MYRModel Year Report

1997 Plymouth Neon

● Typical for this model
1997 Plymouth Neon
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:51.513Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Plymouth Neon Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 1997: 166 complaints 1997 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%

66% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 110 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20060202

WHILE REVERSING BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED PREMATURELY. DRIVER SUSTAINED LIGHT BRUISES AND EYE IRRITATION FROM THE CONTENTS OF THE AIR BAGS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030903

DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS CAME OUT WHEN THE TWO PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970402

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing bumpers and body.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DOOR POPS OPEN, ONE OCCASION PERSON FELL OUT AND WAS INJURED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19971120

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19970715 — air bags

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.

Campaign 97V080000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20021106 — PE (closed 20030423)

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (110 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V080000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 1999 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1996 ● 1998

See all years ranked →

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.