2000 Plymouth Neon Body and structure Problems

“Approaching a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly came to a jarring stop after the right front wheel hit a small recessed gas company access cover, perhaps 2 deep and 6 in diameter. The frame member between the two front wheels cracked right through in a shower of rust. Fortunately this did not happen at higher speeds or major injuries could have occurred. 12 years seems too soon for this kind of undercarriage wear to have occurred. Car is scrap now but had been running well.”

“There is an excessive amount of rust forming on the unibody structure behind the front frame support that spans the width of the car. Large pieces of flaking metal are coming off and there are holes through the metal. I fear the integraty and the streangth of the body is being weakened.”

“Static electricity very sharp when leaving vehicle. So, have learned to not touch metal when exiting vehicle, but this becomes a problem when I then go to open gas tank, esp when hot and under pressure. I have attached a ground strap which has not solved problem. Only thing that works is to spray seats with anti static, but that wears off. Dealer acknowledges problem, does not know what to do, and there is no tech service bulletin from chrysler. …”

“The contact owns a 200 Plymouth NEON. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lowered to the ground and both front tires blew out. The contacted called roadside assistance who determined that the jack went through the frame. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the frame was rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.”

“Water is coming in the trunk somehow seeping inside the spare tire area and leaking into the back of the car soaking the back floor boards. / strong gas smell in my car when operating - so bad that the windows have to cracked for fresh air - cannot find any leaks- my grandchildren are being transported in my car daily- was told that this does not sound like a defect and I will be responsible for any cost - problem since around november 2004 / brakes squeal everytime I brake -had new rotors and brake pads installed december 2003 - noise is so loud sometimes it is embarrassing.”