6.8
fairly significant- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 9,316 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
I own a 1998 Dodge Neon with 89,700 miles on it. I took it to valley smog and repair in van nuys, ca. I took it there to get my 90,000 mile work done on it. As they were pulling it into the garage they noticed a substantial oil leak. When they put the car on the rack, they saw oil all over the bottom of the car. I was called and told that my head gasket was cracked and needed to be replaced as driving on it any more would cause the engine to expire. I told them to proceed with the work, which ended up costing me just over $1100. I did some research on the web and discovered that many people have had this problem. With further research I found out that Chrysler had secretly extended the warranty on this part to 5 years/100,000 miles and would reimburse the owner of the car if any work was done to fix this problem. I called the 800 number and was told that because of the age of my car and the fact that the work was done at a non Dodge garage, I would not be reimbured my $1100. As I already explained, my car was not 5 years old yet and had not reached 100,000 miles. The man that I spoke with, a guy named mike, made it seem like I should have driven my car, leaking oil, to Dodge to pay double the money and still not have any recourse for the situation. I'd like to know if you can help me in finding out any additional information about this secret warranty and also I'd like some help in getting my money back. Thank you.
- Valley Villiage, CA, USA
1998 Dodge Neon. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*768023
- Moreno Valley, CA, USA
This is not a safety concern but a manufacture defect. It is peeling all over.
- Titusville, FL, USA
Oil light remains illuminated due to oil leakage from head gaskets.
- Fairburn, GA, USA
Oil light flickered and consumer noticed that vehicle was down 3 quarts of oil. Took to dealer, and they said it was a head gasket. Dealer replaced head gasket. In January it was still leaking in same spot.
- Wayne, NJ, USA
After numerous oil changes, engine check light suddenly started flashing while on expressway and car lurched, then shut down completely. At dealership I was informed that engine threw a rod through the oil pan. I'm convinced this is related to the numerous complaints of the head gasket in the engine, since they all seem to have oil leaks in common.
- Northville, MI, USA
My Neon has been repaired for spark plugs, engine misfires, check engine light triggered, brakes are very noisy but according to dealership-need no replacement, sunroof repaired twice; it fell off track and wouldn't shut in the middle of winter, recently the head gasket is leaking; windows leak air, oxygen sensor needed repair, warranty has paid for itself plus more.....I am waiting for the next problem.
- Montgomery, IL, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Joplin, MO, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Joplin, MO, USA
I purchased this car exactly 1 week before my "engine check light came on, so I am not familiar with any previous problems that may apply to this car.
- Hillsdale, MI, 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
Consumer purchsased vehicle with 12,000 miles on it. Transmission fluid was leaking. Took vehicle to dealer & had seals tightened. 1-2 days later, engine check light came on & the car shut off while making a left turn. Vehicle had to be towed on 10-18-99 because consumer was scared to drive it. Consumer found out head gaskets were cracked. Consumer has other problems with the vehicle & dealer was not acknowledging the defects. Will contact the lemon law.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
Have had to take car in so many times for the same problems that were not being fixed in the first place. They would tell me to drive it for a time and see if the noise would stop. Or they would just say there is nothing wrong with it. Now that the warranty is up I have to foot the bill I will never buy a Chrysler vehicle in my life!!!. no safety defect mentioned in summary.
- Roseville, IL, USA
Vehicle has experienced various problems with the engine. While vehicle was in motion T engine light illuminated. Head gaskets blew which caused oil leakage onto the engine block. Dealer5 has replaced the engine gaskets, the sensor and engine filter.
- San Rafeal, CA, USA
There is an oil leak at the head gaskets, causing the head gasket to blow out.consumer has contacteed the dealer, dealer stated enginehead gasket needed replacing.
- Greenleaf, WI, USA
No summary
- Norwalk, OH, USA
Air conditioner also malfunctioned. Repaired on July 29, 1999. Repair required valve expansion, freon, gasket, and recharge. Also on July 29, 1999, right hand turns caused clunking noise. Front end was cleaned and lubed by dealer. Noise returned 8 days later. Also on July 29, 1999 dealer service department found caliper slides dry and again lubed tie rod and ball joints. Complained on September 12. 1998 of back fire of engine when A/C on. Service department claims this is normal even though it was a new problem felt after 2,035, miles driven. On October 27, 1998 headlight bezel came loose from vibration from tie rod being loose. Part of dash panel removed to correct loose switches. On October 27, 1998 vehicle was into service department due to door top weatherstripping tabs falling off. Dealer had to order parts and have vehicle returned after parts arrived to reinstall. On October 27, 1998 the front and real wheel toe adjustments, retightend nuts on tie rod and alignement of vehicle was done due to vibration. On May 11, 1999, the transmission fluid was found low by myself. It also had black flakes on the dip stick. "your transmission is shot" was the report from the service department. Transmission was reconditioned, flushed, new band and gasket installed at 7136 miles. Vehicle went back into repairs on October 27, 1998 to have body weld rebented and paint touched up due to damage from lift from previous repair. Several calls to Mr. John brunson on October 23, 1998, the general manager of dayton andrews Dodge, St. Peterssburg, Florida, but were never answered or returned. I had several talks with Mr. Mike armus, salesperson, who stated he couldn't get me any straight answers from steve, service manaager, regarding the loose front end problems.
- Gulfport, FL, USA
Have been in for service engine check light, because of multiplicity of misfires, 4 times in 10 months. Presently trying to get service copies because I dont have the first two services for my records. I wonder if I will actually receive them? on the third visit the service manager informed my that Chrysler was coming out with a fix for the problem. Have not talked to other service departments for comformation of this, nor have I asked Chrysler. I really need help in this matter. I really do want a refund for this Dodge Neon sport coupe w/DOHC motor.
- Lafayette, IN, USA
- St. Louis, MO, USA