← New search

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 →

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

Structure complaints

20 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage 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 …

Read full complaint

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

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2004
Structure

WE STARTED NOTICING CLEARCOAT MISSING FROM THE HOOD AND ROOF OF CAR WHEN WE WERE WASHING IT. NOW MORE AND MORE KEEPS PEELING AWAY. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER NEONS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT ON THESE CARS. NOW WE KEEP THE CAR EITHER IN THE GARAGE OR HAVE A CAR COVER OVER IT TO TRY…

Read full complaint

WE STARTED NOTICING CLEARCOAT MISSING FROM THE HOOD AND ROOF OF CAR WHEN WE WERE WASHING IT. NOW MORE AND MORE KEEPS PEELING AWAY. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER NEONS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT ON THESE CARS. NOW WE KEEP THE CAR EITHER IN THE GARAGE OR HAVE A CAR COVER OVER IT TO TRY AND SLOW THE PEELING AWAY DOWN. I KNOW IT WILL GET WORSE AND THEN BEGIN TO RUST. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10055078

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…

Read full complaint

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 · May 7, 2003
Structure

WHEN IT RAINED THE VEHICLES TRUNK AND FLOOR BOARD GOT WET. SHORTLY AFTER THE CONSUMER STARTED TO SMELL A MILDEW SMELL IN THE CAB. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10019391

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2002
StructureCrashInjury

DRIVER SIDE DOOR SAFETY BAR FLEW OUT OF DOOR ON IMPACT AND SHOWS IT DIDN'T TAKE ANY OF THE CRASH IMPACT, I HAVE PHOTO'S OF THE CAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I ALSO HAVE THE BAR THAT FLEW OUT OF IT THAT IS STRAIGHT AS A ARROW. I'M JUST GLAD THAT THE DOOR FOLDED OUT AND NOT IN OR MY STEP-DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. SHE WAS IN A…

Read full complaint

DRIVER SIDE DOOR SAFETY BAR FLEW OUT OF DOOR ON IMPACT AND SHOWS IT DIDN'T TAKE ANY OF THE CRASH IMPACT, I HAVE PHOTO'S OF THE CAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I ALSO HAVE THE BAR THAT FLEW OUT OF IT THAT IS STRAIGHT AS A ARROW. I'M JUST GLAD THAT THE DOOR FOLDED OUT AND NOT IN OR MY STEP-DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. SHE WAS IN A COMA FOR THREE DAYS. IF ANY FURTHER INFO IS NEEDED PLEASE CONTACT ME BY E-MAIL. THANK YOU LARRY ISON.*JB

NHTSA ODI #762444

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainStructure

TRANSMISSION/ ENGINE CONTINUE TO STAY AT HIGH IDLE AFTER FOOT IS TAKEN OFF GAS; WINDOWS SOMETIMES LEAK DUE TO MOULDING ASSEMBLY, AND TRUNK LEAKS ON DRIVER'S SIDE EVERYTIME IT RAINS! *AK

NHTSA ODI #716111

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 1999
StructureVisibility

DEFECT IN FRONT WINDOWS -- SCRATCHES WINDOWS. DEALER SAYS NEED NEW GLASS GLIDES. SHOULDN'T THIS LAST LONGER THAN 4 YEARS? ALSO, AFTER THE CAR SITS ON WARM DAYS THE DRIVERS ELECTRIC LOCK DOESN'T WORK.

NHTSA ODI #713679

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 1999
Parking BrakePower TrainService Brakes, Air

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS SHORT IN IT, FAILURE OF POWER LOCKS AND STEREO, EMERGENCY BRAKE SNAPPED, CLUTCH QUIT SHIFTING- HAD TO SHIFT W/O CLUTCH, BRAKES DO NOT WORK RIGHT, DAMAGE TO CAR DEALER DID NOT DISCLOSE. CAR IS NOW PARKED AT THE DEALER, UNDRIVEABLE, THEY WILL NOT FIX AND I HAVE ONLY PWNED IT SINCE 5/26/99

NHTSA ODI #708404

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

HAVE HAD SEVRAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE,THE HEADGASKET LEAK OIL,NEEDS TO BE REPLACED/AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AND NOW IT OVERHEATS ,FUEL GAUGE WENT OUT AND HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP.WHEN IT RAINS CAR FLOODS INSIDE AND TRUCK,SHOCKS FRONT AND BACK HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #707860

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1998
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure

BRAKES CONTINUALLY LOCK UP IN WET WEATHER CAUSING ONE VEHICLE COLLISION.

NHTSA ODI #541988

Official recalls

6

97V169000 · 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

9

DP03002 · 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