1998 Plymouth Neon

1998 Plymouth Neon

The 1998 Plymouth Neon was a compact car available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base model came with a 2.0-liter SOHC inline-four engine producing 132 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter SOHC inline-four with 150 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque was optional. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Neon was praised for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and sporty handling. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, cheap interior, and poor reliability.

Engine

• 2.0L SOHC I4 (132 hp)
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, rough idling, decreased performance
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.0L SOHC I4 (150 hp)
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks while driving
    • Solution: Replace timing belt and water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
    • Solution: Replace clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Shift solenoid failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts
  • Strut mount bearing failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noise and vibration during turns or over bumps
    • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shocks
  • Shock absorber failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical system
  • Alternator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim lights, electrical components not functioning
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Body panels
  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Brown or red discoloration on metal surfaces
    • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of damage
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Cracked dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard surface
    • Solution: Replace dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Seats
  • Seat fabric tearing
    • Description/Symptoms: Rips or tears in seat fabric
    • Solution: Repair or replace seat covers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Plymouth Neon is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. However, it also has a number of common problems, including head gasket failures, timing belt failures, and rust. These issues can be costly to repair, especially the head gasket failure. Overall, the Neon’s reliability is below average, and it is not recommended for those who need a dependable vehicle.