Four problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1997 Plymouth Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Plymouth Neon headgasket failure. This problem is a known design problem of the original gasket.
Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. Cracked manifold replaced. Blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. Ignition coil replaced. Also tires, brakes, struts, battery. When I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew out. When I leased the car it was 2 years old and previously leased. I had to have an engine mount replaced that was missing, left turn signal didn't work and that was replaced. Also, paint on hood is bubbling and is starting to peel on right passenger side panel behind rear window. Driver side window doesn't roll up tight and air blows in and it whistles. Also lines on windows on passenger and driver side from rolling it up and down.
Brakes redone after 3 years, head gasket replaced after 4 years, clear coat on paint also had to be replaced, muffler almost fell off, exhaust detected in cabin of car, reverse lights come on intermittently, motor mount broken, seals on windows falling down door jam. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768018.
Head gasket failure very common, causing large quanities of oil to leak onto exhaust manifold; great risk of fire.