1996 Dodge Neon Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 93about this part
- Share
- 15%of 611 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 93 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Neon, 15% of the 611 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1996 Dodge NEON that keeps blowing fuel pump fuses when shifting to 3rd gear. It is an electrical short that I found in same vehicle made few months sooner july through november car in 1995 through 1996 I feel this is still happening my car is at risk to catch fire. Would greatly appreciate if this could be resolve and checked out. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10222375, filed 2008-03, 150,643 miles“I have had ongoing problems with my 1996 Dodge NEON sport, it has been inoperable for the last year or so, due to electrical problems and stalling which I believe stem from the wiring harness. I have had the brakes replaced a few times, the A/C replaced, fuel injection acts up and the fuel gauge fluctuates, my transmission has started slipping, power steering and exhaust are leaking, numerous oil leaks, rear lights/ brake lights have not worked in over a year, driverside window broke along the extending arm inside of the door frame, trunk release is broken and my cruise control is broken! …”
NHTSA complaint #10143833, filed 2005-11, 50,000 miles“While driving at any speed vehicle will intermittently stall. After a few minutes engine could be started as if nothing ever happened. Vehicle experienced this problem twelve times in the last year. Dealer informed consumer that there was a problem with the wiring harness, and there was a recall. However, consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10038535, filed 2003-09, 92,000 miles“Same engine wiring harness problem as stated in recall # 96v026000, but my NEON was not included in the recall, because it was not made in mexico. An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube.. Shorting of the wiring harness can cause various electrical malfunctions, including engine stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #10000276, filed 2002-12, 85,000 miles“Vehicle rejected by az dept of environmental quality. Obd not ready , dealer has flashed computer , retest done again , now same information obd not ready. They will not pass it they say they cant read it?? Cpu is fine by chrysler... Been checked 2 times... Help”
NHTSA complaint #10054750, filed 2004-01, 63,332 milesRelated recalls
- 96V026000Feb 5, 1996An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube..Covers: Dodge Neon 1996, Plymouth Neon 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 13 | 14% |
| 2004 | 15 | 16% |
| 2003 | 72 | 36% |
| 2002 | 25 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 16% |
| 2000 | 43 | 13% |
| 1999 | 13 | 11% |
| 1998 | 21 | 6% |
| 1997 | 33 | 8% |
| 1996 | 93 | 15% |
| 1995 | 98 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Neon
340 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Neon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology