1997 Dodge Neon body problems

Filed Apr 19, 2006 · Body, Brakes · 00 · fire

My first complaint would be about the paint. My car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It is now peeling in 6 spots, the largest is the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. I was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. I pulled over and everything seemed fine. I continued to drive but could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. I tried driving my car to the mechanics but in the end did not get very far. I pulled over once again and noticed smoke coming from my drivers side front wheel. I also noticed the wheel well caught on fire due to the friction. My car was then towed and my mechanic diagnosed the problem as a ceased caliper. Beware, this was scary. My whole front end brake system had to be replaced. Too add, I find it's hard to see at night due to a defective plastic that covers the head lights. They are foggy and don't give out enough light. Lastly, I find that the sealants on the windows of my two door are horrible. I have to push on my window when closing it in order for the window to seal. This is a big problem, my car was stolen because of this problem. A recall should definitely be considered for the paint, breaks and headlight covers and windows/seals!!!

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Acceleration, Body · IL

Vehicle's brakes malfunctioned.*mr the vehicle had other problems such as a bad battery, alternator, three turn signal switches, a blown head gasket, sticking throttle body, an oil pan leak, all four windows had an air leak which whistle when the vehicle was driven at high speeds.

Filed Jan 26, 2004 · Body · CA

I have a 1997 dodge neon. Within the last couple of months the paint has suddenly started to peel and buckle as if the primer no longer holds it. I have noticed the paint on other neons as I am driving are also peeling the same way.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body · MN

Problem: water leaking into the trunk through the taillight filled the spare tire well and soaked into the back seat. We now have a musty smell indicating a mold problem, probably from the seat. We have used professional cleaning supplies to try eliminate the smell. The cleaning did help but the smell is still there. Since my wife and daughter have asthma, and are alergic to mold, I will most likely have to replace the back seat. Cost unknown. I started searching the web for similar problems with neons last night after a neighbor, who also owns a neon and knew aboout our problem, came to talk to me because the same thing just happened to theirs. Problem showed up last summer (2002)at approximately 50,000 miles.

Filed Nov 2, 2003 · Body · VA

1997 dodge neon - head gasket leaked - was replaced for a small fee once dealer was contacted. Now we have a problem with the paint on the truck and side peeling and bubbling off. What can we do? Can we contact the dealer to have the car repainted? I've noticed several complaints online regarding this problem with neons.

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Body · PA

This is the 4th time the paint is peeling from my lapuis blue neon. Why won't they repaint the entire car?

Filed Oct 3, 2002 · Body · OH

Paint defect. Mr

Filed May 29, 2002 · Body · KY

Consumer often finds water on floorboard whether it rains or not, and does not know where it is coming from. Dealer has a brand new automobile on the lot and it does the samething. Cannot find the cause.

Filed Apr 6, 2002 · Body · CT

Roof is lifting water licking into car.

Filed Mar 8, 2002 · Body, Brakes · WI

While parked, transmission fluid leaked out of vehicle. Dealer found transmission lines loose. Vehicle shifting by itself due to a sticky cable. Oil leak in engine. Dealer found headgasket failure. On several occasions engine runs rough. Camshaft replaced. Vehicle shakes and trembles while braking. Weatherstripping fell off on drivers side door. Antifreeze leaking. Dealer replaced water pump. Battery clamp loose causing battery light to stay on. *ak