1997 Plymouth Neon Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 103about this part
- Share
- 64%of 161 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Plymouth Neon, 64% of the 161 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In heavy rain the car is very hard to steer, I have had to replace the transmission, I have had to replace the 02 sensor, and now the cooling fans don`t work I have also noticed a musty smell when I turn on the air cond. I have also had to replace the EGR valve it is just one thing after another that keeps going wrong with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10068910, filed 2004-01, 122,000 miles“Constant replacement of tires on front drivers side, excessive wear, new tire only last about 6 to 7 months, have had alignment checked several times. Misfires a lot even though I get it tuned up every 3 months, excessive oil usage. Dealer gives me no good answers for this.”
NHTSA complaint #10020988, filed 2003-06, 5,000 miles“Car stalled out and stopped on freeway! I was almost rear ended. Stated right up but stalled again. Had it towed to shop (pepboys). They replaced several parts before referring me to dealership as they could not find and fix the problem. Chrysler dealership says it is engine wire harness at $930.00 to fix. Daimler-chrysler knows part is failing in neons but declined to assist in the repair. Dealerships ordered part 7 days ago. Still has not arrived and I have no transportation.”
NHTSA complaint #10098689, filed 2004-11, 67,000 miles“I have experienced a number of mechanical failures to my 1997 Plymouth NEON which I purchased two years ago. One month after purchasing the car began having electrical problems; radio stopped working, clock display would blackout. The most recent was experiencing a blown head gasket at the time the car was in operation. I was able to bring the car to a safe stop. However, had the gasket blown when I was on the expressway just minutes before then, the scene may have been more serious. I discovered oil in my antifreeze. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023631, filed 2003-06, 63,999 miles“Major oil leak from head gasket which was replaced. Cracked manifold replaced. Blower motor to heater went out and was replaced. Ignition coil replaced. Also tires, brakes, struts, battery. When I first leased the car I had to get new tires as there were plugs in two of the tires and they blew out. When I leased the car it was 2 years old and previously leased. I had to have an engine mount replaced that was missing, left turn signal didn't work and that was replaced. Also, paint on hood is bubbling and is starting to peel on right passenger side panel behind rear window. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070482, filed 2004-01, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Plymouth Neon
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Plymouth Neon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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