Owners have filed 451 complaints
about the 1998 Dodge Neon with NHTSA between 1998 and 2015.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 12 worst.
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 — 55
Against the median year of the Dodge Neon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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
13553.8%
Gasoline
4317.1%
Frontal
2811.2%
Automatic Transmission
124.8%
Cooling System
104.0%
Trunk LID
93.6%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
83.2%
AIR Conditioner
62.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
23.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
47.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1733.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1223.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
815.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
611.8%
150,000+ miles
23.9%
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.
Aug 1998peak 26Nov 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT 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.
Recalls on the 1998 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
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
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
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
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
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.
99V001000
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY BE MISSING SPOT WELDS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN STRUCTURAL CRACKS IN THE BODY, AND REDUCED CRASH PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19990101,251 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the rear suspension crossmember may be missing spot welds. This may result in structural cracks in the body, and reduced crash protection in the event of a rear impact. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and vehicles with missing spot welds will have structural rivets installed in place of the welds.
Recall 19980533,419 units in Canada
Electrical
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE SOLID STATE FAN RELAY COULD FAIL BECAUSE OF HEAT RELATED ELECTRICAL OVER STRESS CAUSING THE FAN(S) TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. BOTH EMISSIONS AND DRIVEABILITY MAY BE IMPACTED IF THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. CORRECTION: THE SOLID STATE RELAY WILL BE REPLACED AND A DIODE JUMPER WIRE WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE FAN WIRING CIRCUIT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
WHEELS
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHenderson, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
1998 DODGE NEON WAS FORCED OFF THE ROADWAY BY A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE THAT TURNED ACROSS 19 YEAR OLD FEMALE DRIVERS LANE OF TRAVEL. SIDESWIPE CAUSED LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE, VEHICLE BRIEFLY BOTTOMED ONTO PAVEMENT, LEAVING A SHORT DISTANCE GOUGE MARK. THE NEON THEN JUMPED ONTO A CURB AND IMPACTED A UTILITY POLE HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED 27-35MPH IMPACT SPEED. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON NELLIS BOULEVARD IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. THE FRONTAL IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, FEMALE DRIVER HAD SEVERE NECK INJURIES THAT RESULTED IN A STROKE AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. TRW CLAIMS THE SYSTEM PERFORMED EXACTLY AS DESIGNED. THEY CLAIM THEIR 1998 VEAM CRASH SENSING ALGORITHM ASCERTAINED THAT THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE UTILITY POLE IMPACT AND THE DEPOWERED AIRBAG WOULD HAVE CAUSED MORE HARM THAN GOOD. I AM THE EXPERT WITNESS ON THIS CASE FOR THE PLAINTIFF AGAINST TRW. THIS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SENSING SYSTEM IS AN INDICATION OF WHY THIS SUBJECT VEHICLE AND ITS SIMILAR MODEL YEARS HAS AN EXORBITANTLY HIGH NUMBER OF NON DEPLOYMENT OF FRONT AIRBAGS COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS DATABASE COMPARED TO ITS PEERS. I AM REPORTING THIS AT THE BEHEST OF DEFENSE COUNSEL, WHO CLAIMS THAT MY FAILURE TO REPORT THIS DEFECT IS ACTUALLY A FAILURE OF ME TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO CONSUMERS. I WOULD BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THIS AND MANY OTHER CASES WITH NHTSA PERSONNEL, AS I BELIEVE THIS DEFENSE COUNSEL CRITIQUE ACTUALLY OPENS UP A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH NHTSA TO PROVIDE MORE IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK ON SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT HAVE BEEN OCCURRING IN THE FIELD ON SOME SYSTEMS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS MY PROPOSAL WITH NHTSA ON HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO COOPERATE ON NARROWING DOWN FRIVOLOUS CLAIMS, BUT SETTING A HIGH PRIORITY ON REAL ISSUES THAT TYPICALLY RESULT IN LAWSUITS BUT ARE NOT NECESSARILY BROUGHT TO NHTSA'S ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #10621563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Trevoron, PA4 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRUNK FULL OF WATER - TRUNK & LIGHT SEALS ARE BAD - WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE? LIGHTS HAVE TO WORK AND MOLD IS DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #10188338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Trevoron, PA4 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TRUNK FULL OF WATER - TRUNK & LIGHT SEALS ARE BAD - WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE? LIGHTS HAVE TO WORK AND MOLD IS DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #10188338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
WHEELS
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quitman, MSCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO
NHTSA complaint #10788687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWinston-Salem, NC
POWER TRAIN
MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACEMENT,4-5 TIMES,WILL NOT HOLD. EGRVALVE REPLACEMENT ,ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS SAYING IT NEED TO BE REPLACED EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND LIGHT CLEARED. 4-5 TIMES .BOTH ARE NOW ON GOING.
NHTSA complaint #10701169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWinston-Salem, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACEMENT,4-5 TIMES,WILL NOT HOLD. EGRVALVE REPLACEMENT ,ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS SAYING IT NEED TO BE REPLACED EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND LIGHT CLEARED. 4-5 TIMES .BOTH ARE NOW ON GOING.
NHTSA complaint #10701169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHenderson, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
1998 DODGE NEON WAS FORCED OFF THE ROADWAY BY A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE THAT TURNED ACROSS 19 YEAR OLD FEMALE DRIVERS LANE OF TRAVEL. SIDESWIPE CAUSED LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE, VEHICLE BRIEFLY BOTTOMED ONTO PAVEMENT, LEAVING A SHORT DISTANCE GOUGE MARK. THE NEON THEN JUMPED ONTO A CURB AND IMPACTED A UTILITY POLE HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED 27-35MPH IMPACT SPEED. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON NELLIS BOULEVARD IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. THE FRONTAL IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, FEMALE DRIVER HAD SEVERE NECK INJURIES THAT RESULTED IN A STROKE AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. TRW CLAIMS THE SYSTEM PERFORMED EXACTLY AS DESIGNED. THEY CLAIM THEIR 1998 VEAM CRASH SENSING ALGORITHM ASCERTAINED THAT THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE UTILITY POLE IMPACT AND THE DEPOWERED AIRBAG WOULD HAVE CAUSED MORE HARM THAN GOOD. I AM THE EXPERT WITNESS ON THIS CASE FOR THE PLAINTIFF AGAINST TRW. THIS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SENSING SYSTEM IS AN INDICATION OF WHY THIS SUBJECT VEHICLE AND ITS SIMILAR MODEL YEARS HAS AN EXORBITANTLY HIGH NUMBER OF NON DEPLOYMENT OF FRONT AIRBAGS COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS DATABASE COMPARED TO ITS PEERS. I AM REPORTING THIS AT THE BEHEST OF DEFENSE COUNSEL, WHO CLAIMS THAT MY FAILURE TO REPORT THIS DEFECT IS ACTUALLY A FAILURE OF ME TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO CONSUMERS. I WOULD BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THIS AND MANY OTHER CASES WITH NHTSA PERSONNEL, AS I BELIEVE THIS DEFENSE COUNSEL CRITIQUE ACTUALLY OPENS UP A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH NHTSA TO PROVIDE MORE IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK ON SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT HAVE BEEN OCCURRING IN THE FIELD ON SOME SYSTEMS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS MY PROPOSAL WITH NHTSA ON HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO COOPERATE ON NARROWING DOWN FRIVOLOUS CLAIMS, BUT SETTING A HIGH PRIORITY ON REAL ISSUES THAT TYPICALLY RESULT IN LAWSUITS BUT ARE NOT NECESSARILY BROUGHT TO NHTSA'S ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #10621563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,397 milesYellville, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ONLY FUNCTIONED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,397. ..UPDATED 05/15/12 * BF UPDATED 05/21/12
NHTSA complaint #10457394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSarasota, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10453103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Xxxxxxxx, RI
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
I HAVE A 1998 NEON AND WATER IS COMING THOU THE LIGHTS INTO CAR ON FLOOR I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME DEFECT ON NOT JUST MY YEAR BUT NEWER MODULES THIS IS A MOLD ISSUE AND I LIKE MANY HAVE ALLEGE TO MOLD AND CAN TRIGGER A ASTHMA ATTACK THAT CAN KILL USE I ASKED THE DEALERS TO FIX BUT THEY SAY ITS NOT A RECALL I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIR IN ORDER TO STOP THE LEAK SO WHOSE PAYING MY HOSPITAL VISIT WHEN I HAVE MY ASTHMA ATTACK AND I HAVE TO GO ON A VENTILATOR DEATH IS NOT A OPTION WHY CANT THEY FIX IT FOR FREE.
NHTSA complaint #10320751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesNEW Castle, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND A RUSTED BRAKE LINE WAS DISCOVERED, WHICH SQUIRTED BRAKE FLUID EVERYWHERE. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10242829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE SPEEDOMETER ISNT OPERATING NORMALLY AND DOESN'T DISPLAY THE SPEED; HOWEVER, IF YOU TAP ON THE DASHBOARD IT BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. THE INOPERABLE SPEEDOMETER IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE HEAT GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO SHOW THE PROPER TEMPERATURE, DISPLAYED OVER HEATING AND FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE NOISE FROM THE HEATING SYSTEM IS ALSO A DISTRACTION AND A SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10233591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE SPEEDOMETER ISNT OPERATING NORMALLY AND DOESN'T DISPLAY THE SPEED; HOWEVER, IF YOU TAP ON THE DASHBOARD IT BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. THE INOPERABLE SPEEDOMETER IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE HEAT GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO SHOW THE PROPER TEMPERATURE, DISPLAYED OVER HEATING AND FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE NOISE FROM THE HEATING SYSTEM IS ALSO A DISTRACTION AND A SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10233591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPleasant View, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THE 1998 DODGE NEON IS NOTORIOUS FOR FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. THE PROBLEM IS FIRST NOTICED BY AN OIL LEAK AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING. THE HEAD GASKETS ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. AFTER THE CAR GETS HOT, IT STALLS AT EVERY INTERSECTION AND EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN OR IS PLACED IN NEUTRAL (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION WHERE TRAFFIC WAS GETTING ON AND OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR AND PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY ENTRANCE BECAUSE IT WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE PLACE TO MOVE MY CAR TO. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS INCIDENT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR RESULT IN ME GETTING INJURED. CHRYSLER IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED AN IMPROVED GASKET REPLACEMENT KIT, (WHICH IS COSTLY) BUT REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING A RECALL. MY CAR NEEDS NEW HEAD GASKETS AND I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $900 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY, SO NOW MY CAR SITS PARKED IN THE STREET AND I NOW HAVE TO TAKE THE CITY BUS, WHICH CLOSEST STOP TO MY HOUSE IS 1.5 MILES, OR WALK PLACES WITH MY 3 CHILDREN IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO WHEN WINTER COMES. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ON WEBSITE SUCH AS MYCARSTATS.COM AND MANY FORUMS. MOST OF THE BLOWN HEAD GASKETS HAPPENED ON LOW MILEAGE VEHICLES. MY CAR ONLY HAS 89,000 MILES ON IT. IF YOU DO A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR 1998 DODGE NEON BLOWN HEAD GASKETS, YOU WILL GET OVER 80,000 LISTING OF FORUMS, DISCUSSIONS AND ARTICLES RELATING TO THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10199315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Trevoron, PA4 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRUNK FULL OF WATER - TRUNK & LIGHT SEALS ARE BAD - WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE? LIGHTS HAVE TO WORK AND MOLD IS DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #10188338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Trevoron, PA4 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TRUNK FULL OF WATER - TRUNK & LIGHT SEALS ARE BAD - WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE? LIGHTS HAVE TO WORK AND MOLD IS DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #10188338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Trevoron, PA4 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRUNK FULL OF WATER - TRUNK & LIGHT SEALS ARE BAD - WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY FEATURE? LIGHTS HAVE TO WORK AND MOLD IS DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #10188338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,780 milesTemperance,, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
COMPLETE SPEEDOMETER FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. LOSS OF ALL DATA REGARDING SPEED VEHICLE IS TRAVELING, AND AT TIMES, ALL INFORMATION FROM THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND FUEL GAUGE. ISSUES WITH NEON SPEEDOMETERS ARE WIDELY PUBLISHED ON THE INTERNET. I AM SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL FOR SUCH A WELL DOCUMENTED VEHICLE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10158717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN CALLING PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988,ABOUT CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS, FOR MY 1998 DODGE NEON I WAS PUT ON HOLD FOR A LENGTHY AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE BEING ANSWERED TO A HORRIBLE PERSONAL. IN ATTEMPTS TO SEE IF IT WAS THE ACTUAL LAMP OR THE OUTSIDE REFLECTOR THAT WAS DAMAGED I WAS GIVEN ABOUT 5 SECONDS INTO MY DESCRIPTION BEFORE BEING TOLD THAT NO IT IS NOT THERE PROBLEM THAT I DID NOT HAVE THEIR LAMP IN MY CAR. AMAZING HOW THERE IS SUCH A QUICK ANSWER TO MY DESCRIPTION OF 5 SECONDS. MAYBE THERE ARE A LOT OF RECALLS FROM THEIR COMPANY BUT I WAS NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO SEE IF MY PART WAS PART OF THAT RECALL BEFORE BEING HUNG UP ON.
NHTSA complaint #10156644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vagas, NV
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I HAVE A 98 DODGE NEON. THE CAR GRINDS IN THE FRONT END EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES. I CANT NOT DRIVE THROW WATER OR THE CAR WILL DIE. GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT THE RECOMMENDED SPEED THE FRONT END WILL BOTTOM OUT. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK AT THE CAR. AND HE SAID IT LOOKED FINE. THE BRAKE SPEC. DIDN'T SEE ANY THING AND I NOTICED I HAD TWO DIFFERENT TIRES ON THE FRONT THEN THE BACK BECAUSE OF THE FRONT END. PLEASE IF YOU FIND OUT ANY THING ON THIS CAR IT WOULD BE MUCH OBLIGED.
NHTSA complaint #10144103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vagas, NV
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A 98 DODGE NEON. THE CAR GRINDS IN THE FRONT END EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES. I CANT NOT DRIVE THROW WATER OR THE CAR WILL DIE. GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT THE RECOMMENDED SPEED THE FRONT END WILL BOTTOM OUT. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK AT THE CAR. AND HE SAID IT LOOKED FINE. THE BRAKE SPEC. DIDN'T SEE ANY THING AND I NOTICED I HAD TWO DIFFERENT TIRES ON THE FRONT THEN THE BACK BECAUSE OF THE FRONT END. PLEASE IF YOU FIND OUT ANY THING ON THIS CAR IT WOULD BE MUCH OBLIGED.
NHTSA complaint #10144103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vagas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 98 DODGE NEON. THE CAR GRINDS IN THE FRONT END EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES. I CANT NOT DRIVE THROW WATER OR THE CAR WILL DIE. GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT THE RECOMMENDED SPEED THE FRONT END WILL BOTTOM OUT. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK AT THE CAR. AND HE SAID IT LOOKED FINE. THE BRAKE SPEC. DIDN'T SEE ANY THING AND I NOTICED I HAD TWO DIFFERENT TIRES ON THE FRONT THEN THE BACK BECAUSE OF THE FRONT END. PLEASE IF YOU FIND OUT ANY THING ON THIS CAR IT WOULD BE MUCH OBLIGED.
NHTSA complaint #10144103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesChesapeake, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 7, 2005. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS WAS FRONT END COLLISION. HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #10139244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesWest Memphis, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DT: 1998 DODGE NEON, WHEN CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSANGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10124861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,500 milesEdinboro, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE PIPE THAT COMES DOWN FROM THE FILLER INTO THE TANK RUSTED. THIS CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK VERY HEAVILY AT TIMES. FUEL PUMP HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. *AK THE LOCAL JUNKYARD IMFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FILLER PIPE IS A COMMON PROBLEM, THEY SELL THEM AS FAST AS THEY GET THEM. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10116981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesLakewood, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
I PURCHASED A 1998 NEON ESPRESSO IN JUNE OF 2004. ON ABOUT JULY 2004 MY CAR DIED. I HAD IT TOWED AND HAD OVER $1,800 OF ENGINE WORK DONE. AFTER WORK WAS DONE THEY STATED MY REAR SEAL WAS LEAKING AND WANTED OVER $600 TO REPAIR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10104959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.