Dodge Neon AC & Heater Problems

Owners have filed 89 complaints about a/c & heater problems with the Dodge Neon — 3% of all Neon complaints. The worst model years are 1995 (47), 1996 (14) and 1997 (8). Problems typically start around 68,000 miles. No ac & heater recall has been issued for the Neon.

89complaints
1995worst year
68ktypical miles
0related recalls
2crashes
1fires

AC & Heater complaints by model year

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200547148528311
AC & Heater complaints per model year, Dodge Neon.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
200511%92,000 miles
200310%110,000 miles
200132%10,000 miles
200082%68,000 miles
199922%—
199851%80,000 miles
199782%—
1996142%50,000 miles
1995475%—

Which parts fail

  • Appliance › Air conditioner
    65
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    14
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Heater core
    7
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
    6
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
    3
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Rear window
    1

Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    114%
  • 25k–50k
    114%
  • 50k–75k
    229%
  • 75k–100k
    229%
  • 100k–150k
    114%
  • 150k+
    00%

What owners report

Consumer stated while stopped at a light, as she attempted to step on the gas, the pedal began to act erratic, which caused the vehicle to hit the person in front and would not stop. The vehicle was repaired, but now it hesitates when driving or stopping. Other problems are as followed: the electrical lights and alarms, engine/cooling system, equipment(not spec), fuel system, heater/defrost/vent, park brake, power train, serv. Brakes, steering, structure, suspension, visual systems, the air bag module, (brain of the vehicle) computer, and a cracked motor head. Cause of incident: wear/corrosion/rust, locks, and stability.

2001 Neon · Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Heater core · Jan 2003 · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle experienced electrical problems, there is a burning smell when the lights are on at night. The smell comes from the instrument panel and behind the steering wheel. After turning on the vehicle for about an hour the electrical defects began to surface. When the air conditioner is on, it drains power from the vehicle. Provide further details.

2001 Neon · Appliance › Air conditioner · 10,000 miles · Jun 2004

I have a 2000 Dodge Neon. There is something wrong in with the venting system. At time it will quit blowing air out of the vent even though I can here the blower fan blowing. There is excessive moisture in the system. Sometimes when I turn on the it blows out alot of mousture. It stops in the summer with the ac on and in the winter. When I try to use the vents it blows out more moisture. The side windows and rear will not defrost.

2000 Neon · Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor · 39,000 miles · Dec 2001

When applying the brakes, the vehicle will start to pulsate at any speed. Also, extended stopping distance. Contacted dealer. The consumer states the following as problems occured: the passenger air bag, throttle blade icing, defective rotors, charging system over charging-no trouble codes; 3 battery replacements(defective per mechanic), many gas tank repairs/replacements(would not take gas without clicking and ticking/filler tank/gas tank), warning brake light and buzzer chimes when brake is applied also with the gas pedal when applied (due to defective rotors and lack of brake fluid, transmission problem-grinding noise/won't go in reverse, brake noise in rear tire/brake booster replace per recall-needs rotors & pads in front, A/C blows warm air-compessor clutch wouldn't engage(found broken wire), problem with the voltage regulator, and noise in the power steering.

2000 Neon · Appliance › Air conditioner · Aug 2002

Consumer had the air conditioner repaired for blowing hot air six months after purchasing the vehicle. Two years later, the same problem occurred. Dealer repaired the vehicle at half price to the owner. Vehicle is in the shop again for the same problem. Manufacturer was notified by the consumer.

1998 Neon · Appliance › Air conditioner · 80,000 miles · Jul 2004

I have talked to other people with neons made in 97 and they seem to have the same problems. Also the paint is coming off. I have seen many Neon's since I bought mine, with this same problem. . No safetyd efec tmentioned.

1997 Neon · Defroster/defogger/HVAC system · Feb 2002

Help ! It was just seven months ago I purchase a 1997 Neon. I was so happy, I was going to be driving a fairly decent car. It was 1998 and I was going to be driving a 1997. With A/C even. Ha. Ha. Ha. Needless to say I didn't know three weeks later I would be putting in a new transmission. Car in the shop for two weeks waiting on a part they had to order. Boy did that put a sour taste in my mouth. I called Chrysler and wanted to give the car back. I no longer wanted the car. I knew then I would not have nothing but problems after that. Well you know they said no. Good thing I had the 1595.00 exteded serv. Contract I got the problem fix free . Well not really free it cost me 1595.00 for the warranty and fifty dollars everytime you have to put your car in the shop. I only had 30.000.00 miles and already needed it a transmission? Hmmmm. In December we had a recall on the car. …

1997 Neon · Appliance › Air conditioner · Mar 1999

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!! …

1996 Neon · Appliance › Air conditioner · 50,000 miles · Sep 2005

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Neon years have ac & heater problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (47), 1996 (14), 1997 (8), 2000 (8) and 1998 (5) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1995.

Is there a recall for Dodge Neon ac & heater problems?

No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Dodge Neon model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Dodge Neon ac & heater problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (65 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (14).

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.