Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the caller said that brakes will not work one has to hit the brakes at the last minute. She said one can feel a pop, and then the brakes fail. She had to run into a ditch to keep form hitting someone. The police were called, and there a report was taken. There was a crash. There were injuries to the pedestrian. She said the hub assembly was bad and had it replaced. Also, the tie rod wobbled and had it replaced. Had another accident with the brakes when the car in front of stopped suddenly and brakes did not work. Police came and a report was taken. The lady in the other vehicle was injured. Dealer will take the car to dealer, and they will talk about it. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Caller said she was not informed about the problems the vehicle had when she bought it.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was parked in a school zone when the contact was asked to move the vehicle off school property due to excessive gas leaking and the potential for starting a fire on school property. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined the vehicle was leaking gas and brake fluid and that the repairs should be covered under NHTSA recall#96V228000, regarding service brakes,hydraulic:foundation components:hoses,lines/piping, and fittings. The vehicle was than towed to the local dealer who determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was currently at the dealer waiting further examination and repairs.
This accident while driving at 35mph. The car veered left and pass airbag deployed then driver airbag. I tried to turn the steering to the left but the car did not respond. I sustained injuries of a broken neck. Two months after accident I received the recall notice for both the steering column and the brakes. I believe that the vehicle was purchased by a junkyard however I believe it was rebuilted. I would like to know if there are other reported incidents of this nature.
The rear brake line on the vehicle was so rusted that when I applied the brakes to make a left turn, the line broke and the brakes failed. Luckily I was not stopping for a child, stop light, or obstruction and did not experience a crash. The NHTSA should seriously consider having Chrysler issue a safety recall and make notice publicly so that all owners of this make, model, year vehicle are advised and can then have their brake lines inspected and fixed.
While driving at 35 MPH smelled smoke, and then saw the fire within the steering column. Consumer pulled over, and the fire department came out and put out the fire. Also, brakes operate intermittently, and there is a loud noise coming from the brakes. Brakes fail to operate properly especially on wet days. Brakes supposedly repaired under recall, now they are worse than before.
Many persistent problems with car. Especially with head gaskets and brakes. Have heard from many other Neon owners of head gasket problems. Have had breaks replaced at least every year of ownership and sometimes twice in a couple of years. Breaks sqeak and moan regardless.
Upon traveling at 15 MPH on wet pavement and upon depressing the brake pedal the vehicle acclerated, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident. Consumer states dealer has been contacted. Please provide any additional details.
Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 96V228000 concerning the ABS brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. No repairs have been made.
My Dodge Neon sport failed to stop when I pressed the brake pedal. I pressed the pedal harder; the car did not stop. (there was plenty of pedal; the pedal did not go to the floor. I crashed into the vehicle in front of me.
Was picking up speed ran off shoulder into gravel, turned to pull back and I could not steer, put on brakes and spun around and around across to the other side of road and turned completely around and was hit from behind.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: The rear brake line hose bracket screws on these vehicles will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS brake master cylinder rear seal allows air to enter the brake system, causing spongy brakes or partial brake system loss.
Remedy: Master cylinders will be inspected for the suspect build date code range and will be replaced if necessary.
Brake complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 215 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Dodge Neon, 22% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (82 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Neon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996); NHTSA recall 94V-034 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 23, 1994); NHTSA recall 94V-026 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jan 9, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Neon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 25 crashes, 4 fires and 17 injuries and 1 death to brakes 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.