Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I no longer have my car, as of August 16, 2000 I returned it to the bank. The warranty has long since expired and the cost to maintain the car with all of the problems it has proved to be more than I could afford, and much more than the car was worth. My main objective here is to make sure the problems I had are known so that maybe it will prevent someone from being seriously hurt or killed. Granted some of the problems such as leaks around the doors and trunk are not as serious, others such as the steering knuckle wearing out and having to be replaced, which needed to be replaced again when I returned my car last week , transmission problems, and throttle body problems that cause the car to stall, which could lead to an accident. …
I have a 98 Dodge Neon. The car grinds in the front end even with new brakes. I cant not drive throw water or the car will die. Going over a speed bump at the recommended speed the front end will bottom out. I had a friend look at the car. And he said it looked fine. The brake spec. Didn't see any thing and I noticed I had two different tires on the front then the back because of the front end. Please if you find out any thing on this car it would be much obliged.
Water leaks around rear light assembly through gaping holes underneath trunk lid. Water has been collecting there for quite some time and collects in the spare tire well and in the back seat passenger floorboards. The rug in the back is soaked after it rains overnight. It appears that th water collects in the rear light well. And somehow trickles down. Must of had gallons in there before I knew what was going on.
Trunk is leaking around tail lights causing serious water damage. It has leaked down the trunk into the cab, ruining the carpet, padding and foam in the rear seat. There are large gaps between the tail lights and the seal. The car has never been in an accident, which indicates that this is a manufacturing/design problem.
For as much as I pay per month on this vehicle, it has been nothing but constant problems. I am a single mom and cannot afford to have my only vehicle in the shop every time I turn around. It seems that most of my problems are common in the neons. No afety defect listed in the summary.
Air conditioner also malfunctioned. Repaired on July 29, 1999. Repair required valve expansion, freon, gasket, and recharge. Also on July 29, 1999, right hand turns caused clunking noise. Front end was cleaned and lubed by dealer. Noise returned 8 days later. Also on July 29, 1999 dealer service department found caliper slides dry and again lubed tie rod and ball joints. Complained on September 12. 1998 of back fire of engine when A/C on. Service department claims this is normal even though it was a new problem felt after 2,035 ,miles driven. On October 27, 1998 headlight bezel came loose from vibration from tie rod being loose. Part of dash panel removed to correct loose switches. On October 27, 1998 vehicle was into service department due to door top weatherstripping tabs falling off. Dealer had to order parts and have vehicle returned after parts arrived to reinstall. …
Vehicle bought, however had been previously wrecked, the vehicle has many (numerous) problems due to prior wreck, dealer made false statements and practiced possible fraudulent acts.
Rear seat area and inside of trunk getting several inches of water during rainstorm. This has happened several times. Can't find leak.
Rain water accumulates in the trunk gathering around the spare tire. This has happened since purchase.
The paint is coming off the front bumper and appears to be an adherance problem.
Related recalls
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear suspension crossmember May be missing spot welds.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for any missing welds, and will have structural rivets installed in place of the missing welds.
Body complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1998 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the body & structure of the 1998 Dodge Neon, 6% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is body › trunk lid (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Neon body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-001 (body, Jan 7, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Neon body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 5 injuries to body & structure 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.