1997 Dodge Neon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Neon › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge Neon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1997 Dodge Neon. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Owner complaints
390 complaints44 involved a crash12 involved a fire28 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
I am having a lot of problems with my 1997 dodge neon. The steering wheel has nothing but clicks. I am having so much problems turning on my signal lights. The problem has gotten worse. I am hoping that this IS a recall so I won't have to pay so much money out of pocket. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. while placing fuel into the vehicle, the filler tube fell to the ground and caused gasoline to leak onto the ground. the dealer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the filler tube had rusted…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. while placing fuel into the vehicle, the filler tube fell to the ground and caused gasoline to leak onto the ground. the dealer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the filler tube had rusted out. the mechanic replaced the filler tube and the vehicle has been performing normally. the failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage IS 130,000. updated 10/06/09 *bf updated 10/08/09
- Seat belts › Integrated child seat
None of my vehicles have latch supported systems although all my carseats do. IS it still safe to use a carseat with just a seat belt? Can the vehicle manufacturers install the latch systems in my vehicles for free as this IS a safety requirement for carseats? I cannot afford to pay for this myself or get a new vehicle. (related vehicle information: model year=1997, make=dodge, model=neon). *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I made a short trip to a local store and large amounts of smoke started coming from the front of my car. The car was overheating and I had to stop and pull over. The car had to be towed to the dealership. The car had a head gasket failure.which cost $920 to repair. Although the vehicle IS old…
I made a short trip to a local store and large amounts of smoke started coming from the front of my car. The car was overheating and I had to stop and pull over. The car had to be towed to the dealership. The car had a head gasket failure.which cost $920 to repair. Although the vehicle IS old (1997), it only has 39,000 miles on it and it IS ridiculous for something like this to happen to car with such low mileage. I have done quite a bit of research online to find that several neon owners have had this same problem. The 1995-1997 models have been predominantly affected by this problem. I contacted chrysler about this and they will take no responsibility for this. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Safety/emissions reprt states recall on my vehicle/ defect number: dr-1158. the solid state fan relay may fail because of heat rellated electrical over stress causing the fan to stop and the vehicle to over heat. *Tr
- Air bags
Passenger side air bag randomly deployed, while going 4 miles per hour, there was no impact to initiate the deployment of airbag. The deployment busted out the passenger side airbag with such force that it blew glass to the complete other side of the vehicle. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Whenever I sit in the driveway, or look for a parking spaces, or sit in traffic...the car's temperature gage goes all the way to hot. I had it diagnosed and they said that its the fan control module or relay...basically the fans stop working. *tr I had a new water pump put in, a new thermostat…
Whenever I sit in the driveway, or look for a parking spaces, or sit in traffic...the car's temperature gage goes all the way to hot. I had it diagnosed and they said that its the fan control module or relay...basically the fans stop working. *tr I had a new water pump put in, a new thermostat, a new radiator put, and i"m beginning to think that all these problems are coming up when the fans stop working. it has 145000 miles on it, but I was told that IS not a common think on this module. I'm going to get repaired, but I feel that this IS a manufacturer issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1997 dodge neon caught fire. Consumer would like any info available about the problems that cause fires in the mid nineties model year dodge neons. *kb the consumer was injured. (Lawyer wrote in on behalf of client)*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Through the life of owning this car. I have had to replace the head gasket several times 3 times in last 2 years alone and replace the engine. the head gasket still leaks and no one can seem to fix it even the dealer. I have talked to other people that have neons and they are experiencing the same exact head gasket problem. why hasn't there been a recall for this. this IS an extremely costly repair. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. the headlights and high beams are very dim. the bulbs were replaced; however, the lights remained dim. oil was placed in the vehicle, but then leaked onto the ground, causing the oil warning indicator light to illuminate intermittently. the contact noticed…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. the headlights and high beams are very dim. the bulbs were replaced; however, the lights remained dim. oil was placed in the vehicle, but then leaked onto the ground, causing the oil warning indicator light to illuminate intermittently. the contact noticed a grayish-colored smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle. the repair shop stated that the failure was caused by a blown head gasket. the failure mileage was 97,000 and current mileage was 140,301.
- Air bags
TL*- the contact was exiting the parking complex while driving the 1997 dodge neon at 5 mph, when the airbags deployed without warning. this caused the windows on both doors to shatter, and the dashboard and air conditioner vents to come off. the vehicle did not strike or hit anything…
TL*- the contact was exiting the parking complex while driving the 1997 dodge neon at 5 mph, when the airbags deployed without warning. this caused the windows on both doors to shatter, and the dashboard and air conditioner vents to come off. the vehicle did not strike or hit anything to cause the airbags to deploy. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause. The vehicle currently has 108000 miles. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Structure › Body › Door · Unknown or other
My first complaint would be about the paint. my car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It IS now peeling in 6 spots, the largest IS the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal…
My first complaint would be about the paint. my car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It IS now peeling in 6 spots, the largest IS the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. I was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. I pulled over and everything seemed fine. I continued to drive but could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. I tried driving my car to the mechanics but in the end did not get very far. I pulled over once again and noticed smoke coming from my drivers side front wheel. I also noticed the wheel well caught on fire due to the friction. my car was then towed and my mechanic diagnosed the problem as a ceased caliper. beware, this was scary. my whole front end brake system had to be replaced. too add, I find it's hard to see at night due to a defective plastic that covers the head lights. they are foggy and don't give out enough light. lastly, I find that the sealants on the windows of my two door are horrible. I have to push on my window when closing it in order for the window to seal. this IS a big problem, my car was stolen because of this problem. A recall should definitely be considered for the paint, breaks and headlight covers and windows/seals!!! *Jb
- Electrical system
1997 dodge neon developed a problem with the fan relay.***no answer required***. *mr there was an apparent problem with the radiator fan circuit. the vehicle had displayed diagnostic code p1491. the consumer replaced the engine temperature sensor and the solid state fan relay. there was no…
1997 dodge neon developed a problem with the fan relay.***no answer required***. *mr there was an apparent problem with the radiator fan circuit. the vehicle had displayed diagnostic code p1491. the consumer replaced the engine temperature sensor and the solid state fan relay. there was no continuity on pin 18 of the back of the power control module connector. the pcm was defective due to the output on the pin. the consumer found a break in the wire at the C160 connector. the break was caused by the wire management clip chafing against the group of wires. the pcm connector number one and it's cover are now broken at the connection points and the cover will not stay on and the wires were coming out and are exposed to the elements. *sc
- Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan · Seats › Mid/rear assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
Head gasket needed to be replace after 45,000 miles.. Bought the car in 2002.. Bbrakes are horrible.. Brakes make noise, system operating normal fan relay switch .. Needed to be replaced.. And was also recalled.. In about 3 years ago.. And never notified.. Front end always clanking.. When u turn..
- Air bags › Frontal
Contact states: while driving approximately 35 mph the consumer swerved to avoid hitting another car, however his door was scratched, then the vehicle stalled and the air bags deployed. the consumer suffered a minor injury to his wrist due to the deployment of the air bag. *ak *jb
- Seat belts › Front
March 1, 2005, stopped on a hilled highway intersection of frankford avenue and solly ave, philadelphia, pa 19136. Light was red turning to green. Driving 1997 dodge neon. Rearending by 99 ford tauarus impacted dodge neon throwing forward two door neon. Seat belt did not hold driver. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment
Oil leakage, head gasket replaced 2X in 1997, again head gasket IS blown, cam and transmission leakage also. car has always leaked a bit of oil daily; however, oil changes every 2000 miles coupled with weekly level checks maintained ability to drive vehicle. as of 2/05, oil leaking profusely via…
Oil leakage, head gasket replaced 2X in 1997, again head gasket IS blown, cam and transmission leakage also. car has always leaked a bit of oil daily; however, oil changes every 2000 miles coupled with weekly level checks maintained ability to drive vehicle. as of 2/05, oil leaking profusely via passenger portion of engine gasket. mechanic confirms blown head gasket, says this IS a known defect of the neons as a whole. I have chosen to not repair head gasket at my expense at this time. I purchased vehicle new in oct. 1996, as a new year neon for 1997. I maintained the vehicle meticiously, and both the body and interior are in excellent condition (body has no rust). car has 88,000 miles currently. I am very disappointed in dodge's lack of concern and responsibility in producing a quality car. I bought this new and had hope to transfer it to my daughter who will be leaving for college soon. replacing a headgasket twice should assure me, the buyer, that I can maintain my car without suddenly finding out this was a damaged vehicle from the get go, and now I have to find alternate transportation to work while I set time aside to quickly find another car. Shame on dodge!*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving, the consumer's vehicle t-boned another vehicle at 23-25 mph. upon impact the air bags did not deploy. *ak *sc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine started leaking oil and head gasket was replaced in 1999. now the engine IS leaking oil again and mechanics have said the head gasket IS blown again.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
My fiancee bought a 97 dodge neon from a friend at 35,000 miles. Now at 70,xxx the vehicle started to leak oil, I was putting in 3 quarts a week, the car runs very rough and the check engine light IS on andi cant afford to tow it to a shop to find the problem (maybe cause ive spent all my money on…
My fiancee bought a 97 dodge neon from a friend at 35,000 miles. Now at 70,xxx the vehicle started to leak oil, I was putting in 3 quarts a week, the car runs very rough and the check engine light IS on andi cant afford to tow it to a shop to find the problem (maybe cause ive spent all my money on oil due to the head gasket leaking?) I am in the middle of repairing my self just takeing a break from the chaos and my back hurts. Many neon have this problem the manufacturers redesigned a new head gasket, IS this thier way of saying " hey we at dodge messed up bad and now you and thousands of other people can pay $600.00 -$1,000 to get it fixed" another bullitin from car quest say the oil leaks due to the cam sensor cover ile find out shortly I assume and if thats the case why arent any of these other mechanics catching that or do the know and just say it IS the head gasket for more money from you? And I guess there was property damage my parents nice new drive has dodge dirty oil stains all over it, thanks dodge !! -- @$#holes!!*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
The vehicle's head gasket failed although it only had 44000 miles on it. *nm *sc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Took vehicle in to repair shop after noticing an oil leak. they told me at first it was normal leaking from routine oil change. then thanksgiving day 2001, at freeway speeds (75 mph) the head gasket blew. oil went every where. I had oil even in the coolant system. took to my personal mechanic…
Took vehicle in to repair shop after noticing an oil leak. they told me at first it was normal leaking from routine oil change. then thanksgiving day 2001, at freeway speeds (75 mph) the head gasket blew. oil went every where. I had oil even in the coolant system. took to my personal mechanic, he told me he has seen this many times before with neon's. final price to fix problem 987.36, head gasket replaced coolant system flushed out, etc. Now I need a new radiator because of it. seems to be common with this year of vehicle. my friend had a 1998 dodge neon that the head gasket was recalled in and she was able to get it fixed for free. obviously for consumer satisfaction it would be in chryslers best interest to acknowledge, at the very least, that they have produced a less than satisfactory engine component in the 1997 neon. what I would like to see IS that some of the money, if not all, IS refunded back to us. otherwise I am satisfied with my neon. it IS out of commission right now due to needing a water pump. I purchased the vehicle december 20TH, 1996 and have been the only owner. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Brakes squel and make noise, car won't stop above 50 mph in safe distance. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The car started leaking oil x 2 months. Kept overheating after 20 minutes of running. Alle the radiator fluid leaked out. Had radiator fixed. Continued to overheat, told it was fan relay. Had that replaced. Now told that it was the gasket. That it had a leak and now needs to be replaced due to some thing about the aluminum.*ak
- Unknown or other
Problem with 1997 dodge neon.*mr *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt cinching latch plate
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.…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089824Concerns with sunroof making a ratcheting type noise when opening or closing.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089121Blower motor does not operate in freezing temperatures. *Nlm
- 6089086Concerns with water drips from roof rail weatherstrip channel into vehicle. *Nlm
- 6089084Vehicle may experience creak/rattle from front foot well. *Nlm
- 6089082Vehicle may experience door glass scratches. *Nlm
- 6089066Information on tape across rear fascia fasteners shows in opening. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *Nlm
- 6088917Concerns with "bump" feel during a/c compressor engagement. *Nlm
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 6088836Information regarding instrument cluster part specification. *Nlm
- 6088792Concerns with vehicle overheats (radiator fan inoperative) or radiator fan runs continuously. *Nlm
- 6088777Concerns with front brake squeal and /or creep/groan. *Nlm
- 6088773Concern howl from rear brakes during low speed stop. *Nlm
- 6088756Front end alignment torque specifications and shock adjustment procedures on competition package. *Nlm
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 618396This bulletin involves installation of a new component to assist cam seal retention.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 612600Subject on proportioning valve brake pressure adapter tool revision.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 612149Vehicles may experience clunking or rattle in steering wheel/steering column. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610007Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selection vehicles.
Every Dodge Neon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.