Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 476 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Neon year — the 1996 model ranks #2 of 8 Neon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 45 injuries in total across these filings.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 187 reports (39% of the total).
476
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
41
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
45
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 187 | 39% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 55 | 12% | — flat |
| Brakes | 46 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 28 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 23 | 5% | — flat |
| Airbags | 22 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 20 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 17 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 15 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 14 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 12 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 9 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 7 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CAR WAS RUN FOR 45MINS AT 10MPH FOLLOWING A TRACTOR. THE LAST 2 MILES WERE AT 55MPH. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS HOME AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALL WIRING AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS ARE A COMPLETE LOSS, HOOD IS DAMAGED, AND ALL LIGHT UNITS ARE RUINED.…”
“DASHBOARD INDICATORS STOP WORKING. I COULD HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WILL READ EMPTY. THE CAR COULD BE RUNNING FOR AN HOUR AND THE TEMPERATURE STILL READS COLD. PH”
“ABS BRAKES; BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR WHEN APPLIED. OWNER SPOKE W/SPORT CHRYSLER NORRISTOWN, PA., AND THEY TOLD HER BRAKES WERE SELF ADJUSTING. TWO DAYS LATER SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT. CHRYSLER REP., WISHES TO INSPECT VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“PART OF HUB ASSEMBLY ,WHERE AXLE GOES THROUGH, BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH DOWN HWY, CAUSING DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO LOCK AND LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK”
“A 1996 CAR WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE PAINT FLAKING OFF IN MANY DIFFERENT PLACES OF THE CAR. RIGHT DOWN TO METAL THE PAINT THAT COMES OFF COMES OFF LIKE PAPER!!VERY DISAPPOINTED IN PLYMOUTH AND HOW THEY HAVE HANDLED THIS PROBLEM WITH US!!ALL THE DEALERS TRY TO PASS US ON TO THE NEXT…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 476 complaints put the 1996 model at #2 of 8 Neon years. It is one of the Neon years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (187 complaints), electrical system (55 complaints), brakes (46 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Plymouth Neon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Neon years to avoid are 1995, 1996. The cleanest record among Neon years belongs to 1994.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.