RoadVitals

1998 Dodge Neon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
339
Latest Nov 5, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
46
46 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 339 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Dodge Neon, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and body & structure categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 55 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jun 29, 2006
87,745 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
The remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE02082ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

Opened Nov 6, 2002
Closed Apr 23, 2003

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

SEAT BELTS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsBrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 5, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

I HAD AN CAR WRECK IN MY 1998 DODGE NEON (BLUE) IN NOVEMBER 24,2002 DUE TO THE BREAKS & THE TIRES & THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT WHEN I WRECK & I GOT STUCK IN MY SEAT BELT OUT THE CAR WRECK & THEN I HAD ANOTHER 1999 DODGE NEON (WHITE) & I HAD CAR PROBLEMS WITH IT TO

NHTSA ID
10788687
Incident
Nov 24, 2002
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 23, 2015

MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACEMENT,4-5 TIMES,WILL NOT HOLD. EGRVALVE REPLACEMENT ,ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS SAYING IT NEED TO BE REPLACED EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND LIGHT CLEARED. 4-5 TIMES .BOTH ARE NOW ON GOING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10701169
Incident
Sep 16, 2013
Mileage
12,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 11, 2014
Crash reported1 injury reported

1998 DODGE NEON WAS FORCED OFF THE ROADWAY BY A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE THAT TURNED ACROSS 19 YEAR OLD FEMALE DRIVERS LANE OF TRAVEL. SIDESWIPE CAUSED LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE, VEHICLE BRIEFLY BOTTOMED ONTO PAVEMENT, LEAVING A SHORT DISTANCE GOUGE MARK. THE NEON THEN JUMPED ONTO A CURB AND IMPACTED A UTILITY POLE HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED 27-35MPH IMPACT SPEED. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON NELLIS BOULEVARD IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. THE FRONTAL IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, FEMALE DRIVER HAD SEVERE NECK INJURIES THAT RESULTED IN A STROKE AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. TRW CLAIMS THE SYSTEM PERFORMED EXACTLY AS DESIGNED. THEY CLAIM THEIR 1998 VEAM CRASH SENSING ALGORITHM ASCERTAINED THAT THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE UTILITY POLE IMPACT AND THE DEPOWERED AIRBAG WOULD HAVE CAUSED MORE HARM THAN GOOD. I AM THE EXPERT WITNESS ON THIS CASE FOR THE PLAINTIFF AGAINST TRW. THIS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SENSING SYSTEM IS AN INDICATION OF WHY THIS SUBJECT VEHICLE AND ITS SIMILAR MODEL YEARS HAS AN EXORBITANTLY HIGH NUMBER OF NON DEPLOYMENT OF FRONT AIRBAGS COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS DATABASE COMPARED TO ITS PEERS. I AM REPORTING THIS AT THE BEHEST OF DEFENSE COUNSEL, WHO CLAIMS THAT MY FAILURE TO REPORT THIS DEFECT IS ACTUALLY A FAILURE OF ME TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO CONSUMERS. I WOULD BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THIS AND MANY OTHER CASES WITH NHTSA PERSONNEL, AS I BELIEVE THIS DEFENSE COUNSEL CRITIQUE ACTUALLY OPENS UP A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH NHTSA TO PROVIDE MORE IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK ON SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT HAVE BEEN OCCURRING IN THE FIELD ON SOME SYSTEMS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS MY PROPOSAL WITH NHTSA ON HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO COOPERATE ON NARROWING DOWN FRIVOLOUS CLAIMS, BUT SETTING A HIGH PRIORITY ON REAL ISSUES THAT TYPICALLY RESULT IN LAWSUITS BUT ARE NOT NECESSARILY BROUGHT TO NHTSA'S ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10621563
Incident
Apr 27, 2007
Mileage
60,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 3, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ONLY FUNCTIONED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,397. ..UPDATED 05/15/12 * BF UPDATED 05/21/12

NHTSA ID
10457394
Incident
Apr 3, 2012
Mileage
112,397 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 26, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10453103
Incident
Jan 1, 2012
Mileage
130,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 2010

I HAVE A 1998 NEON AND WATER IS COMING THOU THE LIGHTS INTO CAR ON FLOOR I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME DEFECT ON NOT JUST MY YEAR BUT NEWER MODULES THIS IS A MOLD ISSUE AND I LIKE MANY HAVE ALLEGE TO MOLD AND CAN TRIGGER A ASTHMA ATTACK THAT CAN KILL USE I ASKED THE DEALERS TO FIX BUT THEY SAY ITS NOT A RECALL I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIR IN ORDER TO STOP THE LEAK SO WHOSE PAYING MY HOSPITAL VISIT WHEN I HAVE MY ASTHMA ATTACK AND I HAVE TO GO ON A VENTILATOR DEATH IS NOT A OPTION WHY CANT THEY FIX IT FOR FREE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10320751
Incident
Mar 18, 2010
Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND A RUSTED BRAKE LINE WAS DISCOVERED, WHICH SQUIRTED BRAKE FLUID EVERYWHERE. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ID
10242829
Incident
Sep 18, 2008
Mileage
105,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE NEON. THE SPEEDOMETER ISNT OPERATING NORMALLY AND DOESN'T DISPLAY THE SPEED; HOWEVER, IF YOU TAP ON THE DASHBOARD IT BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. THE INOPERABLE SPEEDOMETER IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE HEAT GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO SHOW THE PROPER TEMPERATURE, DISPLAYED OVER HEATING AND FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE NOISE FROM THE HEATING SYSTEM IS ALSO A DISTRACTION AND A SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10233591
Incident
Jun 23, 2008

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

3100319

STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Neon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005954057.1
2004945056.4
20032025364.4
20021736363.2
200114610163.3
200033711265.6
19991164161.6
1998Viewing3396161.5
19973906161.3
19966117260.2
199597611968.0
1994901
1993301

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.