1998 Plymouth Neon

167 federal complaints (237 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 50 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 8 model years of the Plymouth Neon →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
167
Recall campaigns
1
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
102
Air bags
19
Suspension
18
Power train
14
Body & structure
13
Brakes
12
Speed control
9
Glass & wipers
8
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

102 complaint records1 fire report
"VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE HEAD GASKET, MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NEONS. *JG..."- 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

19 complaint records15 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT AT 20-25 MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *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 →

Suspension

18 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD POPPING NOISE THAT IS COMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER FINDS IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE AT TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER. *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 suspension 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...

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
99V001000StructureVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY BE MISSING SPOT WELDS.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
1999010
1999-01-25
Structure1,251On certain vehicles, the rear suspension crossmember may be missing spot welds. This may result in structural cracks in the body, and reduced crash protection in the event of a rear impact.

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
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging 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.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Show 45 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
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.
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
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *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
180100
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *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
181899
Aug 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH ENGINE ROUGHNESS / MISFIRE USUALLY ONLY APPARENT ON INITIAL COLD ENGINE START. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
796
Jan 1999
StructureSAFETY RECALL INFORMATION ON REAR CROSSMEMBER-TO-FRAME SADDLE SPOT WELDS. *TT
081798
Dec 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
184798
Dec 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 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 CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC
236098
Dec 1998
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE SUNSHADE FABRIC DELAMINATES FROM THE SUBSTRATE ALONG THE EDEGES OF THE SUNSHADE. *YC
235598
Nov 1998
StructureCONDITIONS WITH WATER LEAKAGE IN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUNK BELOW THE BODY EXHAUSTER AND/OR WATER POOLED IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL. *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
234698
Oct 1998
VisibilitySUN ROOF SUN SHADE RATTLES IN FULL OPEN POSITION. *YC
183298
Sep 1998
StructureSUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC
#9850
Sep 1998
StructureCONDITIONS REGARDING PAINT SPLATTER, BELVIDERE RAIL HEAD STORAGE YARD. *YC
081798 REV B
Sep 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC
240798
Aug 1998
EquipmentCONDITION WITH A/C COMPRESSOR LOCK-UP AT LOW MILEAGE. *YC
182398
Aug 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSAGS/HESITATIONOR STUMBLE AFTER A COLD START IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OF -7 TO 30 C (20-86 F). *AK
980515231898
Aug 1998
StructureINFORMATION ON DOOR HANDLE COLOR. *YC
980605090398
Aug 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE EXPERIENCING BROKEN VALVE SPRINGS. *YC
182398
Jul 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE SAGS/HESITATES/ STUMBLES AFTER A COLD START IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OF -7 TO 30 C (20-86 F). THIS CONDITION MAY PERSIST UP TO A MINUTE. *AK
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
1691/7692
May 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON RADIATOR FAN RELAY. *YC
190198
Feb 1998
SteeringCONDITION WITH CLUNKING OR RATTLING IN STEERING/WHEEL COLUMN. *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

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. 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.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. 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.
  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 →