Structure: body
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY BE MISSING SPOT WELDS.
Research · Compact Cars
1998 Plymouth NeonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 173 owner complaints for the 1998 Plymouth Neon. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (91) and air bags (19). The EPA rates it 24–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
24–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jan 1999
Owner complaints
173
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
173 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 1998 – Oct 2013
- Engine and engine cooling91
- Air bags19
- Suspension15
- Power train14
- Structure11
- Vehicle speed control9
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Electrical system7
- Visibility7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
91 reports1 fire
“CAR HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL STARTED RUNNING OUT UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER HAS YET TO CORRECT IT. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND THAT I WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN SINCE IT IS A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS TOLD FROM MECHANIC THAT SEVERAL OTHER CARS THE HEADS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. *TR”
Air bags
19 reports14 crashes
“A 1990 CHEVY IMPALA TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF MY SON WHILE HE WAS DRIVING MY CAR, HE WAS GOING 30 MPH HE HIT THE OTHER CAR IN THE B PILLAR, BOTH SIDE DOORS WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. NEITHER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED ON MY CAR. THE PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN DUE TO THE FENDER BEING JAMMED BACK INTO THE DOOR. THE BUMPER IS DANGLING ABOUT 4-5 INCHES FROM WHERE IT SHOULD BE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER INJURED THEIR KNEES ON THE DASH WHEN THEY SLID FORWARD FROM THE IMPACT. THE SEAT BELTS HELD. *NM”
Suspension
15 reports1 crash
“THE STRUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR RATTLES. IT RUBS WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. I HAVE ONLY CHANGED THE STRUTS IN THE REAR AND A WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AND IT IS STILL DOING IT. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 3-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 37 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Neon Auto 3-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Plymouth Neon as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 3830
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Neon questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Plymouth Neon have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1998 Plymouth Neon problems?
Owners filed 173 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (91), air bags (19), suspension (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Plymouth Neon get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Plymouth Neon at 24–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026