Here Are The 5 Dodge Neon Years to Avoid

Are you in the market for a used Dodge Neon? While this compact car was once a popular choice, it's important to know that certain years come with a laundry list of problems. From engine and cooling issues to malfunctioning airbags, we'll take a closer look at the Dodge Neon years to avoid. Keep reading to find out which models to steer clear of and why.

Worst Years of Dodge Neon by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

1995 976 1996 611 1997 390 1998 339 2000 337

What are the Biggest Problems with Dodge Neon?

1995 Dodge Neon

ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 210 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 81 ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 81 GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 70 STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR > STEERING 55

The Dodge Neon has had its fair share of problems over the years. One of the most common issues reported by owners is with the engine and engine cooling system. This can result in overheating, loss of power, and other serious problems. There have also been complaints about the airbags failing to deploy in the event of an accident, which is obviously a major safety concern. Another issue that has been reported is with the service brakes, hydraulic system, and anti-lock/traction control systems. This can result in reduced braking performance and even loss of control in certain situations. Finally, some owners have reported problems with the steering system, including difficulty turning the wheel and a tendency to wander on the road. Overall, while the Dodge Neon may have been a popular car in its day, it's clear that it has had its share of issues over the years.

1996 Dodge Neon

ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 245 GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 82 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 37 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 36 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 28

If you're thinking of buying a Dodge Neon from 1996, you might want to think twice. This model has a laundry list of problems, including issues with the engine and engine cooling, as well as the gasoline engine itself. There are also unknown or other problems that could potentially cause headaches down the road. And if safety is a concern, you should know that the frontal airbags have been known to malfunction. Finally, the automatic transmission can also be problematic, which is never a good thing. Overall, it seems like this car has more than its fair share of issues, so proceed with caution.

1997 Dodge Neon

ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 148 GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 45 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 31 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 21 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 19

Well, let me tell you folks, this Dodge Neon from '97, it's got some issues. The engine and engine cooling, that's a big one. You don't want your engine overheating on you, trust me. And the gasoline engine, that's another one to keep an eye on. Gotta make sure it's running smoothly. And don't even get me started on the airbags. Frontal airbags, gotta make sure they're working properly. And last but not least, the automatic transmission and power train, that's a whole other can of worms. And we've got an unknown or other category, which is never a good sign. So, if you're thinking about buying this car, you better get it checked out by a professional.

1998 Dodge Neon

ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 131 GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 42 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 28 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 18 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 13

Well, this 1998 Dodge Neon is a bit of a mixed bag. It's prone to engine and engine cooling issues, as well as problems with the airbags and other unknown components. The automatic transmission can also be a bit finicky. However, it does have some selling points, like its compact size and fuel efficiency.

1999 Dodge Neon

ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 39 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 8 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 5 SUSPENSION 5

This 1999 Dodge Neon has a laundry list of problems, including issues with the engine and engine cooling, air bags, power train, and suspension. However, despite these challenges, there are still reasons to consider this car. For starters, it's an affordable option that can be a great choice for a first-time car buyer or someone looking for a reliable daily driver. Additionally, with some TLC and the right repairs, this Neon can be a fun and unique project car for those who love to tinker with their vehicles.

Common Issues with Dodge Neon

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 143 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 138 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 112 AIR BAGS 105 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 94 STEERING 58 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 54 POWER TRAIN 53 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 49 TIRES 49
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Conclusion

The Dodge Neon has had a range of problems across multiple years, according to complaints from real owners and official recalls statistics. The most common issues affecting the vehicle include engine and engine cooling problems, airbag malfunctions, and powertrain issues. These issues have been reported in various model years, including 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Dodge Neon owners have also reported problems with the steering wheel and handlebar, as well as the brake system.

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