Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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...
A recall is listed on n.h.t.s.a. (national highway safety traffic association) for my vehicle make/model/year, for it's PCM-(power control module). However I did call Chrysler, they told me that they do "VIN filtering" due to their selective "VIN filtering" my car's was not put on the list for the recall of the PCM-(power control module). My vehicle stalls shuts off out of the blue and shifts improperly in 2nd gear. The recall# 94V033000 was issued, however my vehicle was not included in the recall, because my VIN. My consumer protection agency, told me that my VIN, "fell threw the cracks". Because of this I am left with a unsafe car. I will be also filing safety complaints with my consumer protection agency about this issue/problem. My husband was almost in an accident yesterday (03/29/06) because it shut off on him on his way to his v.a. Apt. …
Tl*- the contact stated that 1995 Plymouth Neon has been recalled. However, the dealership and the manufacturer stated that this vehiclewas not part of recall, campaign # 94V033000. The contact stated that the vehicle had power failure that started during 2004. The contact took vehicle to the dealership, and has been told that they could not find anything wrong with automatic transmission control module. The contact stated that while driving at any speed his vehicle lost power, but the vehicles engine continued to stay on. When the vehicle was at a complete stop and the driver depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle did not accelerate properly. The vehicle proceeded very slowly regardless of the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that on 1/2/07 while driving at 65 MPH the vehicle lost power on the highway, but it did restart immediately.
Power control module for the transmission failed. As a result, vehicle stalled and shifted improperly. Recall 94V033000 was issued, however this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
When shifting the manual transmission gears at approximately 45 MPH, the transmission case cracked at the 2 attaching points for the transmission mount tearing the mount from the tranmission allowing the tranmission to drop and the left axle shaft to fall onto the mounting point for the left front lower control arm while the axle shaft was rotating at 45 MPH. Because the driveshaft fell onto the chassis, the inner cv boot tore spraying the chassis with its lubricant. The steering wheel jerked left and right as the flat surfaces of the inner cv joint rotated into contact with the chassis causing the engine and transmission assembly to rise and fall under the hood. I called the 1-800 customer service number for Chrysler and the representative took some information but stated that the company did not show a history of this happening and that Chrysler would not cover the repairs.
While traveling at 65 MPH on highway heard a knocking sound while going. Had slowed down & knocking continued. Later the noise was louder & smoke appeared. Pulled to side of road, and saw that fluid was leaking from underneath. Had vehicle towed to mechanic and was informed that transfer case had cracked, causing transmission to be inoperative/leak .
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.
The first torque converter and transaxle went out in 11/97 then again in 1/7/99 and again 2/00. Is there a problem with the transmissions? I see alot of other consumer complaints with the same problems I have experienced. I feel that Chrysler should have a recall on these transmissions, they should last longer than 1 year. Please respond.
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.
Engine check light comes on/off. Problem is with the oxygen sensor. Also transmission problems, leading to replacement of the transmission/brakes wore out and replaced three times. Dealer aware of all problems. Problems still exists. Warranty is expired. Provide further information.
Related recalls
Power train
Moisture can get into the powertrain control module (PCM) causing driveability malfunctions, including stalling.
Remedy: The powertrain control modules on these vehicles will be replaced.
Transmission complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Plymouth Neon, 8% of the model year's 481 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Plymouth Neon transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 94V-033 (power train, Feb 23, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Plymouth Neon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.