Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Smoke poured out from steeringcolumn, dealership said wiring under dash were burned. Dealer replace harness. Air conditioner did not work after the fire, vehicle has been repaired four times for both problems. Also vehicle surged forward whenever foot was taken off the brakes.
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). …
Within the last 8 months A/C compressor went out; the speed control surged, worked intermittently then stopped functioning; the left rear ABS wheel speed sensor failed causing the system to work intermittently; the engine head gasket blew and my rear window blew out and shattered when I closed the door during 00f weather. Presently I have had no response from the manufacturer stating the technicality of "out of warranty" "nothing we can do" deaf ears. I would greatly appreciate any assistance or suggestions on how I can proceed to recover some of my costs for repairing so many items that have failed within a short period of time.
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.
Attempt to have Chrysler fix head gasket failed; would not authorize replacement of head gasket because car is used, near 100000 miles, and six years from manufacture; head gasket must be replaced by me at my own cost; A/C leak has never been completely determined, although several leaks were found and fixed; blower motor recently died. Linkage "blew apart" at some point in 2001 and had to be repaired using OEM washers and nuts.
This problem of defective head gaskets is widespread, and should clearly be a manufacturer recall. The consumer is getting screwed on this vehicle. What does it take to make the powers that be see this and to do something about protecting us from defects that should be corrected by GMC?
Have had sevral problems with this vehicle since purchase,the headgasket leak oil,needs to be replaced/air conditioner went out and now it overheats ,fuel gauge went out and had to replace fuel pump.when it rains car floods inside and truck,shocks front and back have to be replaced.
Engine head gaskets have prematurely blown out, causing the engine to completely malfunctions. Head gaskets failure caused the vehicle over heated, engine kocking and steam, bubbling/cracking of coolant container. A/C malfunction and fan motor becomes lhot when turning on.
Engine headgasket failed.car was smoking under hood. Heater failed as well, apparently this has happened to many neons, but no recall has been issued as of yet/called dealer and parts are back ordered for at least 2 weeks/someone should be investigating it.
Air conditioner problem- had 4 separate leaks in 4 seperate places, o'ring,compressor switch, and evaporator switch. Master cylinder leak, oil would leak all over the ground and engine. Stall while driving- car would cut off suddenly and without warning
AC & Heater complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1995 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1995 Dodge Neon, 5% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Neon ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1995 Dodge Neon, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.