Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1997 Dodge Neon
NHTSA data on file today
The 1997 Dodge Neon has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 390 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E060000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V080000 CHRYSLER/AIR BAG NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 221 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 42 complaints
- Air Bags 41 complaints
- Electrical System 32 complaints
- Power Train 26 complaints
- Structure 24 complaints
Of the 390 complaints on file, 44 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 390 complaints, owners report 28 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$8,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 1997 Dodge Neon experiences numerous engine and airbag concerns with frequent owner complaints. Recall data indicates significant issues with exterior lighting replacements not compliant with federal standards. This vehicle may face higher repair frequency and costs over five years, particularly regarding engine and airbag systems.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 50,000–100,000 miles | $1,000–$2,500 | very common |
| airbag control module | 60,000–90,000 miles | $300–$900 | common |
| brakes | 50,000–80,000 miles | $150–$500 | common |
| electrical system | 70,000–110,000 miles | $200–$600 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake fluid replacement
- Coolant system flush
- Transmission service
- Timing belt replacement
- Spark plug change
- Air filter replacement
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unusual engine noises
- Frequent airbag light
- Uneven brake wear
- Electrical system failures
- Stalling or rough idling
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1997 Dodge Neon at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.