Plymouth Neon problems
The Neon is a compact car that was built from in January 1994 until 2005 by the American Chrysler Corporation over two generations. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and came in two-door and four-door sedan body styles. In the United States it was sold as either a Dodge or a Plymouth, while in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America it was branded as a Chrysler, the Neon was offered in multiple versions and configurations over its production life, which lasted from the 1995 model year until 2005. The Neon nameplate was subsequently resurrected in 2016 for the Dodge Neon, a rebadged variant of Fiat Tipo sedan for the Mexican market.
1991 concept car
The Neon nameplate first appeared as a concept car in 1991 under the Dodge brand. Although radically styled and clearly not production-ready featuring sliding suicide doors, the Neon concept resembled the future production vehicle.
The Neon concept was designed by Chrysler designers who had joined the company from Chrysler's buyout of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987.
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Plymouth Neon model years
Common Plymouth Neon problems
The Plymouth Neon, produced from 1995 to 1999, is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues include failing head gaskets, noisy engines, rough idles, and a tendency for rust to appear underneath the window trim after eight to ten years.
One of the most significant issues with the Plymouth Neon is the failure of head gaskets, particularly in the 1995-96 models and early 1997 models. This problem was due to a new three-layer head gasket design that was introduced, which unfortunately resulted in head gasket failures. This issue was not fully addressed until later models, and it significantly impacted Neon sales.
Another common problem with the Neon is a noisy engine, which was reported to be moderately noisy, especially in the 1995 models. Additionally, some 1995 Neons had a rough idle, which was another issue that affected the car's performance and driving experience.
The Neon also had a tendency for rust to appear underneath the window trim after eight to ten years. This issue was not unique to the Neon and was a common problem with many cars of the era. However, it is worth noting that the Neon's long performance dominance has ended, and as a used car, it still has a good balance of space, handling, acceleration, value, and comfort.
The Neon's three-speed automatic transmissions were also a disadvantage, as they were not as well-suited as the five-speed manual transmission, which was widely praised by owners. Additionally, engine mounts tended to have a relatively short lifespan, which was another issue that affected the Neon's performance and durability.
Despite these issues, the Neon was a popular car in its time and is still a sought-after used car today. With careful maintenance and replacement of failed or malfunctioning components, the Neon can continue to provide reliable transportation for many years to come.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Plymouth Neon years
We have researched Plymouth problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Plymouth Neon cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Plymouth Neon model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Plymouth Neon model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Plymouth Neon years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Plymouth Neon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Plymouth Neon , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Plymouth Neon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Neon model years
A total of 194 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Neon model years
There were a total of 54 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Neon model years
There were a total of 174 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Neon model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1599 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Neon . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Plymouth Neon vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Plymouth Neon 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-22
- VIN: 1p3es22c3td
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Dbr2 not working or obd 2 not working when plug in obd reader no sign of workingness on vehicle
Plymouth Neon 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-31
- VIN: 1p3es22c3td
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature gauges
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2020-02-25
- VIN: 1P3ES46C8YD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,550.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-29
- Date Complaint: 2019-05-30
- VIN: 1P3ES46C3YD
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 200 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOWERED TO THE GROUND AND BOTH FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT. THE CONTACTED CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO DETERMINED THAT THE JACK WENT THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-03
- VIN: 1P3ES46C5YD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHIFTED TO THE LEFT AND BECAME DETACHED. THE DEALER (AUTONATION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM MOBILE, 3118 GOVERNMENT BLVD, MOBILE, AL 36606, (251)-202-2253) WAS CONTACTED TO CONFIRM RECALL INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2017-11-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3ES46C2YD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I STARTED MY CAR GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE AT NIGHT, TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS AFTER STARTING. THEN I SMELLED A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL AND SHORTLY SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE AREA AROUND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS AND THE CAR BUT SMOKE STILL CAME OUT. I POPPED THE HOOD AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, THEN THE SMOKE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. LATER I FOUND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTOR MELTED AND BURNED UP, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS FIRE IF I HAD NOT CAUGHT IT IN TIME.
Plymouth Neon 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-24
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-28
- VIN: 1P3ES46C51D
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 WITH ONLY 65,000 MILES ON IT AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE FRONT END ROTTED OUT.ITS A GOOD THING I WAS GOING SLOW OR I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERLY INJURED.IN ADDITION WHEN IT RAINS THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK WELL FILL WITH WATER.THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE SOLD .I JUST READ ONLINE ABOUT OTHER DRIVERS HAVING HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
Plymouth Neon 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-11
- VIN: 1P3ES46C31D
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SAGGING GAS TANK DUE TO BROKEN STRAP. DRIVE TRAIN SHUDDER AND CLUNK DUE TO STRETCHED DRIVE/ENGINE MOUNTS.
Plymouth Neon 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-07-02
- VIN: 1P3ES42YOXD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY DROPS TO EMPTY. EVEN AFTER A COMPLETE TANK REFILL. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN EITHER THE SENSOR OR DASH GAUGE ITSELF. IT CAN BE "CLEARED" FROM BEING STUCK ON EMPTY BY SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTING IT.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2016-05-24
- VIN: 1P3ES46C6YD
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
- Summary: FRAME OF CAR WAS SO RUSTED THAT THE ACTUAL ENGINE MOUNTING SYSTEM BROKE IN HALF., LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND MOVEMENT. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING THEN IT STOPPED MOVING THOUGH THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. CAR WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET AND TURNING WAS NIL.
Plymouth Neon 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-19
- VIN: 3P3ES47C5XT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PLYMOUTH NEON, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED HOT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE IGNITION KEY WAS TOO HOT AND FAILED TO REMOVE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Plymouth Neon 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3P3ES67C6ST
- Components: STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER AND STEERING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V169000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3ES46C4YD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FILLED GAS TANK TO FULL, AS EXITING THE GAS STATION HIT SMALL BUMP CAR DEAD STOPPED. WAS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY BY THE GAS TANK SLAMMING TO THE GROUND LIFTING THE CAR. THE CARS ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE CAR. GAS WAS LEAKING ON GROUND (SMALL AMOUNT) FROM THE RETURN LINE. GAS TANK FILL TUBE RIPPED OUT OF CAR TANK WEDGED IN BETWEEN CAR AND GROUND STOPPING VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. HAD I BEEN GOING AT A FASTER RATE OF SPEED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE 4 CORNER STRAPS ARE NO WAY TO HOLD A GAS TANK IN PLACE. I SUBMIT THAT IMPROPER MATERIALS AND DESIGN CAUSED THE INCIDENT. YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE OCCURS. MOUNTING STRAPS SHOULD BE NON CORROSIVE OR MADE OF SUPERIOR MATERIAL AND NOT THIN METAL. I ALSO SUBMIT THAT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS BEFORE, NOT ON A 15 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.
Plymouth Neon 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2014-07-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3ES46C0YD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: START TO SMELL ELECTRICAL BURNING. THEN SAW SMOKE COME FROM STEERING COLUMN. STEERING COLUMN HOT TOP LEFT. REMOVED COVERS. WIRING HARNESS HOT. APPEARS TO BE THE HARNESS FOR THE HEAD LIGHTS. TURN OFF HEAD LIGHTS AND COLUMN COOLED DOWN. *TR
Plymouth Neon 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-30
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: A MECHANIC WAS CHECKING THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY CAR WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN HE NOTICED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST AND SEVERAL CRACKS FORMING IN THE SUB FRAME. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Plymouth Neon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 19 recalls for different components of the Plymouth Neon.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Plymouth Neon 2000
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Plymouth Neon 2001
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Plymouth Neon 2001
- Report Received Date: 2001-05-08
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Plymouth Neon 2000
- Report Received Date: 2001-05-08
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Plymouth Neon 2000
- Report Received Date: 2000-11-09
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
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