Model year guide

1996 Plymouth Neon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Plymouth Neon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1996 Plymouth Neon — representative photo
Representative photo

1996 Plymouth Neon at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints352
Combined25–28 mpg

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

1996 Plymouth Neon recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #96V075000 · 03/05/1996

THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood NHTSA Campaign #96V026000 · 05/02/1996

AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE..

Fix: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY AND ANY WIRE THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED.

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.

1996 Plymouth Neon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 352 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.

1996 Plymouth Neon safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Plymouth Neon 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1996 Plymouth Neon MPG & running costs

Combined25–28 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,550
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume12 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 1996 Plymouth 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
172.0 in
Width
67.3 in
Height
52.8–53.1 in
Wheelbase
103.9 in
Curb weight
2,385–2,416 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
57.5–57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Plymouth Neon — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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

UNDERHOOD FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE98012 · Electrical System · opened Feb 1998 · closed Jun 1998

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 47

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 47.

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 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

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016

FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC

Bulletin 1802002 · Jun 2002

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT

Bulletin 0801001 · Electrical System · May 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT

Bulletin 1801201 · Equipment · May 2001

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 1996 Plymouth Neon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. Correction: Rear brake master cylinder piston assemblies will be replaced.

Transport Canada #1996079 · May 1996

Electrical

AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) TUBE. SHORTING OF THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE DIE OUT. CORRECTION: WIRING HARNESS WILL BE PROPERLY ROUTED AND ANY DAMAGED WIRING WILL BE REPLACED.

Transport Canada #1996029 · Feb 1996

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Plymouth 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.

1996 Plymouth Neon vehicles on record

1996 Plymouth Neon 1996 Plymouth Neon3P3ES67C2TT260801 1996 Plymouth Neon 1996 Plymouth Neon1P3ES47C8TD649839 1996 Plymouth Neon 1996 Plymouth Neon1P3ES27C4TD729823 1996 Plymouth Neon 1996 Plymouth Neon1P3ES27C5SD121341

Other Plymouth Neon model years

2001 2000 1998 1995 1994

1996 Plymouth Neon — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Plymouth Neon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1996 Plymouth 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 1996 Plymouth Neon?

Across all 352 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 1996 Plymouth Neon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 Plymouth Neon crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Plymouth Neon get?

The 1996 Plymouth Neon has U.S. EPA estimates of 25–28 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.