MYRModel Year Report

1997 Plymouth Neon

● Typical for this model
1997 Plymouth Neon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:26.993Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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
166
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

66% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1997: 166 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

66% · 110 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Air bags

10% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in a drive-thru, both frontal airbags deployed. The contact was not in the vehicle when this occurred, but stated nothing was hit or run over.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-02

While reversing both frontal air bags deployed prematurely. Driver sustained light bruises and eye irritation from the contents of the air bags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-03

Driver's side and passenger's side airbags came out when the two people were trying to get out of the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-02

Power train

9% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

Service brakes

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Structure

7% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing bumpers and body.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Door pops open, one occasion person fell out and was injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-20

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1997-07-15Air bags97V080000 The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 110 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V080000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Plymouth Neon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Plymouth Neon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Plymouth Neon?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Plymouth Neon have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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