Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Plymouth Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have experienced a number of mechanical failures to my 1997 Plymouth Neon which I purchased two years ago. One month after purchasing the car began having electrical problems; radio stopped working, clock display would blackout. The most recent was experiencing a blown head gasket at the time the car was in operation. I was able to bring the car to a safe stop. However, had the gasket blown when I was on the expressway just minutes before then, the scene May have been more serious. I discovered oil in my antifreeze. My husband and I have research and located a website that informed consumers of manufacture defects that have been reported on the neons from the 1995 to 1998. A number of complains have been brought to the attention of Chrysler corporation by other consumers. However, they do not see it as a problem. …
Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. Cracked manifold replaced. Blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. Ignition coil replaced. Also tires, brakes, struts, battery. When I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew out. When I leased the car it was 2 years old and previously leased. I had to have an engine mount replaced that was missing, left turn signal didn't work and that was replaced. Also, paint on hood is bubbling and is starting to peel on right passenger side panel behind rear window. Driver side window doesn't roll up tight and air blows in and it whistles. Also lines on windows on passenger and driver side from rolling it up and down.
Consumer bought Neon new in 1997. Right after the warranty expired dealer told consumer there was an engine head gasket oil leak, and would cost $450 to fix it. Consumer thought dealer should have told him about the leak while vehicle was still under warranty since he always had the oil changed there. Currently, vehicle was leaking 1 quart per day. Consumer talked to mechanics, who indicated that Chrysler should have had a recall on the vehicle because they already have replaced many of the same vehicles for the same leaking problem after warranty ran out.
Car stalled out and stopped on freeway! I was almost rear ended. Stated right up but stalled again. Had it towed to shop (pepboys). They replaced several parts before referring me to dealership as they could not find and fix the problem. Chrysler dealership says it is engine wire harness at $930.00 to fix. Daimler-Chrysler knows part is failing in neons but declined to assist in the repair. Dealerships ordered part 7 days ago. Still has not arrived and I have no transportation.
Brakes redone after 3 years, head gasket replaced after 4 years, clear coat on paint also had to be replaced, muffler almost fell off, exhaust detected in cabin of car, reverse lights come on intermittently, motor mount broken, seals on windows falling down door jam. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768018
Consumer states that vehicle exhibited an oil leak at the camshaft sensor beginning at 35,108 miles. The leak continued to 05/30/03, with numerous repair attempts by the dealer. Consumer believes that the EGR valve is cause of problem. The EGR valva can not withstand the internal combustion heat in an illuminum block engine.
In heavy rain the car is very hard to steer, I have had to replace the transmission, I have had to replace the 02 sensor, and now the cooling fans don`t work I have also noticed a musty smell when I turn on the air cond. I have also had to replace the EGR valve it is just one thing after another that keeps going wrong with this car.
Constant replacement of tires on front drivers side, excessive wear, new tire only last about 6 to 7 months, have had alignment checked several times. Misfires a lot even though I get it tuned up every 3 months, excessive oil usage. Dealer gives me no good answers for this.
Head gasket failure, reverse lights go on and off sporadically, window seals and seals to the trunk are falling off, the trunk is taking in water which is draining into the vehicle's rear floor.
Engine head gasket has been going out since 1/00, and now severe oil leaks , ive put in 5 quarts of oil in the last 3 days! (this seems to be a reoccurring problem in nearly all 97 neons as, in my opinion, the manufacturer admits through at least two service bulletins) my check engine light comes on frequently and my oil light never goes off regardless of oil level in engine. I feel that the manufacturer is solely responsible for this head gasket repair and stronglt urge you to force them into a recall since they obviously are aware of the problem but refuse to fix thier mistakes. Also my turn signals do not turn off after completion of a turn this has occurred since odometer reading of 30,000. Interior door panel, passenger side, keeps coming loose from the frame, the dealer has repaired this twice but it is loose yet again. …
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 103 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Plymouth Neon, 64% of the model year's 161 complaints. The component named most often is engine (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Plymouth Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Plymouth Neon, though it has 1 recall 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 1997 Plymouth Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
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.