MYRModel Year Report

1998 Plymouth Neon

● Typical for this model
1998 Plymouth Neon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:40.463Z

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
167
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1998: 167 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

58% · 97 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIREINJURY
Show 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, 2004-07-20

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-28

Air bags

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-10

Suspension

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

CRASH

Power train

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving vehicle about 35 MPH when shifting the vehcle from 2 speed to 3 speed the transmission exploded without a reason, resulting in a fire. The vehicle was not hot at all, and the transmission had a hole on top.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-18

Structure

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing trunk lid and body.

CRASHINJURY

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
    1999-02-02Structure99V001000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

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

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 97 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V001000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 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, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.