MYRModel Year Report

1996 Plymouth Neon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1996 Plymouth Neon
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
308
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 308 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001
1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 308 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001
1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 308 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001

1996: 308 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19943
1995483
1996308
1997166
1998167
199962
2000141
200149

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

58% · 179 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

16% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Dashboard indicators stop working. I could have a full tank of gas and the fuel indicator will read empty. The car could be running for an hour and the temperature still reads cold.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-15

I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature…

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-31

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Service brakes

13% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

9% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

7% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Front airbag failed to function in accident with severe damage to bumper and hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-08

Consumer was in an accident and after the air bag deployed, the driver side air bag caught on fire and the passengers side was red hot. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-09

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1996Complaint volume 308 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1996-03-17Electrical system96V026000 An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube..

    Remedy: Dealers will reroute the engine wiring harness properly and any wire that has been damaged will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1996-06-10Service brakes, hydraulic96V075000 The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1998-02-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-06-23 Underhood fires
  5. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 179 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 49 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 41 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V026000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 96V075000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1996 Plymouth Neon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Plymouth Neon is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Plymouth Neon?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Plymouth Neon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.