Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1997 Dodge Neon

I made a short trip to a local store and large amounts of smoke started coming from the front of my car. The car was overheating and I had to stop and pull over. The car had to be towed to the dealership. The car had a head gasket failure. Which cost $920 to repair. Although the vehicle is old (1997), it only has 39,000 miles on it and it is ridiculous for something like this to happen to car with such low mileage. I have done quite a bit of research online to find that several Neon owners have had this same problem. The 1995-1997 models have been predominantly affected by this problem. I contacted Chrysler about this and they will take no responsibility for this.

The vehicle's head gasket failed although it only had 44000 miles on it.

I own a 1997 Dodge Neon - a model (and apparently, the Dodge brand itself) that has a reputation for blowing head gaskets at about 60,000 miles because of a poor composite material the gaskets were made out of. Just today, I found the tell-tale sign of fluid mixture (oil in my coolant lines) that indicates a head gasket failure. I called Chrysler and explained my situation, and the customer service rep told me that based on my car's year and the mileage (approx 54800), there was nothing they could do. I've scoured the internet and found countless tales of "secret warranties" and "customer goodwill money. . Read more...

I purchased this vehicle 5-15-03 and noticed an oil leak the size of a 50 cent piece every time the vehicle was driven. When purchasing I asked if the head gasket problems had been taken care of on Neon's, and was told it is not an issue anymore. I had an oil change today 7-18-03 and was told that I needed a new head gasket and it was an often done repair at a cost of $700. 00! after researching on the internet and finding hundreds of complaints about head gasket failure on this particular model, I am more than slightly displeased that Dodge, knowing of the problem, and even having a service bulletin out regarding this very problem is interested in taking care of it's owners, I will not be buy a Dodge, Chrysler, or Plymouth ever again!.

Head gasket failure.

The consumer saw oil leaking from the vehicle. The dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to a head gasket failure. The mechanic did not resolve the problem. On June 3rd 2002, the consumer had to have the transmission re-built. The main gear had a crack in the casting and started to loose teeth. The consumer noticed the casing of the transmission was wet. The heads of the engine were warped. The dealers in both case only changed the gasket and not checking to see if the head was warped. When the vehicle was cold in the morning, it wouldn't engage in reverse for up to 30 seconds, then clunks in hard and if driving when still cold, it seemed to shift in and out of gear. (and shifts hard from 2nd to 3rd and over revs in 2nd prior to shifting).

The consumer has replaced 3 head gaskets since the vehicle was purchased. The last blown gasket caused irreparable damage to the engine.

Purchased car in October or 1996. Replaced head gasket in 1998 due to oil leaking in spark plugs. Then again in 2001. Now 2003 and oil in spark plugs again.

While driving vehicle was overheating and leaking oil, consumer replaced thermostat which sufficed for 2 months, but vehicle stalled out completely, vehicle taken to dealer. Dealer informed consumer of a blown head gasket, this was the second gasket that was replaced which was installed by recall.

I bought this pile of c. . . 2 years ago and had to replace the transmission with 38000 miles on it . Now the head gasket has failed. I was about to give the dealer $800 to repair it when the told me the engine has a crack in it. Now it will be $3500. 00 for a new engine. It only has 71000 miles on it . And Chrysler doesnt care that this is quite possily the worst car ever made. It ranks right up there with a yugo and a pinto.

Replaced 3 head gaskets in 1997 Dodge Neon. Fewer than 33,000 miles at replacement of third head gasket.

I have gotten the head gasket replaced twice in a span of a year and a half.

Numerous complaints of head gasket failure on this model car. Please consider a recall.

Dealer notified and working to resolve $ expense with me and warranty dept. Head gasket failed and noticed numerous complaints in this area. Why hasn't a recall been made? was this just a poorly designed engine?.

Driver's side head gasket broke. It was leaking oil all over. Dealer would not assist in helping with payment because chrsyler would not reimburse them. Dealer said it was a faulty design of head gasket. Head gasket was replaced at the consumer's expense.

Head gasket failure. There should be a recall contacted Chrysler and they said no!.

Oil leakges after taking vehicle to dealer for an oil change, vehicle was returned to dealer for leakages, and dealer informed consumer that problem was due to a head gasket failure.

Vehicle experienced overheating due to head gasket failure. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Feel free to provide any further details.

Engine cylinder head gasket failed, causing major oil leak/head also badly pitted.

Noticed oil leaking from engine 1 mo. Ago. Premature head gasket failure in three year old vehicle. Air bags also failed to deploy when vehicle was involved in a rear-end collision. Dealer will be contacted, however Chrysler should be responsible for repairs since these problems appear to be overwhelmingly common.

This auto purchased used, unknown if any prior headgasket replacements.

I own a 1997 Dodge Neon. Purchased June 1997. This car too date has approximately 27,500 original miles on it. Starting in August 1999 I had to have the head gasket replaced on 3 occasions. I had to have the same repair job done again in July 2001 when I had only put another 7,108 on the car. May 2003 I had for the 3rd time the same repair jobe done when my car reached 26152 (7,166 miles added after 2nd repair job). Too date the manufacture has paid the repair bills with the exception of a $100 deductible I had to pay the last time they reapired it. I protested having to pay the $100 because I felt the manufactur should have paid the complete bill. They refused to refund my money. This car has on ongoing problem with the head gasket. My fear is the manufacture will refuse to pay the repair bill the next time this happens and I don't know what my legal rights are because I feel I have a lemon. It seems the problem comes up as soon as I put 7,000 miles on the car. I had only put 14,000 miles from the first time this repair job took lace to the 3rd repair job. I have tried to talk to Chrysler about the secret warranty I found on the internet for this very problem and was informed by a customer service rep. That the secret warranties are illegal and they do not honor them. I have been told by several mechanics this is a well know ongoing problem with the Neon's and Chrysler is well aware of it. I woul appreciate if I can receive any advice regarding whether or not my car falls under the lemon law considering the age of the car.

Head gasket failed. Dealer refuses to help w/costs. Please help!.

The engine head gasket failed on two occasions causing oil leakage.

Head gasket failed. Nlm.

Ever since I bought the car used I have had numerous problems. Here is just a brief list: incorrect gas mileage both city and highway, transmission problems, brakes squeaking, air coming through bad window seals, defrost not working properly, air conditioning not working correctly, 3 oxygen sensors replaced, 2 head gaskets replaced, and water coming into the trunk which has caused the jack and tire changing equipment to rust. Also the water then leaks into the back floor which causes the car to smell. The cs for Dodge will not agree to fix the problem with the original roof design which would correct the water from coming into the trunk. For the past year, about every 2 months something is going wrong with the car which has just a little over 62,000 miles and proper maintenance has been followed.

Replaced headgasket in 12/99 needs headgasket again\oil leaks again.

The vehicle consumer excessive amounts of oil due to a blown head gasket. The head gasket was replaced but the problem recurred 2 years later. The head gasket needs to be replaced again.

Head gasket failed resulting in leakage. Mjs.

Head gasket failed, led to ruined cylinder heads.