PLYMOUTH NEON · model year

1998 PLYMOUTH NEON

237 NHTSA complaints, 23 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1998PLYMOUTHNEON carries 237 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 23 crashes, 5 fires, 20 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1998 NEON is engine and engine cooling:engine with 69 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline (15) and air bags:frontal (14). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 1998 NEON. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

237
Complaints
23
Crashes
5
Fires
20
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

237 filings

Crashes Reported

23 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE69
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE15
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL14
SUSPENSION:FRONT8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY5
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION4
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID4
SUSPENSION3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP3
AIR BAGS3

Recent Complaints

20131022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND WOULD NOT DISPLAY THE SPEED BEING TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER CIRCUIT BOARD RESISTOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 11/15/13*CN

Mileage: 74,000

20110603ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CAR HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL STARTED RUNNING OUT UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER HAS YET TO CORRECT IT. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND THAT I WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN SINCE IT IS A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS TOLD FROM MECHANIC THAT SEVERAL OTHER CARS THE HEADS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 36,000

20101115SUSPENSION:REAR

THE STRUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR RATTLES. IT RUBS WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. I HAVE ONLY CHANGED THE STRUTS IN THE REAR AND A WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AND IT IS STILL DOING IT. *TR

20091020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING CONTROL RE DEFECTIVE NEW CHRYSLER VEHICLE FWD TO POTUS RE HOW CORPORATIONS ARE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE USA. *NJ WITHIN A WEEK OF THE CONSUMERS MOTHER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMERS MOTHER THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT WAS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE SOUNDED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS 54,000 MILES AND WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, THE VEHICLES ENGINE ROD IS ABOUT TO FAIL. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER MOUNTED ON THE REAR OF THE MOTOR LEAKED. THE LEAK WAS NORMALLY SMALL AND ONLY LEAKED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. HOWEVER, OVER TIME, THE LEAKING CAUSED EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE MOTOR WHICH CAUSED WEAR AND TEAR ON THE HEAD GASKETS, PISTONS AND RODS. *JB

20091020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING CONTROL RE DEFECTIVE NEW CHRYSLER VEHICLE FWD TO POTUS RE HOW CORPORATIONS ARE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE USA. *NJ WITHIN A WEEK OF THE CONSUMERS MOTHER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMERS MOTHER THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT WAS JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE SOUNDED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS 54,000 MILES AND WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, THE VEHICLES ENGINE ROD IS ABOUT TO FAIL. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER MOUNTED ON THE REAR OF THE MOTOR LEAKED. THE LEAK WAS NORMALLY SMALL AND ONLY LEAKED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. HOWEVER, OVER TIME, THE LEAKING CAUSED EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE MOTOR WHICH CAUSED WEAR AND TEAR ON THE HEAD GASKETS, PISTONS AND RODS. *JB

20090115ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

REPORTS ON DEFECTIVE PARTS MADE BY CHRYSLER WITH REGARD TO 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON ENGINE OVERHEATING AS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE RADIATOR FAN RELAY, COOLANT RESERVOIR AND/OR THE COOLANT CAP. *NJ

20080323ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

20060210CrashAIR BAGS:FRONTAL

A 1990 CHEVY IMPALA TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF MY SON WHILE HE WAS DRIVING MY CAR, HE WAS GOING 30 MPH HE HIT THE OTHER CAR IN THE B PILLAR, BOTH SIDE DOORS WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. NEITHER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED ON MY CAR. THE PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN DUE TO THE FENDER BEING JAMMED BACK INTO THE DOOR. THE BUMPER IS DANGLING ABOUT 4-5 INCHES FROM WHERE IT SHOULD BE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER INJURED THEIR KNEES ON THE DASH WHEN THEY SLID FORWARD FROM THE IMPACT. THE SEAT BELTS HELD. *NM

Mileage: 90,000

20060108EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

I HAVE A 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON. I AM ANGRY WITH THE WAY THESE CARS WERE BUILT FROM CHRYSLER. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT MY HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO GET FOGGIER AND FOGGIER. I TAKE NORMAL CARE OF MY CAR TO INCLUDE KEEPING IT CLEAN AND MECHANICALLY SOUND. I HAVE A REAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE LIGHTS BECOMING SO CLOUDY. IT IS ALMOST AS THOUGH I HAVE DIM LIGHTS DUE TO THIS CLOUDING OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES. I INSIST THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE INSTATED IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR EACH AND EVERY NEON FROM 1998 FOR SURE. THIS IS A PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING AND EITHER THE FOG LIGHTS HAVE TO BE ON OR YOUR BRIGHTS JUST TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE. WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO REPLACE SOMETHING WITH OUR OWN MONEY WHEN IT WAS A QUITE OBVIOUS PROBLEM ON CHRYSLER'S END? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO. *NM

20050614ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

CAR CONTINOUSLY OVERHEATS. HAVE REPLACE THE RADIATOR CAP AND THE THERMOSTAT.

Mileage: 114,000

20050331ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AT A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND THE NEW HEAD GASKET FAILED AGAIN WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON THE GASKET. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NEONS AND CHRYSLER HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL.

Mileage: 70,150

20050324ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 37500 MILES ( 2001) HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT (83125 MILES) RESULTING IN OIL CONTAMINATION/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM/SPARK PLUG FOULING. REAR OIL SEAL FAILURE ( STARTED AT 55125 MILES)- $ 2000 REPAIR BILL TO REPLACE HEAD GASKET AND REAR OIL SEAL AT 83125 MILES.

Mileage: 37,500

20041118ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET LEAK, KNOWN PROBLEM BY DIAMLER THATS WHY THE MLS GASKET AND TORQUE SPECS WERE INTRODUCED. NO FIRE, YET. CAR ONLY HAS 54,000 MILES WHEN LEAK STARTED.*AK

Mileage: 54,100

20041110FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

ON MY 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON THE FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTED AWAY (I WAS ABLE TO SEE DAYLIGHT WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS). THE RUST/ROAD DEBRIS/WATER WENT INTO THE FUEL TANK AND WAS NOT PREVENTED FROM GOING INTO THE FUEL RAIL & INJECTORS CAUSING THE CAR TO CONSTANTLY STUMBLE AND DISPLAY THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LITE.

Mileage: 75,600

20041110FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON MY 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON THE FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTED AWAY (I WAS ABLE TO SEE DAYLIGHT WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS). THE RUST/ROAD DEBRIS/WATER WENT INTO THE FUEL TANK AND WAS NOT PREVENTED FROM GOING INTO THE FUEL RAIL & INJECTORS CAUSING THE CAR TO CONSTANTLY STUMBLE AND DISPLAY THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LITE.

Mileage: 75,600

20041110FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

ON MY 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON THE FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTED AWAY (I WAS ABLE TO SEE DAYLIGHT WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS). THE RUST/ROAD DEBRIS/WATER WENT INTO THE FUEL TANK AND WAS NOT PREVENTED FROM GOING INTO THE FUEL RAIL & INJECTORS CAUSING THE CAR TO CONSTANTLY STUMBLE AND DISPLAY THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LITE.

Mileage: 75,600

20041110FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

ON MY 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON THE FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTED AWAY (I WAS ABLE TO SEE DAYLIGHT WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS). THE RUST/ROAD DEBRIS/WATER WENT INTO THE FUEL TANK AND WAS NOT PREVENTED FROM GOING INTO THE FUEL RAIL & INJECTORS CAUSING THE CAR TO CONSTANTLY STUMBLE AND DISPLAY THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LITE.

Mileage: 75,600

20040806AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG CRACKED. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. CONSUMER STATED THAT IF THE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED SHE WAS AFRAID IT WILL HARM HER DAUGHTER.*AK THE HEAT FROM THE SUN WARPED THE DASH BOARD. *TC

Mileage: 65,000

20040806STRUCTURE

PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG CRACKED. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. CONSUMER STATED THAT IF THE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED SHE WAS AFRAID IT WILL HARM HER DAUGHTER.*AK THE HEAT FROM THE SUN WARPED THE DASH BOARD. *TC

Mileage: 65,000

20040803STRUCTURE:BODY

I HAVE A 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON. THE ROOF OF MY CAR BEGAN PEELING OVER A YEAR AGO, AND HAS RAPIDLY SPREAD AND NOW HAS RUST DEVELOPING. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER NEONS IN MY AREA WITH SIMILAR PEELING PROBLEMS. I HAVE CONTACTED CRYSLER AND THE REFUSE TO HELP SINCE THE WARRANTY ON THE PAINT IS 3 YEARS/36,000 MILES. I THINK THAT IS RIDICULOUS. PAINT ON A CAR SHOULD LAST MUCH, MUCH LONGER THAN 3 YEARS.*AK

Compare 1998PLYMOUTHNEON to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON have?
The 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON has 237 NHTSA complaints, 23 crashes, 5 fires, 20 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON?
The most-complained component for the 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE with 69 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE and AIR BAGS:FRONTAL.
Is the 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.