- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Dodge Neon Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 396 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (220) and the brakes (46). Those complaints describe 45 crashes, 12 fires and 30 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1996 has 621 and the 1998 has 351.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Neon year, for its age
#14 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 396
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 45
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 30
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Dodge Neon problems
Share of all 396 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Dodge Neon recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
- The risk
- Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
What owners say
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396 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 16.
I am having a lot of problems with my 1997 dodge neon. The steering wheel has nothing but clicks. I am having so much problems turning on my signal lights. The problem has gotten worse. I am hoping that this is a recall so I won't have to pay so much money out of pocket. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. While placing fuel into the vehicle, the filler tube fell to the ground and caused gasoline to leak onto the ground. The dealer stated that there was no recall and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that the filler tube had rusted out. The mechanic replaced the filler tube and the vehicle has been performing normally. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage is 130,000. Updated 10/06/09 *bf updated 10/08/09
None of my vehicles have latch supported systems although all my carseats do. Is it still safe to use a carseat with just a seat belt? Can the vehicle manufacturers install the latch systems in my vehicles for free as this is a safety requirement for carseats? I cannot afford to pay for this myself or get a new vehicle. (Related vehicle information: model year=1997, make=dodge, model=neon). *Tr
I made a short trip to a local store and large amounts of smoke started coming from the front of my car. The car was overheating and I had to stop and pull over. The car had to be towed to the dealership. The car had a head gasket failure.Which cost $920 to repair. Although the vehicle is old (1997), it only has 39,000 miles on it and it is ridiculous for something like this to happen to car with such low mileage. I have done quite a bit of research online to find that several neon owners have had this same problem. The 1995-1997 models have been predominantly affected by this problem. I contacted chrysler about this and they will take no responsibility for this. *Tr
Safety/emissions reprt states recall on my vehicle/ defect number: dr-1158. The solid state fan relay may fail because of heat rellated electrical over stress causing the fan to stop and the vehicle to over heat. *Tr
Passenger side air bag randomly deployed, while going 4 miles per hour, there was no impact to initiate the deployment of airbag. The deployment busted out the passenger side airbag with such force that it blew glass to the complete other side of the vehicle. *Tr
Whenever I sit in the driveway, or look for a parking spaces, or sit in traffic...The car's temperature gage goes all the way to hot. I had it diagnosed and they said that its the fan control module or relay...Basically the fans stop working. *Tr I had a new water pump put in, a new thermostat, a new radiator put, and i"m beginning to think that all these problems are coming up when the fans stop working. It has 145000 miles on it, but I was told that is not a common think on this module. I'm going to get repaired, but I feel that this is a manufacturer issue. *Tr
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. *Kb the consumer was injured. (Lawyer wrote in on behalf of client)*jb
Through the life of owning this car. I have had to replace the head gasket several times 3 times in last 2 years alone and replace the engine. The head gasket still leaks and no one can seem to fix it even the dealer. I have talked to other people that have neons and they are experiencing the same exact head gasket problem. Why hasn't there been a recall for this. This is an extremely costly repair. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge neon. The headlights and high beams are very dim. The bulbs were replaced; however, the lights remained dim. Oil was placed in the vehicle, but then leaked onto the ground, causing the oil warning indicator light to illuminate intermittently. The contact noticed a grayish-colored smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle. The repair shop stated that the failure was caused by a blown head gasket. The failure mileage was 97,000 and current mileage was 140,301.
The original head lights are warn, deteriorated, and don't laminate driving at night, high beams are equal to all other cars low beams. The lumiuns don't get out, because of the defective lens cover. I was told that all caravans around the date of 1997 have this problem. I was told that you have to replace them at a cost of around $200.00 Each. They are a safety issue at night, a real hazard, and they are a manufacturing defect. Should be replaced by corp/ dealer. *Tr
Tl*- the contact was exiting the parking complex while driving the 1997 dodge neon at 5 mph, when the airbags deployed without warning. This caused the windows on both doors to shatter, and the dashboard and air conditioner vents to come off. The vehicle did not strike or hit anything to cause the airbags to deploy. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause. The vehicle currently has 108000 miles. *Ak
My first complaint would be about the paint. My car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It is now peeling in 6 spots, the largest is the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. I was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. I pulled over and everything seemed fine. I continued to drive but...
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could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. I tried driving my car to the mechanics but in the end did not get very far. I pulled over once again and noticed smoke coming from my drivers side front wheel. I also noticed the wheel well caught on fire due to the friction. My car was then towed and my mechanic diagnosed the problem as a ceased caliper. Beware, this was scary. My whole front end brake system had to be replaced. Too add, I find it's hard to see at night due to a defective plastic that covers the head lights. They are foggy and don't give out enough light. Lastly, I find that the sealants on the windows of my two door are horrible. I have to push on my window when closing it in order for the window to seal. This is a big problem, my car was stolen because of this problem. A recall should definitely be considered for the paint, breaks and headlight covers and windows/seals!!! *Jb
1997 Dodge neon developed a problem with the fan relay.***No answer required***. *Mr there was an apparent problem with the radiator fan circuit. The vehicle had displayed diagnostic code p1491. The consumer replaced the engine temperature sensor and the solid state fan relay. There was no continuity on pin 18 of the back of the power control module connector. The pcm was defective due to the output on the pin. The consumer found a break in the wire at the c160 connector. The break was caused by the wire...
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management clip chafing against the group of wires. The pcm connector number one and it's cover are now broken at the connection points and the cover will not stay on and the wires were coming out and are exposed to the elements. *Sc
Contact states: while driving approximately 35 mph the consumer swerved to avoid hitting another car, however his door was scratched, then the vehicle stalled and the air bags deployed. The consumer suffered a minor injury to his wrist due to the deployment of the air bag. *Ak *jb
Head gasket needed to be replace after 45,000 miles.. Bought the car in 2002.. Bbrakes are horrible.. Brakes make noise, system operating normal fan relay switch .. Needed to be replaced.. And was also recalled.. In about 3 years ago.. And never notified.. Front end always clanking.. When u turn..
While driving, the consumer's vehicle t-boned another vehicle at 23-25 mph. Upon impact the air bags did not deploy. *Ak *sc *jb
March 1, 2005, stopped on a hilled highway intersection of frankford avenue and solly ave, philadelphia, pa 19136. Light was red turning to green. Driving 1997 dodge neon. Rearending by 99 ford tauarus impacted dodge neon throwing forward two door neon. Seat belt did not hold driver. *Ak
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. I purchased vehicle new...
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in oct. 1996, As a new year neon for 1997. I maintained the vehicle meticiously, and both the body and interior are in excellent condition (body has no rust). Car has 88,000 miles currently. I am very disappointed in dodge's lack of concern and responsibility in producing a quality car. I bought this new and had hope to transfer it to my daughter who will be leaving for college soon. Replacing a headgasket twice should assure me, the buyer, that I can maintain my car without suddenly finding out this was a damaged vehicle from the get go, and now I have to find alternate transportation to work while I set time aside to quickly find another car. Shame on dodge!*Ak
Engine started leaking oil and head gasket was replaced in 1999. Now the engine is leaking oil again and mechanics have said the head gasket is blown again.*Ak
My fiancee bought a 97 dodge neon from a friend at 35,000 miles. Now at 70,[redacted] the vehicle started to leak oil, I was putting in 3 quarts a week, the car runs very rough and the check engine light is on andi cant afford to tow it to a shop to find the problem (maybe cause ive spent all my money on oil due to the head gasket leaking?) I am in the middle of repairing my self just takeing a break from the chaos and my back hurts. Many neon have this problem the manufacturers redesigned a new head gasket, is...
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this thier way of saying " hey we at dodge messed up bad and now you and thousands of other people can pay $600.00 -$1,000 To get it fixed" another bullitin from car quest say the oil leaks due to the cam sensor cover ile find out shortly I assume and if thats the case why arent any of these other mechanics catching that or do the know and just say it is the head gasket for more money from you? And I guess there was property damage my parents nice new drive has dodge dirty oil stains all over it, thanks dodge !! -- @$#Holes!!*Ak
Dodge caravan 97 model vin#[[redacted]]. Stat farm insurance # [[redacted]]. The above dodge caravan was hit from behind by a school bus on tue. 16Th nov 04 on route 516 old bridge, nj 08857. The vehicle was pushed to the utility pole. *Ak the air bags failed to work. The driver seat and passenger seat collapsed backward instead of protecting us from neck and body injury. The vehicle is with statefarm insurance. They may remove it from its temporary storage in couple of days. You may contact them or the old...
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bridge police in case you want to inspect the failed safety systems. Updated 08/03/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Took vehicle in to repair shop after noticing an oil leak. They told me at first it was normal leaking from routine oil change. Then thanksgiving day 2001, at freeway speeds (75 mph) the head gasket blew. Oil went every where. I had oil even in the coolant system. Took to my personal mechanic, he told me he has seen this many times before with neon's. Final price to fix problem 987.36, Head gasket replaced coolant system flushed out, etc. Now I need a new radiator because of it. Seems to be common with this...
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year of vehicle. My friend had a 1998 dodge neon that the head gasket was recalled in and she was able to get it fixed for free. Obviously for consumer satisfaction it would be in chryslers best interest to acknowledge, at the very least, that they have produced a less than satisfactory engine component in the 1997 neon. What I would like to see is that some of the money, if not all, is refunded back to us. Otherwise I am satisfied with my neon. It is out of commission right now due to needing a water pump. I purchased the vehicle december 20th, 1996 and have been the only owner. *Ak
The vehicle's head gasket failed although it only had 44000 miles on it. *Nm *sc *jb
Brakes squel and make noise, car won't stop above 50 mph in safe distance. *Jb
Dodge Neon: every year compared
All Neon years1997 Dodge Neon vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Dodge Neon | 396 | 6 | D | |
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 720 | 15 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan | 589 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 452 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Intrepid | 350 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Avenger | 89 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck | 18 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Durango | 4 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge B250 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Neon
Does the 1997 Dodge Neon have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1997 Dodge Neon: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); exterior lighting (June 2006); exterior lighting (May 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Neon?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (220), brakes (46), airbags (42).
How many complaints has the 1997 Dodge Neon had?
396 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 19, 1997 and the latest on April 1, 2014. Of these, 45 describe a crash and 12 a fire, and together they report 30 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Dodge Neon a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Dodge Neon year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Neon years have the most complaints?
1996 (621), 1997 (396), 2000 (361). See every Dodge Neon year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Dodge Neon has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data