MYRModel Year Report

1996 Plymouth Neon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1996 Plymouth Neon
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Plymouth Neon Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 481 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 1997: 161 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
1995481
1996308
1997161
1998167
199962
2000141
200149

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 37%

37% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 113 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

FRONT AIRBAG FAILED TO FUNCTION IN ACCIDENT WITH SEVERE DAMAGE TO BUMPER AND HOOD.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040308

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960409

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1996 — complaint volume: 308
R 19960317 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 96V026000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960610 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 96V075000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19980226 — PE (closed 19980623)

UNDERHOOD FIRES

I 20021106 — PE (closed 20030423)

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (113 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V026000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V075000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 1999 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ● 1998 ● 1997

See all years ranked →

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:engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Plymouth Neon have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.