VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Neon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 887 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Neon year — the 1996 model ranks #2 of 13 Neon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (375 of 887), far ahead of electrical system at 108.

887

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

58

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

35

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Neon years?

Neon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1,415 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 1,415 complaints1996: 887 complaints1997: 553 complaints1998: 451 complaints1999: 152 complaints2000: 489 complaints2001: 199 complaints2002: 230 complaints2003: 290 complaints2004: 141 complaints2005: 133 complaints
Neon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Neon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Neon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine37542%
Electrical System10812%
Brakes10412%
Transmission496%
Airbags455%
Other384%
Body & Structure253%
Steering243%
Lighting222%
Fuel System212%
Visibility & Wipers202%
Speed Control162%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)111%
Seat Belts101%
Suspension71%
Seats61%
Tires & Wheels51%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1996 Dodge Neon have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

96V075000BrakesMay 3, 1996 · 151,800 units

Defect

THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.

96V026000Electrical SystemFebruary 5, 1996 · 15,000 units

Defect

AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..

Consequence

SHORTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING WITH HEATER ON, CONSUMER STARTED TO SMELL GASOLINE INSIDE VEHICLE. PULLED OVER AND STOPPED. TRIED TO LIFT HOOD, BUT NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME. CONTACTED INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN INSPECTOR WAS SENT TO CHECK. INDICATED ENGINE LEAK CAUSED FLAMES. INFORMATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 27, 2001 · fire

“RECALL 96V026000/626. EXPERIENCING SAME WIRE HARNESS PROBLEMS. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND SMELLED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE GRILL AND THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FLAMES OCCURRED, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER CONTACTED BECAUSE THEY WERE SERVICING VEHICLE AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 1998 · fire

“EVERY 18000 MILES THE HEAD GASKET HAS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE...BRAKES FAILED ONE TIME HAD MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED...ACCIDENT, BRAKES BEING INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED...AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN FRONTAL COLLISION AT SPEED OF 15 MPH...SEAT BELT FAILED IN FRONTAL COLLISION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“1996 NEON SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING. *TS AFTER A SENSOR AND OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS. A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT THE CONSUMERS SON WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1901

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER SLOWED DOWN, ALLOWING VEHICLE A TO CRASH FRONT END INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE'S REAR END. CONSUMER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER UPPER BODY. CONSUMER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 26, 1996 · crash

1996 Dodge Neon — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Neon reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 887 complaints put the 1996 model at #2 of 13 Neon years. It is one of the Neon years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Neon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (375 complaints), electrical system (108 complaints), brakes (104 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Neon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Dodge Neon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Dodge Neon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Neon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Neon years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 1998. The cleanest record among Neon years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.