1997 Dodge Neon: grinding or squealing brakes

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 Oct 2, 2002 · Brakes · MD

While driving the brakes squeal and moan when applied. The dealer has attempted to repair the problem several times yet it reoccurs. Manufacturers has been notified. Nlm

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · MO

Ever since I bought the car used I have had numerous problems. Here is just a brief list: incorrect gas mileage both city and highway, transmission problems, brakes squeaking, air coming through bad window seals, defrost not working properly, air conditioning not working correctly, 3 oxygen sensors replaced, 2 head gaskets replaced, and water coming into the trunk which has caused the jack and tire changing equipment to rust. Also the water then leaks into the back floor which causes the car to smell. The cs for dodge will not agree to fix the problem with the original roof design which would correct the water from coming into the trunk. For the past year, about every 2 months something is going wrong with the car which has just a little over 62,000 miles and proper maintenance has been followed.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Brakes · NH

Entire brakes system and rotors had to be replaced by mechanic due to system being rusty and making squealing noise.

Filed Oct 17, 2000 · Brakes · CA

The brakes are horrible.. Grind as if metal on metal.. Have had them checked by dealer and two other brake specialits. All say brakes work fine.. However grind horribly.. And chirp continuously.. Nobody can figure it out. The paint is another issue. It peels all over including trunk, doors, roof, etc. Seems to be only lapis blue color that does it. I have a list of 12 vehicles in this color that are peeling as well as several photos. Dealer wanted me to pay, even while under warranty.. Phoned daimler chrysler and it took 4 months of fighting with them to agree to re-paint however they will only re-paint where it is peeling.. Unacceptable, as more paint will continue to peel in other areas. This is a manufacturing defect and should be covered with no questions.. They are well aware of the problem.. The brakes should be fixed also. I did not bought a new car to avoid problems like these.. This car is a lemon and should be recalled. There are so many problems listed on the complaint page for this vehicle.. How long will it be before someone at the federal safety agency does something for us??

Filed Feb 15, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Like so many others, the head gasket on my young neon has blown.I have also had problems with brakes squealing, power steering locking up in wet weather and the turn signal now only works when it feels like it. The radio had to be replaced the first year I owned the car - and it took the dealer nearly a month to get that done.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Brakes · NJ

The rear brakes squeak. The car has been taken back to the dealership three times with no success.

Filed May 17, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · KS

Help ! It was just seven months ago I purchase a 1997 neon. I was so happy, I was going to be driving a fairly decent car. It was 1998 and I was going to be driving a 1997. With A/C even. Ha. Ha. Ha. Needless to say I didn't know three weeks later I would be putting in a new transmission. Car in the shop for two weeks waiting on a part they had to order. Boy did that put a sour taste in my mouth. I called chrysler and wanted to give the car back. I no longer wanted the car. I knew then I would not have nothing but problems after that. Well you know they said no. Good thing I had the 1595.00 exteded serv. Contract I got the problem fix free . Well not really free it cost me 1595.00 for the warranty and fifty dollars everytime you have to put your car in the shop. I only had 30.000.00 miles and already needed it a transmission? Hmmmm. In december we had a recall on the car. In jan.1999 I started having electrical failure. In feb.1999 my check engine light started coming on. Also in feb. I turn on my air conditing to find out it doesn't work. It was blowing out hot air. I call chrysler and they told me to bring it in. It was going to cost me the $50. Which I didn't think that was fair, being I just purchase the car in nov.1998. In mar. 12th I took my car in for brake inspection becuase I was having some problems when I would step on the brake pedal to stop the car, the brakes make noise like grinding metal to metal. My front brake pads were worn out, which they said had ruined the front rotors. And they recommend replacing rotors and d pads. They said the veh. Was not safe to drive in current condition. Well they wanted to chg. Me over $300.00 and I just didn't trust them any more so my dad did the job for $100.00. M y extended serv. Contract did not cover the brakes. I feel like I have a lemon for a car. I don't think this car is safe to drive there is all way something wrong with it. And it is putting a hole in my pocket. So much for a newer car so you can have few

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Brakes squeak when its backing up. Yh

Filed Sep 13, 1998 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Engine gaskets had to be replace three times in town years. The brakes make a squealing and grinding noise.

Filed Jun 11, 1998 · Brakes, Transmission · IN

While driving vehicle about any speed and when stepping on the brake pedal to stop vehicle, the brakes make noise like grinding metal to metal. Also when accelerating transmission becomes noisy.

Filed Jan 12, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Consumer was exiting parking lot when she applied brakes and the brakes went to the floor and then a loud click was sounded. The vehicle kept moving. Consumer still had foot on brake and pressing to the floor as it began to make grinding noises. As consumer proceeded, the grinding noise was still there. Now, whenever vehicle is started the grinding noises automatically begins. Consumer had this happen two times before. Took vehicle to dealer for repairs. This is the third time vehicle is being repaired for same brake problem. Dealership--southbay mitsubishi--3131 pacific coast hwy---310‑539‑9797.