2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,000 miles

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problem #2

Feb 012005

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
Oil leakage, head gasket replaced 2X in 1997, again head gasket is blown, cam and transmission leakage also. Car has always leaked a bit of oil daily; however, oil changes every 2000 miles coupled with weekly level checks maintained ability to drive vehicle. As of 2/05, oil leaking profusely via passenger portion of engine gasket. Mechanic confirms blown head gasket, says this is a known defect of the Neons as a whole. I have chosen to not repair head gasket at my expense at this time. I purchased vehicle new in Oct. 1996, as a new year Neon for 1997. I maintained the vehicle meticiously, and both the body and interior are in excellent condition (body has no rust). Car has 88,000 miles currently. I am very disappointed in Dodge's lack of concern and responsibility in producing a quality car. I bought this new and had hope to transfer it to my daughter who will be leaving for college soon. Replacing a headgasket twice should assure me, the buyer, that I can maintain my car without suddenly finding out this was a damaged vehicle from the get go, and now I have to find alternate transportation to work while I set time aside to quickly find another car. Shame on Dodge!

- N. Chili, NY, USA

problem #1

Jan 312003

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Dodge Neon 1997, I found out today the head gasket was cracked, I was told by 4 different mechanics, 2 were Dodge mechanics, that they are always fixing the head gaskets and it was a design flaw, the gasket was too thin, I have changed the oil every 2500-3000 miles the car was never run hard and is very well maintained they need to issue a recall for this problem.

- Clifton Forge , VA, USA