NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Plymouth Neon Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 1996 Plymouth Neon has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 308 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Plymouth dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Plymouth Neon, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1996 Plymouth Neon owner complaints
Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Plymouth Neon, describing incidents dated December 1, 1995 to February 22, 2022.
Most-cited components
- Engine 162 complaints
- Electrical System 45 complaints
- Service Brakes 33 complaints
- Power Train 25 complaints
- Air Bags 21 complaints
- Unknown or Other 20 complaints
Of the 308 complaints on file, 32 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 308 complaints, owners report 31 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11453478 · Filed
Dbr2 not working or obd 2 not working when plug in obd reader no sign of workingness on vehicle
ODI #11445703 · Filed
I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature gauges
ODI #10198159 · Filed
THE CAR WAS RUN FOR 45MINS AT 10MPH FOLLOWING A TRACTOR. THE LAST 2 MILES WERE AT 55MPH. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS HOME AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALL WIRING AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS ARE A COMPLETE LOSS, HOOD IS DAMAGED, AND ALL LIGHT UNITS ARE RUINED…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Plymouth Neon in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE02-082: SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Closed April 23, 2003
- Preliminary Evaluation PE98-012: UNDERHOOD FIRES
Closed June 23, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder
Reported May 3, 1996 · CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 151,800 vehicles
Owners notified June 10, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1994 – October 1, 1995 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Safety consequence
BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Notes
SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCLUDES NEON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE "ACR COMPETITION" PACKAGE ONLY. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Electrical System — Wiring — Front Underhood
Reported February 5, 1996 · CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 15,000 vehicles
Owners notified March 17, 1996 · Vehicles built July 1, 1995 – November 1, 1995 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..
Safety consequence
SHORTING OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes
SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; WIRING; HARNESS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE TOLUCA, MEXICO ASSEMBLY PLANT.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Plymouth Neon model years
Check your 1996 Plymouth Neon VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Plymouth Neon at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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