Engine problems of the 1996 Dodge Neon - part 1

I'm wondering why Chrysler corp has not recalled the head/head gaskets on the 1996 Neon with all the replacements it's had to do. I just had to have my whole head replaced and now the O2 sencor is going out!.

While driving vehicle would momentarily / intermittently overheat and lose coolant within a day or two. Vehicle taken to a dealer, and dealer informed consumer of a blown head gasket. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

This seem to be something that the Dodge company should recall due to amount of head gasket problems reported from others like me.

Consumer stated the engine head gasket started to leak in June 2001 to the point where it now needs to be replaced. .

Vehicle had skipping in engine and it would jerk as in losing power when accelerating at highway speeds. Vehicle was plugged to computer, and reading showed crank sensor or cam sensor problems. 15 miles later, it cut so smooth that consumer didn't know until accelerating up a hill, it had no power. Vehicle would start up, but wouldn't kick over to run. Consumer has replaced transmission and sensors to rectify problem.

Being repaired at a dealership. They don't seem to think there is a problem nation wide with the gaskets.

Faulty head and gasket causing major oil loss, left turn signal turn on when brake is pressed. Back up lights don't work.

The headgasket and camshaft seal failed at 37687 miles which is clearly premature . The estimated repairs plus the necessary towing charge were in excess of $600 . After a complaint by telephone the warranty was extended by daimler Chrysler to cover the full amount. I am filing this complaint not for my own benefit ,since my cost of repair was covered , but to provide documentation for an investigation of this problem.

I learned of my head gasket problem about a week ago, I was shocked because my car is only five years old, I just paid it off, and the warranty expired not even two months ago. I have an appointment to take it back to the dealer next week, that was the soonest I could get. I expect them to cover it 100% especially after finding your website and reading about how many other people had the same problem w/ their 1996 Neon. I was curious as to if anyone has taken legal action in this matter?ak.

Drove vehicle into an independent repair shop for routine oil service, and was informed that vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's recall.

Apparently, the head gasket situation is a manufacturer's defect. At 66k miles, I cannot understand why I now have to replace the entire fan unit becuase "it is worn out. " the manufacturer's maintenance book has no mention of such replacement at 66k--I think that had I been on a major highway and this would have happened, there could have been unnecessary injuries due to unexpected "cheaply" made parts. -- never again will I buy a Chrysler/Dodge car.

Head gasket was first replaced about 2 years ago, I am having it replaced for the 2nd time now.

Dodge Neon engine head gaskets are known to leak - manufacturer will not reimburse owners for repair of a known defect. My cost was $1004.

The dealership told me they were aware of the problem with the head gasket . At the time mine was being repaired there were 2 other Neons in the shop with the same problem. This was stated by the service manager mark mendez. He also stated that this was a common problem with Neons that were produced before 1999 . My car needed work done after my 3 year/36000 mile warranty expired.

Engine head gasket has not been changed yet as of June 26, 2000.

Premature failure of engine head gasket.

Head gasket and valve cover leak at 40k miles; several mechanics claim this is a common problem for Neons due to defective parts. Why hasn't there been a recall? why must the consumer pay for manufactuer defects?.

The head gasket on my Dodge Neon needed to be replaced a second time at only 76,000 miles. (conveniently out of warranty). I know several other people that have had this same problem. Dodge has been contacted but no reply has been given.

We would like to know if there has been any recall problems with the 1996 Dodge Neon due to head gasket problems.

I have heard that there is a major problem with head gaskets in the Dodge Neons. And that Dodge has redesigned them. What about those of us who are stuck with the bad gaskets? I have talked with every Dodge dealer within a 100 mile radius as well as a few mechanic shops. A couple of them told me that Dodge was thinking about doing a recall on the head gaskets. I want to know why I should have to pay 500-800 dollars for something that Dodge new was going to happen sooner or later. Every dealer I have spoken with has said they have had to replace alot of head gaskets on the Neons. Please advise me if Dodge is going to do a recall or not. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Would like to know why this head gasket problem has not prompted a recall. I put 3-4 qts of oil in a week. Can not afford to get ot fixed now. Shouldn't have to after 27,000 mls. I'll never buy Dodge again.

Engine gaskets and seals and rack and pinion steering failed.

Would like to add my (now) 2 experiences to the mix of many, in regards to head gasket problems with the 1996 Dodge Neon line of vehicles. This seems to be a very common problem, and Chrysler has done nothing to ease the costs of this problem for hundreds of thousands of customers. I have replaced the head gasket (under extended warranty) twice now. The first time the blown head gasket caused enough damage that the entire engine head had to be replaced the first time. As I was writing this, I received a call from the 5-star Chrysler dealership/service shop who is doing the work for a second time now (the car was also purchased there), and found out I will be without the car for another week because this time the damage is requiring replacement of the entire engine due to warping. Even though this is covered by extended warranty, I have to pay $100 about every 20,000 miles to have this problem fixed. I am told Chrysler is on their 6th revision of this gasket, but no recall or consumer warning has been made public. Searching through the internet, it is staggeringly easy to find many others who are having this same problem. This costs me money and the inconvenience of being without one of my vehicles for a known problem.

Engine block has been leaking ,the car has been in shop more then six times for same thing.

Head gasket continually fails causing leakage. Mjs.

Blown head gasket each time.

Engine head gasket goes out which may cause an accident. Had a 1996 Neon and traded in for 1997 Neon, but has same problem. Please provide further information and VIN#.

In may my steering column was replaced. It was again looked at in November of 1996. Now, my steering column has once again failed. It takes 10 turns of my wheel to turn from one extreme to the other. Also, my head gasket, at 45000 miles started to leak. This shouldn't happen to a car 3 years old.

Directionals work when they want to. Head gasket is gone. Eats up oil. Dealer won't trade it in for another car. Headlights pulsate. Engine dies out.

Head gasket had to be replaced several times since purchase and needs to be replaced again.

Cracked engine head gasket.

This car has a defect in the head gasket - many complaints from many owners on this issue.

Engine head gasket problem has been reported to your organization by many Neon and stratus owners, what is being done about this?.

Vehicle loses oil which come down the back of the block. Consumer has taken vehicle continuously to the dealer for the same problem, in which it has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.

Took vehicle to a neighbor who is mechanic, and told her that the part that broke was a bolt that was part of the engine mount.