Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed a tune-up however, the failure recurred three times. The dealer replaced the emission coil and alternator belt as a repair. The contact was later driving 40 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
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?
Recently (in October), the car stalls intermittently. I happens in low speed and when I don't add oil. There is a oil warning together with the stalling. Usually I can not start the car right then. But if I add oil immediately and keep adding oil when I turn on the key, I can turn on the car. When I release the oil press, the engine stalls again. I tried twice in the local Dodge dealer. They can not fix it and can not find the real problem.
1996 Dodge Neon with a little over 70,000 miles on it. Car is leaking oil..according to mechanic, the head gasket needs to be replaced at a cost of $700-$800. Mechanic indicated that this is a very common problem with the Neon. I would like to know if there is a recall on this issue. If not, is there any steps I can take to have this cost paid by Dodge? Ts
The consumer stated while approaching a stop vehicle idled/slowed down, and died. The consumer had to restart it. This happened continuously. The consumer had taken the vehicle to several dealers, and they could not resolve the problem. The consumer stated that one dealer charged him $700.00 for repairs, but it did not fix the problem.
While driving with heater on, consumer started to smell gasoline inside vehicle. Pulled over and stopped. Tried to lift hood, but noticed flames shooting out. Had vehicle towed home. Contacted insurance company and an inspector was sent to check. Indicated engine leak caused flames. Information provided by state farm insurance agent.
When traveling vehicle cut off without prior warning, causing a rear end collision. No lights illiumanted on the dashboard, indicating vehicle had cut off. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Manufacturer's recall number 676 concerns the same type of problem unsure if the vehicle is included. Please provide any further details.
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
My 1996 Dodge Neon had two head gasket failures to date now. The first was repaired 29,000 miles ago, and now, at 89,000 miles, I had another head gasket fail on me. The car is also peeling paint excessively. Instead of under ten years old, the car looks over twenty years old!
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 341 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Dodge Neon, 56% of the model year's 611 complaints. The component named most often is engine (251 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Dodge Neon, though it has 2 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.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.