The 1995 Dodge Neon has 11 safety recalls and 976 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (336 complaints).
Recalls11safety recalls
Complaints976filed by owners
Crashes · fires126 · 55reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths120 · 15reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006 · 87,745 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E049000 · May 24, 2006 · 27,176 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA recall 97V169000 · Oct 7, 1997 · 375,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNDERBODY IMPACT.
Risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER WITH A COUPLER DESIGN THAT COLLAPSES ON IMPACT.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 96V228000 · Nov 18, 1996 · 180,000 vehicles
Problem: THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES CAN EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR.
Risk: CORROSION OF THE TUBES CAN LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID OR FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKES OR RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE, FUEL SUPPLY AND FUEL VAPOR TUBES FOR THE PRESENCE OF CORROSION. ANY TUBES SHOWING CORROSION WILL BE REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC CLIP.
Components: Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
NHTSA recall 96V075000 · May 3, 1996 · 151,800 vehicles
Problem: THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 94V034000 · Feb 23, 1994 · 7,100 vehicles
Problem: THE REAR BRAKE HOSE MOUNTING BRACKET SCREWS CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE BRAKE HOSES TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION. THE UNRESTRAINED HOSES ARE THEN SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL REDUCE THE BRAKING PERFORMANCEOF THE VEHICLE, EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: THE REAR BRAKE LINE HOSE BRACKET SCREWS ON THESE VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED.
Power train
NHTSA recall 94V033000 · Feb 23, 1994 · 7,100 vehicles
Problem: MOISTURE CAN GET INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSING DRIVEABILITY MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING STALLING.
Risk: SHOULD DRIVE ABILITY MALFUNCTIONS OR STALLING OCCUR WHILETHE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.
Fix: THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES ON THESE VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA recall 94V026000 · Jan 9, 1994 · 2,700 vehicles
Problem: THE ABS BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL ALLOWS AIR TO ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING SPONGY BRAKES OR PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Risk: AIR ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OR PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: MASTER CYLINDERS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR THE SUSPECT BUILD DATE CODE RANGE AND WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1995 Dodge Neon 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Neon
28mpg combined
City / highway
25 / 34 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel
Neon
26mpg combined
City / highway
23 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
336
5
10
3
82,300 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
232
26
4
17
118,954 mi
Steering Steering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system
125
25
8
22
—
Air bags Frontal; Side/window
116
72
9
75
115,000 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring › Interior/under dash
109
1
25
0
74,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
102
5
1
0
74,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Cruise control
Visibility Windshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system
47
3
1
4
—
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
43
1
3
1
—
Unknown or other
42
0
1
0
—
Exterior lighting Headlights; Turn signal
40
2
2
1
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jan 1, 2013 · 100,000 milesPower train THE PCM ON MY 1995 DODGE NEON WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 16, 1994, 2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. DONE BY JAY CHEVROLET/GEO/DODGE IN ISLAND PARK, NY. MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING ON ME AND SHUTTING DOWN OFF AND ON FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. I SPENT OVER $4000 TO HAVE PARTS REPLACED AND THE CAR STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. I WANT MY CAR CHECKED COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. IT HAS ONLY 110K AND IT HAS BEEN CARED FOR SINCE DAY ONE. MY BROTHER IS A MECHANIC IN OCEANSIDE, NY AND HAS BEEN MY MECHANIC SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW UP UNTIL I MOVED TO PHOENIX, AZ AND ALL THE MECHANICS I'VE USED HERE CAN'T FIX MY CAR. THIS IS UNFAIR IF THE PROBLEM IS THE PCM AGAIN. THE CAR HAD COMPLETE DIAGNOSTICS DONE BY 3 MECHANICS AND THEY…
Sep 18, 2014 · 40,000 milesService brakes REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING .BRAKE LINING SEPARATED FROM SHOE .THAN BRAKE LINES STARTED LEAKING AT FRAME HOLD DOWN BRACKET. THESE ARE ORIGINAL PARTS. *TR
Jun 3, 2013Air bags 2005 DODGE NEON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNRELIABLE STEERING WHEEL HORN CIRCUIT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN SOMETIMES TO FAILED TO HONK. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO GROUND CIRCUIT; IT WAS ONLY A THREE WIRE DEVICE.
Oct 17, 2011 · 82,000 milesExterior lighting HEAD LIGHTS GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Sep 14, 2011 · 142,000 milesFuel system, gasoline I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL FIRST GENERATION (1995-1999) DODGE AND PLYMOUTH NEONS. WITHOUT EXCEPTION, ALL OF THEM HAVE/HAD CORROSION ON THE FUEL FILLER PIPE THAT WAS SO BAD THAT GASOLINE SPILLED ON THE GROUND WHEN THEY WERE FILLED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS NOT, IN MY EXPERIENCE, NORMAL. *TR
May 15, 2000 · 50,000 milesFuel system, gasoline GAS TANK LEAK (VERY SLOW AND GRADUAL). NOTICED ONLY WHILE PARKED, LEFT DROPS ON GARAGE FLOOR. CAR ALSO HAD BAD HEAD GASKETS, PARKING BRAKE, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TR
Jun 1, 2005Power train › Automatic transmission I HAVE A 1995 DODGE NEON. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION, ETC. AND HAD TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT, ALSO REPLACING MY HEAD GASKET, RESULTING IN A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THEY HAVE SEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE NEON. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY OWN A NEON AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL NOTED ON THE NEON FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR
Sep 15, 2007Service brakes, hydraulic PEELING PAINT ON MY 1995 DODGE NEON. I AM ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION, REPLACED AIR CONDITIONER BECAUSE OF SMOKE UNDER HOOD, BRAKES, ROTORS, FUEL LEAKING, VALVE COVER GASKET, HEAD GASKET, NO OIL IN ENGINE HAD IT TOWED. I ALSO IN THE TIME I OWN MY NEON I HAVE HAD ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. AFTER REPLACING ALL THIS I ONLY HAD ONE RECALL SENT TO ME ON THE STEERING COUPLER. I HAD THAT FIXED AT THE DEALER. BUT, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY OTHER RECALLS SENT TO ME. 2 TRANSMISSIONS AND ALOT OF MONEY SPENT ON A LEMON. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
DP03002 · opened May 7, 2003 · closed Jul 22, 2003STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR…
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
PE98012 · opened Feb 26, 1998 · closed Jun 23, 1998UNDERHOOD FIRES There is no summary currently available
EA98003 · opened Jan 30, 1998 · closed Jan 5, 2000OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
PE97042 · opened Sep 21, 1997 · closed Jan 30, 1998OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT There is no summary currently available
EA97009 · opened Apr 30, 1997 · closed Oct 8, 1997 · led to recall 97V169000LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL There is no summary currently available
PE97007 · opened Jan 31, 1997 · closed Apr 7, 1997ALLEGED FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN AREA THE APPARENT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS THE ACCUMULATION OF BRASS POWDER, THAT WEARS OFF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS INSIDE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH.THIS POWDER COLLECTS IN SMALL TRAILS OF GREASE THAT TRACK FROM ONE CONTACT TO ANOTHER.WHEN THE CONCENTRATION OF BRASS IN THE GREASE GETS HIGH ENOUGH, IT CAN CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT.THIS SHORT, IN TURN CAN IGNITE THE GREASE AND CAUSE SMOKE TO BE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.THE GREASE USED INSIDE THE SWITCH, AS WELL AS THE VARIOUS PLASTIC COMPONENTS IN THE COLUMN, ARE FIRE RETARDANT AND WILL NOT BURN WITHOUT A SUSTAINED HEAT SOURCE.THERE HAS BEEN ONLY A SINGLE VERIFIED INCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND THIS REPORTED FIRE WAS SMALL, INVOLVING SOME CHARRING OF THE STEERING WHEEL.ALL OTHER VERIFIED INCIDENTS WERE LIMITED TO SMOKE FROM THE COLUMN AND MINOR INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
PE96069 · opened Nov 26, 1996 · closed Apr 30, 1997LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL There is no summary currently available
PE94095 · opened Dec 28, 1994 · closed Apr 25, 1995LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL There is no summary currently available