1997 Dodge Neon: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Feb 21, 2008 · Engine · 00 · fire · 1 injury

1997 dodge neon caught fire. Consumer would like any info available about the problems that cause fires in the mid nineties model year dodge neons. *kb the consumer was injured. (lawyer wrote in on behalf of client)

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 May 15, 2003 · Electrical · CA · fire

Dashboard lights and gauges started to act funny and then it started to smoke. I got out of the car and it caught on fire and is a total lost.

Filed May 14, 2002 · Airbags · FL · crash · fire · 1 injury

After frontal impact, air bag took 2 minutes after the impact to deploy. Liquid in air bag caused drivers shirt to catch on fire, and burned her arms.*ak. Consumer stated he hit a utility pole.

Filed Jul 15, 2000 · Engine · TX · fire

Oil from leaking head gasket and valve cover gasket leak directly onto exhaust system, specifically the catalytic converter causing fire under the hood. I have known and read of many,many others with this same problem. Oil leakage in excess of 3 qts. Per week. The smell of burning oil inside of the car is noxious. I have a 3 month old baby, a 5 year old, and my wife and we can hardly take a 30 minute trip without having to stop for fresh air. There is a definate possibility of the driver or passengers losing conciousness. Smoke has been visible inside the car before from the burning oil.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Engine · KS

Engine leaked oil from the bottom where there always was smell as if vehicle caught on fire.

Filed Oct 15, 1999 · Airbags · MS · fire

While in the house heard a big boom noise. Went out side and the front window was in flames. Took to mechanic, and and mechanic said that a previous dealer had punctured the air bag and some fluid was leaking into car for 8 month., dealer believed this was what caused the fire.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Electrical · VA · fire

Driving 55mph & noticed smoke coming from under hood. Pulled to side of road. Smoke noticeable heavier inside vehicle. Lifted hood & flames were around engine area. Fire dept called & put flames out. Was hard to determine origin of fire, but indicated it was electrical wiring.

Filed Jul 23, 1999 · Airbags · PA · crash · fire

Vehicle hit another vehicle head on at 40mph and neither of the dual airbags deployed. Also vehicle caught on fire and blew up. Vehicle is being inspected now.

Filed Jan 14, 1999 · Fuel system · OH · crash · fire · 1 injury

In the words of the chrysler fire investigator. "... Fire appears to have started after the vehicle sustained a hard impact to the front area of the vehicle..." the report goes on to say that the fire was not caused by a manufacturing defect. I am very concerned that if this vehicle had not caught fire it would not have been a total loss and that it appears to me that the reason it caught fire is a design defect involving the electric fuel pump. I would think that a provision should be made to shut down the electric fuel pump on an impact which breaks a fuel line. This seems to be a significant safety problem which should be looked at and corrected.

Filed Nov 27, 1998 · Electrical · MD · fire

Circuit board behind instrument panel caught fire as I drove,sending smoke through dash both to left and right of speedometer-gauge area. No flame ever visible. Smoke stopped of its own accord. Gas gauge dropped to indicate "empty" - then returned to proper indication. I continued to drive home, then to garage, no apparent effect on any operating systems. Circuit board and gauge kit were replaced at no charge to me. (car still in warranty) service manager reported hole burned in circuit board 2 or 3 inches in diameter.