1998 Plymouth Neon
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 481 |
| 1996 | 308 |
| 1997 | 161 |
| 1998 | 167 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 141 |
| 2001 | 49 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 64 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TOOK MY 98 NEON WITH 42,000 MILES INTO LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL LEAK. THEY SAID THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A TOTAL OF $1050.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040720
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT AT 20-25 MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980910
4% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HEAD GASKET FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED BUT AFTER REPAIR THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. BOTH OF THOSE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030128
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY BE MISSING SPOT WELDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MISSING WELDS, AND WILL HAVE STRUCTURAL RIVETS INSTALLED IN PLACE OF THE MISSING WELDS.
Campaign 99V001000 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V001000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Plymouth Neon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Plymouth Neon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Plymouth Neon?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Plymouth Neon have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.