One problem related to crankcase (pcv) has been reported for the 1997 Dodge Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Head gasket blew somewhere between 42,000 and 43,010 miles. It was noticed because oil was dripping underneath left front of car and oil was very low. No indicator lights had come on. Took it to dealership where they determined that the head gasket had blown. Because of this they also had to do an engine flush, clean the engine, replace the pcv valve, and change the oil and coolant. This cost me a total of $825. 00. My car is only 2 1/2 years old! since this occured I have found out by talking to repair shops and to other Neon owners that this is a common problem and obviously a defect in the way it was built.