1997 Dodge Neon: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 44,438 miles · 00

The consumer saw oil leaking from the vehicle. The dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to a head gasket failure. The mechanic did not resolve the problem. *ak on june 3rd 2002, the consumer had to have the transmission re-built. The main gear had a crack in the casting and started to loose teeth. The consumer noticed the casing of the transmission was wet. The heads of the engine were warped. The dealers in both case only changed the gasket and not checking to see if the head was warped. When the vehicle was cold in the morning, it wouldn't engage in reverse for up to 30 seconds, then clunks in hard and if driving when still cold, it seemed to shift in and out of gear. (and shifts hard from 2nd to 3rd and over revs in 2nd prior to shifting) *sc

Filed Mar 21, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · AZ

Chrysler sold neons with known factory defects as evidenced by issuance of 70 tsbs and failed to recall cars which are highway hazards.to date, I have spent $10,088.79 on repairs due to these known defects. Two head gaskets, cylinder heads, cam seals and sensors have been replaced by the dealer under chrysler's "secret warranty"--at 20,871 and 54,049 miles. Now supposedly only defective camsensors are the problem. Other defects beginning 20,000 miles: radio/tape player, vibration, clinkling/clunking sound, steering wheel shake, "toe" problem due to faulty design resulting in excessive tire consumption (tire & wheel run out), ABS failure, brake failure due to faulty design, brake howling, brake metal to metal contact, need for larger brake drums, trunk weatherstripping defective, faulty design results in leaks to interior, lower control arm defective, cannot hold alignment, suspension system defective, tires collapse and fly off, AC failure (hose leaks, compressor replaced), new batteries repeated replaced ( aaa called 12 times and recharger purchased) now a tbs says this is due to a defective rke transmitter, 02 sensors, various seals leak, wiring defective, transmission replaced (nothing but shards of metal left--on display at transmission shop), transaxle differential replaced, oil leakage, lifetime brakes replaced every 6 months, insufficient power on incline, with parking brake and foot brake on car rolls or lurches when ignition turned off, steering column shakes violently at 45 MPH, difficult to steer at under 45 MPH, driver side rear view mirror fell off, turn signal defective, separation of lower control arm ball joint, wheelcover loss due to missing or loose bolts, rim replacements due to tires flying off, oil leak, glove compartment latch failure, poor design with no lights around lighter, and other minor problems. Chrysler is a negligent manufacturer and all neons should be taken off the road.

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 Sep 29, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · MN

Valve pan gasket and valve cover gasket gave out (blew) 120 miles after the manufacturers warranty ran out. Have replaced once and it has blown out again. This is not right. At this same time, the automatic transmission started making a clunk sound when shifting up or down. If a car manufacturer cannot make a car that lasts well beyond their pathetic warranty, then they should be held responsible. See ref: odi id: 536724 odi id: 545773 odi id: 704492 odi id: 707143 odi id: 710054 odi id: 780464 odi id: 826370 odi id: 829921 odi id: 831010 odi id: 831498 odi id: 832094 odi id: 841115 odi id: 847105 odi id: 848011 odi id: 848347

Filed Jun 8, 1998 · Transmission · CA

Transmission clunks.