1997 Dodge Neon Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 6%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 6% of the 390 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1997 Dodge NEON - head gasket leaked - was replaced for a small fee once dealer was contacted. Now we have a problem with the paint on the truck and side peeling and bubbling off. What can we do? Can we contact the dealer to have the car repainted? I've noticed several complaints online regarding this problem with neons.”
NHTSA complaint #10045295, filed 2003-11“I have a 1997 Dodge NEON. Within the last couple of months the paint has suddenly started to peel and buckle as if the primer no longer holds it. I have noticed the paint on other neons as I am driving are also peeling the same way.”
NHTSA complaint #10054943, filed 2004-01“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“My first complaint would be about the paint. My car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It is now peeling in 6 spots, the largest is the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. I was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. I pulled over and everything seemed fine. I continued to drive but could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155727, filed 2006-04“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
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 15% |
| 2004 | 6 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 21 | 12% |
| 2001 | 13 | 9% |
| 2000 | 33 | 10% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 22 | 6% |
| 1997 | 24 | 6% |
| 1996 | 23 | 4% |
| 1995 | 20 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Neon
222 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 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