NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
294 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 18, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline
PEELING PAINT ON MY 1995 DODGE NEON. I AM ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION, REPLACED AIR CONDITIONER BECAUSE OF SMOKE UNDER HOOD, BRAKES, ROTORS, FUEL LEAKING, VALVE COVER GASKET, HEAD GASKET, NO OIL IN ENGINE HAD IT TOWED. I ALSO IN THE TIME I OWN MY NEON I HAVE HAD ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. AFTER REPLACING ALL THIS I ONLY HAD ONE RECALL …
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PEELING PAINT ON MY 1995 DODGE NEON. I AM ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION, REPLACED AIR CONDITIONER BECAUSE OF SMOKE UNDER HOOD, BRAKES, ROTORS, FUEL LEAKING, VALVE COVER GASKET, HEAD GASKET, NO OIL IN ENGINE HAD IT TOWED. I ALSO IN THE TIME I OWN MY NEON I HAVE HAD ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. AFTER REPLACING ALL THIS I ONLY HAD ONE RECALL SENT TO ME ON THE STEERING COUPLER. I HAD THAT FIXED AT THE DEALER. BUT, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY OTHER RECALLS SENT TO ME. 2 TRANSMISSIONS AND ALOT OF MONEY SPENT ON A LEMON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231525
129,100 miles · Nov 25, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
VEHICLE DRIVES FROM APPROX 8 MILES BEFORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN AFTER THAT THE ENGINE SPUTTERS AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF WAITING THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN FOR A FEW MILES THEN STALLS AGAIN. AFTER SITTING ALL NIGHT VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. OEDB2 CODE READER SAI…
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VEHICLE DRIVES FROM APPROX 8 MILES BEFORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN AFTER THAT THE ENGINE SPUTTERS AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF WAITING THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN FOR A FEW MILES THEN STALLS AGAIN. AFTER SITTING ALL NIGHT VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. OEDB2 CODE READER SAID CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE.. REPLACES SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, FUEL FILTER, CHECKED COIL. EVERYTHING SEAMS TO BE WORKING FINE. VEHICLE CAN BE RAN AT IDLE FOR VERY LONG TIME WITH NO COMPLICATIONS. PCM IS BAD.... THEIR IS A RECALL IN EFFECT BUT MY VIN DOESN'T MATCH UP. SEE RECALL 94V-033.. BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. AND AFTER RULING EVERYTHING OUT IT IS THE PCM... I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE RE OPENED TO INCLUDE LAST 8 VIN CODE ST356500. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143645
78,000 miles · Nov 1, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HAD GONE BAD. WATER SEEPED INTO THE TANK</A>. WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB *TC
NHTSA ODI #10094154
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
THE BRAKES ON THE CAR ARE JUST TERRIBLE. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2002, IT WAS A 1995 NEON DODGE(BEST I COULD BUY BACK THEN). BUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONER FIXED ONE TIME, THE PAINT IS BASICALLY PEELING OFF BY ITSELF, BUT THE WORST PART ARE THE BRAKES, I'VE HAD THEM CHANGED THREE …
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THE BRAKES ON THE CAR ARE JUST TERRIBLE. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2002, IT WAS A 1995 NEON DODGE(BEST I COULD BUY BACK THEN). BUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONER FIXED ONE TIME, THE PAINT IS BASICALLY PEELING OFF BY ITSELF, BUT THE WORST PART ARE THE BRAKES, I'VE HAD THEM CHANGED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN EIGHT MONTHS. ONCE I ALMOST GOT IN CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE THEY FAILED ON ME. SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN A SMALL LOCAL DEALER SHOP MUCH COULD NOT BE DONE, BUT I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO GETTING A BETTER CAR WITH BETTER SAFETY FEATURES.
NHTSA ODI #10069957
62,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureUnknown Or Other
THE CAR LEAKS WATER FROM SOMEWHERE. WHEN IT RAINS THE BACKSEAT FLOOR FILLS UP WITH WATER. THERE ARE NO WATER TRAILS RUNNING DOWN FROM THE WINDOWS SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM. THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS FINALLY DIED COMPLETELY - IT HAS BEEN SMELLING MUSTY FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THE WINDOWS ROLL DOWN BY THEMSELVE…
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THE CAR LEAKS WATER FROM SOMEWHERE. WHEN IT RAINS THE BACKSEAT FLOOR FILLS UP WITH WATER. THERE ARE NO WATER TRAILS RUNNING DOWN FROM THE WINDOWS SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM. THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS FINALLY DIED COMPLETELY - IT HAS BEEN SMELLING MUSTY FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THE WINDOWS ROLL DOWN BY THEMSELVES. IF YOU GO OVER A BUMPY ROAD OR JUST DRIVE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME THE WINDOWS START CREEPING DOWN. AFTER EVERY DRIVE I HAVE TO GO AROUND THE CAR AND MAKE SURE THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP TIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10069169
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 1995 DODGE NEON AND IT HAS A MAJOR HEADGASKET OIL LEAK THAT A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED. THE HEADGASKET LEAK HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AND THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM ADDING A QUART OF OIL EVERY THREE DAYS. THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE IS COVERED IN OIL. I CHECKED THE NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATION REPORTS AND MANY CON…
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I OWN A 1995 DODGE NEON AND IT HAS A MAJOR HEADGASKET OIL LEAK THAT A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED. THE HEADGASKET LEAK HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AND THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM ADDING A QUART OF OIL EVERY THREE DAYS. THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE IS COVERED IN OIL. I CHECKED THE NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATION REPORTS AND MANY CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. EVERY TIME I DRIVE THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNED OIL. ON 12-15-2003 SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE ENGINE. I AM VERY WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT START AN ENGINE FIRE IF THE CAR GETS VERY HOT. I HAVE CHECKED VARIOUS AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITES AND IN ONE SITE A DODGE OWNER MENTIONS THAT HIS MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT A CUSTOMERS DODGE NEON HAD AN ENGINE FIRE. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY RISK NOT ONLY OF ENGINE FIRES BUT ALSO ENGINE STALLS DUE TO LOW OIL LEVELS. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES MAKING STRANGE SOUNDS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10050835
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND STALLED WHEN REACHING A HIGH TEMPERATURE. THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKED COOLANT. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD GASKET. *AK *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI #10037727
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COOLANT GOES INSIDE THE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10040203
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10027085
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE LEAKED GASOLINE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI #10024964
Official recalls
6Oct 7, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNDERBODY IMPACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER WITH A COUPLER DESIGN THAT COLLAPSES ON IMPACT.
Nov 18, 1996
THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES CAN EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CORROSION OF THE TUBES CAN LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID OR FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKES OR RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE, FUEL SUPPLY AND FUEL VAPOR TUBES FOR THE PRESENCE OF CORROSION. ANY TUBES SHOWING CORROSION WILL BE REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC CLIP.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES CAN EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR.
Consequence: CORROSION OF THE TUBES CAN LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID OR FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKES OR RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE, FUEL SUPPLY AND FUEL VAPOR TUBES FOR THE PRESENCE OF CORROSION. ANY TUBES SHOWING CORROSION WILL BE REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC CLIP.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES CAN EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR.
Consequence: CORROSION OF THE TUBES CAN LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID OR FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKES OR RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE, FUEL SUPPLY AND FUEL VAPOR TUBES FOR THE PRESENCE OF CORROSION. ANY TUBES SHOWING CORROSION WILL BE REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC CLIP.
May 3, 1996
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Feb 23, 1994
MOISTURE CAN GET INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSING DRIVEABILITY MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING STALLING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD DRIVE ABILITY MALFUNCTIONS OR STALLING OCCUR WHILETHE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES ON THESE VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED.
Feb 23, 1994
THE REAR BRAKE HOSE MOUNTING BRACKET SCREWS CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE BRAKE HOSES TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION. THE UNRESTRAINED HOSES ARE THEN SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL REDUCE THE BRAKING PERFORMANCEOF THE VEHICLE, EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE REAR BRAKE LINE HOSE BRACKET SCREWS ON THESE VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED.
Jan 9, 1994
THE ABS BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL ALLOWS AIR TO ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING SPONGY BRAKES OR PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AIR ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OR PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MASTER CYLINDERS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR THE SUSPECT BUILD DATE CODE RANGE AND WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
9DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
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 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 26, 1998 · Closed Jun 23, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
EA98003 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments
Opened Jan 30, 1998 · Closed Jan 5, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
No summary supplied.
PE97042 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployment
Opened Sep 21, 1997 · Closed Jan 30, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
EA97009 · Loss Of Steering Control
Opened Apr 30, 1997 · Closed Oct 8, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE97007 · Alleged Fires In Steering Column Area
Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Apr 7, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
THE APPARENT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS THE ACCUMULATION OF BRASS POWDER, THAT WEARS OFF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS INSIDE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH.THIS POWDER COLLECTS IN SMALL TRAILS OF GREASE THAT TRACK FROM ONE CONTACT TO ANOTHER.WHEN THE CONCENTRATION OF BRASS IN THE GREASE GETS HIGH ENOUGH, IT CAN CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT.THIS SHORT, IN TURN CAN IGNITE THE GREASE AND CAUSE SMOKE TO BE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.THE GREASE USED INSIDE THE SWITCH, AS WELL AS THE VARIOUS PLASTIC COMPONENTS IN THE COLUMN, ARE FIRE RETARDANT AND WILL NOT BURN WITHOUT A SUSTAINED HEAT SOURCE.THERE HAS BEEN ONLY A SINGLE VERIFIED INCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND THIS REPORTED FIRE WAS SMALL, INVOLVING SOME CHARRING OF THE STEERING WHEEL.ALL OTHER VERIFIED INCIDENTS WERE LIMITED TO SMOKE FROM THE COLUMN AND MINOR INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
PE96069 · Loss Of Steering Control
Opened Nov 26, 1996 · Closed Apr 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE94095 · Loss Of Steering Control
Opened Dec 28, 1994 · Closed Apr 25, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
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