For the second time the defective head gasket caused oil to leak. I had it replaced once and I feel it's too much to replace it again. I understand this is a common problem and I can't understand why dodge doesn't assist with fixing it right.
1997 Dodge Neon: excessive oil consumption
9 of the 388 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon describe excessive oil consumption.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Excessive oil consumption by model year
What owners say
After only 32,000 miles, head gasket blew causing oil leakage. This is an ongoing problem with the 97 dodge neon. It must be recalled.
The engine head gasket failed on two occasions causing oil leakage.
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.
Consumer noticed a severe oil leak coming from the rear or the head gasket, the oil is running down onto the axles and exhaust pipe resulting in a strong smell od burning oil. Nlm
Consumer had taken vehicle for repairs because oil was leaking. Technician told consumer that it was due to the engine head gasket blowing out.
Head gasket blew somewhere between 42,000 and 43,010 miles. It was noticed because oil was dripping underneath left front of car and oil was very low. No indicator lights had come on. Took it to dealership where they determined that the head gasket had blown. Because of this they also had to do an engine flush, clean the engine, replace the pcv valve, and change the oil and coolant. This cost me a total of $825.00. My car is only 2 1/2 years old! Since this occured I have found out by talking to repair shops and to other neon owners that this is a common problem and obviously a defect in the way it was built.
Engine head gaskets has a leak that is causing oil to get on the engine. The dealer has been contacted.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Valve Body
- This bulletin involves installation of a new component to assist cam seal retention
- Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes P1494, P0442...
- Technical service bulletin regarding multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket installation procedures
- Conditions with engine roughness / misfire usually only apparent on initial cold engine start
- Information on radiator fan relay
- Condition with vehicle overheats/radiator fan continues to run
- Vehicle overheats or radiator fan continues to run
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Neon oil consumption
Is excessive oil consumption a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Neon?
9 of 388 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon (2%) mention excessive oil consumption. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Neon?
There are 0 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Neon
Overheating 17No deployment 16Grinding brakes 13Brake failure 11Fire or smoke 11Engine failure 10Stalling 8Harsh shifting 5Headlights 5Transmission failure 5Water leak 5
VIN decoder
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