Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
While making a left turn while driving very slowy, car continued to go striaght, causing right front tire to hit curb. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. The steering spindle and knuckle assembly was replaced at the dealers.
I have had ongoing problems with my 1996 Dodge Neon sport, it has been inoperable for the last year or so, due to electrical problems and stalling which I believe stem from the wiring harness. I have had the brakes replaced a few times, the A/C replaced, fuel injection acts up and the fuel gauge fluctuates, my transmission has started slipping, power steering and exhaust are leaking, numerous oil leaks, rear lights/ brake lights have not worked in over a year, driverside window broke along the extending arm inside of the door frame, trunk release is broken and my cruise control is broken! For the last 4months my car has been sitting at atlanta Dodge llc! Just after leaving it with their service department, I received a call saying I needed a new battery and until it was replaced for $180 they could not do a diagnostic check for any other problems!! …
I have had my car in for repair 4 times in 3 yrs. First the spark plugs were bad, had to be replace. Second the wires melted together in my steering wheel column, 4rd the fueld sensor went out in fuel pump had to have the fuel pump replaced. Ask warrenty company what most common problem with the Dodge Neon was they said the head gasket blowing, now I guess it's my turn for that I took to dealer today for oil leak , they said head gasket blown, need to tear down engine to make sure nothing else is bad ( cracked block / head) seems like an awful lot of problems for a car that's not that old and has been maintained, very dissapointed in vehicle
Dear sir's, it was some-what hard to be really acurate on the milages in your form, but while these things were going on, I was keeping notes. I compiled them all down to a journal type document, dates & times. (06) pages. And I can further extend points in there, in a phone conversation. I will be happy to send you a copy of this also. Respectfully, e w. Moss. No safetyd efect listed.
Consumer was involved in a rea rend collision, seat belt failed to wotk properly and driver's head hit steering wheel, and is currently suffering from2 herniated discs. 3 year daughter wa sina car seat in the rear. Car seat moved out of place because seat belt failed to work properly. Also, when making any left or right turns steering column sounds a sif it is going to pop out.
In May my steering column was replaced. It was again looked at in November of 1996. Now, my steering column has once again failed. It takes 10 turns of my wheel to turn from one extreme to the other. Also, my head gasket, at 45000 miles started to leak. This shouldn't happen to a car 3 years old.
The defective automatic transmission in this vehicle causes the engine to stop when decelerating. The defective transmission is a common problem for this years model according to local transmission shops. Also the transmission was changed for the next years model.
Whenever drivings vehicle under wet conditions the power steering will stop working, when turning the wheel, it doesn't return as it should. After drying it will begin working correctly. The dealer has been contacted.
When it is wet outside vehicle loses all steering. Vehicle loses all power steering and the driver has to use both hands to steer the vehicle. Dealer does not have a clue on the problem concerning the steering.
Steering complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Neon, 4% of the model year's 611 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Neon steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.