Model year guide

1998 Dodge Neon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Dodge Neon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 Dodge Neon — representative photo
Representative photo

1998 Dodge Neon at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints364
Combined24–29 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Dodge Neon recalls 6

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E060000 · 29/06/2006

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Structure:body NHTSA Campaign #99V001000 · manufacturer #796 · 07/01/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY BE MISSING SPOT WELDS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MISSING WELDS, AND WILL HAVE STRUCTURAL RIVETS INSTALLED IN PLACE OF THE MISSING WELDS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1998 Dodge Neon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1998 Dodge Neon safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side barrier test — 1998 Dodge Neon 4-DR.Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1998 Dodge Neon 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1998 Dodge Neon MPG & running costs

Combined24–29 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,550
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume91 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Dodge Neon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,750
Fuel only$12,750
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
171.7 in
Width
67.3 in
Height
54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,471–2,513 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
57.5–57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Dodge Neon — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE Closed

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT. WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K). THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE E…

NHTSA #PE02082 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 57

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 57.

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019

Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joint…

Bulletin 68332810 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the NEON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Dodge Neon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Structure

On certain vehicles, the rear suspension crossmember may be missing spot welds. This may result in structural cracks in the body, and reduced crash protection in the event of a rear impact. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and vehicles with missing spot welds will have structural rivets installed in place of the welds.

Transport Canada #1999010 · Jan 1999

Electrical

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE SOLID STATE FAN RELAY COULD FAIL BECAUSE OF HEAT RELATED ELECTRICAL OVER STRESS CAUSING THE FAN(S) TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. BOTH EMISSIONS AND DRIVEABILITY MAY BE IMPACTED IF THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. CORRECTION: THE SOLID STATE RELAY WILL BE REPLACED AND A DIODE JUMPER WIRE WILL BE INSTALLED IN…

Transport Canada #1998053 · Mar 1998

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Dodge Neon

The Neon is a compact car built by Chrysler from the 1995 to 2005 model years. Taking its name from the inert gas, the model line was marketed by Dodge and Plymouth; in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America, the Neon was branded as a Chrysler. The model line was the first compact car to become profitable for an American automaker.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1998 Dodge Neon vehicles on record

Other Dodge Neon model years

1998 Dodge Neon — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Dodge Neon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1998 Dodge Neon. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Neon?

Across all 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, air bags, structure.

What is the 1998 Dodge Neon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Dodge Neon crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 2★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge Neon get?

The 1998 Dodge Neon has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.