1995 Dodge Neon Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 29, 2018 · 976 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Neon years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 976 complaints with NHTSA about the 1995 Dodge Neon. That is the most of any Neon model year in the database (11 years). The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (294 complaints, 30%), typically at around 82,300 miles. Complaints mention 130 crashes, 58 fires, 126 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 9 defect investigations involving it.

Dodge Neon
1995-1999 Dodge Neon photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1995 Dodge Neon problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine and Engine Cooling294 · ~82,300 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic208 · ~118,954 mi
Steering124 · ~130,916 mi
Air Bags106 · ~115,000 mi
Electrical System98 · ~74,000 mi
Power Train93 · ~74,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control47 · ~101,121 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline46 · ~108,000 mi
Equipment43
Visibility43 · ~80,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling problems29430%82,300“head gasket” (52%)$1,200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems20821%118,954“brakes failed” (10%)—
Steering problems12413%130,916“steering column” (19%)—
Air Bags problems10611%115,000“air bag” (36%)—
Electrical System problems9810%74,000“steering column” (14%)—
Power Train problems9310%74,000“head gasket” (12%)—
Vehicle Speed Control475%101,121——
Fuel System, Gasoline465%108,000——
Equipment434%———
Visibility434%80,000——
Unknown or Other404%65,500——
Exterior Lighting354%63,500——
Suspension293%130,916——
Structure202%62,000——
Seat Belts182%———
Seats101%———
Tires101%———
Fuel System, Other51%———
Latches/locks/linkages51%———
Parking Brake51%———
Wheels51%———
Service Brakes, Air40%———
Interior Lighting20%———
Service Brakes10%40,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 1999, with 150 complaints
1995: 14219951421996: 1191191997: 14319971431998: 94941999: 15019991502000: 1191192001: 10120011012002: 42422003: 292003292004: 14142005: 102005102006: 332007: 2200722008: 222009: 1200912011: 222013: 1201312014: 112018: 120181

n = 976 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1995 Dodge Neon recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering: steering wheel/handle barOct 7, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V169000 · 375,000 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering column coupler can become disconnected when the vehicle experiences an underbody impact.

Risk: Loss of steering control can occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering column coupler with a coupler design that collapses on impact.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNov 18, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V228000 · 180,000 vehicles

Problem: The fuel and rear brake tubes can experience accelerated corrosion between the tubes and a rubber isolator.

Risk: Corrosion of the tubes can lead to brake fluid or fuel leakage. This can cause a loss of brakes or result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake, fuel supply and fuel vapor tubes for the presence of corrosion. Any tubes showing corrosion will be replaced. All vehicles will have the rubber isolator replaced with a plastic clip.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinderMay 3, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V075000 · 151,800 vehicles

Problem: The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.

Power trainFeb 23, 1994 · NHTSA campaign 94V033000 · 7,100 vehicles

Problem: Moisture can get into the powertrain control module (pcm) causing driveability malfunctions, including stalling.

Risk: Should drive ability malfunctions or stalling occur whilethe vehicle is in motion, a traffic accident may occur.

Fix: The powertrain control modules on these vehicles will be replaced.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 23, 1994 · NHTSA campaign 94V034000 · 7,100 vehicles

Problem: The rear brake hose mounting bracket screws can fail allowing the brake hoses to move out of position. The unrestrained hoses are then susceptible to damage which could result in brake fluid leakage.

Risk: Brake fluid leakage will reduce the braking performanceof the vehicle, extend stopping distances, and could result in an accident.

Fix: The rear brake line hose bracket screws on these vehicles will be replaced.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJan 9, 1994 · NHTSA campaign 94V026000 · 2,700 vehicles

Problem: The abs brake master cylinder rear seal allows air to enter the brake system, causing spongy brakes or partial brake system loss.

Risk: Air entering the brake system caused extended stopping distance or partial loss of brakes which may result in an accident.

Fix: Master cylinders will be inspected for the suspect build date code range and will be replaced if necessary.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Steering column separation (DP03002) — opened May 7, 2003, closed Jul 22, 2003.
  • Safety belt cinching latch plate (PE02082) — opened Nov 6, 2002, closed Apr 23, 2003.
  • Underhood fires (PE98012) — opened Feb 26, 1998, closed Jun 23, 1998.
  • Oversensitive air bag deployments (EA98003) — opened Jan 30, 1998, closed Jan 5, 2000.
  • Oversensitive air bag deployment (PE97042) — opened Sep 21, 1997, closed Jan 30, 1998.
  • Loss of steering control (EA97009) — opened Apr 30, 1997, closed Oct 8, 1997, led to recall 97V169000.
  • Alleged fires in steering column area (PE97007) — opened Jan 31, 1997, closed Apr 7, 1997.
  • Loss of steering control (PE96069) — opened Nov 26, 1996, closed Apr 30, 1997.
  • Loss of steering control (PE94095) — opened Dec 28, 1994, closed Apr 25, 1995.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The pcm on my 1995 dodge neon was replaced on june 16, 1994, 2 months after i bought the car. Done by jay chevrolet/geo/dodge in island park, ny. My car has been stalling on me and shutting down off and on for the past 5 years. I spent over $4000 to have parts replaced and the car still has the…

Power Train · received Apr 29, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11090883

Rear brakes locked up while driving .brake lining separated from shoe .than brake lines started leaking at frame hold down bracket. These are original parts. *tr

Service Brakes · received Oct 6, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10641666

2005 dodge neon. Consumer writes in regards to unreliable steering wheel horn circuit. *smd the consumer stated the horn sometimes to failed to honk. When he attempted to replace the steering wheel clock spring, he discovered there was no ground circuit; it was only a three wire device.

Air Bags · received Jun 24, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10521340

Head lights goes out while driving. *tr

Exterior Lighting · received Oct 24, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10432677

I have owned several first generation (1995-1999) dodge and plymouth neons. Without exception, all of them have/had corrosion on the fuel filler pipe that was so bad that gasoline spilled on the ground when they were filled. I believe this is a safety hazard and is not, in my experience, normal. *tr

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 30, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10427988

Other Dodge Neon years

1996 Neon →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2005 Neon960
2004 Neon940
2003 Neon2020
2002 Neon1730
2001 Neon1464
2000 Neon3375
1999 Neon1160
1998 Neon3391
1997 Neon3901
1996 Neon6112
19959766

See all Dodge Neon problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1995 Dodge Neon?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic, steering problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 294 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1995 Dodge Neon?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1995 Dodge Neon a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Neon model years, the 1995 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.