IllustrationWHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER SAW BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK
1995 Dodge Neon
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Neon years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Dodge Neon are substantially higher than the model-year median of 173.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Neon years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 35 of 976 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 294 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 208 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
124 crash reports55 fire reports86 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
208 reportsMY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 1995 DODGE NEON WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CAUSED HER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35 - 40 MPH .THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL WEATHER OR ROAD CONDITIONS. SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TOWARDS THE RIGHT, AT THAT POINT SHE HAD A LOSS OF STEERING AND NO CONTR…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 1995 DODGE NEON WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CAUSED HER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35 - 40 MPH .THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL WEATHER OR ROAD CONDITIONS. SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TOWARDS THE RIGHT, AT THAT POINT SHE HAD A LOSS OF STEERING AND NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES OR MAKING A TURN, JUST DRIVING ALONG AS SHE NORMALLY WOULD. PREVIOSLY WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS, SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILING. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP ONCE CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT , THE OTHER JUST CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. THE ACCIDENT WHEN THE STEERING FAILED WAS FORTUNATELY A MINOR ONE . BUT COULD JUST AS EASILY BEEN A VERY SERIOS POSSIBLY FATAL. SINCE AT THE TIME OF THE STEERING LOSS, THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO A RESIDENTIAL HOMEOWNERS YARD AND PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT WAS LOCATED IN THE YARD. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST BETWEEN TWO TREES BECAUSE IT WAS STOPPED BY A TENSION WIRE ATTACHED TO A TELEPHONE POLE WHICH WAS STRUCK AND BECAME WRAPPED AROUND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. IF NOT FOR THAT SHE WOULD HAVE STRUCK A CONCRETE CULVERT ONLY A FEW FEET AWAY.. WE ARE PRESENTLY INVOLVED IN PROCEEDINGS TO HAVE THE CITATION SHE RECEIVED DISMISSED DUE TO FAULTY EQUIPMENT. ALSO I DID INQUIRE WITH DODGE MOTOR CORP RE SAFETY RECALL INFO...WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NO INCOMPLETE RECALL WORK , BUT I ALSO RECEIVED A CAR FACTS REPORT FROM CONSUMER GUIDE STATING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THERE IS NO INFORMATION STATING THE WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY DODGE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHICH IF IT HAD BEEN CORRECTED THE INFO WOULD HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO SHOW THAT. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER, AND POSSIBLY SAVE SOMEONE FROM THIS MESS. ALSO I HAVE A FRIEND WHO LOST HER ARM FROM HER 95 NEON CRASH FROM STEERING FAILURE OF WHICH I WAS UNAWARE UNTIL AFTER MINE.*AK
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.
TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE. WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE IT MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHIFTED HARSHLY FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES SQUEALED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAMSHAFT SEAL LEAKED OIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VALVE COVER GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF AN OIL LEA…
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TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE. WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE IT MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHIFTED HARSHLY FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES SQUEALED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAMSHAFT SEAL LEAKED OIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VALVE COVER GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF AN OIL LEAK. *TT
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT, CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. *SLC
APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALER DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LINES WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS RECALL 94V032000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK *TT
WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK CHRYSLER SERVICE CENTER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT WITHIN VIN RANGE FOR RECALL 94V026000. RECALL ATTACHED. *TT
THE ENGINE LIGHT OFTEN COMES ON WITHOUT A CAUSE. IT IS SO COSTLY TO CHECK WITHOUT AN FIX THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT NOT HAVING IT CHECK ANYMORE. THE HEAD GASKET IS A MAJOR PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT AT THIS TIME. I AM WAITING FOR A CALL FROM DODGE TO SEE IF THEY WILL HELP. THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED…
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THE ENGINE LIGHT OFTEN COMES ON WITHOUT A CAUSE. IT IS SO COSTLY TO CHECK WITHOUT AN FIX THAT I AM THINKING ABOUT NOT HAVING IT CHECK ANYMORE. THE HEAD GASKET IS A MAJOR PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT AT THIS TIME. I AM WAITING FOR A CALL FROM DODGE TO SEE IF THEY WILL HELP. THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT THEIR COST. TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE ROTOR AND CALIPERS PROBLEM WAS SCARY. I WAS APPLYING MY BRAKES WHEN A CRUNCH WAS HEARD. IT BECAME HARD TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE CAMSHAFT SEAL CAME OUT OF THE HEAD. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE. I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT A LOT OF NEON OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I WISH DODGE WOULD PULL THEIR SHARE OF THE COST SO TRUST COULD BE RESTABLISHED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, ROBYN KNOUFF. *AK
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN GOING DOWN HILL OR OVER A POTHOLE, PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
I AM REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION DUE TO THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH MY NEON. I HAVE CONSULTED WITH OTHER NEON OWNERS AND THEY TOO ARE HAVING SOME OF THE SAME REPAIR PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY ON MAJOR REPAIRS THAN THE ACTUAL COST OF THIS CAR. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *AK
Official recalls
697V169000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Oct 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.
96V228000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
96V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
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.
94V033000 · Power Train
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.
94V034000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
94V026000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
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