← 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

Unknown Or Other complaints

40 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2000
Unknown Or Other

MY 95 DODGE NEON (COLOR-IRIS) HAS PAINT FLAKING OFF IN MANY AREAS. THERE IS NO HAIL DAMAGE OR PREVIOSE WRECKS,THERE SEEMS TO BE NO REASON FOR THIS. I HAVE SEEN TWO OTHER NEONS AROUND THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I REALIZE THE CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD BUT NEVER HAVE A SEEN A CAR HAVE PAINT JUST FALLING OFF LIKE IT IS ON MINE. NO SAFE…

Read full complaint

MY 95 DODGE NEON (COLOR-IRIS) HAS PAINT FLAKING OFF IN MANY AREAS. THERE IS NO HAIL DAMAGE OR PREVIOSE WRECKS,THERE SEEMS TO BE NO REASON FOR THIS. I HAVE SEEN TWO OTHER NEONS AROUND THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I REALIZE THE CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD BUT NEVER HAVE A SEEN A CAR HAVE PAINT JUST FALLING OFF LIKE IT IS ON MINE. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONE DIN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #725862

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2000
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND THEY DO NOTHING ABOUT IT YET THEY DON NOT WISH TO FIX IT. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #725467

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

HEAD GASKET WILL COST $600 TO REPAIR. HAD ENOUGH PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED IT. IT IS APPARENT BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT SOMTHING SHOULD BE DONE. SO WHY HASN'T IT? *AK

NHTSA ODI #722211

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #720956

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #720680

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

OIL LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS LEAKING OIL, HAD CAR TOWED, INFORMED OF HEAD GASKET PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #718132

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

AS I WAS DRIVING MY 1995 NEON HOME FROM WORK, I NOTICED THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I BECAME CONCERNED AND PULLED INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION WHICH WAS LESS THAT 1/2 MILE AWAY. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECH TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. HE SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND SEE IF THERE WERE…

Read full complaint

AS I WAS DRIVING MY 1995 NEON HOME FROM WORK, I NOTICED THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I BECAME CONCERNED AND PULLED INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION WHICH WAS LESS THAT 1/2 MILE AWAY. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECH TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. HE SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND SEE IF THERE WERE ANY LOOSE FITTINGS FROM MY PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE A FEW WEEKS EARLIER. THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE CAR STARTED ONLY TO CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL AGAIN. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SEAL/PLUG HAD CRACKED OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, I WOULD NEED A NEW SHORT BLOCK INSTALLED IN MY 5YR OLD CAR AT A PRICE OF $3500.00. I FEEL THAT THE CAM SEAL/PLUG IS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS WHY IT CRACKED OFF. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER PEOPLE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY/REPAIR INDUSTRY AND IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE NEON CAR. I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT I SHOULD BE HELD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE WHEN I DID EVERYTHING I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO BY STOPPING THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. I SPOKE TO CHRYSLER DIRECTLY AND WITHIN MINUTES OF CONTACTING THE DEALER, THEY (CHRYSLER) AGREED TO PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR ONLY IF I HAD THE SERVICE DONE AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP. I APPRECIATED THIS GESTURE BUT I AM STILL LOOKING AT PAYING $1700.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR THE DAMAGE. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I HAVE READ COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEBSITE AND WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE A PHONE CALL TO SEE IF I CAN GET ANY HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AT THIS POINT. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND WROTE A LETTER TO THE GENERAL MANAGER. I DID RECEIVE A CALL FROM THE SVC MGR, WHO WILL ADMIT NO FAULT. AT THIS POINT I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE SVC MGR WITH A FIRM REPAIR PRICE BUT AS OF YET, HE HAS NOT RETURNED BY CALL. I FEEL THAT I AM BEING UNFAIRLY TREATED AND BEING PENALIZED BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #717869

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2000
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED, THE FIRST TIME WAS ON 2/21/95. AT THIS TIME THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REBUILT, ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYING ON. THIS WAS ALSO REPAIRED ON 12/27/94, AND I AM HAVEING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #717053

Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 1999
Unknown Or Other

WHILE WASHING CAR ENTIRE SHEET OF PAINT BEGAN TO AND COMPLETELY PEELED AWAY FROM CAR.

NHTSA ODI #715252

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 1999
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA ODI #713022

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