Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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.
Wiring harness burned and short circuited some fuses. The fuel pump box shorted out. Manufacturer issued a recall, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The service dealer found no electrical communication from the camshaft or crankshaft sensors, found engine oil in the spark plug tube holes due to a leaking valve cover gasket, found electrical wire leading to the ECM module, camshaft and crankshaft sensors fused together, caused both sensors and ECM to fail. The engine displayed a rough idle. The consumer requested reimbursement.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Neon. The contact was driving 25 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to coast to the side of the road and have the vehicle towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic noticed that a faulty wiring harness was the cause of the vehicle stalling and advised that it would need replacing. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 96V026000 ( electrical system:wiring:front underhood). The contact was advised by the manufacturer that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 120,000.
A short in the wiring harness caused the vehicle to stall and headlight failure. There was an electrical wire harness front underhood recall 96V026000 concerning the electrical system wiring front underhood, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. The first incident occurred as the consumer pulled out into traffic, the engine stalled and the lights on the dash were flashing. The second incident occurred as the consumer was driving down the road. Due to the wiring harness failure the ECM failed.
Oil leaked from failed head gasket or cracked head, exhaust leak from head or manifold. Speedometer dial stop working. The car only has 30000 miles on it. My repair man wants $500.00 just to tear down the engine to see if it is the gasket or a cracked head, and thats just the labor and not including parts. This is a safty problem that should be cause for a recall. How many complaints or lives will it take before NHTSA takes action aganist this car manufacturing company?
Recall 96V026000/626. Experiencing same wire harness problems. Consumer was driving and smelled smoke coming out of the grill and the inside of the vehicle. Flames occurred, vehicle caught fire. Fire department called. Vehicle was totalled. Dealer contacted because they were servicing vehicle at the time. Problem was never remedied after dealer had car three times. Provide further information.
While driving at any speed vehicle will intermittently stall. After a few minutes engine could be started as if nothing ever happened. Vehicle experienced this problem twelve times in the last year. Dealer informed consumer that there was a problem with the wiring harness, and there was a recall. However, consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.
I have a 1996 Dodge Neon that keeps blowing fuel pump fuses when shifting to 3rd gear. It is an electrical short that I found in same vehicle made few months sooner July through November car in 1995 through 1996 I feel this is still happening my car is at risk to catch fire. Would greatly appreciate if this could be resolve and checked out. Thank you.
Same engine wiring harness problem as stated in recall # 96V026000, but my Neon was not included in the recall, because it was not made in Mexico. An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube.. Shorting of the wiring harness can cause various electrical malfunctions, including engine stalling.
Vehicle rejected by az dept of environmental quality. OBD not ready , dealer has flashed computer , retest done again , now same information OBD not ready. They will not pass it they say they cant read it?? Cpu is fine by Chrysler... Been checked 2 times... Help
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube..
Remedy: Dealers will reroute the engine wiring harness properly and any wire that has been damaged will be replaced.
NHTSA investigations
Underhood fires
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 93 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Neon, 15% of the model year's 611 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › front underhood (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Neon electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-026 (front underhood, Feb 5, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Neon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.