1997 Dodge Neon: engine overheating

Filed Feb 16, 2009 · Engine · 39,000 miles · OH

I made a short trip to a local store and large amounts of smoke started coming from the front of my car. The car was overheating and I had to stop and pull over. The car had to be towed to the dealership. The car had a head gasket failure.which cost $920 to repair. Although the vehicle is old (1997), it only has 39,000 miles on it and it is ridiculous for something like this to happen to car with such low mileage. I have done quite a bit of research online to find that several neon owners have had this same problem. The 1995-1997 models have been predominantly affected by this problem. I contacted chrysler about this and they will take no responsibility for this.

Filed Aug 14, 2004 · Engine · TX

The car started leaking oil x 2 months. Kept overheating after 20 minutes of running. Alle the radiator fluid leaked out. Had radiator fixed. Continued to overheat, told it was fan relay. Had that replaced. Now told that it was the gasket. That it had a leak and now needs to be replaced due to some thing about the aluminum.

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Engine · CA

The vehicle overheated without warning.

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 18, 2002 · Engine · MO

Vehicle is sitting idle for about 15 minutes and temperature gauge goes to hot. Vehicle overheats. Once vehicle is moving gauge goes back down. Dealer has been contacted. *ak

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Engine · KS

While driving vehicle was overheating and leaking oil, consumer replaced thermostat which sufficed for 2 months, but vehicle stalled out completely, vehicle taken to dealer. Dealer informed consumer of a blown head gasket, this was the second gasket that was replaced which was installed by recall.

Filed Dec 17, 2001 · Engine · NJ

Six months ago severe overheating problems, told relay not functioning. Mechanic replaces switch, first time fan kicks in to cool engine, relay blows/shorts out, mechanic sends me to dealer because of warranty .dealer replaces relay, car continued to over heat. Dealer told me "mice" must have eaten through wiring, dealer replaced switch/wiring. Now head gasket needs replacing after four months of oil loss. Diaganosis w/black light, head gasket. Told relay and head gasket related as aluminum block prone to overheating, relay cooling disfunction possible cause of head gasket leak.

Filed Jun 20, 2001 · Engine · ME

Head gasket needs to be replaced. Dealership examined vehicle and found that radiator fan relay switch circuit shorted out which could have allowed engine to overheat, and crack head gasket. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed May 17, 2001 · Electrical · VA · crash

That is only some of the problems I have had with my neon, the speedometer sensor went out at 14,000 miles, the paint has been peeling even after car completely repainted at my cost paint peeled again va beach dodge told me it is a defect in the metal and paint that the car would have to be treated with a chemical and repainted again for the third time, head gasket blew and head severly pitted my mechanic saw 5 in the week mine went out all leaking from the same area, engine looses power constantly, transmission slams into gears and sometimes does not want to change gears causing engine to race, car overheats periodicly since head gasket and head shaved, interior sensors for doors work randomly but mostly do not work, back up lights blow out every 2 months, cam sensor backs out of engine periodicly, front end makes clunking noise during turns was told strut bearings were bad and causing noise although after replacement noise continues, brakes always noisy cleaning and replacement does clear noise up, airleaks in windows of the car causing noisy ride, car does not like to start in cold weather, power loss was not able to be corrected even after mechanic had the car for 3 months and could find nothing causing it but could recreate the problem, and an o-ring on the fuel line connectors to the "fuel accumilator" blow out (happened 6 times so far) causeing gas to poor out on to road while vehicle is moving and engine to cut out.. Neons in general are lemons, chrysler even after contacting over several problems with the car refuse to help any with cost of repairs due to warranty expired. Would love to get rid of this car but can not due to only transportation and putting all money into it to fix it and repair chrysler's defects in design.

Filed May 3, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Vehicle would overheat if it was sitting at stop light. Dealer replaced jumper wiring and radiator fan relay.also, manufacturer had a technical service bulletin. Consumer will add additional information relating to tsb.

Filed Oct 4, 2000 · Engine · MA

Consumer will completer form concerning engine overheating.

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Engine · CA

Vehicle experienced overheating due to head gasket failure. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Feel free to provide any further details.