1997 Dodge Neon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 7%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,719miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 7% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,719 miles. 3 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 just bought this 97 Dodge NEON with only 23,000 miles on it. The A/C has a leak in the coil , the transmission is slipping . The car is in great shape but those few things so far . The person who owned the car before me was an older gentleman who does not wreck his things. I was wondering are these problems, factory problems and/or recalls?”
NHTSA complaint #10043303, filed 2003-10, 23,000 miles“The consumer saw oil leaking from the vehicle. The dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to a head gasket failure. The mechanic did not resolve the problem. On june 3rd 2002, the consumer had to have the transmission re-built. The main gear had a crack in the casting and started to loose teeth. The consumer noticed the casing of the transmission was wet. The heads of the engine were warped. The dealers in both case only changed the gasket and not checking to see if the head was warped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10065182, filed 2004-06, 44,438 miles“Auto transmission 3 speed I having a problem they is always a big gerk when taking the car o ut of gear or placing the car in park I have taken the car back to the dealer they sts that there is nothing wrong with the transmission but I have had it there 4 times for the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #751142, filed 2001-08“I bought this pile of c... 2 years ago and had to replace the transmission with 38000 miles on it . Now the head gasket has failed. I was about to give the dealer $800 to repair it when the told me the engine has a crack in it. Now it will be $3500.00 for a new engine. It only has 71000 miles on it . And chrysler doesnt care that this is quite possily the worst car ever made. It ranks right up there with a yugo and a pinto”
NHTSA complaint #754438, filed 2001-11“Ever since I bought the car used I have had numerous problems. Here is just a brief list: incorrect gas mileage both city and highway, transmission problems, brakes squeaking, air coming through bad window seals, defrost not working properly, air conditioning not working correctly, 3 oxygen sensors replaced, 2 head gaskets replaced, and water coming into the trunk which has caused the jack and tire changing equipment to rust. Also the water then leaks into the back floor which causes the car to smell. …”
NHTSA complaint #754459, filed 2001-11Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 15% |
| 2004 | 23 | 24% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 36 | 21% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 2000 | 28 | 8% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 6% |
| 1997 | 26 | 7% |
| 1996 | 47 | 8% |
| 1995 | 93 | 10% |
| 1994 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Neon
222 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
33 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 30, 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