1996 Plymouth Neon
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 483 |
| 1996 | 308 |
| 1997 | 166 |
| 1998 | 167 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 141 |
| 2001 | 49 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
58% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 179 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: electrical system — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIREShow 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. PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030215
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 gauges
NHTSA ODI report, 20211231
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13% of complaints: service brakes — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
UNDERHOOD FIRES
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (179 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V026000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V075000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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.