1998 Dodge Neon Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 199about this part
- Share
- 59%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,568miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 199 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Dodge Neon, 59% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,568 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.
“Head gasket blew at 60,000 miles. Fortunately, my cousin is a claims adjuster for an extended warranty group. I was told to go to chrysler and remind them of the others that they have reimbursed for these damages and it worked. Chrysler paid for the repairs, all though it was not easy. I got the run around and an ear full of lies. But, in the end they paid. Don't take no for an answer. They have to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10025590, filed 2003-07, 62,000 miles“I purchased a 1998 NEON espresso in june of 2004. On about july 2004 my car died. I had it towed and had over $1,800 of engine work done. After work was done they stated my rear seal was leaking and wanted over $600 to repair this.”
NHTSA complaint #10104959, filed 2005-01, 116,000 miles“My wife bought her 1998 Dodge NEON in august of 2000. We recently passed 60,000 miles on the car and it began to leak oil. The leak was gradual at first and I assumed that the oil pan bolt had been put in incorrectly by the servicemen at the lube shop. However, on further review, the car was found to have a head gasket leak (approx. An $800 repair). Further research has LED me to find that this problem is common to all Dodge vehicles using this engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000246, filed 2002-12, 64,218 miles“Head gasket failed, water leaked into radiator. Had to replace head gasket, water pump, hoses, and flush radiator. Total repair $1600 car had 65000 miles. I never had a car do this. Dealer claims that it was my fault. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10000507, filed 2003-01, 65,000 miles“While driving to work one morning I checked my temperature gauge and realized my temp was extremely hot. Then there was a cloud of smoke rolling from under my hood. Being 50 miles from home and knowing this area too well I was very happy to see a county sheriff pull up behind me and offer me a ride to work. My car stayed on the side of the highway for 12 hours until I could get some one trust to come and tow it the 50 miles back home. The car sat for a while until I could save the money to bet it repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010141, filed 2003-03, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 12 | 13% |
| 2004 | 20 | 21% |
| 2003 | 18 | 9% |
| 2002 | 28 | 16% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 16% |
| 1999 | 55 | 47% |
| 1998 | 199 | 59% |
| 1997 | 222 | 57% |
| 1996 | 340 | 56% |
| 1995 | 294 | 30% |
| 1994 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Neon
34 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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