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 1998 Plymouth Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When brake is pushed the turn lights would light up and brake lights wouldn't brighten. This was (08/13/01). In 10/10/01 was able to drive forward in reverse and neutral, didn't have a reverse, transmission replaced. In 03/12/02, found oil in the antifreeze reserve and radiator, replaced engine due to head gasket problem. In 04/15/02, transmission doing the same thing back on 10/10/01 , transmission is replaced again. In 10/31/02, transmission replaced for the third time, due to shifting hard, and same problem as 10/10/01 and 04/18/02. Also, at the same time the speed sensor went out so there was no speedometer working. We also had to replace the rear main oil seal because it was leaking and replaced the oil sending unit. ***dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 121/12/02 cut-over to artemis--------769334.
Purchased car 5/2000 with 10,000 miles. Oil leak on garage floor, took to mechanic who said car had blown head gasket & these cars are notorious for this problem. Dealer contacted, who refused to repair under warranty even though it is only 1 month past the 3 yr date & well under the 36,000 miles. Think mfg. Should be held accountable for quality issue. Found several reports of same problem on your website. Need help. Single parent & no money to repair at my expense. Mr **** dims ii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/2002 cut-over artemis****740626
Took my 98 Neon with 42,000 miles into local Chrysler dealership for an oil leak. They said that the head gasket needed to be replaced for a total of $1050. It is my opinion that: - the head gasket failure is not due to my own negligence, but an inherent design flaw. - the inferior head gaskets shipped in these cars pose a slight safety risk to consumers because it directly leads to oil leakage. - a large percentage, if not all first generation neons, are affected by this problem.
At 53,000 miles the head gasket on my 1998 Plymouth Neon failed. The repair cost approximately $700 and had to be made on an urgent basis by a certified non-dealer repair facility. This vehicle has a known history of this failure and a service bulletin was issued on sept. 8, 1999. The company has declined financial participation in the repair of this vehicle. As a known problem, I believe the company should bear the financial burden of this repair and issue a recall.
These problems were found during a replacement of our third transmission. We are really upset with Plymouth/Dodge auto. We had this car for only a year and it has been nothing but trouble. Like I said, 3 transmissions, 1 engine due to head gasket problems. Now, the oil pressure sending unit, vehicle speed sensor, and the rear main oil seal. ----dims 11 ivoq entry after 12/12/01 cut-over to artemis-------769336.
Car has 36,000 miles on it and oil started running out underneath the car. Took car to dealer and the head gasket was blown. This is a known problem and Chrysler has yet to correct it. Upon further investigation I have found that I will have this problem again since it is a defect from the manufacturer. I was told from mechanic that several other cars the heads are also affected by this problem.
I bought the car and had great mileage for about 4 months. Now I get less than someone who owns a Chevy camero that is 3 years older than my car. I went on a trip to southern illinois and 5 and 1/2 hour drive. I used all the oil in my car. I took it to a dealer and was told that I had blown a head gasket.
Head gasket failure at 37500 miles ( 2001) head gasket failure at (83125 miles) resulting in oil contamination/check engine light problem/spark plug fouling. Rear oil seal failure ( started at 55125 miles)- $ 2000 repair bill to replace head gasket and rear oil seal at 83125 miles.
Head gasket failed at approximately 32,000 miles. Head gasket was replaced at a Chrysler dealership and the new head gasket failed again with less than 40,000 miles on the gasket. This is a known problem with neons and Chrysler has yet to issue a recall.
My car leaks water. My trunk leaks and the rear floor leaks on both sides. What is causing this it has done this since I have had the car but it has gotten worse. I have also replaced the engine at 36000 miles.
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Plymouth Neon, 54% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is engine (69 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Plymouth Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 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 1998 Plymouth Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.