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 1996 Plymouth Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission was replaced at about 35,000 miles under warranty, new transmission is beginning to slip. Headgasket has failed twice causing internal damage that the dealership won't admit to. Engine block or other part is cracked, leaking oil into cylinders 1 and 3, problem wasn't corrected last time in shop. Brakes fail regularly, especially under quick stopping attempts, even though the pads/shoes are still good. There is a gas leak that allows fumes to enter the car. EGR valve is broken and won't be fixed under warranty even though it's part of the engine. Paint is chipping on the bottom half of the car and the panels are now rusting. Car stalls in reverse. Car idles roughly even after tune-ups. Heat/ac knobs are cracked due to improper drilling.
ABS brakes; brake pedal goes to floor when applied. Owner spoke w/sport Chrysler norristown, pa., and they told her brakes were self adjusting. Two days later she had an accident. Chrysler rep., wishes to inspect vehicle. Please describe details.
When taking vehicle out of park into drive, the vehicle's throttle stuck, causing the vehicle to increase speed, resulting in an accident. Brakes failed to stop vehicle. No deployment of driver/passenger's air bags upon impact.
Oil leaks, dashboard failure, noise in brakes, wind noise in passengers door. Have replaced valve cover gasket twice, replaced oil sendind unit,cam sensor was replaced now I have a big oil leak, car only has 45000 miles on it.
When accelerating the car pulls to the left, when decelerating vehicle pulls to the right. Steering wheel replaced, it was vibrating due to being out of alignment, rack and pinion and steering rack were also replaced. Excessive shaking while driving, dealer replaced tires, and balanced and rotated tires, however shake still present, dealer stated vehicle had torque pull and could not be aligned, also had bad strut, vehicle continues to pull to the left and right and shakes. Consumer noticed oil around the bolts on the valve cover at only 265 miles, dealer can not find any leaks, front motor mount had a lot of play and was replaced, oil is very dark in color, poor power. Cv joints bad. Dealer lubed and adjusted front windows, they were hard to open and close. Windshield wiper blades failed. Wrong air cleaner vent was installed on vehicle. Emergency brake was stuck on. …
On the engine failures, both the head gasket and the valve cover gasket failed at separate times, resulting in all of the oil running onto the ground. The car was still under warranty, and the dealer repaired both problems. Regarding the brake light problem, the left turn signal often comes on when I apply the brakes. It will go off if I touch the turn signal handle on the steering column. This has gone on ever since I purchased the vehicle. Regarding the wheel problem, the car pulls to the right at highway speeds and the steering/handling has felt loose and wobbly despite having the rack and pinion replaced, a full alignment and having the tires balanced. Also, brake rotors are warped and currently being replaced. And, water leaked into the trunk and soaked items in both the trunk and on the rear floor. This, I think, has been fixed by resealing the rear lights.
Head gasket blown and car requires new rotors at 38,500 miles. Obvious defect. I called chryslers 800 number for recall and warranties and was advised that "Chrysler is aware of the problem and they are dealing with it on a case by case basis". In order for Chrysler to even consider paying for the repair, I have to see an authorized dealer and they will determine what if anything Chrysler will pay for. I have to wait 4 days before I can even get into see an authorized dealer and then it will take another 2-3 days to repair. The car is undrivable and I have no other transportation. Chrysler refuses to pay for a rental car. I call this very poor customer service and I would like Chrysler to be held responsible for the repairs to my car.
I want to get rid of this car, I called the dealer, he said he had a lot full of neons, I explained to him that the car was almost new because so many parts haven been replaced on it, it also told him that my car spent more time in their garage then mine. He suggested that I sell the car out right. I do not want to do this, I have called Chrysler twice complaining about the brake problem, missed 4 days of work because of the brake problem, spent 35.00 on a rental car because of the brake problem. I feel I should not have to loose money because I nolonger wish to own this car. Thanks for listening
When applying brakes, they would lock up and smoke came from the brakes. This happened during normal braking. Vehicle was taken to the dealership twice. The first time dealer could not find a problem with the brakes. Vehicle was taken to the dealership again on feb 4, 2000. Master cylinder was changed, along with new pads and rotors.
23% of the time that I have owned the vehicle, I've had problem with the brakes first time the rear brakes were adjusted, replace master brake cylinder, replace pads, scuff rotors and drums, adjust rears. 2 time nothing was told brakes are braking as designed. Next time air bubble was found. Now hcu unit need replacing.
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.
Brake complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Plymouth Neon, 12% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Neon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Plymouth Neon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries 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.