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 1999 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I can not give exact dates but have all service bills. I had the head gasket changed when it was covered under warranty. The air compressor is bad and now my struts are bad all at 44 thousand miles. All the tires that came with the car were replaced way before the warranty. I had midas put my new brakes on so I don't have to keep going back and replacing them through spizter Dodge. This is the worst car I ever had and I had a yugo that says alot
Since about three months after getting my 1999 Dodge Neon I started having difficulites with it.ranging from lights comming on and off inside and rough idle.thenthen when the wiring issue was presented for left turn signal popping on and off at will,and the whole car just shutting down while driving on the highway.steering whell locking up and no control over the functions at all then car would not start.I kept taking it in and addressing to crysler that the main engine fuse by the firewall was blowing and was told that it was highly unusual for that to happen and upon initial inspection they found the wiring harness warded from the heat of the fuse blowing and replaced fuse and sent me on my way for it only to happen 3 more times!at this point they double fused the lines and now the chk engine light stays on and it is impossible to register my car now with that light on and because of …
Since owning this car I have had nothing but problems from 0 to 36,000 miles most were minor and were taken care of by the dealer (althoughi had to tell them what was wrong - they replaced the wrong parts the first time!). Unfortunately, most of the problems occured after 36,000 miles were on the odometer and Chrysler has not been too responsive to my requests for assistnace. I have been told by the dealer that my vehicle is out of warranty and that they would be happy to fix it but who wants to pay $75.00 so that a technician can learn to fix my car. In frustration, I have purchased a shop manual and have started to repair these problems myself. My sun roof needs a 10 cent plastic part which Chrysler does not stock so in order to get it I need a new $500 sunroof mechanism! …
In the last 21/2 years I have had several oil leaks all pertaining to a head gasket problem. I have replaced the head gasket and now I have a hesitation when I go to take off. My RPM gauge never goes below 6. I have dumped several bottles of gas treatment in the car on the advice of a technician but that does not work. It is almost like a kink in a rubberband. When you hit the gas thge RPM gauge goes to 8 and stays there until you ease up on the gas. Then the car shotts forward and the RPM gauge goes to 6. I am not the only one with this problem I have heard of other 1999 4-cylinder cars having the same problem.
I was driving home on an interstate from work when there was a pop from beneath the hood and the car began to run rough and the check engine light came on. I continued to drive home and took the vehicle to the mechanic in the morning and was told that the head gasket had blown and would cost approximately $700 to repair. I was also told that it was uncommon for a head gasket to fail at 68,000 miles and that all the engine's fluids would need to be changed. I had the vehicle repaired and have noticed that now it consumes around 1 quart of oil between oil changes(3,000 mi).
Head gasket: took the 1999 Dodge Neon to a mechanic after express oil noticed an oil leak. I always have oil changed every 3000 miles. The mechanic told me that I had a warped head gasket and would have to be replaced. The car doesn't even have 60,000 miles on it. I have read numerous complaints on this and wonder why Dodge will not accept responsibility and recall? My bill ended up being $2000 because they also needed to replace the timing belt which shouldn't have to be replaced until after 90K miles.
Had car repaired for a cracked head gasket and cracked radiator. I asked the dealership wasn't there a recall on cracked gaskets I was told for the 98 Dodge Neon. Got new brake pads. They squeal loud and it takes a lot for car to come to a complete stop. Had to get a new thermostat on my car because it kept running hot. If they replaced my radiator in jan 2003 why is my thermostat out. Also the check engine light came on and had to have the fuel inductor replaced along with a few other things.
Head gasket failed. Checked repair costs at 7 different mechanics, including Dodge dealer ($650-$1000); all seemed very familiar with the problem. Many didn't even have to look up the price to repair, they knew it off hand. 4 different family/friends also have had same problem. Was told by dealer to watch for oil leaking into coolant, as this is another common problem, with more dire consequences. Why is this not a recall issue?
When driving through rain or through a puddle the steering goes out and locks up. When the driver is trying to turn left vehicle will continue to go right. Also, there is an oil leak. It has not been determined from where the leak originated. The vehicle is losing about 2 quarts per day. Components inside the engine compartment are covered with oil, but the dealer has been unable to detect the oil leak.
I purchased the car brand new and it currently has 44,000 miles. Engine now leaks large amounts of oil, so badly that I am adding 1-2 quarts 3 times a week. Problem was found to be the head gasket and estimates for repair range from 700-1200.00. How can such a large company scam so many innocent consumers and nothing be done???????
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Dodge Neon, 47% of the model year's 116 complaints. The component named most often is engine (40 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Dodge Neon. 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 1999 Dodge Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries and 5 deaths 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.