Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 768 of 976 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 35 of 976 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
336 complaint records10 fire reports5 crash reports
"SERVICE MANAGER ADMITS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE THINKS DODGE WILL HELP PAY $150 TO $200 DOLLARS OF TOTAL FOR REPAIR...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
237 complaint records4 fire reports26 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED 25 MPH BRAKE LOCKUP, ABS, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON DRIVERS SIDE. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Steering
125 complaint records8 fire reports25 crash reports
"ONLY WET WEATHER PROBLEM WITH STEERING, NO CONTROL WHEEL WELLS WATER COMING INSIDE AND HITTING AGAINST THE TIE RODS. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP03002 opened May 2003 | closed Jul 2003 | Steering | STEERING 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... |
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY 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... |
| PE98012 opened Feb 1998 | closed Jun 1998 | Electrical System | UNDERHOOD FIRES There is no summary currently available |
| EA98003 opened Jan 1998 | closed Jan 2000 | Air Bags | OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS |
| PE97042 opened Sep 1997 | closed Jan 1998 | Air Bags | OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT There is no summary currently available |
Show 4 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA97009 opened Apr 1997 | closed Oct 1997 | Steering | LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL - led to recall 97V169000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97007 opened Jan 1997 | closed Apr 1997 | Electrical System | ALLEGED 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... |
| PE96069 opened Nov 1996 | closed Apr 1997 | Steering | LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL There is no summary currently available |
| PE94095 opened Dec 1994 | closed Apr 1995 | Steering | LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V169000 | Steering | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNDERBODY IMPACT. | Normally free |
| 96V228000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES CAN EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR. | Normally free |
| 96V075000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL. | Normally free |
| 94V034000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 94V033000 | Power Train | MOISTURE CAN GET INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSING DRIVEABILITY MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING STALLING. | Normally free |
| 94V026000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE ABS BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL ALLOWS AIR TO ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING SPONGY BRAKES OR PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997171 1997-10-08 | Steering | 59,641 | THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A SEVERE IMPACT TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. |
| 1996186 1996-11-20 | Brakes | 33,158 | THE FUEL AND REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED CORROSION BETWEEN THE TUBES AND A RUBBER ISOLATOR. FAILURE OF THESE TUBES COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND/OR DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPACITY. |
| 1996079 1996-05-17 | Brakes | 6,257 | On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. |
| 1994038 1994-02-21 | Electrical | 1,740 | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN ENGINE DIE OUT DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSED BY INADEQUATE POTTING MATERIAL SEALING. |
| 1994024 1994-02-08 | Brakes | 153 | VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A REAR ABS BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL THAT MAY ALLOW AIR INGESTION INTO THE CYLINDER AND CAUSE SPONGY BRAKE FEEL OR PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 23-014-15 Apr 2015 | Equipment | Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. | |
| 0801003 Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0900800 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMPONENT TO ASSIST CAM SEAL RETENTION. *JB |
Show 53 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 050300 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT ON PROPORTIONING VALVE BRAKE PRESSURE ADAPTER TOOL REVISION. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 230200 Feb 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 190299REVA Oct 1999 | Steering | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OR RATTLE IN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING COLUMN. *MJS | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 090899 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 210599A Sep 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 232099A Aug 1999 | Structure | DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 190398 Jun 1998 | Steering | POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 050198 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | A HOWL NOISE FROM REAR BRAKES DURING LOW SPEED STOP. *YC | |
| 230598 Jan 1998 | Structure | PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A "MILKY" OR "FOGGY" DISCOLORATION. *YC | |
| 051097 Dec 1997 | Service Brakes | CONCERNS WITH FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL AND /OR CREEP/GROAN. *NLM | |
| 090997 Dec 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM | |
| 050897 Nov 1997 | Service Brakes | A HOWL TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES DURING A LOW SPEED. *YC | |
| 234797 Sep 1997 | Structure | VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE CREAK/RATTLE FROM FRONT FOOT WELL. *NLM | |
| 234897 Sep 1997 | Structure | WATER DRIPS FROM ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP CHANNEL INTO VEHICLE. *YC | |
| 970919083297 Sep 1997 | Air Bags | AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC | |
| 970919083397 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PART SPECIFICATIONS. *YC | |
| 083397 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PART SPECIFICATION. *NLM | |
| 234897A Sep 1997 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH WATER DRIPS FROM ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP CHANNEL INTO VEHICLE. *NLM | |
| 234697 Aug 1997 | Structure | VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE DOOR GLASS SCRATCHES. *NLM | |
| 241197 Jul 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM | |
| 220197 Jun 1997 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM | |
| 020497 May 1997 | Suspension | FRONT END ALIGNMENT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS AND SHOCK ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES ON COMPETITION PACKAGE. *NLM | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 240397 Mar 1997 | Visibility | BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT OPERATE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *NLM | |
| 140195 Apr 1995 | Fuel System | FUEL PUMP NOISE. *TW | |
| CH020795 Apr 1995 | Suspension | POPPING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. *TW | |
| 9511 Mar 1995 | Suspension | POPPING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. *TW | |
| 110295 Mar 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS UNDER MODERATE LOAD. *TW | |
| 090395 Mar 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DURING TURNING MANEUVERS. *TW | |
| 180395 Feb 1995 | Electrical System | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - VACUUM LEAK FOUND (IAC FULLY SEATED). *TW | |
| 020295 Feb 1995 | Suspension | FRONT COIL SPRING CLICK. *TW | |
| 090195 Feb 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR BY INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF CAMSHAFT SPROCKET AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR. *TW | |
| 240495 Feb 1995 | Visibility | POOR DEFROSTING OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR POOR OVERALL DEFROSTER PERFORMANCE. *TW | |
| 020195 Jan 1995 | Suspension | VIBRATION IN FLOOR PAN/DASH PANEL. *TW | |
| 051694REVA Jan 1995 | Service Brakes | MOANING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKES. *TW | |
| 220195 Jan 1995 | Suspension | SMOOTH ROAD STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION. *TW | |
| 238394 Dec 1994 | Visibility | EXCESSIVE WINDSHIELD REFLECTIONS. *TW | |
| 182594 Dec 1994 | Steering | COLD START UP STEERING COLUMN SHAKE AT IDLE. *TW | |
| 087794 Dec 1994 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER. *TW | |
| 239994 Dec 1994 | Structure | FRONT FENDER INNER SPLASH SHIELD RATTLE. *TW | |
| 241694 Nov 1994 | Equipment | WATER LEAK IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TW | |
| 238194 Nov 1994 | Seat Belts | CHANGE IN STYLE/APPEARANCE OF SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TW | |
| 241794 Nov 1994 | Electrical System | PCM NOT PROPERLY DISENGAGING A/C CLUTCH VIA THE RELAY ALSO THE PCM MAY NOT ENERGIZE THE A/C CLUTCH RELAY. *TW | |
| 086694 Nov 1994 | Electrical System | DISCHARGED BATTERY DUE TO EXCESSIVE IGNITION-OFF CURRENT DRAW. *TW | |
| 231294B Nov 1994 | Seats | FRONT SEAT RATTLES. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Neon →