Dodge Neon 1997 - Service brakes - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Dodge Neon 1997

Technical Service Bulletins
Consumer Complaints

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Item no.	Summary	Added
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
050300	04/14/2000	612600	Subject on proportioning valve brake pressure adapter tool revision. *tt	06/09/2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
050198	01/30/1998	600474	A howl noise from rear brakes during low speed stop. *yc	05/18/1998
050897	11/07/1997	54099	A howl type noise coming from the rear brakes during a low speed. *yc	03/30/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
051097	12/19/1997	6088777	Concerns with front brake squeal and /or creep/groan. *nlm	01/07/2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
050897	11/07/1997	6088773	Concern howl from rear brakes during low speed stop. *nlm	01/07/2000

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
12/01/1999		1	09/01/1997
	The first problem i had with this car was the head gasket blew out. chrysler agreed to pay for it (the $1000 was my estimate of what it cost to replace the gasket). the second problem was the throttle assembly and coil pack quit working, both at the same time. i paid $600 out of my pocket to fix them. the third problem was the automatic transmission started slipping and the car will not go into reverse when its cold. the fourth most current problem is the brakes are not working properly the pedal will not go down and the dealer says its probably something to do with the vacuum system. i contacted chrysler and they are not willing to pay for the repairs for the transmission, even though they have admitted that they have problems with automatic transmissions per information i obtained from a web site called lemon- aid. **** i will never buy a dodge again!!! i'm spreading the word. i come into contact with many people everday. so sorry dodge!!!****
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK

	Head gasket blown twice and problem still exists. brakes let up when floored at complete stop.
03/25/1999		1	10/01/1998
	Help ! it was just seven months ago i purchase a 1997 neon. i was so happy, i was going to be driving a fairly decent car. it was 1998 and i was going to be driving a 1997. with a/c even. ha. ha. ha. needless to say i didn't know three weeks later i would be putting in a new transmission. car in the shop for two weeks waiting on a part they had to order. boy did that put a sour taste in my mouth. i called chrysler and wanted to give the car back. i no longer wanted the car. i knew then i would not have nothing but problems after that. well you know they said no. good thing i had the 1595.00 exteded serv. contract i got the problem fix free . well not really free it cost me 1595.00 for the warranty and fifty dollars everytime you have to put your car in the shop. i only had 30.000.00 miles and already needed it a transmission? hmmmm. in december we had a recall on the car. in jan.1999 i started having electrical failure. in feb.1999 my check engine light started coming on. also in feb. i turn on my air conditing to find out it doesn't work. it was blowing out hot air. i call chrysler and they told me to bring it in. it was going to cost me the $50. which i didn't think that was fair, being i just purchase the car in nov.1998. in mar. 12th i took my car in for brake inspection becuase i was having some problems when i would step on the brake pedal to stop the car, the brakes make noise like grinding metal to metal. my front brake pads were worn out, which they said had ruined the front rotors. and they recommend replacing rotors and d pads. they said the veh. was not safe to drive in current condition. well they wanted to chg. me over $300.00 and i just didn't trust them any more so my dad did the job for $100.00. m y extended serv. contract did not cover the brakes. i feel like i have a lemon for a car. i don't think this car is safe to drive there is all way something wrong with it. and it is putting a hole in my pocket. so much for a newer car so you can have few
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06/01/2004		1
	Vehicle's brakes malfunctioned.mr the vehicle had other problems such as a bad battery, alternator, three turn signal switches, a blown head gasket, sticking throttle body, an oil pan leak, all four windows had an air leak which whistle when the vehicle was driven at high speeds. jb
08/03/2003	62000	1
	Consumer stated her brakes failed. there was a multi-car accident on the beltway. as she approached she saw the truck in front of her apply his brakes, she then applied her brakes. her vehicle did not stop and the vehicle rear ended the truck in front of her. the air bags did not deploy, and she received some musculoskeletal injuries and was very sore. her vehicle was totaled. daimlerchrysler won't claim any responsibility for the defect on the vehicle. ph scc *jb

	Engine gaskets had to be replace three times in town years. the brakes make a squealing and grinding noise.
11/10/1997		1	01/23/1997
	Right front brake did not lock up when applied for a sudden stop at 30 mph. vehicle crashed and air bags did not deploy.
12/31/1997		8	05/24/1997
	Brakes fail without warning.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
			06/01/1997
	Chrysler sold neons with known factory defects as evidenced by issuance of 70 tsbs and failed to recall cars which are highway hazards.to date, i have spent $10,088.79 on repairs due to these known defects. two head gaskets, cylinder heads, cam seals and sensors have been replaced by the dealer under chrysler's secret warranty--at 20,871 and 54,049 miles. now supposedly only defective camsensors are the problem. other defects beginning 20,000 miles: radio/tape player, vibration, clinkling/clunking sound, steering wheel shake, toe problem due to faulty design resulting in excessive tire consumption (tire & wheel run out), abs failure, brake failure due to faulty design, brake howling, brake metal to metal contact, need for larger brake drums, trunk weatherstripping defective, faulty design results in leaks to interior, lower control arm defective, cannot hold alignment, suspension system defective, tires collapse and fly off, ac failure (hose leaks, compressor replaced), new batteries repeated replaced ( aaa called 12 times and recharger purchased) now a tbs says this is due to a defective rke transmitter, 02 sensors, various seals leak, wiring defective, transmission replaced (nothing but shards of metal left--on display at transmission shop), transaxle differential replaced, oil leakage, lifetime brakes replaced every 6 months, insufficient power on incline, with parking brake and foot brake on car rolls or lurches when ignition turned off, steering column shakes violently at 45 mph, difficult to steer at under 45 mph, driver side rear view mirror fell off, turn signal defective, separation of lower control arm ball joint, wheelcover loss due to missing or loose bolts, rim replacements due to tires flying off, oil leak, glove compartment latch failure, poor design with no lights around lighter, and other minor problems. chrysler is a negligent manufacturer and all neons should be taken off the road. *ak
12/01/1997
	Noise coming from brakes when applied. carbon dust build up in brakes. dealer notified. feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.*ak
		1	04/01/1998
	The brakes are horrible.. grind as if metal on metal.. have had them checked by dealer and two other brake specialits. all say brakes work fine.. however grind horribly.. and chirp continuously.. nobody can figure it out. the paint is another issue. it peels all over including trunk, doors, roof, etc. seems to be only lapis blue color that does it. i have a list of 12 vehicles in this color that are peeling as well as several photos. dealer wanted me to pay, even while under warranty.. phoned daimler chrysler and it took 4 months of fighting with them to agree to re-paint however they will only re-paint where it is peeling.. unacceptable, as more paint will continue to peel in other areas. this is a manufacturing defect and should be covered with no questions.. they are well aware of the problem.. the brakes should be fixed also. i did not bought a new car to avoid problems like these.. this car is a lemon and should be recalled. there are so many problems listed on the complaint page for this vehicle.. how long will it be before someone at the nhtsa does something for us??*ak
01/15/2000		1	02/01/1997
	Like so many others, the head gasket on my young neon has blown.i have also had problems with brakes squealing, power steering locking up in wet weather and the turn signal now only works when it feels like it. the radio had to be replaced the first year i owned the car - and it took the dealer nearly a month to get that done.
01/14/2000		0
	When appying the brake pedal to stop vehicle, brakes will not stop into a few feets away, and the pedal feels hard and high. *ak
		20	01/01/1997
	Brake pedal feels like it bottems out, especially when first driven.moving under 10mph,car continues to move and brakes are appied fully,pedal has no more travel,if brake is pumped, it's ok. ,as if air in lines,or bad brake booster. dealer cannot duplicate. also, replaced pads and rotors-does not happen 100% of the time.
09/21/1998			04/28/1997
	Vehicle accelerated after letting off gas; driver applied brakes left front side locked up, causing the vehicle to turn over.
03/31/1998
	When the brakes were applied , the pedal went to the floor/ locked up, resulting in extended stopping distance and causing a collision. the dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak
01/08/1998		3
	Consumer was exiting parking lot when she applied brakes and the brakes went to the floor and then a loud click was sounded. the vehicle kept moving. consumer still had foot on brake and pressing to the floor as it began to make grinding noises. as consumer proceeded, the grinding noise was still there. now, whenever vehicle is started the grinding noises automatically begins. consumer had this happen two times before. took vehicle to dealer for repairs. this is the third time vehicle is being repaired for same brake problem. dealership--southbay mitsubishi--3131 pacific coast hwy---310-539-9797. *ak
10/13/1997
	Steering: driving approximately 15mph and went over speed bump, steering locked up and could not steer car left or right, struggled to turn left to get back on highway, hit the brakes and the brakes did not work. hit 3 ton boulder , and car was totaled. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
10/07/2002
	Consumer states that when brakes where applyed the pedal went to the floor, and the brakes did not hold. driver had to pull on the emergency brakes to stop vehicle. *mr
		1	04/07/2000
	While driving the brakes squeal and moan when applied. the dealer has attempted to repair the problem several times yet it reoccurs. manufacturers has been notified. nlm *yh
06/11/2002		1
	Consumer states while driving and with no warning the brakes locked up causing a collision. cause unknown dealer notified.*jb
04/20/2000		2	04/28/1997
	While parked, transmission fluid leaked out of vehicle. dealer found transmission lines loose. vehicle shifting by itself due to a sticky cable. oil leak in engine. dealer found headgasket failure. on several occasions engine runs rough. camshaft replaced. vehicle shakes and trembles while braking. weatherstripping fell off on drivers side door. antifreeze leaking. dealer replaced water pump. battery clamp loose causing battery light to stay on. ak tt
		2
	Brakes vibrate badly causing rotors to wear out and break. yh
10/25/1996		2	09/01/1996
	While braking in line of traffic brakes did not work, cruise control seemed to engage,car would not stop. hit car in front, that car hit next in line. received summons but at later date found not guilty and fine returned. inspection said cruise was ok. on 23/25/99 brakes again failed til cruise control was hit at off button. cruise was not in use - has not been used since 1996 accident. cruise control was not connected at time of purchase - northtown dodge connected 10/4/96 when found cruise did not work. *ak
			10/01/1997
	The rear brakes squeak. the car has been taken back to the dealership three times with no success.
		1	10/30/1996
	Brakes squeak when its backing up. yh
07/15/1997		4	03/01/1997
	Have also had transmission, electrical failure, and brake failure at low mileage, very unhappy. *ak
02/12/1998		1	02/12/1998
	Brakes make noise, system operating normal.
10/23/1997		1
	Brakes failed resulting in vehicle collision.
		2	05/22/1997
	Sudden acceleration experienced causing an accident, no deployment of air bag during collision. brake failure on occasion contributing to collision.
06/11/1998		2
	While driving vehicle about any speed and when stepping on the brake pedal to stop vehicle, the brakes make noise like grinding metal to metal. also when accelerating transmission becomes noisy. *ak
03/05/1997		2	10/13/1996
	Brakes failed twice to stop vehicle, lost control. resulting in collision.
03/16/1998
	While driving 30 mph, applying the brakes and the braking system malfunctioned, causing the brakes to lock up and vehicle to spin around. had a rollover in which the defective seatbelt unlatched during the accident, and after rollover was completed the driver's and passenger's airbags deflated improperly. *ak
03/08/1998
	When traveling on wet pavement/upon depressing brake pedal the vehicle went into a skid, consumer was involved in a rear end collision in which the driver's and passenger's side air bags deployed, causing the windshield to blow out. please provide any further details.
		2	10/01/1996
	Brakes squeak.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
07/28/1997			07/01/1997
	Ever since i bought the car used i have had numerous problems. here is just a brief list: incorrect gas mileage both city and highway, transmission problems, brakes squeaking, air coming through bad window seals, defrost not working properly, air conditioning not working correctly, 3 oxygen sensors replaced, 2 head gaskets replaced, and water coming into the trunk which has caused the jack and tire changing equipment to rust. also the water then leaks into the back floor which causes the car to smell. the cs for dodge will not agree to fix the problem with the original roof design which would correct the water from coming into the trunk. for the past year, about every 2 months something is going wrong with the car which has just a little over 62,000 miles and proper maintenance has been followed.*ak
11/25/2000
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
		1	04/01/1998
	The brakes are horrible.. grind as if metal on metal.. have had them checked by dealer and two other brake specialits. all say brakes work fine.. however grind horribly.. and chirp continuously.. nobody can figure it out. the paint is another issue. it peels all over including trunk, doors, roof, etc. seems to be only lapis blue color that does it. i have a list of 12 vehicles in this color that are peeling as well as several photos. dealer wanted me to pay, even while under warranty.. phoned daimler chrysler and it took 4 months of fighting with them to agree to re-paint however they will only re-paint where it is peeling.. unacceptable, as more paint will continue to peel in other areas. this is a manufacturing defect and should be covered with no questions.. they are well aware of the problem.. the brakes should be fixed also. i did not bought a new car to avoid problems like these.. this car is a lemon and should be recalled. there are so many problems listed on the complaint page for this vehicle.. how long will it be before someone at the nhtsa does something for us??*ak
		1	07/01/1997
	Brakes make grinding noises, cleaned rear brakes shoes, noise went away. *et
		20	01/01/1997
	Brake pedal feels like it bottems out, especially when first driven.moving under 10mph,car continues to move and brakes are appied fully,pedal has no more travel,if brake is pumped, it's ok. ,as if air in lines,or bad brake booster. dealer cannot duplicate. also, replaced pads and rotors-does not happen 100% of the time.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
04/01/2006		2	05/01/1999
	My first complaint would be about the paint. my car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. it is now peeling in 6 spots, the largest is the size of a watermelon. very unhappy!!!! second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. i was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. i pulled over and everything seemed fine. i continued to drive but could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. i tried driving my car to the mechanics but in the end did not get very far. i pulled over once again and noticed smoke coming from my drivers side front wheel. i also noticed the wheel well caught on fire due to the friction. my car was then towed and my mechanic diagnosed the problem as a ceased caliper. beware, this was scary. my whole front end brake system had to be replaced. too add, i find it's hard to see at night due to a defective plastic that covers the head lights. they are foggy and don't give out enough light. lastly, i find that the sealants on the windows of my two door are horrible. i have to push on my window when closing it in order for the window to seal. this is a big problem, my car was stolen because of this problem. a recall should definitely be considered for the paint, breaks and headlight covers and windows/seals!!! *jb
09/05/2003		4
	Independent shop replaced twice the front brake pads/rotors, and the caliper pin. also, engine head gasket was leaking oil. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
09/05/2003		4
	Independent shop replaced twice the front brake pads/rotors, and the caliper pin. also, engine head gasket was leaking oil. *ak
04/25/2000		1	01/01/2000
	Head gasket blew. oxygen sensor blew. left rear brake pad fell off and jammed in the drum rendering the vehicle unmovable. upon inspection, had to replace both drums, both discs, and new pads on front and back both sides. window seals have failed on the passengers side front window. water leaks in and air leaks at highway speeds, slows car down immensley and causes more fuel consumption. driver's side window harshly scratched. gets worse as time goes by, have seen other neon's with the same problem. fuel filter went, causing the entire fuel injection system to have to be replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
06/12/2002	10000	1
	Brakes squel and make noise, car won't stop above 50 mph in safe distance. *jb
09/05/2003		4
	Independent shop replaced twice the front brake pads/rotors, and the caliper pin. also, engine head gasket was leaking oil. *ak
06/04/2002		1	04/17/2000
	Speed control speedometer doesn't work most of the time. replace the sencsor but still doesn't work. i will never buy a dodge again. i've also had to replace the brakes and rotor,catalytic converter. now i'm having trouble with the paint. it's bubling and peeling off in layers all over car.*ak

	Entire brakes system and rotors had to be replaced by mechanic due to system being rusty and making squealing noise.
09/18/1997		1	09/09/1997
	Brake rotors failed, causing vibration.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
05/15/1998		10	09/01/1997
	Well lets see the first defect was a fan relay which was replaced 5 times before a wiring defect was found next we have hard brakes which contribuited to an accident which caused 7000 dollars in damage and 1 minor injury due to the fact that the air bags did not deploy, we follow that up with a leaky head gasket which chrysler was kind enough to return 1/2 of my out of pocket expenses along with wiring defects and air bags that don't come out other than the fact i have had more problems with this car than every other cars i have ever owned they made up for this lemon by having a bad customer service department too.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - HYDRAULIC
05/02/2005	48000	1	07/11/2002
	Head gasket needed to be replace after 45,000 miles.. bought the car in 2002.. bbrakes are horrible.. brakes make noise, system operating normal fan relay switch .. needed to be replaced.. and was also recalled.. in about 3 years ago.. and never notified.. front end always clanking.. when u turn..