Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Plymouth Neon sits mid-pack among Neon years: 234 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 217, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 28 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (111 of 234), far ahead of airbags at 17.
234
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
22
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
28
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 111 | 47% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 17 | 7% | — flat |
| Transmission | 15 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 13 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 12 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 11 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 11 | 5% | — flat |
| Suspension | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Consequence
UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I BOUGHT THIS NEON UNAWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL DODGE AND PLYMOUTH NEONS MAN. BEFORE 1998 , THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND THAT THE COMPANY KNEW THIS AND HAS DONE NOTHING. I HAVE AN 800.00 BILL THAT I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY. THEY REFUSE. IT IS A FAULTY…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOVLED IN TWO ACCIDENTS. FIRST ACCIDENT WAS BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES AT AN IMPACT OF 35 MPH, AND THE SECOND ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT AN IMPACT OF 45 MPH. UPON BOTH IMPACTS, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPOLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK”
“IN HEAVY RAIN THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO STEER, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE 02 SENSOR, AND NOW THE COOLING FANS DON`T WORK I HAVE ALSO NOTICED A MUSTY SMELL WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR COND. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE EGR VALVE IT IS JUST ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS DUE TO POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. VEHICLE DELAYED IN STOPPING. DEALER NOTIFIED/ INSPECTED AND INFORMED NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK”
“68000 MILES. BLOWN HEAD GASKET. CAR IS ON 2ND HEAD GASKET ALREADY. THIS'LL BE THE 3RD. MAJOR OIL & COOLANT LEAKAGE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS NEON OWNERS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. PLEASE COMPEL CHRYSLER TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK”
It is close to typical for the Neon: 234 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (111 complaints), airbags (17 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Plymouth Neon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.