1997 Dodge Neon: engine failure

10 of the 388 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 10
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2004
1
2003
1
2002
6
2000
1
1999
1
1998
7
1997
10
1996
5
1995
14

What owners say

Filed Feb 2, 2008 · Engine · 89,500 miles · PA

Through the life of owning this car. I have had to replace the head gasket several times 3 times in last 2 years alone and replace the engine. The head gasket still leaks and no one can seem to fix it even the dealer. I have talked to other people that have neons and they are experiencing the same exact head gasket problem. Why hasn't there been a recall for this. This is an extremely costly repair.

Filed Aug 24, 2005 · Electrical · 114,666 miles · IL

1997 dodge neon developed a problem with the fan relay.***no answer required***. *mr there was an apparent problem with the radiator fan circuit. The vehicle had displayed diagnostic code p1491. The consumer replaced the engine temperature sensor and the solid state fan relay. There was no continuity on pin 18 of the back of the power control module connector. The PCM was defective due to the output on the pin. The consumer found a break in the wire at the c160 connector. The break was caused by the wire management clip chafing against the group of wires. The PCM connector number one and it's cover are now broken at the connection points and the cover will not stay on and the wires were coming out and are exposed to the elements.

Filed Dec 31, 2002 · Engine · 55,565 miles · NY

The vehicle overheated and made a loud noise when in reverse, also the engine light illuminated, the engine was replaced, however it continued to overheat and the engine light reappeared, the dealer then informed consumer a radiator and thermostat was needed, however the problem was still not resolved.

Filed Mar 4, 2002 · Engine · WI

Vehicle was leaking oil. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer indicated vehicle needed a new engine block.

Filed Jan 18, 2002 · Engine · IA

Head gasket began leaking, consumer made attempts two months later to schedule repairs under an 8 year 80000 mile warranty, however dealer would not acknowledge the warranty, 2 months later the engine blew out because of the leaking head gasket, consumer is requesting reimbursement for repair costs.

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · NY

I bought this pile of c... 2 years ago and had to replace the transmission with 38000 miles on it . Now the head gasket has failed. I was about to give the dealer $800 to repair it when the told me the engine has a crack in it. Now it will be $3500.00 for a new engine. It only has 71000 miles on it . And chrysler doesnt care that this is quite possily the worst car ever made. It ranks right up there with a yugo and a pinto

Filed Feb 14, 2000 · Engine · GA

The vehicle has been leaking oil due to a blown engine head gasket. Dealer has seen vehicle.

Filed Oct 4, 1999 · Engine · IL

While driving noticed a ticking noise. Consumer was told by mechanicthat may need a new engine.

Filed Mar 23, 1999 · Engine · MO

There is a blown engine head gasket which is causing oil leakage within the engine compartment toward the fire wall. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to replace parts.

Filed Aug 18, 1998 · Electrical · MI

While driving vehicle would stall out due to engine failure caused by spark plugs burned out for unknown reason. Vehicle have been in/out of dealer shop on several occasions, and problem cannot be resolved. Dealer notified.