Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1996 Dodge Neon - part 1

Replaced head gasket in 2000 and now need to replace head gasket again in 2003.

My 1996 Dodge Neon had two head gasket failures to date now. The first was repaired 29,000 miles ago, and now, at 89,000 miles, I had another head gasket fail on me. The car is also peeling paint excessively. Instead of under ten years old, the car looks over twenty years old!.

96 Neon 1b3es47cxtd699675 head gasket replaced at 18,000.

3rd time head gasket has failed. White smoke burning from under hood.

Engine leaks oil and runs rough. Consumer had to add 2 1/2 quarts of oil to engine less than 1600 miles. Gasket has failed twice once at 36,000 miles and 83,000 miles. Currently, at 110,000 miles was failing again.

Vehicle needs to have head gasket replaced.

Head gasket failure.

First head gasket failure occurred at less than 36,000 miles; covered on warranty. Dodge refuses to cover second failure and claims "no known problems" with head gasket longevity when called. Good maintenance record on vehicle; av. 15-16k miles/year use.

Head gasket failed at 50k miles.

Consumer had found engine leaks. Took vehicle to a technician, and he said that head gasket was replaced before for same problem.

Head gasket failed, causing a terrible oil leak at only 60,000 miles.

Vehicle experiencing problem with oil leakages from side of the engine. Vehicle taken to a independent shop, and informed of a heah gasket failure on the 2. 0l engine. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and manufacturer was not responsible. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Car stalled after overheating. Vehicle restarted and was blowing white smoke from tailpipe. Dealer stated head gasket failure, but not covered under warranty because it was blowing antifreeze instead of oil. Vehicle had just had cylinder cover, spark plug seals and tubes replaced and engine tuneup 6 days prior to head casket failure. Dealership was informed at that time that vehicle was overheating, but they stated they couldn't find anything wrong other than it needing a tune up.

At 11,000 miles I had to have the head gasket replaced. This seems like something that should not have happened with that few miles on the engine. It would seem that the gasket is faulty. I would like to see a recall issued.

I'm very upset that there have been a lot of complaints about the head gasket problems in the 1995 and 96 Neon's yet they haven't been recalled. I cannot afford to have the head gasket replaced and may have to let the car go. Please contact me regarding this. 419-946-4295.

I have become aware of this "head gasket" problem through Dodge Neon message boards after purchasing the vehicle and having the gasket replaced for $500. 55 parts and labor. I hope this problem doesn't occur as often as all the inquiries suggested. Perhaps you should recall the line of vehicles, right the wrongs, or reimburse buyers of your products the expences that occur but shouldn't. Please contact me by phone or mail to discuss this problem. Thank you for your time.

An oil leakage due to head gasket failure which causes damage to engine. Manufacturer is aware of defect, but will not provide assistance.

Had an oil leak, mechanic said I had to replace the head gasket. It is obvious there should be a recall.

Head gasket failing second time - leaking oil badly - have lost approximately 2 gallons of oil into the environment through leakage for each failure - when will an environmental recall be issued for these cars - Dodge claims no record of first repair but I have receipts, do not trust Dodge's reporting of the extent of this problem -. . Read more...

Sudden complete loss of oil due to head gasket failure.

I have heard recently that engine head gasket failure is very common with the Dodge Neons as well as other Chrysler cars. I noticed my car was leaking last week sometime, and didn't realize it was coming from teh head gasket. It does not make sense to me that so many of teh Dodge Neons are having this problem if Dodge made a good product. If they know that all of these cars are having this problem and there is rumor of a secret warranty out there if you raise enough fuss, doesn't it seem fair, and lawful that Chrysler should issue a recall on the cars and fix teh head gaskets on their products before further trouble is caused. If I was oblivious to teh leak couldn't I have caused further damage that could have been prevented had Chrysler not cut corners and made a cheap gasket to begin with? is it my fault that when I purchased the car I was not informed that eventually I would have to spend close to a thousand dollars to fix my car because Chrysler didn't feel like making a strong head gasket, and wanted to save a little money. I feel as if I am being screwed here, and I feel that I should be reimbursed. How many people must complain before Chrysler issuses a recall. A recall that is obviously necessary.

Head gasket was first replaced under warranty with 20,901 miles on the vehicle. The transmission let go with 35,654 miles on the vehicle. My vehicle was out of warranty at this time. The head gasket failed a second time with 46,958 miles on the vehicle. This repair was done at dartmouth Dodge, 225 state rd. , north dartmouth, MA. 02747, since it was closer to my home, and they were not in business at the time that I purchased the vehicle. Chrysler gave me a $300. 00 credit towards the repair of the head gasket. I strongly feel that I should be reimbursed for this repair since it was replaced under warranty the first time, and it broke again approximately 26,000 later. Apparently, there has been a problem with head gaskets for this vehicle. I also feel that a recall campaign should be instituted to repair all these vehicles since it is a common problem with them.

After a search on the internet, I found several cars with the same problem. . . Someone suggest a repair under the secret extended warranty from Chrysler. . . I'm gonna try it. . . Price to replace head gasket: 700 dlls and up.

Head gasket failures began on this vehiche at approximately 20,000 mi and continue.

Original head gasket failed at 27843 miles and was replaced on warranty. Gasket number 2 failed at 38,000 miles, now on gasket number 3. I have never owned a vehicle that required yearly head gasket maintenance! paid $600 dollars for repair, dealer says that it is now warranted for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Is this problem under investigation? keep me posted!.

Had to replace the head gasket at about 60,000 miles. I see lots of other people are having the same complaint. When will there be a recall? this same engine is used in a number of Chrysler cars and the problem is happening to those owners also. Help us out.

On Sep 97 engine head gasket was replace. Under warranty; oct 99, engine head gasket needs to be replaced again. Asking NHTSA to look into this matter.

Within a one week period engine head gasket was replaced twice because of leakage. The problem has been reported to the dealer. Engine head gasket has been replaced at owner's expense. Please provide any further information.

Replaced head gasket every 6 mos. , as common problem on Neon's and at $600 a service could this be intentional negligence?.

Head gasket failed and damaged engine block. Needs new engine. According to your records, this is a very common problem with the Neon. Please . Recall.

Head gasket failed after I owned the car 1 year, why hasn't Chrysler issued a recall for this problem - I have been told repeatedly that this is a very common problem and I am discovering this on the NHTSA site as well!.

Head gasket failure. Also caused damage to engine head . Chrysler corporate offered no assistance. Nor return phone calls.

Engine head gasket has failed, leaking large amounts of oil into the posterior part of the engine. Through research have found this is a common problem with the Neon, and at times has resulted in engine fires. This poses a significant safety risk and I am wondering why there has not been a recall. I also feel that Chrysler should be held accountable for this failure and needs to pay for the cost of the repair.

Major oil leak. I took the car to two mechnics, who told me the head gasket needed replaced. I spoke to the local dealer and was told that the car was out of warranty, and that the job would cost over $700. I later found out that this is a comon problem and the replacement part is not the same as the original because of some defect. Chrysler still does not acknowlege a problem?.

Valve cover gaskets have failed twice since 1998 and currently needing to have the problem fixed again. Also, the transmission failed just after warranty term. Dodge knows of oil leak problems and have made no efforts to rectify.