NHTSA Complaint #723515 — 1995 DODGE NEON

FUEL PUMP - HAS EXTRA PORT THAT IS CAPPED WITH A NON-REENFORCED RUBBER CAP. THE RUBBER CAP APPEARS TO HAVE EXPLODED ON THE END OF THE CAP WHILE THE CAR WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THE RUPTURE OF THE CAP ALLOWED GASOLINE TO DRIP ABOUT 1 DROP PER SECOND. ON THIS CAR THE EXHAUST PIPES ARE CLOSE TO THE FUEL TANK. GAS FUMES WERE HIGHLY NOTICEABLE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THANK GOODNESS FOR NONSMOKER, NO SPARKS, AND A GUARDIAN ANGEL...MY DAUGTHER DROVE THE CAR 7 MILES HOME. THIS REMINDS ME OF THE FORD PINTO FIRE POSSIBILITIES. MOPAR PARTS DOES NOT STOCK THE RUBBER CAP (MAYBE $1) BUT WILL SELL THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP FOR JUST UNDER $300 PLUS INSTALLATION. 2) ENGINE - ENGINE FAILED ON CYLINDER 4 WITH LOST POWER, ETC. HAD WARRANTY AND MOST OF PART/LABOR COVERED. CALLED CHRYSLER HOTLINE SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ASSURED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS BEING REPORTED WITH THIS CAR (SAME STORY AT DEALER). 3) BRAKES/AIR CONDITIONER - FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER CAR 1 YR OLD, WARRANTY COVERED MOST OF COSTS 4) THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP COMPONENT IS THE MOST STARTLING OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT NO OTHER NEON OWNER EVER EXPERIENCES THIS PART FAILURE. *AK