Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Broken tie rod ends both sides, transmission failure, head gasket failure, read door driver's side will not close at all, trunk will not unlock with key, brakes wear every 3 to 4 months, high rate of oil burn off. The car had less than 60,000 miles on it.
The consumer received a recall (01v-154) notice about brake vacuum hose,but had to make three trips for getting it fixed. The vehicle began making noise after the repair and the consumer went to another dealer and found it the previous dealer had not stalled the recall parts.
I bought the car new which would not start for test drive was told someone left dome light on. After jump, it worked fine for a few thousand miles. Then went to car and would not start one day. There was no battery light on or any warning. It has happened 2 more times since then. Rear brakes wear out within a few months from replacement. Dealer fixed once and I have incured the expense several times since. I can not even afford to do it anymore leaving me to take a risk of driving with bad rear brakes. The most recent of events to occur this morning my drive belts broke. After taking vehicle to dealer to replace them I was told the belts broke because the tensioner pulley had tilted. I was also informed from service tech that they see lots of them come in like that and that they were surprised that there had not been a recall or at least a TSB. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Plymouth Neon. While attempting to park, the contact changed gears into reverse and the vehicle shut off. She restarted the vehicle and shifted into park; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. The brakes failed to work when the pedal was depressed. The contact was able to shift into park, but the vehicle shut off a few minutes later. She waited a while before restarting the vehicle and it returned to normal. She will take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
The consumer has experienced a problem with brakes. Upn applying the brakes vehicle skidded, went up on two wheels, and spun over 4 lanes, causing the consumer to run into a concrete divider. As a result, the consumer was hospitalized. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.
When applying brakes, consumer hears a grinding noise; have taken vehicle to dealership several times & dealership acknowledges this is a problem with neons. Vehicles brakes linings need to be cleaned several times a year in an attempt to prevent this noise.
Consumer was driving on the road at 25 MPH on normal road conditions when suddenly had to apply brakes. Brakes failed to operate properly which caused vehicle to hit the rear of the vehicle in front. Both air bags did not deploy. Dealer notified.
On several occassions we took vehical to the dealer and was told everything is fine just replace your brakes. After constently being sent away by the dealer, we eventually took the car to another mechanic and found out all kinds of problems: blown head gasket, replace the brakes (again), calipers drifting to one side, etc. My warranty just expired, but I think it should still be honored since the problems could have been fixed a long time ago.
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. In the presence of oil and heat, the brake booster vacuum hose could swell and loosen from the intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum hose. Owner notification began July 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within…
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The rear brake hose mounting bracket screws can fail allowing the brake hoses to move out of position. The unrestrained hoses are then susceptible to damage which could result in brake fluid leakage.
Remedy: The rear brake line hose bracket screws on these vehicles will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS brake master cylinder rear seal allows air to enter the brake system, causing spongy brakes or partial brake system loss.
Remedy: Master cylinders will be inspected for the suspect build date code range and will be replaced if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Plymouth Neon years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (87), 1996 (38), 2000 (36), 2001 (14) and 1997 (12) model years. Brake complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Plymouth Neon brake problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 01V-154 (vacuum, May 8, 2001); 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996); 94V-034 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 23, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Plymouth Neon brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components (61 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (53).
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.