1998 Dodge Neon engine problems

Filed Jul 8, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge neon. The speedometer isnt operating normally and doesn't display the speed; however, if you tap on the dashboard it began operating normally. The inoperable speedometer is a safety issue since it doesn't display the correct speed. The heat gauge also failed to show the proper temperature, displayed over heating and failed to work properly. The noise from the heating system is also a distraction and a safety risk. The current mileage was 137,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 11, 2007 · Engine · 90,000 miles · UT

The 1998 dodge neon is notorious for faulty head gaskets. The problem is first noticed by an oil leak and the vehicle overheating. The head gaskets are expensive to replace. After the car gets hot, it stalls at every intersection and every time the vehicle starts to slow down or is placed in neutral (manual transmission). My car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection where traffic was getting on and off of the freeway and would not start again. I had to get out of my car and push it to the side of the freeway entrance because it was the only available place to move my car to. It was fortunate that this incident did not cause an accident or result in me getting injured. Chrysler is well aware of the problem and has issued an improved gasket replacement kit, (which is costly) but refuses to take responsibility for the problem by issuing a recall. My car needs new head gaskets and I have been quoted $900 for parts and labor. I don't have that much money, so now my car sits parked in the street and I now have to take the city bus, which closest stop to my house is 1.5 miles, or walk places with my 3 children in 100 degree weather. I don't know what I will do when winter comes. Chrysler needs to be forced to issue a recall for this problem. There are hundreds of complaints for the exact same issue on website such as mycarstats.com and many forums. Most of the blown head gaskets happened on low mileage vehicles. My car only has 89,000 miles on it. If you do a google search for 1998 dodge neon blown head gaskets, you will get over 80,000 listing of forums, discussions and articles relating to the same problem.

Filed Jan 2, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 116,000 miles · OH

I purchased a 1998 neon espresso in june of 2004. On about july 2004 my car died. I had it towed and had over $1,800 of engine work done. After work was done they stated my rear seal was leaking and wanted over $600 to repair this.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Engine · 35,000 miles · MO

The oil light would come on and oil would leak out of the vehicle. After trying to start the vehicle the engine does not connect at first, has to try at least two times before it will start. Dealer stated it could be either the starter or the engine.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Engine · NJ

Intermittently vehicle stalled while driving. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they determined that the intake manifold was cracked and caused coolant to leak inside the engine. Consumer indicated three years ago they replaced the intake manifold at consumer's expense of $3,000. Currently, problem recurred, and will cost consumer about $5,000.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Engine · ME

We have purchased a 1998 dodge neon for our son who is in college. The car only has 24,000 miles on it currently. The head gasket is gone and oil is leaking everywhere. The repair for this will be between $700 and $800. I have made contact to chrysler who stated that because the 36,000/3 year warranty was up they would not do anything about. I asked them if that was the best that their engines could do (head gasket going at 24,000 miles). From what I have read and been told by a dealership, chrylser knew they had a problem in 1998 with head gaskets and rectified it during the same year but never recalled the cars there were manufactured early in the production. I have seen so many complaints with the head gasket on this particular model so I don't understand what it takes to get a recall on this part.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 46,124 miles · CA

Sun roof glass came of the track and will not open or close. The track was replaced three times. *ak the sunroof would drag and make knocking noises. The vehicle also experienced a battery problem and oil leaks which had come from the cylinder head. *sc

Filed Feb 20, 2004 · Engine · FL

Without warning vehicle stalled, causing the driver to pull off the road. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that engine head gasket failed, causing the engine to malfunction.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Engine · MA

While having a routine oil change, mechanic noticed an oil leak due to a defective oil gasket. *la the service tech suggested the problem could have been the oil pressure switch. A week later the cooling system was flushed and the service tech found that the head gasket was no good.

Filed Feb 12, 2004 · Engine · KY

Vehicle was leaking oil. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer determined that valve seals were leaking. Consumer felt engine could overheat and catch on fire.