9.8

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
500 miles

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problem #3

Jan 012003

Neon 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 1,500 miles
This car has used more than 10 quarts of oil since new (not counting changes). It has just over 20K miles now and still uses oil. It does not smoke or leak. The fuel mileage is nowhere near the advertised mileage. The dealer was contacted regarding no brake lights just after purchase. After two trips to the dealer (and the service writer telling us that we removed the cigarette lighter adapter wrong), they discovered the wiring harness for the backup lights was crushed by the shifter in reverse and shorted the lights. After complaining about poor starting and shuddering after a cold soak, the dealer replaced the injector O-rings, which solved the shudder, but not the mileage. Nothing has helped the oil usage, not even the two trips to the dealer to replace a baffle in the valve cover and an "oil consumption" test, which we performed. Yes, it uses oil. I should've bought my daughter a Nissan, or, like I just bought myself, a brand new Ford pickup. This was my first and last daimler-Chrysler product...ever!

- Willow Creek, CA, USA

problem #2

Nov 252002

(reported on)

Neon

  • miles
Consumer state while traveling notice smoke coming from under hood. Consumer pull vehicle over and look under hood and notice flames on engine. Consumer close hood fire was put out. Vehicle was towed to dealer technician notice power steering hose was to close to the exhaust.

- Salt Lake Ciyt, UT, USA

problem #1

Jun 272002

(reported on)

Neon

  • miles
While driving in rainy weather drove over a small puddle of water and without warning vehicle shut off. Then, became inoperable. Dealer has been notified. However, dealer stated it was consumer's neglect on driving around puddle.mechanic stated water was able to get into engine.

- Palm Harber, FL, USA