1997 DODGE NEON — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

553

Owner Complaints

61 Crashes 17 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 DODGE NEON

The 1997 DODGE NEON has received a total of 553 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (151 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (47 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (31 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 DODGE NEON

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1997 DODGE NEON, potentially affecting up to 360,675 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 06E060000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 87,745 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 97V080000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 125,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.

Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 DODGE NEON

553 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 DODGE NEON. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 151 1 Crash 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 47 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 31 28 Crashes 2 Fires 17 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 21 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 21 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 17 5 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 11
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 9 3 Crashes 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Structurebody
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 7
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 7 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Tires
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 6
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 5
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsintegrated Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Seatsmidrear Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10576182 | STEERING | | 167,800 miles
I AM HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 DODGE NEON. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS NOTHING BUT CLICKS. I AM HAVING SO MUCH PROBLEMS TURNING ON MY SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I AM HOPING THAT THIS IS A RECALL SO I WON'T HAVE TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY OUT OF POCKET. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE NEON. WHILE PLACING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE, THE FILLER TUBE FELL TO THE GROUND AND CAUSED GASOLINE TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FILLER TUBE HAD RUSTED OUT. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FILLER TUBE AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PERFORMING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 130,000. UPDATED 10/06/09 *BF UPDATED 10/08/09
#10275986 | SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT | | N/A miles
NONE OF MY VEHICLES HAVE LATCH SUPPORTED SYSTEMS ALTHOUGH ALL MY CARSEATS DO. IS IT STILL SAFE TO USE A CARSEAT WITH JUST A SEAT BELT? CAN THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS INSTALL THE LATCH SYSTEMS IN MY VEHICLES FOR FREE AS THIS IS A SAFETY REQUIREMENT FOR CARSEATS? I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS MYSELF OR GET A NEW VEHICLE. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1997, MAKE=DODGE, MODEL=NEON). *TR
#10258833 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 39,000 miles
I MADE A SHORT TRIP TO A LOCAL STORE AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING AND I HAD TO STOP AND PULL OVER. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAD A HEAD GASKET FAILURE.WHICH COST $920 TO REPAIR. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS OLD (1997), IT ONLY HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS RIDICULOUS FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN TO CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH ONLINE TO FIND THAT SEVERAL NEON OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE 1995-1997 MODELS HAVE BEEN PREDOMINANTLY AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS AND THEY WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. *TR
#10250099 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | N/A miles
SAFETY/EMISSIONS REPRT STATES RECALL ON MY VEHICLE/ DEFECT NUMBER: DR-1158. THE SOLID STATE FAN RELAY MAY FAIL BECAUSE OF HEAT RELLATED ELECTRICAL OVER STRESS CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT. *TR

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 DODGE NEON

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 DODGE NEON in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 DODGE NEON

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 DODGE NEON. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0900800 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMPONENT TO ASSIST CAM SEAL RETENTION. *JB

050300 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SUBJECT ON PROPORTIONING VALVE BRAKE PRESSURE ADAPTER TOOL REVISION. *TT

190398 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC

081698 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK

070797 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

VEHICLE OVERHEATS OR RADIATOR FAN CONTINUES TO RUN. *YC

070797 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE OVERHEATS (RADIATOR FAN INOPERATIVE) OR RADIATOR FAN RUNS CONTINUOUSLY. *NLM

051097 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

CONCERNS WITH FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL AND /OR CREEP/GROAN. *NLM

050897 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

A HOWL TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES DURING A LOW SPEED. *YC

083397 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

INFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PART SPECIFICATION. *NLM

232997 — STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION ON TAPE ACROSS REAR FASCIA FASTENERS SHOWS IN OPENING. *NLM

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 DODGE NEON

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE NEON

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Other DODGE Models

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