IllustrationAIR CONDITION FAILED DUE TO COMPRESSOR FAILURE. MJS
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
Electrical System complaints
98 reportsAIR CONDITIONER HAS NEVER WORKED. MJS
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH SMELLED SMOKE, AND THEN SAW THE FIRE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. ALSO, BRAKES OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY, AND THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY ESPECIALLY ON WET DAYS. BRAKES SUPPOSEDLY …
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WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH SMELLED SMOKE, AND THEN SAW THE FIRE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. ALSO, BRAKES OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY, AND THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY ESPECIALLY ON WET DAYS. BRAKES SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, NOW THEY ARE WORSE THAN BEFORE. *AK
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY DUE TO THE PLUG THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE SIGNAL LIGHTS MELTED. *AK
LEFT TURN SIGNAL DID NOT WORK. OWNER BOUGHT A NEW FUSE, AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND FILLED THE CAR. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
ELECTRIC WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED THROUGH CAUSED EXTENSIVE SMOKE INDSIDE VEHICLE. DEFECT HAD TO BE IN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. FEARFUL OF OTHER OWNERS INJURY . CONTACTED CHRYSLER WHO AGREED TO SEND AN INVESTIGATOR IN TWO WEEKS. FEAR FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. *AK
SMOKE POURED OUT FROM STEERINGCOLUMN, DEALERSHIP SAID WIRING UNDER DASH WERE BURNED. DEALER REPLACE HARNESS. AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT WORK AFTER THE FIRE, VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES FOR BOTH PROBLEMS. ALSO VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHENEVER FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKES. *AK
'IVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 9/94 AND NOW WITH 123,000 MILES. I LIKE THE SHAPE AND THE COLOR AND COMFORT OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL DEALERS TO DRIVE IT TO THE END. I WILL NEVER GET WHAT I PAID FOR A TRADE-IN. AS OF NOW, IVE USE MY EXETENDED WARRANTY, CANT AFFORD TO PUT IN SHOP, 2/98 MADE A CALL TO HOLZAUERS AND ASKED ABOUT MY …
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'IVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 9/94 AND NOW WITH 123,000 MILES. I LIKE THE SHAPE AND THE COLOR AND COMFORT OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL DEALERS TO DRIVE IT TO THE END. I WILL NEVER GET WHAT I PAID FOR A TRADE-IN. AS OF NOW, IVE USE MY EXETENDED WARRANTY, CANT AFFORD TO PUT IN SHOP, 2/98 MADE A CALL TO HOLZAUERS AND ASKED ABOUT MY SKRUNTCHED IN BITS PIECES ROTOR. THEY CHECKED FOR SQUEEKS AND DIDNT TELL ME ABOUT A BAD ROTOR. SQUEALING AND NO BRAKES. A NEW BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DONE AND STILL SQUEAKING. NOW BACK BRAKES ARE BAD. IVE HAD LOTS OF BAD THINGS HAPPEN. BUT IVE HAD LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS OFTHE COLOR. ONE WEEK AFTER I GOT IT A CAR SPUN ROCKS & SCRATCHED THE HOOD PAINT. THE PAINT JOB IS NOT GOOD. IM GETTING RUSTY SPOTS NOW. WATER LEAKED INSIDE AND HOLZAUERS RIGGED IT TO STOP. WHEN IT GET 90/100' HOT WEATHER, AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, HEAT/AIR FAN DONT WORK TIL CAR COOLS. I USE PHILLIPS 66 GAS W/93 OCT MOST OF THE TIME. 10% ETHONOL IS BAD. IT WILL FLUTTER W/LOW OCT WATER BASED GAS. IN REVERSE GEAR IT GRINDS AND WONT GO INTO GEAR. IVE TOLERATED MOST OF THESE THINGS TIL IT WONT MOVE OR START. IM GLAD TO HAVE A CAR. AT THE PRICE THEN 13,000$ IS NOT FAIR. MY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER W/ANEW CAR HAVE NOT BEEN MET. ARBITRATION TURNED ME DOWN OVER MY WINDOWS AND DOORS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. SAID MY MILEAGE WAS TOO HIGH. BUT FOR MONTHS W/LOW MILEAGE I WAS IGNORED. CHRYSLER JUST WANTED MONEY. I DID RECOMMEND A NEWER NEON TO MY AUNT. SHE PURCHASED ONE. I LOVE MY CAR. BUT WITHOUT DEFECTS. MY WINDOW STILL LEAKS, MY LEFT TURN SIG. DONT GO OFF, BRAKES SQUEEK, ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, COIL WIRE LOOSENS, MY CAR SHOCKS MY BOYFRIEND, IGNITION IS LOSE, SUSPENSION IS BAD, CAR HOPS AROUND BUMPY CORNERS AT 30 MPH. PAINT IS CHIPPING, I VE HAD 3 SETS OF NEW TIRES, 2 NEW BATTERIES, A NEW FUEL PUMP, AIRCONDITIONING UNIT, OIL PUMP IS WEAK, ENGINE MAKES CRAKLING SOUND WHEN ACCELARATING. OK!
WHILE DRIVING FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND BE STUCK IN CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP/SPARK PLUGS, ETC. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE LOST POWER IN CENTER LANE OF INTERSTATE DUE TO CONTROL MODULE SHORTING OUT THE FUEL PUMP. CONTROL MODULE AFFECTED BY MOISTURE. RECALL FOR EARLIER YEARS, PROBLEM APPEARS TO AFFECT LATER MODELS ALSO. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
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