1998 DODGE Neon

This Neon has misfired since I first bought it new.Head gasket replaced at about 20K miles.Latest problem is misfire after cold soak to about 10 degrees F. Dealer solution was to reprogram PCM so that engine now idles at 1200 RPM! Doesn\’t this violate some emissions regulations? I contacted Chrylser and they are indifferent. I think my engine is now way out of spec for EPA emissions. It also takes off with no gas at above 10 mph which scares me and makes it difficult to drive. Once it went over 20 mph with no gas! I drove all through our sub without a foot on the pedal and the pedal was not stuck or obstructed. If this vehicle was made so that Chrysler could meat CAFE standards then I think they should all be tested for emissions, I can not believe that my car would pass now or when it was new.

The clearcoat on the spoiler, left and right quarterpanels, and hood deteriorated leaving spots and holes in the paint. Dealer/factory paid $250 towards repairs, took three paint jobs by dealer before repairs were satisfactory.Engine has miss or stumble every few minutes when driving with A/C on. Appears to be from A/C cycling in and out and cannot be repaired. Leave A/C off when not really needed and stumble is gone.Also have a major problem with headlight lenses clouding up and limiting vision. Polishing them helps some, but cannot stop them from clouding. Definately a factory defect, but I can find nothing in your information in this regard. This should be a class action matter as all the 1995 to 1998 Neons I have seen have this problem to some degree.

The car hasn’t completely failed, but I was told by the mechanic that he won’t work on the car b/c the nature of the problem. The Problem: The head gasket has a leak. The mechanic told me to do some research and see if there has been a recall of the 98 Neons on this issue. To date there has not. But my research on the internet has led me to believe there should be a recall b/c of the copious amount of people experiencing gasket leaks with the same make of car.

Oil leak due to bad head gasket.Transmission shifting erretically. First repair attempt was an adjustment (cost $65) and was not successful. Second attempt was described on bill as \\\”trans. overhaul-replace all steels-clutches-seal replaced ft hub\\\””.”

My head gasket is leaking oil and need replaced and the car only has 58,00 miles on it. It is a faulty part as I understand it. The windows are scratched on both sides from them being rolled up and down. Deep, straight lines in both of them.

misfire of #3 cylinder misfire code due to valves are not seating, low compression, needed a new head gasket..discoved a crack in it replaced the timiming belt head bolts replaced..had to rent a vehicle for 17 days..cost $699.00..owner is barbra gumn…rodney whiters speaking on her behalf…work performed at Auto-Lab 18955 Telegraph Rd. Detroit, Mich….(313) 535-2220…State ID# 155330

JUST A PIECE OF JUNK

I own a 1998 Dodge Neon with 89,700 miles on it. I took it to Valley Smog and Repair in Van Nuys, CA. I took it there to get my 90,000 mile work done on it. As they were pulling it into the garage they noticed a substantial oil leak. When they put the car on the rack, they saw oil all over the bottom of the car. I was called and told that my head gasket was cracked and needed to be replaced as driving on it any more would cause the engine to expire. I told them to proceed with the work, which ended up costing me just over $1100. I did some research on the web and discovered that many people have had this problem. With further research I found out that Chrysler had “secretly ” extended the warranty on this part to 5 years/100,000 miles and would reimburse the owner of the car if any work was done to fix this problem. I called the 800 number and was told that because of the age of my car and the fact that the work was done at a non Dodge garage, I would not be reimbured my $1100. As I already explained, my car was not 5 years old yet and had not reached 100,000 miles. The man that I spoke with, a guy named Mike, made it seem like I should have driven my car, leaking oil, to Dodge to pay double the money and still not have any recourse for the situation.I’d like to know if you can help me in finding out any additional information about this secret warranty and also I’d like some help in getting my money back. Thank you.

I JUST BOUGHT THIS 98 NEON USED. THE OIL LEAKS REALLY BAD.

I have received an estimate of $560 from a Dodge dealership for repair of the head gasket failure I have been told I have. Firestone gave me an estimate of $940. I have asked about Chrysler not charging me for this well known problem in Neons (well known in the auto industry and amongst many other Neon owners I have just found out) but was told I was not an original owner (my mother is – the car was sold to me by her) and I have over 70,000 miles on the vehicle. I drive extensively for a living and was under the impression that as long as I did routine maintenance on this car that I should have no "major" issues with it. This is a major repair in my opinion. I would like to add my complaint to the apparently long list of people who have had the same issue with head gaskets and Neons. Apparently, Chrysler likes to pick & choose whose car they will fix – which is very apparent by the number of people who have had this very issue fixed at little or no cost to them by Chrysler.Judy & Jeremy Ambrose

I have had to repair my Dodge Neon numerous times they problem that I had the most problems with is egr valve had to have that replaced twice in two years, brake problems and I hear whistle type of noise when accelarating. I was wondering was their in recalls in the problems listed above with my Dodge Neon 1998.ThanksBetty Jo Wicks

I am so stressed over this lemon. After reading all the other complaints from consumers I feel lucky. However due to my budget it is a huge problem. I run a business and need a car on a daily basis and I am in serious trouble from this. When I purchased the car the previous owner had already replaced the entire steering system at 30k miles. I had problems with the steering shortly after making the purchase. The a/c ran out and the repair cost was too much for me so I dealt with it. All I can say is it was a hot ride in Florida every day. My brakes made weird noises and I replaced them only to have the noise return. The windshield had permanent scratches which was very odd. When I was driving I would get blinded by lights from the scratches. I was about to repair that when my engine blew. I was turning onto a road with oncoming traffic when my 98 Dodge Neon lost complete control. I had to pay to have it towed. I was told that it was the timing belt. After that 500.00 repair was done I was told my engine valves went due to the timing belt. I was quoted 1,600 for repair. The owner of the shop pointed to another Dodge Neon that was a 1996 and said it had the same problem. What are the chances of that!After researching this I found thousands of complaints about this very issue. I am up a creek without a paddle because of this. In all my years of owning a car this is the worst experience hands down. I maintained the oil change at 2,500 to 3,000 miles without fail. The previous owner also maintained the oil changes well.I very much appreciate your efforts on this and realize who you are dealing with. I am interested in a class action suit to save other people from having to go through this. This car was well maintained and there is no reason for this. It\’s obvious that Dodge makes a very bad and a dangerous product. It seems they could care less about peoples loss. I read where people had to pay 8,000 for repair and that is insane. They were stuck! Even though my amount is small in comparison it has taken it\’s toll on me in many ways. I now have to worry about my business, a car and my bills. I had recently purchased new tires which was a waste. Add the tow and I am out of 1,300. Add my lost days of work and possible loss of clients and the price is ridiculous.I will forever spread the word about Dodge because this is something I will never get over. The fact that a company can get away with this is very troubling. Reading their lies makes it even worse! Thank you for your time and effort.

Engine had head gasket failure causing engine oil to mix with anti freeze in the radiator. Engine head was cracked and had to be replaced as well.

electrical wires dont work….when i turn dome light on or open door the radio turns off,braks…they didnt work when i was goin down the road and there was a stop sign and i couldnt stop and hit the car in front of me

Blown head gasket with less 36000 miles onTransmission slipping at less than 36000 miles onAir conditioner apparently did not work from time of purchaseSunroof did not operate from time of purchase

There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.