Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
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.
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
111 complaint records
"HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED AN OIL LEAK FROM FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE.*JB..."- 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 →
Air bags
17 complaint records2 fire reports10 crash reports
"WHILE REVERSING BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED PREMATURELY. DRIVER SUSTAINED LIGHT BRUISES AND EYE IRRITATION FROM THE CONTENTS OF THE AIR BAGS.*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 air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
15 complaint records
"THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. *NLM..."- 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 power train 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY 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... |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V080000 | Air Bags | THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN. | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997102 1997-05-21 | Seats And Restraints | 8,527 | THE CIRCUIT DESIGN IN THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW THE POTENTIAL FOR INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | 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. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | 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 Nov 2019 | 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. | |
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | 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. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | 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. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 2301502 Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT 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 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 050300 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT ON PROPORTIONING VALVE BRAKE PRESSURE ADAPTER TOOL REVISION. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 180100 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT | |
| 230200 Feb 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 234999 Nov 1999 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH SUNROOF MAKING A RATCHETING TYPE NOISE WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING. *TT | |
| 210599A Sep 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 181899 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONDITIONS WITH ENGINE ROUGHNESS / MISFIRE USUALLY ONLY APPARENT ON INITIAL COLD ENGINE START. *TT | |
| 181299 Jun 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT | |
| 081798 Dec 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 184798 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE MIL ILLUMINATES FOR MISFIRE BUT NO REASONS CAN BE FOUND FOR THE MISFIRE FAULT OCCURRENCE. *YC | |
| 090798 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC | |
| 090598 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW MULTI-LAYER STEEL ( MLS ) HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 250298 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC | |
| 234698 Oct 1998 | Visibility | SUN ROOF SUN SHADE RATTLES IN FULL OPEN POSITION. *YC | |
| 183298 Sep 1998 | Structure | SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC | |
| 081798 REV B Sep 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 020698 Jun 1998 | Suspension | EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE OVER BUMPS WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT OR WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 232298 Jun 1998 | Structure | INFORMATION ON THE COMPETITION PACKAGE ( SALES CODE ACR ) FRONT FASCIA. *YC | |
| 9830 Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON LABOR OPERATION TIME CHANGE FOR DOMESTIC 2.OL DOHC AND 2.4L HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT. *YC | |
| 1691/7692 May 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON RADIATOR FAN RELAY. *YC | |
| 190198 Feb 1998 | Steering | CONDITION WITH CLUNKING OR RATTLING IN STEERING/WHEEL COLUMN. *YC | |
| 020297 Dec 1997 | Suspension | POPPING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. *TW | |
| 0832097 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM | |
| 070497 Jun 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HEAVY RAIN - DEEP PUDDLES. *TW | |
| 232497 May 1997 | Structure | CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKEN. *TW | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM | |
| 080997 Feb 1997 | Equipment | AIR BAG WARNING LABELS. *TW | |
| 081197 Feb 1997 | Equipment | POOR AM RADIO RECEPTION/STATIC. *TW | |
| 230597 Feb 1997 | Structure | PAINTED 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 | Structure | DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW | |
| 190496 Jan 1997 | Steering | WHISTLE AND/OR HISS NOISE FROM STEERING GEAR WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. *JD |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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.
- 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 →