1996 Plymouth Neon: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 308 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (48% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2021
“The car was run for 45mins at 10mph following a tractor. The last 2 miles were at 55mph. A few minutes after the vehicle was home and the engine turned off, the engine compartment caught on fire. All wiring and plastic components are a complete loss, hood is damaged, and all light units are ruined. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2007
“Entire instrument cluster ceases to function. Speedometer goes to zero, tachometer goes to zero, gas gauge stops, temp gauge goes to cold. This happens usually while on the highway at 70 mph., or whatever the legal limit for a given area is. A bit disconcerting at times. After a time period, things start to work again, and then they quit again. We have owned this car since new. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated during an accident the driver's side seat belt failed to retract. As a result of the seat belt failure injuries were sustained. While attempting to exit the vehicle, the seat belt was observed to be wrapped around the contact's legs. A police report was filed at the scene of the accident. The dealership and manufacturer have not been alerted. Updated 7/13/2006 - the consumer sustained injuries to his chest, neck and left leg. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2006
“Consumer 1996 plymouth neon pcm had to be reprogrammed causing comer vehicle to fail emissions. *ts the consumer's vehicle failed state emission inspection because the vehicle's readiness codes were cleared each time the key was turned to the off position. The consumer found a tsb which stated that the pcm must be reprogrammed to remedy the condition. After repeated attempts to get the local dealer to acknowledge the problem consumer took the vehicle elsewhere where the pcm was reprogrammed at no charge. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2005
“Vehicle stalled unexpectedly at various speeds when on the road. Occasionally, the left turn signal did not operate, which did not inform other drivers when making turns. Cruise control did not operate, as well preventing the vehicle from increasing or decreasing speed.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2005
“Oil leaks, dashboard failure, noise in brakes, wind noise in passengers door. Have replaced valve cover gasket twice, replaced oil sendind unit,cam sensor was replaced now I have a big oil leak, car only has 45000 miles on it. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2004
“I have a problem with my paint on my 1996 plymouth neon peeling off. Its not like it on the roof or hood its all over the car the trunk, the doors, the hood and the roof are all peeling. I know I am not the only one with this problem either.*jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2004
“When turning into a parking lot dual airbags deployed inadvertently. As a result, when air bags deployed they caught on fire. Driver sustained burns to the chest. *ak *tc”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2004
“While driving, doesn't matter what type of surface all the gauges on my 1996 neon failed. Sometimes if you tap the dashboard glass that covers the gauges they come back on or if you hit a bump in the road they come back on, but this isn't always the case. This has happened approximately 4-6 times over a six month period starting in may, 2004. *ak”Owner report · Structure · May 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 32 of these complaints and injuries in 31 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Plymouth Neon reliable?
NHTSA has 308 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Plymouth Neon. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Plymouth Neon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 83,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Plymouth Neon have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. 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.