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 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.
Consumer 1996 Plymouth Neon PCM had to be reprogrammed causing comer vehicle to fail emissions. The consumer's vehicle failed state emission inspection because the vehicle's readiness codes were cleared each time the key was turned to the off position. The consumer found a TSB which stated that the PCM must be reprogrammed to remedy the condition. After repeated attempts to get the local dealer to acknowledge the problem consumer took the vehicle elsewhere where the PCM was reprogrammed at no charge.
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. …
First the battery kept draining due to a short within in it and was replaced. Second, the transmission failed and had to be completely overhauled. By the time anyone figured out what was wrong it would not go in reverse. Third, the head gasket is causing an oil leak and needs to be replaced. Other things that just stopped working include the relase for the trunk and back left speaker. This car is a nightmare and something should be done to compensate anyone who still has one.
Since the purchase of this 1996 Plymouth Neon, in March 17,1997 there has been numerous problems. Starting with camshaft seal. Oil leakage around head gasket many times, radiator recall, multiple cylinder misfire, break repairs, master cylinder seals swollen, rubber trans return cooler line cracked, rebuilt trans and replaced seals, fuel pump replacement, replace rear main seal, replace pan gasket, replace oxygen sensor, and recent trans failure.
Head gasket is leaking oil, causing a potential safety hazard. Dealer replaced head gasket 3 times/valve cover gasket twice, and transmission seals once, but defects have reoccurred. Also, air conditioning system will not blow cold air and had to be replaced twice.
I have always maintained my car regularly, but I've had so many problems with it. First of all, I've always had brake trouble, second: my turn signals will sometimes come on when I hit the brakes (or sometimes not at all), my defrost keeps breaking (only vent and bi-level will work); my horn died for no reason a few months ago, and today my car won't start (I drove to church, and it worked fine, but when I later tried starting my car, it wouldn't start. It appeared as though the battery was dead <even though I din't leave anything on. So a friend jump-started my car. It started, but on my way home, the odometer, gas gauge, and hot-cold gauges were fluctuating up and down, and the radio kept resetting channels. The seatbelt and battery lights kept flickering on and off, as did the chimes. …
Part of hub assembly ,where axle goes through, broke while driving at 60 MPH down hwy, causing driver side wheel to lock and lose control of vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Consumer states transmission in reverse is very slow, not working properly. Dealer stated there is problem. Vehicle was no longer under warranty so she had to pay, vehicle has only 64000 miles.
Service buliten 21-23-95 Chrysler put the wrong part in transmision for 3 months in 1995 and won't cover the cast of repair. Slips into neutral when shifting from 2-3 could cause crash.
Transmission complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Plymouth Neon, 9% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Neon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1996 Plymouth Neon, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 1996 Plymouth Neon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.