The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Risk: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Sell your 1997 Dodge Neon for cash
The 1997 Dodge Neon is a compact car that came with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1997 Neon in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
DodgeNEON1997
1997 Dodge Neon at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 3-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 22–25 city / 31–35 highway / 25–29 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,300–$2,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 306–355 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Neon's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Neon. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling, typically around 55,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1997 Dodge Neon recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Dodge Neon. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 1997 Neon problems
Owners have filed 390 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Neon with NHTSA. 44 reports involved a crash and 12 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 28 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Engine and Engine Cooling55,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling90,000 mi
- Air Bags138,000 mi
- Power Train44,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling43,000 mi
1997 Dodge Neon service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 62 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Dodge Neon. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
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 sa
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Dodge Neon.
Safety belt cinching latch plate
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. A
Other Dodge Neon years
‹ Sell a 1996 Neon · Sell a 1998 Neon › · All Dodge Neon years
Other 1997 Dodge models
Selling a 1997 Neon: questions
How much is a 1997 Dodge Neon worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1997 Neon that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1997 Neons that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1997 Neon with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Dodge Neon; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Neon?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1997 Neon today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.