1996 Plymouth Neon

Introduction:

The 1996 Plymouth Neon is a subcompact car manufactured by Chrysler Corporation. It was available with two engine options: a 2.0L inline-4 and a 2.4L inline-4. The 2.0L engine produced 132 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4L engine produced 150 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 3-speed automatic, and a 4-speed automatic.

People enjoyed the Neon’s sporty handling, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, common complaints included lackluster interior quality, limited power from the base engine, and a rough ride.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak from the intake manifold gasket, decreased engine performance, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak from the head gasket, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal feels spongy
  • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Input Shaft Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise from transmission, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace input shaft bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, or overheating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts erratically, no power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, misalignment
  • Solution: Replace front control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower in the rear, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace rear coil springs or shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not crank, clicking noise from starter
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting, electrical components malfunctioning
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system issue
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks do not operate, key fob does not work
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not move up or down, rattling or clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the center console plastic
  • Solution: Replace center console
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Warping
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard becomes warped or deformed
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1996 Plymouth Neon has a mix of moderate and severe issues, with repair costs ranging from minor to expensive. The most common and severe issues include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, torque converter failure, and electrical system problems. While the Neon offers some advantages, such as affordability and fuel efficiency, its reliability and overall quality are questionable.