1996 Dodge Neon steering problems

Filed Nov 28, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 50,000 miles · GA

I have had ongoing problems with my 1996 dodge neon sport, it has been inoperable for the last year or so, due to electrical problems and stalling which I believe stem from the wiring harness. I have had the brakes replaced a few times, the A/C replaced, fuel injection acts up and the fuel gauge fluctuates, my transmission has started slipping, power steering and exhaust are leaking, numerous oil leaks, rear lights/ brake lights have not worked in over a year, driverside window broke along the extending arm inside of the door frame, trunk release is broken and my cruise control is broken! For the last 4months my car has been sitting at atlanta dodge llc! Just after leaving it with their service department, I received a call saying I needed a new battery and until it was replaced for $180 they could not do a diagnostic check for any other problems!! The battery was not even a year old and worked fine when I left the car at the dealership!! But in hopes of any decent service I bought another battery from advanced auto parts $40 and took it in myself. During this visit I reminded them that my make and model car was under a recall, they informed me that it was not!! I gave them the federal safety agency recall documentation and was told that it didn't apply to my car, only to the neons from the plant in new mexico!! Just after thanksgiving I decided to call them to find out what has been going on. I spoke with brian the cs rep. And he informed me that the mechanics could not figure out what was wrong with my car and refused to research any further unless I agreed to spend no less than $250 towards the repairs!! It's not a coincidence that the same parts are in need of repairs as 15,000 other neons -- regardless of which plant the vehicles were assemblied, the defects lie in the placement and/or manufacturing of the faulty parts and should be covered under any relating recalls! *nm updated 12/1505.

Filed Apr 11, 2003 · Steering · VA

The consumer had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel in any direction, the power steering fluid was inspected and was determined to be adequate.

Filed Oct 1, 2002 · Steering · KS

While traveling on inclement weather the steering wheel will lock up. Unabling him to turn the dealership is aware of the problem. Nlm

Filed Feb 3, 2002 · Engine, Steering · MI

Dear sir's, it was some-what hard to be really acurate on the milages in your form, but while these things were going on, I was keeping notes. I compiled them all down to a journal type document, dates & times. (06) pages. And I can further extend points in there, in a phone conversation. I will be happy to send you a copy of this also. Respectfully, e w. Moss. No safetyd efect listed.

Filed Dec 7, 1999 · Steering · NV

Vehicle was making a crunching noise, and was uncontrollable at high speeds. This was due to a faulty rack and pinion steering. Dealer has not been able to repair vehicle.

Filed Dec 5, 1999 · Steering, Transmission · CA

The defective automatic transmission in this vehicle causes the engine to stop when decelerating. The defective transmission is a common problem for this years model according to local transmission shops. Also the transmission was changed for the next years model.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Steering · SC · crash

While making a left turn while driving very slowy, car continued to go striaght, causing right front tire to hit curb. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. The steering spindle and knuckle assembly was replaced at the dealers.

Filed Nov 3, 1999 · Steering · CT

Whenever drivings vehicle under wet conditions the power steering will stop working, when turning the wheel, it doesn't return as it should. After drying it will begin working correctly. The dealer has been contacted.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Engine, Steering · OH

Would like to know why this head gasket problem has not prompted a recall. I put 3-4 qts of oil in a week. Can not afford to get ot fixed now. Shouldn't have to after 27,000 mls. I'll never buy dodge again.

Filed Mar 28, 1999 · Engine, Steering · IN

In may my steering column was replaced. It was again looked at in november of 1996. Now, my steering column has once again failed. It takes 10 turns of my wheel to turn from one extreme to the other. Also, my head gasket, at 45000 miles started to leak. This shouldn't happen to a car 3 years old.