1995 Dodge Neon: engine failure

Filed Apr 7, 2003 · Transmission · KS

There was a class action suit against chrysler by owners of 1995 dodge neon's regarding engine failure, which resulted in the PCM being replaced.(lawyer on behalf of clients) *ts

Filed Feb 13, 2002 · Engine · MI

Head gasket failure then engine failure

Filed May 8, 2001 · Engine · NY

Head gaskets are prematurely leaking which could cause engine failure. Please give any further details.

Filed Mar 16, 2001 · Engine · MD

2 weeks prior to reported incident vehicle had a coolant leak. Garage found that the coolant resevoir had split and replaced it. On the 9th march my wife drove the car and dropped a college of to pick up his car at a garage. When she restarted the vehicle and proceeded to drive it she noticed that the engine did not sound right. Shortly after the car started to wobble, the engine check light came on and the temperture gauge started to climb higher. She arrived home, I rang the garage, told them of the symptoms and was told to bring the car in. On starting it up I noticed a lot of blue grey smoke come out of the exhaust. The vehicle drove with no problems to the garage. Subsequent inspection of the engine showed a coolant leak, when the head gasket was taken off there were 2 cracks on the engine block. The estimated cost of a temporary repair is $1000, but there is no guarantee how long the repair would last. The only other option was a new engine which is out of the question. I cannot understand how this problem could occur with only 76k on the clock. The vehicle was purchased used with 45k on the clock in september 1997. Since then it has been serviced according to the manufacturers instruction, with an oil and filter change every 3 months.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Engine · NJ

Engine head gasket failed 12/9/00. It was determined that it was a salvaged engine. A replacement engine, also salvaged, was sent to mechanic by great lakes warranty company. On 1/18/01, the head gasket failed once again, only 4 weeks since the last repair for the same problem. The great lakes warranty expires 1/26/01. It is unknown why the original engine was replaced.

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Since the purchase of my neon in may '95, I have had nothing but costly problems. This past year, alone, the repair, towing, and car rental expenses have exceeded $5000.00. This car is costing me a fortune to maintain, as these are major components that are malfunctioning. The items I have registered complaints on are just a few of the items I am having problems with. In just over a year, I have had to have a head gasket replaced, my air compressor seized, almost resulting in a fire, my throttle body had to be replaced, they still can't determine why my brakes squeal constantly. Although I have heard that this, among other things, is a very common and dangerous problem with the '95 neons. My my engine controller had to be supposedly updated, my engine skips, but the dealer says nothing is wrong with it. My warning lights don't work, with these problems, you would think that you would have some kind of warning. And now, I have had to replace gear shift cables, and as of yesterday, I had a clutch cable snap which may have caused transmission damage. I have been told that the clutch cable has been updated 3 times for the '95 neon because of problems with it, I will be investigating this further. My air compressor has malfunctioned twice since I have had the car, as well as the evaporator. For what it has cost me to repair this car, because chrysler refuses to admit fault, although it is obvious that this model and year is a lemon, I could be driving a mercedes benz!! I have never been so disappointed in a vehicle as I am with this neon! And obviously I am certainly not the only person with constant problems and astronomical repair costs being incurred. It is quite obvious by this database that there are many other people who are in the same boat I am in. Chrysler has made not only a poor product, but also a dangerous product. I can't believe that they would knowingly sell a vehicle to so many people with the problems that the neon has had. Thieves!

Filed Jul 17, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · KY

When applying brakes they would grind. Also, would have to pump brakes. Dealership replaced rotors and brakes pads. But, problem still continued. It has been three weeks. *ak possible engine failure caused oil to leak. The steering wheel vibrate and vehicle pulls.

Filed Jun 2, 2000 · Brakes, Fuel system · TX

Fuel pump - has extra port that is capped with a non-reenforced rubber cap. The rubber cap appears to have exploded on the end of the cap while the car was sitting in a parking lot. The rupture of the cap allowed gasoline to drip about 1 drop per second. On this car the exhaust pipes are close to the fuel tank. Gas fumes were highly noticeable in the passenger compartment. Thank goodness for nonsmoker, no sparks, and a guardian angel...my daugther drove the car 7 miles home. This reminds me of the ford pinto fire possibilities. Mopar parts does not stock the rubber cap (maybe $1) but will sell the entire fuel pump for just under $300 plus installation. 2) engine - engine failed on cylinder 4 with lost power, etc. Had warranty and most of part/labor covered. Called chrysler hotline several times and was assured there were no problems being reported with this car (same story at dealer). 3) brakes/air conditioner - failure occurred after car 1 yr old, warranty covered most of costs 4) the failure of the fuel pump component is the most startling of the problems with this car. I sincerely hope that no other neon owner ever experiences this part failure.

Filed Mar 3, 2000 · Engine · NY

Engine head gasket of the first few years of neons are known to fail often. This failure can cause engine head to leak oil and anti-freeze. This could lead to engine failure if not repaired. The head gasket for neon's was redesigned at least once to fix this design problem. In my opinion, the early neon head gaskets should be recalled to fix this defect.

Filed Mar 2, 2000 · Engine · OH

The head gasket is a known problem that develops a leak at cyl#4. It was detected when the engine began overheating. A new head gasket was developed mid 1998 due to the number of problems and was used subsequently for all new engines and repairs.

Filed Oct 31, 1999 · Engine · MA

This vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it! The first service station I took it to would not work on it because I was told that (95) neons are known to have this kind of problem. No one was hurt and no accident occured but I could have easily seized the engine with children in the car on the highway.

Filed Oct 12, 1999 · Engine · NH

Blown engine head gasket. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Seeking the federal safety agency help in this matter.