1998 Dodge Neon from North America

Summary:

A cheap imitation of a reliable car

Faults:

When I purchased the car, the air conditioning made loud squeal noises that were fixed within a week.

The window seals leak and air can be heard when driving. I had this issue looked at when I purchased the car, but it has started again.

Most recently, I am having problems with the head gasket. I have only 40,500 miles on the car. I have persistently contacted Chrysler for 3 weeks and they have agreed to what they call "goodwill". They are paying for the parts (about $200) and leaving me with the labor costs ($560) which are much more. The dealer seems to be doing his part to help me, but Chrysler refuses to admit that the neon has this problem. They told me that it is not "common", but it happens. I am sending a letter to the CEO of the company as well as the "Arbitration department". I have called Chrysler "Customer Service" almost everyday since the car broke and they are not interested in helping at all. They are more there to protect Chrysler and their dealerships. I intend to contact the State's Attorney General in New York and I strongly encourage others to do the same. If we all band together, they cannot ignore us.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th November, 2002

12th Jan 2007, 15:39

If that is your 2ND replacement head gasket I could see the resistance to cover it under the warranty. 2nd replacements are fought hard by all major car companies. They will accuse you of abuse of the vehicle, poor maintenance, etc. If it is the first time you needed the head gasket, and they are fighting you or charging for labor, then it is a lousy warranty or poor service. Take the car to another dealership and try it there before you agree to pay a fee.

1998 Dodge Neon Highline 2.0L from North America

Faults:

I got my Neon from my brother who bought it brand-new from Chrysler in 1998. I recently bought it from him (80,000KM) and it just took the car a week to give me a headache.

The transmission pan started to leak and the gasket needed to be replaced.

A month after that, the fan relay (the switch that turns the fan on and off) failed as well.

I know these are inexpensive repairs, but after hearing that Neons are lemons when it comes to gasket failure, I speak in behalf of all frustrated fellow Dodge Neon owners out there.

After doing an intensive research, the number 1 problem about this car is that its engine, in most cases, will blow its head gaskets off because of a defective or some Mexico-made fan relay. Why the fan relay? The fan relay is the switch that will turn on/off your fan in the radiator between 200 -230 degrees 'F. When the fan is not operating, the engine will start to heat up to how hot you can imagine thus making the engine overheat and warp the gaskets and engine block. When this happens, time to spend $1000 -$2000 or just simply start looking for a new car.

General Comments:

To be honest, I like this car very much. After spending thousands of dollars in upgrades like mags, body kit etc., its hard to let this one go.

Comfortable ride, fine looking, but I hate its electrical and engine components.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th November, 2002

1998 Dodge Neon from North America

Summary:

Poor quality without company backing

Faults:

Rear brake cylinders leaked at 20000. Defective seals.

Automatic transmission stopped shifting at 54000. Defective seals. Costly.

"Check engine" light came on frequently after car started and run 2 minutes or less.

Sunroof track broke. Was seldom used.

Engine oil leak at 70000. Copious now. Mechanic says looks like head gasket.

General Comments:

The dealership has been responsive, at least I thought so until I read the other reviews. Dealer helped me get some relief on the transmission repairs. I really thought that Dodge should have paid the entire bill.

I tried ordering new track for the sunroof three months ago- it never arrived.

The engine oil leak has me totally disgusted with Dodge- especially after I read here that no-one has been successful in getting Dodge support.

I was thinking of buying a Stratus; it's not an option now!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th October, 2002

24th May 2004, 12:57

This person has described the EXACT same problems I've had with my 1998 Dodge Neon R/T. I will not even consider a Chrysler made product again because of this car.

5th Aug 2004, 13:13

I haven't heard any complaints about the stratus, and I know for a fact that the intrepid, and sebring are very nice vehicles, although I do agree the neon seems to lack in what you might call...everything.