RoadVitals

1996 Plymouth Neon Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
38
Latest Feb 22, 2022
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
12%
of 308 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1996 Plymouth Neon submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 38 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 38, 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
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
Body & structureElectricalExterior lighting+1 more
Filed Aug 16, 2004

1. EVERY TIME IT RAINS OUTSIDE I HAVE A LAKE ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE BACK AND IN THE TRUNK WHICH IS MOLDING THE CARPET AND ITEMS KEPT INSIDE. 2. THE BACK UP LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY, DUE TO THE MOISTURE. 3. THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKS REALLY FAST, AND STAYS ON ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. 4. THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS TO BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF AFTER TURNING LEFT. 5. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED ON A STEEP TURN RESULTING ME GOING OFF ROAD, LUCKILY NOT HITTING ANYONE. 6. HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY POOR AT NIGHT. 7. RADIO RECEPTION IS GETTING WORSE. STATIONS THAT USED TO COME IN WON'T ANYMORE. 8. CAR SHAKES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND AT A LIGHT. 9. THERE IS GLARE ON THE WINDSHEILD FROM DASH THAT CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY IN THE DAY TIME.*AK

NHTSA ID
10086924
Incident
Jul 21, 2003
Electrical
Filed Apr 1, 2004

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 96V026000 CONCERNING THE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, BUT CHRYSLER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THIS RECALL DID NOT EXIST. *AK THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE ENGINE MISFIRING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND SPUTTER AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10059800
Mileage
70,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 21, 2003

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ID
10044363
Incident
Sep 20, 2003
Mileage
134,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed Aug 27, 2002

THE VEHICLE NEEDED MAJOR REPAIRS ON THE BRAKES. *YH THE CAMSHAFT SEAL FAILED TWICE, THE POWER STEERING BELTS FAILED WHILE TRAVELING DURING TRAFFIC, AND THE RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. *SCC

NHTSA ID
567221
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Aug 20, 2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO A CIRCUIT BOARD FAILURE. THIS CAUSED THE DIGITAL CONSOLE TO COMPLETELY GO BLANK NOT BEING ABLE TO INITIATE READINGS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
8016734
Electrical
Filed Feb 11, 2002

THERE ARE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS.THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL OUT WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID
8003880
Incident
Jan 1, 2002
Electrical
Filed Jan 31, 2002

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS TAKING A LOOK AT VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
8003347
Incident
Jan 1, 2002
Electrical
Filed Jan 8, 2002

WIRING HARNESS HAS BURNED OUT, CAUSING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONETS TO MALFUNCTION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID
8001751
Incident
Jan 7, 2002
Electrical
Filed Sep 4, 2001

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND OIL LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND NOW THE LIGHTS NO LONGER WARN THE CONSUMER, THE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSE BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, THE CONSUMER TRIED SEVERAL SERVICE PLACES BUT NONE OF THEM COULD FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATES HE FOUND A RECALL THAT STATES THE EXACAT SYMPTONS HE WAS EXPERIENCING, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*JB

NHTSA ID
562895
Incident
May 10, 2001
Electrical
Filed Aug 9, 2001

VEHICLE STALLED MOSTLY AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 MPH AFTER DRIVING FOR 10-15 MINUTES. THEN, IT TOOK 15-20 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. DEALER SAID IT WAS WIRING HARNESS SHORTING OUT. THERE IS RECALL, 96V026000, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED. VEHICLE STALLS EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN.*AK

NHTSA ID
893951
Incident
Jul 5, 2001
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2001

THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER SAYS MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.

NHTSA ID
742748
Incident
Mar 15, 2001
Electrical
Filed Feb 19, 2001

GOING DOWN ROAD AT CLOSE TO STOPPING, ABOUT 10MPH AND ALL THE NEEDLES STARTED GOING CRAZY IN COLUNM OF DASHBOARD WITH LIGHTS OF SEATBELT AND BATTERY GOING OFF AND ON. TOOK CAR TO GET DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE ON IT AND FOUND OUT THAT THE ALTENATOR IS PRODUCING TOO MUCH OUTPUT FOR CAR AND IS TRYING TO BURN UP WIRING HARNESS UNIT IN CAR. SAID THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND CATCH THE CAR ON FIRE. HAVE EXTENDED WARRENTY BUT THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO FIND WAYS AROUND THE WARRENTY OF THE THINGS I FIND WRONG OF SAYING IT ISS SOMETHING ELSE DOING IT. SERVICE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON TO INDECATE PROBLEM WITH ANYTHING IN ENGINE NOR DID THE OIL LIGHT COME ON TO TELL ME THAT MY CAR HAD LEAKED OUT ALL OIL. HAVE A OIL LEAK AGAIN. FIXED ONCE ALREADY. 350.00 IS TOO MUCH TO PAY OUT FOR A PROBLEM OCCURING EVERY TWO YEARS. THIS ALSO DANGEROUS ACCORDING TO MECHANIC. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL IF ALTANENATOR IS NOT CORRECT SIZE FOR CAR?

NHTSA ID
741182
Incident
Feb 17, 2001
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jan 16, 2001

BATTERY CAME ON, AND ALL DASH LIGHTS WENT DIM. THEN CONSUMER HEARD A HOULING NOISE, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED THAT HARNESS WIRING HAD MELTED. DEALER SAID IT WAS COMMON IN THESE TYPES OF CARS. THERE WAS A RECALL 96V026000 ON UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ID
878221
Incident
Jan 7, 2001
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 11, 2001

ENGINE GASKET WAS LEAKING, OIL UNDER CAR. ALSO, HORN WOULD GO OFF BY ITSELF WHEN EVER WEATHER WAS COLD. *AK

NHTSA ID
878007
Incident
Jan 1, 1999
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 12, 2000

ENGINE HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING OIL INTO ENGINE. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK THE FAILURE OF THE GASKET IS DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. THE BATTERY DIED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER REPAIR. *YH

NHTSA ID
872846
Electrical
Filed Sep 6, 2000

HORN WILL ACTIVATED FOR NO APPARENT REASON,ONCE WHEN CAR WAS PARKED,AND DRAINED BATTERY. *AK.

NHTSA ID
730477
Incident
Sep 5, 2000
Electrical
Filed Aug 26, 2000

I TOOK MY CAR TO HORTON'S TO HAVE IT PUT ON THE COMPUTER. THEY CHARGED ME $90.00 TO PUT ON A NEW FUEL FILTER, WHEN IT IS THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE WIRING HARNESS.PLEASE SEND ME A RECALL FOR THE PARTS ON MY CAR.

NHTSA ID
729154
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 13, 2000

I HAVE HAD NON-STOP PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SINCE DAY ONE. IT IS GETTING TO COSTLY TO KEEP REPAIRING THE SAME PROBLEMS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE HELP I HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN REGARDS TO THE SEVERAL PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ID
727799
Incident
Aug 7, 2000
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting+1 more
Filed Aug 13, 2000

FAILURE#1:1/97-6/97 HORN MADE NO NOISE WHEN PUSHED. SEVERAL VISITS TO TWO DEALERS IN FT.WAYNE AND INDIANAPOLIS, IN AND 6 MONTHS LATER IT WAS FINALLY RESOLVED AS BEING A PINCHED WIRE. HAD TO INVOLVE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY. FAILURE#2:1/97-3/97 THE REAR DEFROST SWITCH FAILED ON OCCASSION FOR FIRST THREE MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. WORKS CONTINUOUSLY NOW. FAILURE#3:8/97-1998 LEFT TURN SIGNAL WOULD LIGHT UP WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, ONLY OCCASSIONALLY AND WHILE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT AT A STOP. FAILURE#4:6/99-CURRENT POWER LOCKS FAILED. FAILURE#5: 7/99-8/99 POWER STEERING FAILED. POWER SWITCH REPLACED. FAILURE#6: 3/00-7/00 A/C FAILED. 1/2 LB COOLANT LEAKED OUT AND WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
727754
Incident
Jul 23, 1999
Electrical
Filed Jul 31, 2000

RECALL 00V026 000/WIRING:HARNESS:UNDERHOOD: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND CONDITION STILL REOCCURRING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED T CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
866449
Incident
Feb 3, 1999
Heating & air conditioningElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 9, 2000

ON 6/18/98 THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AND SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED AGAIN ON 6/15/00. ON 6/17/00 MY A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED TO OPERATE; PRIVATE MECHANIC FOUND A BREAK IN WIRING HARNESS. *AK

NHTSA ID
725167
Incident
Jun 11, 1998
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 11, 2000

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DIED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. PUT IN BATTERY/FUEL PUMP AND A STARTER, AND VEHICLE STILL CUT OFF. DEALER DIDN'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. CONSUMER FELT UNSAFE WHEN TRAVELING. *AK

NHTSA ID
860079
Incident
Jan 1, 2000

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.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .