The 1996 Plymouth Neon is a compact car that came with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine. At 30 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.
| 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 | 22–24 city / 30–35 highway / 25–28 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400–$2,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 317–355 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1996 Plymouth 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.
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Risk: Brake fluid leakage can result in diminished effectiveness of one half of the split brake system. The instrument panel warning light(s) will signal system impairment prior to partial brake system loss.
An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube..
Risk: Shorting of the wiring harness can cause various electrical malfunctions, including engine stalling.
Owners have filed 308 complaints about the 1996 Plymouth Neon with NHTSA. 32 reports involved a crash and 11 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 31 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.
Manufacturers have filed 46 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Plymouth Neon. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
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
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1996 Plymouth 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
Underhood fires
There is no summary currently available
‹ Sell a 1995 Neon · Sell a 1997 Neon › · All Plymouth Neon years
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.
Yes. We buy 1996 Neons that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Plymouth Neon; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.