26th Jul 2003, 22:32
Well, I have a 99 Neon at around 54000 miles, and the head gasket hasn't blown yet, so I'm very interested in all this (especially since I don't have a lot of money; that's why I GOT a Neon).
I found http://neons.org to be about the best site for information that I've found yet. From what I've read, if you aren't going to take a lot of care of your car, and you just want something you can drive without thinking about it, the Neon isn't for you. It needs more maintenance than a comparative Japanese car. Racing enthusiasts like it because it's sporty for not much money, but they don't generally worry about keeping the car as long.
Anyway, for information about the head gasket issue, including an available replacement multi-layered steel head gasket that should be sturdier, visit neons.org at this link: http://www.neons.org/faq/
Hope this helps. I'm still trying to figure it all out myself.
1st Sep 2003, 16:40
Been a diesel mechanic for thirty five years and heard there was major problem with the head gaskets on these engines. Now doing the head gasket on my daughters 96 Neon,123k no warning just blew out. Engine is hard to work on, not designed for quick repair. Head will need to be pressure tested and refaced. Brakes noise is caused by hard brake pads, use the low cost ones from Canadian Tire, much better. Electrical problems in dash, caused by poor ground. Overall this car was low cost for good reason, daughter will not by another Chrysler/Dodge product if I'm going to look after it.
26th Jun 2005, 16:05
I have a 1997 neon with 137,200 miles and counting.. I do a lot of traveling and the only things I have had to replace are spark plugs and brake pads... yes the occasional oil changes and tuneups are a given, but as far as the head gasket goes, I have yet to have any problems. Maybe you should try NOT to redline it. also make sure you have water and antifreeze, lack of which will cause your engine to overheat, thereby blowing the gasket.
6th Jul 2005, 11:22
I have a '97 neon high-line (100,00 miles). I love my car. I bought it used with a oil leak, replaced oil pan gasket and head gasket. I have driven my car everywhere. This is the second neon I have owned. The first one was only sold because we have too many cars.
I also have a '96 Plymouth Grand Voyager (108,000 miles and counting). I love dodge. You can't ask for a better vehicle. We have a Dodge Wrecker with over 500,000 miles on it. You can't down the company for a few lemons.
The head gasket issue was from 1995-1998. They now have a new gasket. They are made better now.
I own 3 Chrysler vehicles and will own more. I love Chrysler!!
14th Jul 2007, 13:44
I have a 96 Highline. I bought it new, and the head gasket blew after 90,000 kms. Replaced it and it blew again around 150,000, so I said what the heck, just keep putting oil in it, and just keeps going and going.
Right now it's done 305.000 kms, and still looks really good. The paint is in excellent shape, just the oil leak.
I might just put a newer motor in it. Or maybe I might go Japanese. Screw american made cars.
19th Nov 2007, 17:59
My name is June and I have a 97 Dodge neon. I have replaced the coil pack, the brain and I replaced the crank sensor. I have a problem with it not fireing on 1 and 4 when I take the crank sensor off it will fire and shut back down. I am at my wits end and put a bunch of money in this can someone please help me.
12th Jun 2008, 13:55
Everybody that says Neon's are good cars must have been very lucky.
I had a 97 Plymouth Neon bought with 16,000 miles, lasted about 16 months. Developed a rod knock and sold it for dirt.
I should shoot myself for purchasing another one for my son.
2001 Plymouth Neon, nice car, had been meticulously maintained by previous owner and had 50,000 miles. Now at 70,000 miles developed a slight knock and blown head gasket.
I own a Dodge 2500 4 door Cummings pickup and love it, but will never buy another American car, later than 1965 anyway.
Tired of being cheated. Our two Mitsubishi's are twice the car.
7th Jul 2008, 23:21
I had a 1997 Neon... What a piece of crap.
I have to replace the tie rod 2x.
O2 sensor.
The radiator (that one was kinda my fault... car was new to me and the previous owner had too much water in it and it froze in the winter).
The head gasket was shot.
The transmission went out...
The brakes completely lock on me and the car would not move 2x (and when I took it in, they said the brakes were fine).
I bought the car for 1200, and put like 3000 in work on it. I hated that car.
Now I have a 2006 Chevy Aveo and I love it.
11th Apr 2003, 12:33
YES!!! My wife's 1997 Dodge Neon's Head Gasket cracked @ 38,000 miles...2000 miles past the 36K mile warranty! Chrysler has not done anything about this! This is a CRIME!
The slow leakage of oil messes up the driveway and makes our street look terrible with oil stains! Is there a recall on this??? There darn well should be!!!