1997 Dodge Neon Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 8%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 8% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Head gasket needed to be replace after 45,000 miles.. Bought the car in 2002.. Bbrakes are horrible.. Brakes make noise, system operating normal fan relay switch .. Needed to be replaced.. And was also recalled.. In about 3 years ago.. And never notified.. Front end always clanking.. When u turn..”
NHTSA complaint #10129445, filed 2005-07, 48,000 miles“The vehicle was towed and the mechanic stated the head gasket had blown, and the radiator fan relay switch needed replacing. Please provide any further information. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10006701, filed 2003-02, 62,000 miles“My car has had to have a circut board, fuel pump, fuel filter, and new gaskets at only two years old and 39280 miles. I feel that the circut board could cause crash or injury because I cannot tell how fast I am driving or if I have gas in my car. I was told at the dealer that there was a NEON with the same problem (circut board) that they had fixed just the week before.”
NHTSA complaint #711132, filed 2000-04“I have talked to other people with neons made in 97 and they seem to have the same problems. Also the paint is coming off. I have seen many NEON's since I bought mine, with this same problem. . No safetyd efec tmentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #757823, filed 2002-02“I bought my NEON used (but only a year old) I have had many problems with this car my blinkers come on by themselves, my trunk and back floors are getting drenched (puddles of water 3 inches) my brakes are squaling, my door light is shorting my reverse lights are blown my head gasket has blown twice. I have also had problem with my fires under the hood. This car is made poorly. I am trying to trade it and it not as much as I owe. Talk to dealer but does not seem like they want to help.”
NHTSA complaint #731841, filed 2000-09Related 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 1997 Dodge Neon
222 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Neon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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