1997 Dodge Neon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 4%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 4% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,400 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am having a lot of problems with my 1997 Dodge NEON. The steering wheel has nothing but clicks. I am having so much problems turning on my signal lights. The problem has gotten worse. I am hoping that this is a recall so I won't have to pay so much money out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #10576182, filed 2014-04, 167,800 miles“Like so many others, the head gasket on my young NEON has blown.I have also had problems with brakes squealing, power steering locking up in wet weather and the turn signal now only works when it feels like it. The radio had to be replaced the first year I owned the car - and it took the dealer nearly a month to get that done.”
NHTSA complaint #718253, filed 2000-02“While driving on highway the vehicle stalled, causing driver to loose control of vehicle because steering wheel locked up. Driver was able to coast to the side of the road safely. The map sensor was replaced by dealer on 10/27/97. On 10/28/97 while making a left turn the vehicle stalled again, almost causing a crash. Dealer also replaced camshaft/crankshaft position sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #817945, filed 1998-01“When driving over a puddle or when driving in the rain power steering belt gets wet, causing steering to become difficult which caused driver to almost hit a pedestrian. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has replaced belts and has tightened them. However, problem returns whenever it rains. Manufacturer has provided dealer with instruction to tighten belts, and check the torque every three thousand miles.”
NHTSA complaint #871728, filed 2000-09“Consumer has had three incidents concerning vehicle steering wheel. On the last incident consumer was driving on a two lane canyon road, approx 45 MPH, before coming to an approaching turn,consumer applied brake to slow down to 35 MPH; steering wheel became stuck and hard to turn; consumer barely made the turn, causing danger to consumer . Dealer notified. As always informed the consumer that nothing can be founded.”
NHTSA complaint #824272, filed 1998-06Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
| 2000 | 27 | 8% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 13 | 4% |
| 1997 | 15 | 4% |
| 1996 | 24 | 4% |
| 1995 | 124 | 13% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Neon
222 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 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 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