Four problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer states that one of the bolts that hold the steering wheel to the column has separated and the other is lose. The dealer has been notified. Nlm.
On 08/08/00, as I was making a right turn, the steering wheel "locked" and I was unable to successfully complete the turn. I hit the brakes hard to stop my car from hitting another vehicle. I had to yank the wheel hard to get it to turn the wheels. Left my car w/ dealer who informed me that the reason why the steering whel locked was because I had just gone thru a puddle and it wet the belt causing it to lose "traction". If this is the case, then this will happen again and not when I go thru a puddle. Maybe in the rain. If I "need" it to swerve away from danger, I may find myself a "sitting duck". Is there some way to cover this area so water will not make the steering belt lose traction?.
Wow! just want you to know steering wheel on Neons is locking mid-turn (3 I know of) I have traded mine in, but it has happened 3x in a month to friend who will be contacting you and to aquaintence, as well. Dealer says "nothing is wrong" as it does not lock when they drive it. (the steering unlocks as mysteriously as it locks).
When driving in the rain steering wheel locked up when making a right turn. First three times and the last time two weeks ago, steering locked up while consumer was making a left turn. Consumer took vehicle to dealership twice, and and dealer cannot duplicate problem.