1996 Plymouth Neon Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 167about this part
- Share
- 54%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 167 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Plymouth Neon, 54% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1996 NEON which I purchased used in august of 2001 with only 35,000 miles on it. About 3 months ago I took it in for my monthly oil change/lube and was told that my head gasket was cracked and that I would need to get it replaced. They told me it would be a $1200 repair. I began to call around and each place, when I mentioned the problem and the year/make/model of my car, told me that they could have guessed what the repair was that I needed just by me giving them the type of car I drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008220, filed 2003-02, 91,000 miles“Since 1999 this car has been leaking oil. Replaced cam seal and head gasket once under warranty. 1 month later (when warranty ran out) had to be replaced again at a cost of 500.00. 6 months later started leaking again. Took to a mechanic who said this is common for this type of vehicle. Replaced cam seal and head gasket again. 1 month later same thing. Said chrysler had a new and improved seal. Guess what we are taking the car to the dealer again tomorrow. This will be the 6th time. I have probably spent on repairs the same amount I spent for the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030551, filed 2003-07, 26,000 miles“The car was run for 45mins at 10mph following a tractor. The last 2 miles were at 55mph. A few minutes after the vehicle was home and the engine turned off, the engine compartment caught on fire. All wiring and plastic components are a complete loss, hood is damaged, and all light units are ruined.”
NHTSA complaint #10198159, filed 2007-08, 400,000 miles“Head gasket on 1996 NEON failed causing car to stop in a busy intersection. Luckily, no injuries resulted from this failure. Despite widespread reports of frequently failing head gaskets in 1995-97 Plymouth and dodge neons with low mileage, chrysler refuses to officially acknowledge the problem and rarely offers to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10014133, filed 2003-04, 70,000 miles“Oil leaks, dashboard failure, noise in brakes, wind noise in passengers door. Have replaced valve cover gasket twice, replaced oil sendind unit,cam sensor was replaced now I have a big oil leak, car only has 45000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10100675, filed 2004-11, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Plymouth Neon
45 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Plymouth 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