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.

- Hillsboro, MO, USA

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.

- Pleasant View, UT, USA

Car overheated eventhough there were plenty of coolant. Thick smoke coming out of the hood so I shut off the engine and cruised to a stop. I did not want the engine to catch fire. Mechanic said that it was a blown head gasket and that it was a common problem with the Neon. Why was there not a recall. Does someone have to get injured before there is one. I called Chrysler and they nicely said that my warranty had expired. If this was defective to start with, the warranty should cover the cost of repairs. Thank you for listening.

- Defuniak Springs, FL, USA

Vehicle was taken to the dealership for an oil change and mechanic found that cylinder head gasket was leaking oil, and must be replaced.

- Robbins, IL, USA

My car overheated so I took it to a repair shop. They said I had a blown head gasket and should not drive it any further because if it gets empty it could blow my engine also could get so hot and cause a fire.

- Hudsonville, MI, USA

I repaired the water leak by caulking the trunk, I am aware this is a manufacturing defect.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Car began to over heat on major interstate highway. When it was realized that problem was critical car was pulled to side of the highway and Dodge roadside assistance was called. Car was towed to nichols Dodge in burlington, nc where it sits and we are awaiting determination of damage and warranty coverage.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

For as much as I pay per month on this vehicle, it has been nothing but constant problems. I am a single mom and cannot afford to have my only vehicle in the shop every time I turn around. It seems that most of my problems are common in the Neons. No afety defect listed in the summary.

- Smithfield, VA, USA

This car has gone dead twice in the last year and a half while driving.

- Houston, TX, USA