RoadVitals

1996 Plymouth 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.
308
Latest Feb 22, 2022
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.
2
Latest May 3, 1996
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.
2
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.
43
33 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 308 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Plymouth Neon, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 46 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

2 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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

May 3, 1996
151,800 units potentially affected
The defect: THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
The risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Feb 5, 1996
15,000 units potentially affected
The defect: AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..
The risk: SHORTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView 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
PE98012ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

UNDERHOOD FIRES

Opened Feb 26, 1998
Closed Jun 23, 1998

There is no summary currently available

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recent owner complaints

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

Electrical
Filed Feb 22, 2022

Dbr2 not working or obd 2 not working when plug in obd reader no sign of workingness on vehicle

NHTSA ID
11453478
Incident
Feb 22, 2022
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Dec 31, 2021

I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature gauges

NHTSA ID
11445703
Incident
Sep 1, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2007
Fire reported

THE CAR WAS RUN FOR 45MINS AT 10MPH FOLLOWING A TRACTOR. THE LAST 2 MILES WERE AT 55MPH. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS HOME AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALL WIRING AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS ARE A COMPLETE LOSS, HOOD IS DAMAGED, AND ALL LIGHT UNITS ARE RUINED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10198159
Incident
Jul 31, 2007
Mileage
400,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 20, 2007

ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CEASES TO FUNCTION. SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO, TACHOMETER GOES TO ZERO, GAS GAUGE STOPS, TEMP GAUGE GOES TO COLD. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH., OR WHATEVER THE LEGAL LIMIT FOR A GIVEN AREA IS. A BIT DISCONCERTING AT TIMES. AFTER A TIME PERIOD, THINGS START TO WORK AGAIN, AND THEN THEY QUIT AGAIN. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE NEW. *JB

NHTSA ID
10179211
Incident
Jan 15, 2007
Mileage
98,400 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jun 23, 2006
Crash reported1 injury reported

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURE INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT WAS OBSERVED TO BE WRAPPED AROUND THE CONTACT'S LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS CHEST, NECK AND LEFT LEG. *NM

NHTSA ID
10160577
Incident
Jun 19, 2006
Mileage
116,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 14, 2006

ON 01/03/06, I PURCHASED 4 NEW DAYTON DAYTONA HR TIRES (SIZE 185/60R14) FROM REEVES TIRE IN JOPLIN, MISSOURI FOR MY 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON. ON 02/01/06, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES, THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE (APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH). THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BROKEN BEAD, WITH NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE TIRE. ON 04/12/06, IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED, REBALANCED, AND MY CAR REALIGNED (AGAIN AT REEVES TIRE), MY DRIVERS-SIDE FRONT TIRE DETONATED, AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE, AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. I HAD TRAVELED, AT MOST, 10 MILES AFTER HAVING THE WORK PERFORMED. AFTER I STOPPED MY CAR, I INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND THAT APPROXIMATELY 6-8 INCHES OF THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY GONE. THERE WERE NO CORDS OR FIBERS HANGING FROM THE TIRE. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF THE SIDE WALL HAD BEEN CUT FROM THE TIRE. THE BEAD WAS STILL INTACT, BUT THERE WAS NO RUBBER ANYWHERE ON IT. IT WAS JUST BARE STEEL CORDS. THIS WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES AFTER THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION. AGAIN, THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION OF DAMAGE. I AM A FACTORY-TRAINED MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN, AND I AM VERY CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT MAINTAINING MY VEHICLES. I TYPICALLY INSPECT THE CONDITION AND TIRE PRESSURE OF MY CAR TIRES ONCE A WEEK, AND HAVE NEVER ABUSED THEM OR HIT ANY ROAD-DEBRIS, POTHOLES, ETC. THE FORCE OF THE TIRE EXPLOSION PUSHED THE REAR OF THE FRONT FENDER INTO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE DOOR AND MODERATELY DENTED THE FENDER. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE SECOND TIRE WENT OUT. *NM

NHTSA ID
10155339
Incident
Apr 12, 2006
Mileage
102,850 mi
Transmission
Filed Jan 3, 2006

CONSUMER 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON PCM HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED CAUSING COMER VEHICLE TO FAIL EMISSIONS. *TS THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED STATE EMISSION INSPECTION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S READINESS CODES WERE CLEARED EACH TIME THE KEY WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION. THE CONSUMER FOUND A TSB WHICH STATED THAT THE PCM MUST BE REPROGRAMMED TO REMEDY THE CONDITION. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE LOCAL DEALER TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE ELSEWHERE WHERE THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED AT NO CHARGE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10147566
Incident
Nov 15, 2005
Mileage
62,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 17, 2005

ON EVERY PLYMOUTH NEON IN THE COLOR OF BLUE, THE PAINT IS CHIPPING FROM THE HOOD TO THE TRUNK. ALSO, WHEN IT RAINS, THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ON THE FLOORS AND IN THE TRUNK GETS WET AND IN ORDER TO GET THE WATER OUT, IT HAS TO BE VACUUMED. I BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. AFTER HAVING TO INVEST A LOT OF MONEY IN SOMETHING THAT YOU EXPECT TO HAVE FOR MANY YEARS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING UNLESS IT IS CAUSED BY YOU.

NHTSA ID
10125664
Incident
Mar 17, 2003

Manufacturer communications

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

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.

3100519

STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

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.

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.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

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

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.

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

Plymouth Neon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2001493162.8
20001416264.5
1999620145.5
19981661153.2
19971611152.3
1996Viewing3082260.2
19954816967.8
1994301

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.