1997 Plymouth Neon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Plymouth › Neon › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Plymouth Neon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Plymouth Neon. Newest first.
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
161 complaints19 involved a crash2 involved a fire23 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags › Frontal
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.
- Structure
I bought this 1997 plymouth neon on 8/19/2005 used with 66000 miles it seemed like a solid vehicle but in sept/oct we had quite a bit of rain and I noticed puddles in my back seat area on the floor both sides,i checked around the car for open windows ect.....there was nothing I checked the trunk…
I bought this 1997 plymouth neon on 8/19/2005 used with 66000 miles it seemed like a solid vehicle but in sept/oct we had quite a bit of rain and I noticed puddles in my back seat area on the floor both sides,i checked around the car for open windows ect.....there was nothing I checked the trunk and it seemed damp but nothing as to make the rear floor wet like it was. I was just wondering if this IS a common problem with this model?i know it IS not a safety issue now but what if this was a problem to the previous owner and now with me it could turn into a safety problem if the floor was to get rusty and rot through someone could end up getting severely injured. if there IS any info on this problem could you please let me know somehow thank you for your attention in this matter. *nm
- Unknown or other
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
- Structure
Plymouth neon 1997 found paint used to paint neon IS defective. *bf the consumer stated it was peeling off in alarmingly large patches. *jb
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
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…
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
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
The headlight lens cover was discolored and deteriorated. the lens has become opaque to the point where it does not illuminate the highway properly. the dealer examined the vehicle, but has not tried to fix the problem. *ak *sc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. cracked manifold replaced. blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. ignition coil replaced. also tires, brakes, struts, battery. when I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew…
Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. cracked manifold replaced. blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. ignition coil replaced. also tires, brakes, struts, battery. when I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew out. when I leased the car it was 2 years old and previously leased. I had to have an engine mount replaced that was missing, left turn signal didn't work and that was replaced. Also, paint on hood IS bubbling and IS starting to peel on right passenger side panel behind rear window. driver side window doesn't roll up tight and air blows in and it whistles. also lines on windows on passenger and driver side from rolling it up and down.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment › Electrical · Power train · Steering
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
This IS the second time it has had blown head gasket. The firdt time was at aproxmitly 40,000 miles and now a second time at 85000 miles.
- Tires
Firestone fr480 P175 70r14 dot code (hyep fra 229) 4 new tires purchased nov 8, 2003 from firestone dealer in port richey fl, apparently manufactured 22ND week of 1999. *jb tire failed catostrophically on interstate causing severe damage to 1997 plymouth neon caused by the tire. there was a…
Firestone fr480 P175 70r14 dot code (hyep fra 229) 4 new tires purchased nov 8, 2003 from firestone dealer in port richey fl, apparently manufactured 22ND week of 1999. *jb tire failed catostrophically on interstate causing severe damage to 1997 plymouth neon caused by the tire. there was a blown out section of the tire through the metal belts and complete tread seperation around 3/4S of the tire. it appearts based on the manufacture date of the tire, that firestone has kept these tires in a warehouse during the prior lawsuits and investigations, and now that things are quiet, have returned them to the market. I feel that I have been taken advantage of by the sale to me of 4 brand new tires that are actually over 4 years old. plus, 1 blew out nearly causing a fatal accident. I do not know how to get my car fixed or new tires, other than a replacement of the single blown out tire.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1997 plymouth neon headgasket failure. This problem IS a known design problem of the original gasket.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine head gasket leak. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer complained about a n engine head gasket problem. Consumer was told to contact nhtsa to urge them to issue a recall oe engine head gasket.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle burns oil prematurely. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer bought neon new in 1997. Right after the warranty expired dealer told consumer there was an engine head gasket oil leak, and would cost $450 to fix it. consumer thought dealer should have told him about the leak while vehicle was still under warranty since he always had the oil changed…
Consumer bought neon new in 1997. Right after the warranty expired dealer told consumer there was an engine head gasket oil leak, and would cost $450 to fix it. consumer thought dealer should have told him about the leak while vehicle was still under warranty since he always had the oil changed there. currently, vehicle was leaking 1 quart per day. Consumer talked to mechanics, who indicated that chrysler should have had a recall on the vehicle because they already have replaced many of the same vehicles for the same leaking problem after warranty ran out.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Axle assembly
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment
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
- Air bags › Frontal
While reversing both frontal air bags deployed prematurely. driver sustained light bruises and eye irritation from the contents of the air bags.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Consumer states that vehicle exhibited an oil leak at the camshaft sensor beginning at 35,108 miles. the leak continued to 05/30/03, with numerous repair attempts by the dealer. consumer believes that the egr valve IS cause of problem.*ak the egr valva can not withstand the internal combustion heat in an illuminum block engine.*ts
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have experienced a number of mechanical failures to my 1997 plymouth neon which I purchased two years ago. One month after purchasing the car began having electrical problems; radio stopped working, clock display would blackout. The most recent was experiencing a blown head gasket at the time…
I have experienced a number of mechanical failures to my 1997 plymouth neon which I purchased two years ago. One month after purchasing the car began having electrical problems; radio stopped working, clock display would blackout. The most recent was experiencing a blown head gasket at the time the car was in operation. I was able to bring the car to a safe stop. However, had the gasket blown when I was on the expressway just minutes before then, the scene may have been more serious. I discovered oil in my antifreeze. my husband and I have research and located a website that informed consumers of manufacture defects that have been reported on the neons from the 1995 to 1998. A number of complains have been brought to the attention of chrysler corporation by other consumers. However, they do not see it as a problem. I have notified channel 5 target investigation news team in chicago, il and they are investigating these problems as well. Target 5 investigation made me aware of a class action law suit again the chrysler corporation and I think these manufacturer defects warrant your investigation as well, hopefully, prompting a national recall. Repairing a blown head gasket and possibly a cracked seal on the engine, IS a very costly procedure. Please look into this problem. I would be interested in your findings. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Exterior lighting › Back up lights · Structure
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Tires › Tread/belt
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket IS leaking and has to be replaced. the head gasket was replaced before at 25,000 miles under warranty. please provide details.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting › Back up lights · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
Brakes redone after 3 years, head gasket replaced after 4 years, clear coat on paint also had to be replaced, muffler almost fell off, exhaust detected in cabin of car, reverse lights come on intermittently, motor mount broken, seals on windows falling down door jam. *Ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768018
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.
- 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.
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 6088542Painted surfaces of the vehicle that are covered for extended periods of time with front end covers or magnetic signs may appear to have a white "milky" or "fogged" discoloration.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612600Subject on proportioning valve brake pressure adapter tool revision.
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610007Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selection vehicles.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607959This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 607620Conditions with engine roughness / misfire usually only apparent on initial cold engine start.
- 607298This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test.
- 603635Subject on flash programming failure recovery.
- 603153Subject regarding airbag on - off switches.
- 603143Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the mil illuminates for misfire but no reasons can be found for the misfire fault occurrence.
- 603107Subject regarding oil seepage at cam position sensor / misinterpreted head gasket leak.
- 602898A new multi-layer steel ( mls ) head gasket has been developed and IS being implemented into production vehicles.
- 602885Sun roof sun shade rattles in full open position.
- 602881Subject regarding i/m ( inspection maintenance ) testing - obd II "carb" readiness monitor information.
- 602450Subject regarding the airbag on-off switches.
- 601763Subject on labor operation time change for domestic 2.OL DOHC and 2.4L head gasket replacement.
- 601578Information on the competition package ( sales code acr ) front fascia.
- 601572Experiencing popping noise over bumps with wheels straight or when turning.
- 601475Information on radiator fan relay.
Every Plymouth Neon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.