1997 Plymouth Neon Problems & Reliability

If you were cruising around in the late ’90s, chances are you spotted a Plymouth Neon zipping down the road. This compact car, with its distinctive bubbly design and catchy “Hi” commercials, was a popular choice for many drivers looking for an affordable and efficient ride. But like any car, the 1997 Plymouth Neon had its fair share of quirks and issues that left some owners scratching their heads. In this blog post, we’re diving into the common problems that plagued this model and taking a closer look at its overall reliability. Whether you’re a nostalgic car enthusiast or someone considering a used Neon, we’ve got the lowdown on what to expect from this iconic ’90s vehicle. While the Neon was praised for its peppy performance and budget-friendly price tag, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for every owner. From head gasket failures to electrical gremlins, the 1997 Plymouth Neon had a reputation for certain mechanical hiccups that could turn a joyride into a headache. But don’t let that scare you off just yet! We’ll also explore how these issues stack up against the car’s overall reliability and longevity. So buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane and uncover the truth about the 1997 Plymouth Neon—warts and all. Whether you’re reminiscing about your first car or considering adding a vintage ride to your collection, this post will give you the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Maladjusted door jamb switches may cause problems with interior lights

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has a few quirks, one of which is the maladjusted door jamb switches that can mess with the interior lights. While this issue might be a bit annoying, it’s generally not a deal-breaker for most owners. Overall, the Neon is known for being a reliable ride, but like any older car, it has its share of minor hiccups.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in Spark Plug Tube Seals May Cause Misfire and Poor Fuel Economy

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has some reliability issues, particularly with the spark plug tube seals. When these seals fail, it can lead to engine misfires and poor fuel economy, which are common complaints among owners. While it’s a manageable problem with regular maintenance, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has had its share of issues, and one common problem is the musty odor coming from the AC system. To tackle this, a cleaner or disinfectant is often issued, which can help alleviate the smell temporarily. However, while this solution addresses the symptom, it doesnt necessarily speak to the overall reliability of the vehicle, which has been known to have other mechanical and maintenance concerns.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon is known to have a few issues, one of which is the potential for an oil leak at the cam sensor O-ring. This problem can lead to oil seeping out, which might cause engine performance issues if not addressed. While it’s a common issue for this model, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep the car running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Head Gasket May Fail Prematurely

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon is known for having issues with the head gasket, which may fail prematurely. This problem can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if not addressed promptly. While the car might have other redeeming qualities, this particular issue is a significant concern for its overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Worn truck lid weatherstrip may cause rattle, water leak, or dust

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has a few quirks, one of which is the worn trunk lid weatherstrip that can lead to rattling, water leaks, or dust getting into the trunk. While this issue might be a bit annoying, it’s relatively minor and can be fixed with a simple replacement. Overall, the Neon is known for being a budget-friendly car, but like any older vehicle, it comes with its share of maintenance needs.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Water Leak Due to Plugged AC Drain

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon seems to have a common issue with water leaks caused by a plugged AC drain. This problem can lead to water pooling inside the car, which is definitely annoying and can cause further damage if not addressed. While it’s not the most serious issue, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Lubricate flocked parts of vertical window weatherstrips with Mopar Weatherstrip Lubricant

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has had its share of issues, but keeping the flocked parts of the vertical window weatherstrips lubricated with Mopar Weatherstrip Lubricant can help maintain its reliability. Regular maintenance like this can prevent common problems such as window sticking or increased cabin noise. Overall, while the Neon may not be the most trouble-free car, taking care of these small details can make a noticeable difference in its day-to-day performance.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has a known issue with the check engine light coming on due to pinched leak detection pump vacuum lines. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it might require some attention to ensure the vacuum lines are properly routed and not pinched. Overall, while this issue is notable, it doesn’t necessarily overshadow the car’s general reliability, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re driving or considering buying one.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Starting Issues and Trouble Code Due to Defective Cam/Crankshaft Sensor

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon is known to have some reliability issues, particularly with starting problems and trouble codes related to a defective cam/crankshaft sensor. These issues can lead to frustrating experiences for owners, as they may cause the car to have difficulty starting or trigger the check engine light. While not every Neon will experience these problems, it’s something to be aware of if you’re considering this model.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Cars without ABS may experience master cylinder failure

Analysis:

The 1997 Plymouth Neon has had its share of issues, particularly with cars lacking ABS, which are prone to master cylinder failure. This problem can lead to braking difficulties, impacting the overall reliability of the vehicle. While the Neon was popular for its affordability and compact size, these mechanical issues are something to keep in mind if you’re considering one.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Improperly tensioned serpentine belt may cause loss of power steering assist

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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