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 1997 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1997 Dodge Neon developed a problem with the fan relay.** answer required***. There was an apparent problem with the radiator fan circuit. The vehicle had displayed diagnostic code p1491. The consumer replaced the engine temperature sensor and the solid state fan relay. There was no continuity on pin 18 of the back of the power control module connector. The PCM was defective due to the output on the pin. The consumer found a break in the wire at the c160 connector. The break was caused by the wire management clip chafing against the group of wires. The PCM connector number one and it's cover are now broken at the connection points and the cover will not stay on and the wires were coming out and are exposed to the elements.
Well lets see the first defect was a fan relay which was replaced 5 times before a wiring defect was found next we have "hard brakes" which contribuited to an accident which caused 7000 dollars in damage and 1 minor injury due to the fact that the air bags did not deploy, we follow that up with a leaky head gasket which Chrysler was kind enough to return 1/2 of my out of pocket expenses along with wiring defects and air bags that don't come out other than the fact I have had more problems with this car than every other cars I have ever owned they made up for this lemon by having a bad customer service department too.
Circuit board behind instrument panel caught fire as I drove,sending smoke through dash both to left and right of speedometer-gauge area. No flame ever visible. Smoke stopped of its own accord. Gas gauge dropped to indicate "empty" - then returned to proper indication. I continued to drive home, then to garage, no apparent effect on any operating systems. Circuit board and gauge kit were replaced at no charge to me. (car still in warranty) service manager reported hole burned in circuit board 2 or 3 inches in diameter.
Head gasket needed to be replace after 45,000 miles.. Bought the car in 2002.. Bbrakes are horrible.. Brakes make noise, system operating normal fan relay switch .. Needed to be replaced.. And was also recalled.. In about 3 years ago.. And never notified.. Front end always clanking.. When u turn..
Driving 55mph & noticed smoke coming from under hood. Pulled to side of road. Smoke noticeable heavier inside vehicle. Lifted hood & flames were around engine area. Fire dept called & put flames out. Was hard to determine origin of fire, but indicated it was electrical wiring.
That is only some of the problems I have had with my Neon, the speedometer sensor went out at 14,000 miles, the paint has been peeling even after car completely repainted at my cost paint peeled again va beach Dodge told me it is a defect in the metal and paint that the car would have to be treated with a chemical and repainted again for the third time, head gasket blew and head severly pitted my mechanic saw 5 in the week mine went out all leaking from the same area, engine looses power constantly, transmission slams into gears and sometimes does not want to change gears causing engine to race, car overheats periodicly since head gasket and head shaved, interior sensors for doors work randomly but mostly do not work, back up lights blow out every 2 months, cam sensor backs out of engine periodicly, front end makes clunking noise during turns was told strut bearings were bad and causing …
My sister in tn has a Neon the dealer fixed her head gasket these cars I have been told by one auto repair that he fixes these head gaskets at least one every other week Dodge should have done a recall or at least fix the problem I can not get any one on the phone at Chrysler and I live here. They should pay the cost they know that its a problem. The up and down stream sensors went bad it cost me $300. To fix. I know a gentleman that had the same problem his went bad twice and the car dealer paid for his. I on the other hand could get no one help with this either. Chrysler needs to be accountable for the problems with there Neon's and pay to correct these problems I will not buy another one. If Chrysler wants me to buy there product again they need to make the first one right. Thank you for your time and concern.
My car had exactly 12000 miles on it when purchased. At around mile 43000, the car began to leak oil. I then took it to a mechanic who told me that it was the valve cover gasket. The repair was to cost me $800 until he also informed me that the problem was reoccuring in Dodge neons and should have been recalled. The Dodge dealership took care of it. Then, around mile 70000, the car began to overheat tremendously, going dead every time the gas pedal was released, the electrical system began to go haywire, the battery had to be replaced, and as well as the thermostat. I am a college student and for this to be my dependable mode of transportation, it is truly a joke. The Dodge corporation should do something about this. Thank you!
First- the car blew a head gasket at less than 24000 mile. Now we continue to have problem with the car stalling. The fuse under the hood for the fuel system continues to blow. No one can seem to find the problem, I have completely replaced the fuel system. It is now in the garage for the eighth time. Dodge will not back their product and the dealer just sends the car out to be repaired, since "they can not fix it". The VIN number that was submitted is the number from the car. It is coming up the wrong number, this is the only number I have.
I bought this Neon in August of 1998, it has been nothing but problems since purchase. I have had to have the electrical system worked on twice. When you go over 60mph the steering wheel rattles. The speakers for the radio work sometimes. The overhead light comes on while driving. When it rains the front floor boards get soaked with water. Last month the I needed to replace the headgasket, and after several calls the the manufacturer they paid half, but the next day the engine started to knock severly.
Electrical complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 8% of the model year's 390 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Neon electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Dodge Neon, though it has 1 recall 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 1997 Dodge Neon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury 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.