Engine problems of the 1996 Plymouth Neon

22 problems related to engine have been reported for the 1996 Plymouth Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/07/2002

I have a 1996 Neon which I purchased used in August of 2001 with only 35,000 miles on it. About 3 months ago I took it in for my monthly oil change/lube and was told that my head gasket was cracked and that I would need to get it replaced. They told me it would be a $1200 repair. I began to call around and each place, when I mentioned the problem and the year/make/model of my car, told me that they could have guessed what the repair was that I needed just by me giving them the type of car I drive. I've called 5 places now to get a quote on this repair and prices range anywhere between $700 - $1200, depending on the shop I use. By the way - I lose about a quart of oil per week. I wanted to do a little research to see how common of a problem this is, so I went on the internet and found so many complaints that it blew my mind! I found out that there was a defect in the head gasket design in pre-99 models and Chrysler knew about it. It was never recalled, but as far as I am concerned it is a huge consumer fraud issue. I have found that 32% of Neon owners have had to replace this part - which is obviously extremely high. It really is too bad that Chrysler did not stand up for their product right away by voluntarily issuing a recall or by at least fixing the cars that were affected before the part was redesigned. I cannot afford a repair like this on my car - I bought a Neon because I thought they were reliable cars with great gas mileage, which I need for my long commute to work every day. If this is a problem the manufacturer knew about, I feel that they should be paying for the repair. What can I do?!.

2 Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2001

From my mechanic's description, this is a major problem with this model, to the point a new style gasket is available but at a cost of well over $800+ in repair costs to the consumer, and I understand a lawsuit is being proposed.

3 Engine problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2000

Blown head gaskets in April 2000 costing approximately $950 --- replace engine (short block) in August 2000 costing approximately $2500. Bad wrist-pins and/or rocker arms due to faulty engine design by Chrysler. Chrysler should reimburse me!.

4 Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2000

This car has been garaged for it's entire life. At 56,000 the paint is beginning to chip/pop off the car. Driver's side door trim has already been replaced by the dealer. Dealer cannot seem to fix any of the car's problems permanently. Head gasket and cylinder gaskest have been replaced at 32,000 and 50,000 respectively. Car is unfit and engine poorly designed as a whole. I have driven this car for 4. 5 years and have spent alot of money to keep it going.

5 Engine problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2000

Consumer has had nothing but problems with vehicle since purchase. Engine valve/ engine head gasket/air contioner: compressor & camshaft were replaced 2-3 times from 1998. Consumer has been misled each time . Appointments have been made for repairs.

6 Engine problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2000

Blown head gasket.

7 Engine problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2000

Vehicle was experiencing problem with excessive loss of engine oil. Vehicle taken to independent repair shop, and informed consumer of a blown engine head gasket. Dealer was not contracted at this time.

8 Engine problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2000

Small leak from head gasket, has escallated to adding a quart every 2 weeks. This problem is one mentioned quite often and appears to be a manufacurer problem, maybe not Chrysler but certainly the maker of the gasket. Is Chrysler in litigation with the manufacturer and is something going to be done?.

9 Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/28/1999

The problem we have been expirencing is that the engine head gasket continues to leak and yet the dealer says there is nothing more they can do.

10 Engine problem

Failure Date: 05/22/1999

#1 air bags did not deploy with approx $3000 in front end damage. One injured #2 head gaskets needed to be replaced twice.

11 Engine problem

Failure Date: 02/01/1999

Head gasket cracked and leaked.

12 Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/01/1998

Head gasket on this car has been replaced 3 times! it's no longer under warranty and now I am expected to pay for a new one-$750!! obvoiusly the head gaskets were faulty to begin with, so why should I have to pay to fix Chrysler's mistake!?.

13 Engine problem

Failure Date: 08/18/1997

While driving the enging mounts fell out of car. Dealer is not willing to repair the vehicle free of charge. Vehicle is still under warranty.

14 Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/30/1997

10/11/00-is the second failure of both the headgasket and cam sensor on my Neon.

15 Engine problem

Failure Date: 04/01/1997

In "o" ring gasket the retainer cam cracked, causing a gas leak which may cause a fire. Problem occurred 4 times. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Please provide further information.

16 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1996

Steering knuckles/head gasket/abs brakes failed.

17 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1996

Steering knuckles/head gasket/abs brakes an transmission failed.

18 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1996

Steering, head gasket, brakes, transmission failed.

19 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1996

Sttering knuckles/head gasket/abs brakes an transmission failed.

20 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1996

Transmission failure.

21 Engine problem

Bad head gasket ,we have to put about 2 to3 quarts of oil a week in it.

22 Engine problem

Head gasket oil lea. ,dealers are repairing very large numbers,recall?.



Fuel Economy of Neon Vehicles
Neon Service Bulletins
Neon Safety Recalls
Neon Defect Investigations