1999 Dodge Neon R/T from North America - Comments

At 1901 miles the clutch "exploded". Daimler Chrysler replaced (warranty).

Approx. 6k miles rough idle, 4 new plugs and reset computer (warranty).

Approx 12k same problem, new plugs, and computer update (warranty).

At 21k head gasket, and oil sending unit replaced (had to call DC to get it fixed under 7/75 added care with $100 deductable).

Now at 29k I took the car in for a few "little things" to be fixed. The list is : Outside door handles squeak, the power windows "clunk" when going up or down the clutch pedal has an occasional "clunk", the a/c smells like roadkill.

(dealer says these are all characteristic of the neon, and "normal". these are all minor in my opinion I can live with them. The biggest problem is the power sunroof, It doesn't open, the dealer said " it needs a new roof assembly, motor is good. The bad news: NONE of these parts/repairs are covered by the 7/75 added care "signature Service Contract" The cost will exceed $2,500 for all the repairs. I will be calling Daimler Chrysler, and Chrysler Service Contracts Inc. to try and get this resolved.

I have called Daimler Chrysler, and Chrysler Service Contracts Inc. to try and get this resolved, here's the quotes from both:

Connie at CSCI said "It's rare to see these problems on such a low mileage car, but the only thing covered is the window regulators, you have a nice day now, bye."

Martin at Chrysler Customer Service (It's only their name) called the dealer that has the car, (put me on hold and hung up on me in the process),Called back and Martin told me "dealer said he's not replacing the power window regulators because he doesn't feel that the "clunking " is anything serious, and there will be no assistance from Chrysler on any of the other needed repairs, have a nice day, and thank you for choosing Daimler Chrysler. (ain't that a slap in the face...

I have a 99 neon. The noise in the sunroof is caused by the track assembly, where the cable connects to the track to open and close the roof. The track costs about $150.00 and is fairly easy to put on as long as you are good at puzzles. watch for small pieces. I don't know why the dealer would tell you $2500 to do the work unless they are too lazy or can't figure out the problem. You will have to take to roof apart to find out what track is bad. Also check the 6 adjusting screws are kept tight in the frame of the glass that connects to the track.

I have a 99' neon r/t, and just like you my clutch make a 'popping' noise when I depress it, mostly when I get on the gas. I have changes my plugs and wires and even grade of gasoline and it still runs rough. I also have the check engine light one and I had it tested and it says engine idling system failure. Now I have no idea what that is, but it sounds bad...

I purchased a 1999 r/t in November of last year. It had approximately 45,000 miles on it and I paid $4,700 for it. I also noticed the rough idle. The salesman said all neons did that. I don't think that means it is good. I have begun to replace parts that I see as weaknesses in the r/t. I have replaced the computer with a Mopar performance unit. By the way, my old computer has a sticker on it from when it was "updated" in 2001 at a dealership. I am still waiting on my Iceman intake. I have an msd coil and wires. I had problems with platinum plugs and have gone back to OEM. The point I am trying to make is that I only paid $4700 for a vehicle that is reliable and fun. Now I can afford to play with things and make the vehicle my own. That is what attracted me to the r/t. I believe there are people who have had bad experiences with vehicles. To use one vehicle as an indicator of the worth of a whole production run is far too judgmental a call for me to make. I write this with the knowledge that although an average opinion is much more valuable, it is far less available because it would seem that the only people who are willing to part with their precious time are the ones with a bone to pick. This car is not a lemon, it is just cheap.

We have a 99 Neon, purchased with just under 20K miles for my daughter when she turned 16 in 2004. Within 200 miles of purchase, I had to replace plugs, as well as the windshield wiper motor and cig lighter assembly. At 26K, a part from the transmission literally "blew out" the side of the front quarter panel. Total maintenance so far - over $3,000. Had two tune ups, $300 each. Oil pan leak, shakes at 50 mph or higher. All in all, we've put as much into the car as the original cost - we'll definitely not purchase another Dodge in this home. We had no help - warranty company went bankrupt, so we're paying each month to have a warranty that we can't use (part of the loan)

Some warranties are not worth having.

They make money on these, on average, so, on average, you should be better off without them.

Unless you are extremely unlucky.

Quote "At 1901 miles the clutch "exploded". Daimler Chrysler replaced (warranty).

Approx. 6k miles rough idle, 4 new plugs and reset computer (warranty).

Approx 12k same problem, new plugs, and computer update (warranty).

At 21k head gasket, and oil sending unit replaced (had to call DC to get it fixed under 7/75 added care with $100 deductable)." end quote.

That's just horrible! All those major problems at such low miles! Sure, it was covered by warranty, but H*ll, it's just inexcusable! I would've expected the head gasket and clutch to blow at about 10x that mileage!

I bought my 1999 sport in 2003 with 80,000 miles on it. It was obviously used and they messed up the windshield so it leaked. That was fixed easily. the sunroof stopped working at 90,000 and we just took the fuse out so that no one could open it. Other than that I have had no problem with my car. It has 114,000 on it now and the brakes went bad in the rear (while camping and driving through a ford) I LOVE that car and would keep it till it was dead if I wasn't going away to college. After 4 years of owning it and the engine running great I have NO complaints once so ever.

I bought a 1999 Neon. It had 56000 miles on it.

I carried it home, and had oil and transmission fluid under the car. I carried it back. I had bought the warranty for extra money. They replaced the engine oil seal and transmission switch.

I have 153000 miles on it now. I still drive it.

I put a radiator on it at 150000 miles.

I had one set of tires that I drove 48000 miles.

It gets great mileage.

It has a lot of power for its size, and I would buy another one.

Dodge sure messed up when they dropped this car. Then gas went up a lot.

If they had the Neon now, they could probably sell all they could make.

I have only put one set of spark plugs on it since I have had the car. When I bought it, it was 3 years old.