MotorDeets

Dodge Neon problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Neon from 1993 to 2005: 3,492 owner complaints and 19 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (976), 1996 (611), 1997 (390). Best fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (1998).

Dodge Neon
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling1260
Brakes (hydraulic)488
Electrical450
Airbags414
Transmission & drivetrain333
Steering244
Body & structure190
Exterior lights164

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199303–
199409–
1995697628
1996261128
1997139029
1998133929
1999011628
2000533727
2001414626
2002017327
2003020228
200409428
200509628

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Dodge Neon.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Dodge Neon?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (976), 1996 (611), 1997 (390).

How many recalls has the Dodge Neon had?

Across 1993–2005, NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).