Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Plymouth Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Brakes failed to work right when my boyfriend wrecked the car which then made him hit the guard rail. The air bags didn't come out. We contacted the place we got the car from but they could not tell us anything. Then the transmission went out of it on October 1, 2003. The whole transmission exploded. We were told the place we bought it from did not put in new clutch and pressure plate and throw out bearings in when we had just bought it. We had told them the clutch was making noise. They would not fixed it. They said it was nothing when I took it in; that's just neons they said... My biggest concern beside the tranny and clutch is the air bags not coming out at all...
When driving 55 MPH another vehicle stopped in front of the consumer's vehicle, causing the consumer to hit a dump truck from the side. When applying the brakes, the brakes locked up and pedal went straight to the floorboard. Also, brakes were very soft, and the vehicle spinned around due to the consumer losing control of the steering. This is the second time the brakes locked up, causing an accident. Vehicle has been in the shop six times for brakes, and the dealer can't determine the problem.
While at 40 MPH going down hill around a turn consumer applied brakes and they were too hard. Consumer's vehicle went into other lane and struck another vehicle head-on. Vehicle burst into flames and airbags did not deploy. Consumer mentions recalls 94V034, 94V033, and 96V228, consumer attempted to get these recall repairs two weeks prior to accident, however dealer refused due to VIN, consumer states these recalls are related to the accident.
Brakes failed to stop vehicle when they were applied. Took vehicle to dealership and mechanic test drove vehicle. Informed owner that ABS brakes were working just fine and were normal. Later, was driving vehicle, and was involved in an accident due to lack of braking power.
Due to corrosion, the brake lines ruptured while I was braking. I fear that the corrosion will also lead to fuel line leakage. There is an existing recall on both components, my VIN# is not included in the recalls campaign number on brake lines 96v2280000
Consumer was driving down freeway at approx 60 MPH suddenly went into a turn and heard a loud noise. Then within minutes she was in the air on two wheels; and when auto came down driver hit her head on windshield and auto began to slide.
I have truly been disappointed in this car. It has been nothing but trouble. The complaints are the main ones. However, they happened several times. I had actually contemplated on checking out the lemon law, but didn't know how to go about it. The check enging light kept coming on and they couldn't find the problem ,this finally was fixed after 6 months of repeated problems with it. A year later the check engine light came on again, because of previous problem I waited an extra mile to pull off. My engine was blown ! I had hit a bump, which inturn punctured the oil filter. I am really unhappy with this vehicle.
Consumer experiencing problem with vehicle braking system continually making noise whenever brake pedal is applied; vehicle would stall whenever brakes are used in a sudden stop. Also, gear would slip into neutral. Dealer notified. Car hesitates to start and at times there is a knocking sound under the car when ignition is turned off.
While driving there is a delay in shifting, and no power going up hills. Consumer states gas pedal is pressed to floor, and vehicle only goes 40 MPH. Consumer states transmission sticks while shifting from first gear to second. Oil gakset leak was detected after 25000 miles. Brakes started squeaking after 10000 miles.
In the rainy or snowy conditions, braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance, and May have resulted a crash. Also problems with driver's seatbelt system which always locked up when it was not suppose to. Also, engine head gasket failed. Please provide further information.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The rear brake hose mounting bracket screws can fail allowing the brake hoses to move out of position. The unrestrained hoses are then susceptible to damage which could result in brake fluid leakage.
Remedy: The rear brake line hose bracket screws on these vehicles will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS brake master cylinder rear seal allows air to enter the brake system, causing spongy brakes or partial brake system loss.
Remedy: Master cylinders will be inspected for the suspect build date code range and will be replaced if necessary.
Brake complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 87 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Plymouth Neon, 18% of the model year's 481 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Plymouth Neon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996); NHTSA recall 94V-034 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 23, 1994); NHTSA recall 94V-026 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jan 9, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Plymouth Neon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries and 1 death to brakes 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.