1997 Plymouth Neon: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 161 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (59% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in a drive-thru, both frontal airbags deployed. The contact was not in the vehicle when this occurred, but stated nothing was hit or run over. Both front windows shattered and the occupants sustained minor injuries. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2006
“Plymouth neon 1997 found paint used to paint neon is defective. *bf the consumer stated it was peeling off in alarmingly large patches. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2005
“Car stalled out and stopped on freeway! I was almost rear ended. Stated right up but stalled again. Had it towed to shop (pepboys). They replaced several parts before referring me to dealership as they could not find and fix the problem. Chrysler dealership says it is engine wire harness at $930.00 to fix. Daimler-chrysler knows part is failing in neons but declined to assist in the repair. Dealerships ordered part 7 days ago. Still has not arrived and I have no transportation. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving the front axle broke which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. The consumer managed to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for repair. The heads gasket was also replaced twice because they blew and were leaking. Please provide further information. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2003
“68000 miles. Blown head gasket. Car is on 2nd head gasket already. This'll be the 3rd. Major oil & coolant leakage. This is a know issue with numerous neon owners for this make/model/year. Please compel chrysler to issue a recall for this problem.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003
“Since 2003 this vehicle had small patches and a car wash by hand or brushless and no sun will cause it to peel. The patches have become larger.*jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2003
“Head gasket failure, reverse lights go on and off sporadically, window seals and seals to the trunk are falling off, the trunk is taking in water which is draining into the vehicle's rear floor. *nlm”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2003
“1997 plymouth neon with 84,000 miles spraying oil onto exhaust. Could cause a fire and have smelled oil burning and seen some smoke.need to call dealer. Very unsafe.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Constant replacement of tires on front drivers side, excessive wear, new tire only last about 6 to 7 months, have had alignment checked several times. Misfires a lot even though I get it tuned up every 3 months, excessive oil usage. Dealer gives me no good answers for this. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
“In heavy rain the car is very hard to steer, I have had to replace the transmission, I have had to replace the 02 sensor, and now the cooling fans don`t work I have also noticed a musty smell when I turn on the air cond. I have also had to replace the egr valve it is just one thing after another that keeps going wrong with this car.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 22 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
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 1997 Plymouth Neon reliable?
NHTSA has 161 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Plymouth Neon. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (59% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Plymouth Neon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Plymouth Neon have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. 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.