1996 Plymouth Neon

308 federal complaints (476 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 46 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 8 model years of the Plymouth Neon →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
22 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
308
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
187
Electrical system
51
Brakes
45
Power train
28
Other
24
Air bags
22
Steering
20
Fuel system
17
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

187 complaint records3 fire reports4 crash reports
"ENGINE GASKETS HAVE GONE BAD. CONSUMER HAS HAD THE GASKETS REPLACED FOUR TIMES WITHIN FOUR YEARS OF OWNING VEHICLE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

51 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF UNTIL PRESSING THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Brakes

45 complaint records6 crash reports
"ALL FOUR ORIGINAL ROTORS EXPERIENCING "PITTING" RELATED TO RECALL OF 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V136000. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02082
opened Nov 2002
closed Apr 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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...
PE98012
opened Feb 1998
closed Jun 1998Electrical SystemUNDERHOOD FIRES
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
96V075000Service Brakes, HydraulicTHE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.Normally free
96V026000Electrical SystemAN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1996079
1996-05-17
Brakes6,257On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system.
1996029
1996-02-12
Electrical1,201AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) TUBE. SHORTING OF THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE DIE OUT.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemCharging 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.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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.
Show 41 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
2300800B
Nov 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
050300
Apr 2000
Service BrakesSUBJECT ON PROPORTIONING VALVE BRAKE PRESSURE ADAPTER TOOL REVISION. *TT
230800
Mar 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
230200
Feb 2000
Latches/Locks/LinkagesDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
234999
Nov 1999
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH SUNROOF MAKING A RATCHETING TYPE NOISE WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING. *TT
210599A
Sep 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
233599
Sep 1999
SeatsINFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
081798
Dec 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
090798
Dec 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC
090598
Nov 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingA NEW MULTI-LAYER STEEL ( MLS ) HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES. *YC
250298
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC
183298
Sep 1998
StructureSUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC
081798 REV B
Sep 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC
020698
Jun 1998
SuspensionEXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE OVER BUMPS WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT OR WHEN TURNING. *YC
232298
Jun 1998
StructureINFORMATION ON THE COMPETITION PACKAGE ( SALES CODE ACR ) FRONT FASCIA. *YC
9830
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT ON LABOR OPERATION TIME CHANGE FOR DOMESTIC 2.OL DOHC AND 2.4L HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT. *YC
190198
Feb 1998
SteeringCONDITION WITH CLUNKING OR RATTLING IN STEERING/WHEEL COLUMN. *YC
110298
Feb 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE/VIBRATION DURING/AFTER UNDERBODY CONTACT WITH MOISTURE. *YC
020297
Dec 1997
SuspensionPOPPING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. *TW
0832097
Sep 1997
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM
070497
Jun 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingMOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HEAVY RAIN - DEEP PUDDLES. *TW
232497
May 1997
StructureCENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKEN. *TW
070397
May 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM
070197
Mar 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE OVERHEATS AND/OR A/C INOPERATIVE WITH NO MIL ILLUMINATION. *TW
081197
Feb 1997
EquipmentPOOR AM RADIO RECEPTION/STATIC. *TW
181097
Feb 1997
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AND/OR MIL ILLUMINATED. *TW
230597
Feb 1997
StructurePAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE THAT ARE COVERED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME WITH FRONT END COVERS OR MAGNETIC SIGNS MAY APPEAR TO HAVE A WHITE "MILKY" OR "FOGGED" DISCOLORATION. *AK
230397
Feb 1997
StructureDIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW
190496
Jan 1997
SteeringWHISTLE AND/OR HISS NOISE FROM STEERING GEAR WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. *JD
212395
Dec 1995
Power TrainBULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED W/ A 31TH TRANSAXLE. TRANSAXLE SLIPS MOMENTARILY (ENGINE RPM INCREASES/FLARES) DURING LIGHT THROTTLE 2-3 UPSHIFTS.
183595
Dec 1995
Power TrainBULLETIN APPLIES TO 1996 VEHICLES EQUIPPED W/ A 2.0L ENGINE (AVENGER/ SEBRING/TALON BUILT PRIOR TO NOV. 10, 1995 MDH (11-10-XX)) (NEON BUILT PRIOR TO NOV. 14, 1995 MDH (11-14-XX)).
236295
Oct 1995
StructureBULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (MDH 09-08-XX) AT BELVEDERE ASSEMBLY. WATER MAY ENTER AIR CLEANER HOUSING FROM THE VEHICLE COWL TO COWL COVER SEAM.
081695REVA
Oct 1995
Vehicle Speed ControlBULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-16-95, DATED APR. 14, 1995. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR **REPEATEDLY** PRESSES AND RELEASES THE SET BUTTON WITH THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR (A 'LIFT FOOT SET' TO BEGIN SPEED CONTROL OPERATION), THE VEHICLE MAY ACCELERATE AND...

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Plymouth Neon →