IllustrationENGINE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING OIL WHICH MAY SPILL UNTO THE ENGINE AND START A FIRE. DEALER SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM.*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
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
294 reportsWHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED THE DEALER TOLD ME I RAN IT OUT OF FLUID/ I WAS 2 MO. / 2000 MILES FROM FACTORY WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP PAY FOR ANY OF THE $1350 THEY WANTED ME TO PAY/ HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANICH WHICH TOLD ME THAT THE BACK OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD A LARGE HOLE BLOWN OUT OF THE BACK OF IT, COULD…
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WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED THE DEALER TOLD ME I RAN IT OUT OF FLUID/ I WAS 2 MO. / 2000 MILES FROM FACTORY WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP PAY FOR ANY OF THE $1350 THEY WANTED ME TO PAY/ HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANICH WHICH TOLD ME THAT THE BACK OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD A LARGE HOLE BLOWN OUT OF THE BACK OF IT, COULDNT KEEP TRANSMISSION FLUID IN IT THAT WAY. FOUND A USED ONE WITH 2,000 MI. CHARGED $800. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE DAY ONE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE, EVER!! THE DEALERS TRY TO ROB YOU BLIND AND THE CO. DOESN'T KNOW YOU ONCE THEY HAVE GOTTEN THEIR MONEY. PAID 10,500 FOR THIS CAR 2 YEARS AGO AND HAVE BEEN PAYING EVER SINCE.
WELL, I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I GUESS IF THE HEAD GASKET ON YOUR CAR BLOWS WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING YOU COULD GET INTO AN ACCIDENT?? ANYWAY, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICE SMALL AMOUNTS OF OIL LEAKING FROM MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS I HAD A SLIGHT CRACK IN MY HEAD GASK…
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WELL, I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I GUESS IF THE HEAD GASKET ON YOUR CAR BLOWS WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING YOU COULD GET INTO AN ACCIDENT?? ANYWAY, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICE SMALL AMOUNTS OF OIL LEAKING FROM MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS I HAD A SLIGHT CRACK IN MY HEAD GASKET. HE SAID JUST TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT SINCE TO FIX IF WOULD BE AN EXPENSE. IN THE MEANTIME A FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME ABOUT A FRIEND OF THEIRS WHO HAD A NEON AND THEY EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY CONTACT CHRYSLER AND SOMEONE AT CHRYSLER STATED THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND WOULD FIX IT WITH NO COST INCURRED BY THE OWNER. I'VE TRIED TO LOCATED CHRYSLER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE EMAIL AND I HAVE NO LUCK, SO I'M NOT SURE IF YOU'LL BE ABLE TO HELP ME OR NOT. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME REGARDING THIS MATTER.
NO AIRBAG WERE DEPLOY - I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT 1995 NEONS AFTER 50K MILEAGE HAS THIS PROBLEM - THE CAR RENTAL CO. TOLD ME THEY HAD 10 OWNERS THIS MONTH WITH THE SAME PROBLE FOR 1995 NEONS AFTER 50K MILEAGE.
NO SUMMARY
VEHICLE LEAKING OIL /HEAD GASKET
SERVICE MANAGER ADMITS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE THINKS DODGE WILL HELP PAY $150 TO $200 DOLLARS OF TOTAL FOR REPAIR.
I HAD THE HEAD GASKET GO OUT ON MY NEON WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING IT. I KNOW HAVE THE HEAD GASKET LEAKING AGAIN, AND I'M TOLD THAT I HAVE NOT DRIVEN OVER 35,000 MILES SINCE THE FIRST REPLACEMEN.T I SHOULD CALL AND COMPLAIN. WHEN I DID I FIND OUT FROM A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP HERE IN KANSAS CITY THAT THEY HAVE SEEN ALOT OF NEON'S…
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I HAD THE HEAD GASKET GO OUT ON MY NEON WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING IT. I KNOW HAVE THE HEAD GASKET LEAKING AGAIN, AND I'M TOLD THAT I HAVE NOT DRIVEN OVER 35,000 MILES SINCE THE FIRST REPLACEMEN.T I SHOULD CALL AND COMPLAIN. WHEN I DID I FIND OUT FROM A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP HERE IN KANSAS CITY THAT THEY HAVE SEEN ALOT OF NEON'S COME IN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I REFUSE TO PUT OUT THIS KIND OF MONEY ON A CAR THAT I'M STILL PAYING ON, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS WAS REPLACED A SHORT TIME AGO. I FEEL NEON'S ARE A PIECE OF JUNK!! I HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT DODGE ,AND I HOPE I CAN DISCOURAGE ANYONE FROM BUYING ONE. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED PART BECAUSE OF THE HIGH DEMAND OF REPLACEMENTS. I WORK VERY HARD TO MAKE MY MONTHLY PAYMENTS SO THAT SHOULD TELL YOU THAT I DO NOT HAVE SPARE CHANGE SITTING AROUND FOR EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I FOUND OUT FROM MY MECHANIC THAT IT WILL COST ABOUT $150 IN PARTS AND $685 DOLLARS IN LABOR TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO CHRYSLER, AND THEY GAVE ME A FILE NUMBER OF 5515266. I NOW HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE, AND WAIT FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO COME BACK AND TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TODAY IN ORDER TO GET HELP. I WAS SO MAD THAT I WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN WHILE ON THE PHONE TO CHRYSLER. I HOPE THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE IN MY SITUATION, AND TOGETHER WE CAN TELL THE WORLD TO STAY AWAY FROM DODGE NEONS!!!!! *AK
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, AND DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING; DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE NOT UNDER RECALL. NHTSA RECALL #94V033. *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