1998 Plymouth Neon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Plymouth › Neon › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 Plymouth Neon. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the rear suspension crossmember may be missing spot welds.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in structural cracks in the body, and reduced crash protection in the event of a rear impact.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles for any missing welds, and will have structural rivets installed in place of the missing welds.
Owner complaints
167 complaints20 involved a crash4 involved a fire18 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 plymouth neon. The contact stated that the speedometer failed and would not display the speed being traveled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the speedometer circuit board resistor was replaced. The failure recurred. the failure and current mileage was 74,000. updated 11/15/13*cn
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Car has 36,000 miles on it and oil started running out underneath the car. Took car to dealer and the head gasket was blown. This IS a known problem and chrysler has yet to correct it. Upon further investigation I have found that I will have this problem again since it IS a defect from the manufacturer. I was told from mechanic that several other cars the heads are also affected by this problem. *Tr
- Suspension › Rear
The strut on the driver side rear rattles. It rubs when I make right turns. I have only changed the struts in the rear and a wheel bearing on the driver side rear and it IS still doing it. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
S10 appropriate handling control re defective new chrysler vehicle FWD to potus re how corporations are allowed to operate in the USA. *nj within a week of the consumers mother purchasing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The dealer told the consumers mother there…
S10 appropriate handling control re defective new chrysler vehicle FWD to potus re how corporations are allowed to operate in the USA. *nj within a week of the consumers mother purchasing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The dealer told the consumers mother there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that was just the way the vehicle sounded. the consumer stated the vehicle has 54,000 miles and with such low mileage, the vehicles engine rod IS about to fail. The problem with the motor was that the oil pressure sender mounted on the rear of the motor leaked. The leak was normally small and only leaked when the vehicle was in motion. However, over time, the leaking caused excessive heat to the motor which caused wear and tear on the head gaskets, pistons and rods. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
S10 appropriate handling control re defective new chrysler vehicle FWD to potus re how corporations are allowed to operate in the USA. *nj within a week of the consumers mother purchasing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The dealer told the consumers mother there…
S10 appropriate handling control re defective new chrysler vehicle FWD to potus re how corporations are allowed to operate in the USA. *nj within a week of the consumers mother purchasing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The dealer told the consumers mother there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that was just the way the vehicle sounded. the consumer stated the vehicle has 54,000 miles and with such low mileage, the vehicles engine rod IS about to fail. The problem with the motor was that the oil pressure sender mounted on the rear of the motor leaked. The leak was normally small and only leaked when the vehicle was in motion. However, over time, the leaking caused excessive heat to the motor which caused wear and tear on the head gaskets, pistons and rods. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Reports on defective parts made by chrysler with regard to 1998 plymouth neon engine overheating as a result of a manufacturing defect in the radiator fan relay, coolant reservoir and/or the coolant cap. *nj
- Engine and engine cooling
Blown head gasket. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
A 1990 chevy impala turned left in front of my son while he was driving my car, he was going 30 mph he hit the other car in the b pillar, both side doors with the front of my car. Neither air bag was deployed on my car. The passenger door would not open due to the fender being jammed back into the…
A 1990 chevy impala turned left in front of my son while he was driving my car, he was going 30 mph he hit the other car in the b pillar, both side doors with the front of my car. Neither air bag was deployed on my car. The passenger door would not open due to the fender being jammed back into the door. The bumper IS dangling about 4-5 inches from where it should be. The passenger and driver injured their knees on the dash when they slid forward from the impact. The seat belts held. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
I have a 1998 plymouth neon. I am angry with the way these cars were built from chrysler. It IS unacceptable that my headlights continue to get foggier and foggier. I take normal care of my car to include keeping it clean and mechanically sound. I have a real safety issue with these lights becoming…
I have a 1998 plymouth neon. I am angry with the way these cars were built from chrysler. It IS unacceptable that my headlights continue to get foggier and foggier. I take normal care of my car to include keeping it clean and mechanically sound. I have a real safety issue with these lights becoming so cloudy. It IS almost as though I have dim lights due to this clouding of the headlight lenses. I insist that a recall should be instated in order to fix this problem for each and every neon from 1998 for sure. This IS a problem when driving and either the fog lights have to be on or your brights just to make sure you don't hit anything or anyone. Why should we have to replace something with our own money when it was a quite obvious problem on chrysler's end? Please let me know what I should do. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Car continously overheats. Have replace the radiator cap and the thermostat.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Head gasket failed at approximately 32,000 miles. head gasket was replaced at a chrysler dealership and the new head gasket failed again with less than 40,000 miles on the gasket. this IS a known problem with neons and chrysler has yet to issue a recall.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket failure at 37500 miles ( 2001) head gasket failure at (83125 miles) resulting in oil contamination/check engine light problem/spark plug fouling. Rear oil seal failure ( started at 55125 miles)- $ 2000 repair bill to replace head gasket and rear oil seal at 83125 miles.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket leak, known problem by diamler thats why the mls gasket and torque specs were introduced. no fire, yet. car only has 54,000 miles when leak started.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
On my 1998 plymouth neon the fuel filler tube rusted away (i was able to see daylight when filling up with gas). The rust/road debris/water went into the fuel tank and was not prevented from going into the fuel rail & injectors causing the car to constantly stumble and display the "service engine soon" warning lite.
- Air bags › Side/window · Structure
Passenger's side airbag cracked. consumer contacted manufacturer and was told that she would have to pay for repairs. consumer stated that if the air bag suddenly deployed she was afraid it will harm her daughter.*ak the heat from the sun warped the dash board. *tc
- Structure › Body
I have a 1998 plymouth neon. the roof of my car began peeling over a year ago, and has rapidly spread and now has rust developing. I have noticed several other neons in my area with similar peeling problems. I have contacted crysler and the refuse to help since the warranty on the paint IS 3 years/36,000 miles. I think that IS ridiculous. paint on a car should last much, much longer than 3 years.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Consumer noticed that the brake lights burned out continuously. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brake lights needed to be replaced, and replaced them. however, the problem recurred. vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Took my 98 neon with 42,000 miles into local chrysler dealership for an oil leak. they said that the head gasket needed to be replaced for a total of $1050. it IS my opinion that: - the head gasket failure IS not due to my own negligence, but an inherent design flaw. - the inferior head gaskets…
Took my 98 neon with 42,000 miles into local chrysler dealership for an oil leak. they said that the head gasket needed to be replaced for a total of $1050. it IS my opinion that: - the head gasket failure IS not due to my own negligence, but an inherent design flaw. - the inferior head gaskets shipped in these cars pose a slight safety risk to consumers because it directly leads to oil leakage. - a large percentage, if not all first generation neons, are affected by this problem. *la
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel tank replaced then car does not start in the morning and end of day. Chrysler and dealer have washed their hands of it. *mr
- Engine and engine cooling
Upon having an oil change mechanic noticed that engine head gasket was leaking oil, and needed to be replaced. also, mechanic indicated that this was a common problem with this model.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Airbag to deploy
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Head gasket failure at minimal mileage. fuel pump squeals loudly. *cb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1998 neon that had to be towed back to the dealer within the first 2 weeks of owning it because of an oil leak which they "fixed a gasket" then in november of 2001 had my head gasket replaced and now again november 2003 I need another head gasket. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure › Body › Trunk lid
My car leaks water. My trunk leaks and the rear floor leaks on both sides. What IS causing this it has done this since I have had the car but it has gotten worse. I have also replaced the engine at 36000 miles.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv) · Power train › Driveline · Power train › Manual transmission · Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Chysler IS informing me that there IS no such recall, recall number 99v-001. My car falls within the low high vin numbers reported to possibly have this problem and I am having numerous problems with my 1998 plymouth neon thatapply to this recall as well as serveral tsb.
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 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
- 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.
- 604872Safety recall information on rear crossmember-to-frame saddle spot welds.
- 603841Conditions regarding paint splatter, belvidere rail head storage yard.
- 603635Subject on flash programming failure recovery.
- 603159Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the sunshade fabric delaminates from the substrate along the edeges of the sunshade.
- 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.
- 602593Conditions with water leakage in the left side of the trunk below the body exhauster and/or water pooled in the spare tire well.
- 602450Subject regarding the airbag on-off switches.
Every Plymouth Neon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.