1997 Dodge Neon engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 225 complaints for the 1997 Dodge Neon, 41% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 225 41% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 52,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 20 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 52,000 miles, and 55% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
1997 dodge neon caught fire. Consumer would like any info available about the problems that cause fires in the mid nineties model year dodge neons. The consumer was injured. (lawyer wrote in on behalf of client)
Oil leakage, head gasket replaced 2x in 1997, again head gasket is blown, cam and transmission leakage also. Car has always leaked a bit of oil daily; however, oil changes every 2000 miles coupled with weekly level checks maintained ability to drive vehicle. As of 2/05, oil leaking profusely via passenger portion of engine gasket. Mechanic confirms blown head gasket, says this is a known defect of the neons as a whole. I have chosen to not repair head gasket at my expense at this time.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Neon
- Brakes 52 complaints
- Air bags 41 complaints
- Electrical system 36 complaints
- Body & structure 24 complaints
- Transmission 23 complaints
- Cooling system 19 complaints
- Seat belts 17 complaints
- Lighting 16 complaints