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
What owners actually said
976 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
LEAK WAS NOTICED 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASED AND WAS REPAIRED AT MY COST. 1 MONTH LATER STILL A LEAK THIS TIME WAS TOLD IT WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK, WAS REPAIRED AND STILL HAD A LEAK. TOOK IT TO DODGE DEALER THIS TIME HEAD GASKET REPLACED 2ND TIME AT 577 DOLLARS COST. LEAK WAS STILL PRESENT SO IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN BY DEALER NO COST TO ME…
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LEAK WAS NOTICED 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASED AND WAS REPAIRED AT MY COST. 1 MONTH LATER STILL A LEAK THIS TIME WAS TOLD IT WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK, WAS REPAIRED AND STILL HAD A LEAK. TOOK IT TO DODGE DEALER THIS TIME HEAD GASKET REPLACED 2ND TIME AT 577 DOLLARS COST. LEAK WAS STILL PRESENT SO IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN BY DEALER NO COST TO ME. AFTER REPAIR LEAK WAS STILL PRESENT THIS TIME DEALER PUT NEW HEAD ON VEHICLE. STILL HAD LEAK THIS TIME IT WAS A MAIN REAR SEAL, SO HAD IT REPLACED AND IT WAS STILL LEAKING. THEY REPLACED REAR MAIN SEAL AGAIN AND THE LEAK WENT AWAY NOW THE CAR IS SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES. AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW.
NHTSA ODI #733692
Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON A DODGE NEON 95. PLEASE HELP US, DODGE NEON OWNER'S, TO MAKE DODGE PAY FOR THIS SERIOUS AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #732401
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEADGASKET FAILURE.......STARTED WITH COOLANT BUBBLING AND THE REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED IT AS THE HEADGASKET. DEALER CHARGED ME $1000 TO FIX PROBLEM THAT HE ACKNOWLEDGED WAS A DEFECT IN THE CARS DESIGN. I NEED HELP GETTING MY MONEY BACK!!!
NHTSA ODI #731834
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2000
Tires
NOT THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON DODGE, NEON, 1995 PURCHASED MARCH 30, 2000, SIZE 218565R/14. CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES, CONSUMER HAD TIRES FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE TIRE. *AK TIRES WORE DOWN TO CORDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS. *YH
NHTSA ODI #870032
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2000
SeatsCrashInjury
IN REAR END COLLISION, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED AND LANDED ON REAR SEAT
NHTSA ODI #730630
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2000
Air BagsCrashInjury
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO HER VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TOTALED. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. FATHER OF THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUTH THE COLOR OF DEBRIS THAT CAME FROM AIRBAG. BLUE COLORING BURNED CONSUMER'S SHIRT. CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #869610
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE HEAD GASKET, AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPORTED UNMERIOUS TIMES BY OTHERS
NHTSA ODI #730223
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
OVERHEATING. LOCAL MECHANIC SUSPECTS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #729173
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY NEON IN MAY '95, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT COSTLY PROBLEMS. THIS PAST YEAR, ALONE, THE REPAIR, TOWING, AND CAR RENTAL EXPENSES HAVE EXCEEDED $5000.00. THIS CAR IS COSTING ME A FORTUNE TO MAINTAIN, AS THESE ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS THAT ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THE ITEMS I HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS ON ARE JUST A …
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SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY NEON IN MAY '95, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT COSTLY PROBLEMS. THIS PAST YEAR, ALONE, THE REPAIR, TOWING, AND CAR RENTAL EXPENSES HAVE EXCEEDED $5000.00. THIS CAR IS COSTING ME A FORTUNE TO MAINTAIN, AS THESE ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS THAT ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THE ITEMS I HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS ON ARE JUST A FEW OF THE ITEMS I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH. IN JUST OVER A YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE A HEAD GASKET REPLACED, MY AIR COMPRESSOR SEIZED, ALMOST RESULTING IN A FIRE, MY THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED, THEY STILL CAN'T DETERMINE WHY MY BRAKES SQUEAL CONSTANTLY. ALTHOUGH I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THE '95 NEONS. MY MY ENGINE CONTROLLER HAD TO BE SUPPOSEDLY UPDATED, MY ENGINE SKIPS, BUT THE DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. MY WARNING LIGHTS DON'T WORK, WITH THESE PROBLEMS, YOU WOULD THINK THAT YOU WOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF WARNING. AND NOW, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE GEAR SHIFT CABLES, AND AS OF YESTERDAY, I HAD A CLUTCH CABLE SNAP WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH CABLE HAS BEEN UPDATED 3 TIMES FOR THE '95 NEON BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WITH IT, I WILL BE INVESTIGATING THIS FURTHER. MY AIR COMPRESSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED TWICE SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE EVAPORATOR. FOR WHAT IT HAS COST ME TO REPAIR THIS CAR, BECAUSE CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ADMIT FAULT, ALTHOUGH IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR IS A LEMON, I COULD BE DRIVING A MERCEDES BENZ!! I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED IN A VEHICLE AS I AM WITH THIS NEON! AND OBVIOUSLY I AM CERTAINLY NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH CONSTANT PROBLEMS AND ASTRONOMICAL REPAIR COSTS BEING INCURRED. IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS BY THIS DATABASE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE SAME BOAT I AM IN. CHRYSLER HAS MADE NOT ONLY A POOR PRODUCT, BUT ALSO A DANGEROUS PRODUCT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY WOULD KNOWINGLY SELL A VEHICLE TO SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEMS THAT THE NEON HAS HAD. THIEVES!
NHTSA ODI #729035
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THERE'S A SMALL OIL LEAK, NEEDS NEW HEAD GASKET, SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKS OCCASIONALLY (WE NEED A RECALL PLEASE; OR ANY OTHER INFO YOU COULD PROVIDE)
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.
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.
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.
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
1995 Dodge Neon Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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