1996 Plymouth Neon engine problems

Filed Aug 1, 2007 · Engine · 400,000 miles · MI · fire

The car was run for 45mins at 10mph following a tractor. The last 2 miles were at 55mph. A few minutes after the vehicle was home and the engine turned off, the engine compartment caught on fire. All wiring and plastic components are a complete loss, hood is damaged, and all light units are ruined.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Engine · CA

Consumer is experiencing problems getting her 1996 plymouth neon registered because it allegedly failed to pass a smog check.*mr in september 200 the vehicle passed the test. In september 2003 the consumer received a letter from the manufacturer advising her that her make/model had been recalled because of a problem with the obd self test. The consumer's vehicle was not experiencing the symptoms of the recall therefore she didn't take it to the dealer. In september 2004 when she attempted to register the vehicle and obtain a new smog certificate she was advised that her vehicle failed the mil/check engine light due to failure to successfully complete all obd self test. Upon reviewing the VIN the dmv claimed that the vehicle had been salvaged therefore it did not receive the recall from the manufacturer.

Filed Mar 4, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · IL

Vehicle stalled unexpectedly at various speeds when on the road. Occasionally, the left turn signal did not operate, which did not inform other drivers when making turns. Cruise control did not operate, as well preventing the vehicle from increasing or decreasing speed.

Filed Nov 28, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 45,000 miles · VA

Oil leaks, dashboard failure, noise in brakes, wind noise in passengers door. Have replaced valve cover gasket twice, replaced oil sendind unit,cam sensor was replaced now I have a big oil leak, car only has 45000 miles on it.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Engine · 73,238 miles · MO

Head gasket failure on a 1996 plymouth neon sport sohc 2.0. Head gasket replacement $500.00 repair bill through mechanic along with $200.00 in parts

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Engine · GA

Have persistent oil leak. Went to mechanic, stated should be a recall. Contacted daimlerchrysler and did not find a recall. Because of the problem got gasket fixed 2001. Have same problem now and two new mechanics have advised I need a head gasket.everyone I talk to at chyrsler is aware of the problem. Now what do I do?

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Engine · 26,000 miles · NV

Since 1999 this car has been leaking oil. Replaced cam seal and head gasket once under warranty. 1 month later (when warranty ran out) had to be replaced again at a cost of 500.00. 6 months later started leaking again. Took to a mechanic who said this is common for this type of vehicle. Replaced cam seal and head gasket again. 1 month later same thing. Said chrysler had a new and "improved" seal. Guess what we are taking the car to the dealer again tomorrow. This will be the 6th time. I have probably spent on repairs the same amount I spent for the car. Chrysler won't do a thing for the consumers. If there is a lawsuit I would like to know about it. Can you please help?

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VA

Head gasket on 1996 neon failed causing car to stop in a busy intersection. Luckily, no injuries resulted from this failure. Despite widespread reports of frequently failing head gaskets in 1995-97 plymouth and dodge neons with low mileage, chrysler refuses to officially acknowledge the problem and rarely offers to fix the problem.

Filed Mar 10, 2003 · Engine · 54,000 miles · NY

Head gasket leak. Chrysler refuses to own up to a faulty gasket. Why? Many people have this problem.

Filed Feb 27, 2003 · Engine · 91,000 miles · UT

I have a 1996 neon which I purchased used in august of 2001 with only 35,000 miles on it. About 3 months ago I took it in for my monthly oil change/lube and was told that my head gasket was cracked and that I would need to get it replaced. They told me it would be a $1200 repair. I began to call around and each place, when I mentioned the problem and the year/make/model of my car, told me that they could have guessed what the repair was that I needed just by me giving them the type of car I drive. I've called 5 places now to get a quote on this repair and prices range anywhere between $700 - $1200, depending on the shop I use. By the way - I lose about a quart of oil per week. I wanted to do a little research to see how common of a problem this is, so I went on the internet and found so many complaints that it blew my mind! I found out that there was a defect in the head gasket design in pre-99 models and chrysler knew about it. It was never recalled, but as far as I am concerned it is a huge consumer fraud issue. I have found that 32% of neon owners have had to replace this part - which is obviously extremely high. It really is too bad that chrysler did not stand up for their product right away by voluntarily issuing a recall or by at least fixing the cars that were affected before the part was redesigned. I cannot afford a repair like this on my car - I bought a neon because I thought they were reliable cars with great gas mileage, which I need for my long commute to work every day. If this is a problem the manufacturer knew about, I feel that they should be paying for the repair. What can I do?!