1999 Plymouth Neon

1999 Plymouth Neon

The 1999 Plymouth Neon was a compact sedan available with three engine options, a 1.6L I4 with 103 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0L I4 with 132 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged I4 with 150 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its popularity and affordability, the 1999 Plymouth Neon has some common issues that owners have reported.

Engine

• 1.6L I4
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and decreased engine performance
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• 2.0L I4
  • Valve cover gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve cover
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Crankshaft position sensor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls or fails to start
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• 2.0L turbocharged I4
  • Turbocharger failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and loud noises
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000

Transmission

• 5-speed manual transmission
  • Synchronizer wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, especially into second or third gear
    • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• 3-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission shift solenoid failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifting, and transmission may slip into neutral
    • Solution: Replace the transmission shift solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slippage, shuddering, and overheating
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise over bumps, poor handling, and uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Rear suspension sway bar links failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise over bumps, poor handling, and excessive body roll
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the engine, and battery warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to crank or cranks slowly
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Ignition switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine or the engine stalls while driving
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300

Exterior

• Sunroof motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof does not open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Interior

• Window regulator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate or operate slowly
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Interior door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles break or become loose
  • Solution: Replace the interior door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Instrument cluster failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges become inoperable or display incorrect information
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from the vents
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary

The 1999 Plymouth Neon is a reliable and affordable compact car with a wide range of engine and transmission options. However, it does have some common issues that can be expensive to fix, especially with the turbocharged engine and automatic transmission. Before purchasing a used Neon, it’s important to be aware of and budget for these potential problems.