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 1996 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that all braking function was lost while driving at an unknown speed. She stated that in order to stop the vehicle she had to engage the emergency brake. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who diagnosed that the rotors, brake pads, shoes, rear brake drums, and two rear flex lines needed to be replaced. In addition, she stated that the vehicle stalled sporadically and without warning. She took the vehicle back to the local repair shop who diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor, wiring harness, speed sensor, coil, valve cover gaskets and timing belt all needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 17,000 and the current mileage was 32,000.
I own a 1996 Dodge Neon. I took my car in to have the speed sensor fixed on it due to that is the code that came up on the check engine light. After the sensor was replaced the wiring harness under the hood fried 3 feet of it. The mechanic fixed the three feet of wiring and every thing was in working order. I took my car to moses lake which is approximately 100 miles from my house upon arriving. My Neon stopped working. I had to have it towed from moses lake to altons tire shop in air way heights because I could not afford to tow it to dishman Dodge on srpauge. I have pulled up the recall information on my car and because my VIN was not included in the mass numbers it is not under warranty. I truly feel t hat it should be because the harness is fired due to the same reasons.
Dt*: the contact stated there were two problems with the vehicle. There were intermittent problems with all the electrical warning lights on the dash board and intermittent stalling. The vehicle was inspected by a friend who determined the wiring harness was too close to the exhaust and the wiring was melted. Additionally, while attempting to apply brake pressure at 60mph, the rear of the vehicle skidded. Upon inspection, the contact discovered fluid leaking from the driver side rear wheel. The vehicle was never inspected by a service dealer, however the manufacturer was alerted. There is a recall 96V026000, concerning the electrical system and a recall 96V075000, concerning the service brakes. However, the VIN is not included in the recalls.
Every 18000 miles the head gasket has failed on the vehicle...brakes failed one time had master cylinder replaced...accident, brakes being investigated to see if accident could have been avoided...airbags did not deploy in frontal collision at speed of 15 MPH...seat belt failed in frontal collision at 15 MPH
Could steer to left but could not get up the ravine, tried to turn right to avoid a utility pole ahead but steering wheel would not turn right, couldn't get back to the ravine, attempted to turn right, steering wheel locked up and vehicle went into a utility pole, resulting in an injury.
Consumer was concerned that vehicle would stall when braking. None of the instrument gauges were operating, and the interior light would intermittently coming on while driving. Dealer informed consumer that none of the above issues were covered under recall due to VIN.
The ABS brakes locked up while traveling approximately 30mph on wet pavement. Another vehicle had crossed center line & brakes were applied quickly. The other vehicle was broadsided. At the time of impact, the air bags did not deploy. No injuries. Has police report.
I had the car for just over a year and I have had the brakes replaced twice and the rotors replaced once. All of this happened within about 9 months. I have had the 2 nd pair of brakes now for about 6 months and they already need changed.
While going (25) MPH on slick road conditions, when applying the brakes, the vehicle went off the road, went into a ditch, hitting a tree head-on and there was no deployment of the air bags. Insurance adjustor is looking at vehicle.
Driving 55-60mph on highway; was cut off by another vehicle; Neon hit retainer wall due to failure of brakes. Upon impact with wall, air bags did not deploy. Was at dealer prior to accident several times about brakes.
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.
Brake complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Neon, 15% of the model year's 611 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Neon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Neon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.