Carlexica

1999 Dodge Neon: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 116 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (41% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009

4
recalls
116
owner complaints
4
fire reports
59,995
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Neon years (#10 of 11 by complaints, age-adjusted)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (41%)4 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)41% · 47 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 12 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 11 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)6% · 7 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)6% · 7 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)4% · 5 complaints
Recently bought a 99 dodge neon. The instrument panel as whole works intermittently and oftentimes the speedometer doesn't work even when everything else. After doing some research I have found the the cold soders on the instrument panel are to blame, and are bad on most chrysler vehicles from this error. I feel this should be fixed by the manufacturer.Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2018
A 20" area on right-hand side between windshield and door window with mirror obstructing view from driver whose seat is forward because of height. *trOwner report · Structure · Dec 2009
While driving the car, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the fuel line into the fuel rail had developed several pin hole leaks. Gasoline was spraying out into the engine compartment. *nmOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
I purchased the car brand new and it currently has 44,000 miles. Engine now leaks large amounts of oil, so badly that I am adding 1-2 quarts 3 times a week. Problem was found to be the head gasket and estimates for repair range from 700-1200.00. How can such a large company scam so many innocent consumers and nothing be done???????*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
When driving through rain or through a puddle the steering goes out and locks up. When the driver is trying to turn left vehicle will continue to go right. Also, there is an oil leak. It has not been determined from where the leak originated. The vehicle is losing about 2 quarts per day. Components inside the engine compartment are covered with oil, but the dealer has been unable to detect the oil leak. *akOwner report · Steering · Jul 2004
While driving 45 mph consumer heard a grinding/popping noise coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and had both lower control arms on both sides replaced. *ak the repair shop informed the consumer that a recall was issue for this failure (recall 99v-114). The consumer contacted both the dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. *nmOwner report · Suspension · Jul 2004
While driving the left front end of the vehicle dropped. *mr the consumer entered a parking lot area at a low acceptable speed when the incident occurred. The entire front axle and suspension assembly fell. The axle disengaged from the drive unit, the entire assembly was at a 45 degree angle to normal position. *sc *jbOwner report · Suspension · Jun 2004
When it rains my power steering and braking with go out on me. I have had all brakes and belts replaced but the problem is still there. Unable to drive car when it is raining. Very unsafe!!!*akOwner report · Equipment · Apr 2004
Both headlights had a glaze, almost opaque, causing extremely reduced visibility during the night, and obstructing consumer's view while driving. *akOwner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2004
The vehicle's head gasket failed and caused oil to leak. The consumer had to refill the vehicle with oil often. The dealerships mechanic is aware of the problem but did not resolve the problem. Please provide any additional information. *nm *mrOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003

When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS09E025000 · May 2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E049000 · May 2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E026000 · Mar 2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING09E012000 · Apr 2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

How other years compare

Check your exact Neon by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1999 Dodge Neon reliable?

NHTSA has 116 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Dodge Neon. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (41% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Neon problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,995 miles or less.

Does the 1999 Dodge Neon have open recalls?

4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.