 I FEEL THIS IS STILL HAPPENING MY CAR IS AT RISK TO CATCH FIRE. WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IF THIS COULD BE RESOLVE AND CHECKED OUT. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10222375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 5 Feb 2008 at 137,703 miles Spokane Vaalley, WA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

I OWN A 1996 DODGE NEON. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE SPEED SENSOR FIXED ON IT DUE TO THAT IS THE CODE THAT CAME UP ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD FRIED 3 FEET OF IT. THE MECHANIC FIXED THE THREE FEET OF WIRING AND EVERY THING WAS IN WORKING ORDER. I TOOK MY CAR TO MOSES LAKE WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES FROM MY HOUSE UPON ARRIVING. MY NEON STOPPED WORKING. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM MOSES LAKE TO ALTONS TIRE SHOP IN AIR WAY HEIGHTS BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO TOW IT TO DISHMAN DODGE ON SRPAUGE. I HAVE PULLED UP THE RECALL INFORMATION ON MY CAR AND BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MASS NUMBERS IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I TRULY FEEL T HAT IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE THE HARNESS IS FIRED DUE TO THE SAME REASONS.

NHTSA complaint #10216980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 16 Mar 2007 at 132,000 miles Raeford, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE WAS CHIPPING ON THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY 1996 WHITE DODGE NEON THAT SHE SAW HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT CHIPPING ON THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 132,000 .

NHTSA complaint #10185317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 12 Jan 2007 Warner Robbins, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS REPLACED HER BRAKES LIGHTS TEN TIMES ON HER 1996 DODGE NEON. SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS AN ODOMETER READING OF 74000.

NHTSA complaint #10178595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Jul 2006 Sioux Falls, SD

POWER TRAIN

1996 NEON SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING. *TS AFTER A SENSOR AND OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS. A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT THE CONSUMERS SON WAS EXPERIENCING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HIS SON'S VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10161596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Jul 2006 Sioux Falls, SD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

NHTSA complaint #10161596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 May 2006 at 134,037 miles Augusta, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH ALL THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD AND INTERMITTENT STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A FRIEND WHO DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST AND THE WIRING WAS MELTED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 60MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SKIDDED. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INSPECTED BY A SERVICE DEALER, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A RECALL 96V026000, CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND A RECALL 96V075000, CONCERNING THE SERVICE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS.

NHTSA complaint #10158321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 May 2006 at 134,037 miles Augusta, KS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

NHTSA complaint #10158321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Dec 2005 at 9,500 miles EL Mirage, AZ

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

REPROGRAM (FLASH) PCM.

NHTSA complaint #10144788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 28 Nov 2005 at 50,000 miles Atlanta, GA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE NEON SPORT, IT HAS BEEN INOPERABLE FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO, DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND STALLING WHICH I BELIEVE STEM FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED A FEW TIMES, THE A/C REPLACED, FUEL INJECTION ACTS UP AND THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES, MY TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED SLIPPING, POWER STEERING AND EXHAUST ARE LEAKING, NUMEROUS OIL LEAKS, REAR LIGHTS/ BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED IN OVER A YEAR, DRIVERSIDE WINDOW BROKE ALONG THE EXTENDING ARM INSIDE OF THE DOOR FRAME, TRUNK RELEASE IS BROKEN AND MY CRUISE CONTROL IS BROKEN! FOR THE LAST 4MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT ATLANTA DODGE LLC! JUST AFTER LEAVING IT WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I RECEIVED A CALL SAYING I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY AND UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED FOR $180 THEY COULD NOT DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK FOR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS!! THE BATTERY WAS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD AND WORKED FINE WHEN I LEFT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP!! BUT IN HOPES OF ANY DECENT SERVICE I BOUGHT ANOTHER BATTERY FROM ADVANCED AUTO PARTS $40 AND TOOK IT IN MYSELF. DURING THIS VISIT I REMINDED THEM THAT MY MAKE AND MODEL CAR WAS UNDER A RECALL, THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT!! I GAVE THEM THE NHTSA RECALL DOCUMENTATION AND WAS TOLD THAT IT DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR, ONLY TO THE NEONS FROM THE PLANT IN NEW MEXICO!! JUST AFTER THANKSGIVING I DECIDED TO CALL THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON. I SPOKE WITH BRIAN THE CS REP. AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE MECHANICS COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR AND REFUSED TO RESEARCH ANY FURTHER UNLESS I AGREED TO SPEND NO LESS THAN $250 TOWARDS THE REPAIRS!! IT'S NOT A COINCIDENCE THAT THE SAME PARTS ARE IN NEED OF REPAIRS AS 15,000 OTHER NEONS -- REGARDLESS OF WHICH PLANT THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLIED, THE DEFECTS LIE IN THE PLACEMENT AND/OR MANUFACTURING OF THE FAULTY PARTS AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER ANY RELATING RECALLS! *NM UPDATED 12/1505.