Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in a drive-thru, both frontal airbags deployed. The contact was not in the vehicle when this occurred, but stated nothing was hit or run over. Both front windows shattered and the occupants sustained minor injuries. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic.
The worst 1997 Plymouth Neon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine103
- Airbags16
- Transmission14
- Brakes12
- Body9
- Electrical8
- Steering6
- Lights5
- Seat belts5
- Suspension5
- Tires5
- Fuel system4
- Visibility4
- Acceleration3
- Locks2
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Plymouth Neon
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
- Risk
- Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Recall number 97V080000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1997 Plymouth Neon
Defect investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
PE02082
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Plymouth Neon 48
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Valve Body
- Flash programming failure recovery
- Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement
- Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty
- Subject regarding generic scan tool (GST), publication no
- Subject regarding child seat tether anchors
1997 Plymouth Neon fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-25 | 31-35 | 25-29 |
What 1997 Plymouth Neon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I bought this 1997 plymouth neon on 8/19/2005 used with 66000 miles it seemed like a solid vehicle but in sept/oct we had quite a bit of rain and I noticed puddles in my back seat area on the floor both sides,I checked around the car for open windows ect.....there was nothing I checked the trunk and it seemed damp but nothing as to make the rear floor wet like it was. I was just wondering if this is a common problem with this model?I know it is not a safety issue now but what if this was a problem to the previous owner and now with me it could turn into a safety problem if the floor was to get rusty and rot through someone could end up getting severely injured. If there is any info on this problem could you please let me know somehow thank you for your attention in this matter.
Since 2003 this vehicle had small patches and a car wash by hand or brushless and no sun will cause it to peel. The patches have become larger.
Plymouth neon 1997 found paint used to paint neon is defective. *bf the consumer stated it was peeling off in alarmingly large patches.
Car stalled out and stopped on freeway! I was almost rear ended. Stated right up but stalled again. Had it towed to shop (pepboys). They replaced several parts before referring me to dealership as they could not find and fix the problem. Chrysler dealership says it is engine wire harness at $930.00 to fix. Daimler-chrysler knows part is failing in neons but declined to assist in the repair. Dealerships ordered part 7 days ago. Still has not arrived and I have no transportation.
The headlight lens cover was discolored and deteriorated. The lens has become opaque to the point where it does not illuminate the highway properly. The dealer examined the vehicle, but has not tried to fix the problem. *ak *sc
Firestone fr480 p175 70r14 dot code (hyep fra 229) 4 new tires purchased nov 8, 2003 from firestone dealer in port richey fl, apparently manufactured 22nd week of 1999. *jb tire failed catostrophically on interstate causing severe damage to 1997 plymouth neon caused by the tire. There was a blown out section of the tire through the metal belts and complete tread seperation around 3/4s of the tire. It appearts based on the manufacture date of the tire, that firestone has kept these tires in a warehouse during the prior lawsuits and investigations, and now that things are quiet, have returned them to the market. I feel that I have been taken advantage of by the sale to me of 4 brand new tires that are actually over 4 years old. Plus, 1 blew out nearly causing a fatal accident. I do not know how to get my car fixed or new tires, other than a replacement of the single blown out tire.
1997 plymouth neon headgasket failure. This problem is a known design problem of the original gasket.
Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. Cracked manifold replaced. Blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. Ignition coil replaced. Also tires, brakes, struts, battery. When I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew out. When I leased the car it was 2 years old and previously leased. I had to have an engine mount replaced that was missing, left turn signal didn't work and that was replaced. Also, paint on hood is bubbling and is starting to peel on right passenger side panel behind rear window. Driver side window doesn't roll up tight and air blows in and it whistles. Also lines on windows on passenger and driver side from rolling it up and down.
In heavy rain the car is very hard to steer, I have had to replace the transmission, I have had to replace the 02 sensor, and now the cooling fans don`t work I have also noticed a musty smell when I turn on the air cond. I have also had to replace the egr valve it is just one thing after another that keeps going wrong with this car.
Compare the 1997 Plymouth Neon
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Questions about the 1997 Plymouth Neon
Is the 1997 Plymouth Neon reliable?
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 1997 Plymouth Neon, 3.3 times a typical Neon model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Plymouth Neon?
Engine and cooling, with 103 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is airbags (16).
How many recalls does the 1997 Plymouth Neon have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What year does the Plymouth Neon have bad engine?
The Plymouth Neon model years with the most engine complaints are 1996 (167 complaints), 1995 (144 complaints) and 1997 (103 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Plymouth Neon get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Plymouth Neon range from 25 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 31-35 highway.
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