Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1995 Plymouth Neon
The 1995 Plymouth NEON has a substantial number of complaints, especially concerning engine and brake issues. With six NHTSA recalls, there are concerns about steering safety, brake functionality, and powertrain reliability. Ensure thorough inspections and be cautious given the volume of recorded issues, though specific problem verification remains necessary due to limited evidence on some matters.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1995 Plymouth Neon has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 480 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #97V169000 CHRYSLER/STEERING COLUMN COUPLING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V228000 CHRYSLER/BRAKE/FUEL LINES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V075000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #94V034000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #94V033000 POWER TRAIN NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #94V026000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 135 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 70 complaints
- Steering 66 complaints
- Air Bags 60 complaints
- Electrical System 48 complaints
- Power Train 31 complaints
Of the 480 complaints on file, 59 report a crash and 29 a fire; across all 480 complaints, owners report 57 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine cooling problems
How to check: Inspect cooling system for leaks or blockages.
Brake fluid leaks
How to check: Check for brake fluid under the vehicle.
Steering wheel disconnection
How to check: Ensure steering feels stable in operation.
Electrical malfunctions
How to check: Test lights and electronic accessories.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
Idle
What to check: Ensure engine idles smoothly without stalling.
Red flag: Engine stalling or misfiring
- 03
Slow acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth acceleration response.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power
- 04
City stop-and-go
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and firmness.
Red flag: Brake sponginess or noise
- 05
Highway cruising
What to check: Check steering stability and alignment.
Red flag: Vibrations or steering pull
- 06
Parking
What to check: Verify ease of steering into tight spots.
Red flag: Difficult or noisy steering
- 07
After drive
What to check: Look for any fluid leaks underneath.
Red flag: Pools of fluid under the car
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the powertrain control module been serviced?
- Were all recall repairs completed?
- Are there leaks from the engine cooling system?
- Has the steering system shown any issues?
- Have the brakes ever been repaired?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion documentation
- Recent service records
- Vehicle history report
- Brake system repair receipts
- Cooling system maintenance records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1995 Plymouth Neon at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1995 Plymouth Neon? Check the actual car
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