RoadVitals

2001 Dodge Neon RT

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
5
Latest Jun 27, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Dec 12, 2000
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Dodge Neon RT, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and interior & seats categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical337.5%
  • Engine112.5%
  • Interior & seats112.5%
  • Exterior lighting112.5%
  • Steering112.5%
  • Suspension112.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
00V416000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Dec 12, 2000
30 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. STARTER ASSEMBLIES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT PLASTIC TERMINAL BLOCKS WHICH COULD DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS SUBSEQUENT TO THEIR INSTALLATION ONTO THE BODY OF THE STARTER. SEPARATION OF THE TERMINAL BLOCK FROM THE STARTER BODY COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE UN-FUSED POSITIVE TERMINAL TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH AN ADJACENT SURFACE, PROVIDING A PATH TO GROUND.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD OVERHEAT THE STARTER WIRING, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STARTER TERMINAL BLOCK JUMPER HARNESS.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 964View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 27, 2017

RECENTLY PURCHASED MY NEON STILL HAVE TO REGISTER IT IN MY NAME WHEN THE FRONT BUSSINGS IN THE STABILIZER BAR LITERLY FELL OUT AND I WAS IN A RURAL AREA N HAD TO TIE IT TOGETHER USING SHOE LACES AND WIRE THAT I FOUND I THOUGHT TO LOOK ON THE RECALLS LIST TO FIND MY NEON HAS ALMOST EVERY PROBLEM LISTED ON THE SAFTY RECALL FOR A 2001 NEON I AM A SINGLE PARENT FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENT THIS IS MINE AND MY DAUGHTERS ONLY TRANSPORTATION SOME ONE LOOKED UNDER IT AND SAID OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE AT RISK EVERY TIME WE GET INTO THE CAR HOW DO I GET THESES THINGS FIXED WHAT DO I DO THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION N GOT VERY WOBBLEY ALLSO THE ENGINE WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH FOOT ON BREAK GETS RUFF AND WILL DIE SOMETIMES I PUT BRAND NEW TIRES ON IT BRIOR TO THE BUSHING FALLING OUT FROM FIRESTONE AND THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN PROBLEM IF IT WASNT SOME KIND OF DEFECT, I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR MAINTENENCE OIL CHANGE SPARK PLUGS COIL PACKS FUEL FILTERECT

NHTSA ID
11001823
Incident
May 1, 2017
Electrical
Filed Oct 1, 2015

THIS CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE TURN SIGNALS, HEADLIGHTS, AND FOGLIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS FUSES. THE DEALER QUOTED ME OVER $98.00 PER HOUR TO "DIAGNOSE" THE PROBLEM, AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY HOPE OF HOW MANY HOURS IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AS NO CIRCUIT COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. I OBTAINED A NEW MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, HOPING THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CRACKED DUE TO HEAT AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE INDIVIDUAL SPADE CONNECTORS ARE BLACKENED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT DRAW THROUGH THEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS AT BEST, POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC AT WORST.

NHTSA ID
10779134
Incident
Oct 1, 2015
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Apr 16, 2008
Fire reported

IN 2004 I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH, FAST FORWARD TO APRIL 2008 AND THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED, DANGEROUSLY HOT STEERING COLUMN, AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF IT. I THINK THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN (ORIGINAL COST TO REPLACE WAS $1,100). I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN A REASON FOR A RECALL, DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE THIS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED? I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *TR

NHTSA ID
10224705
Incident
Apr 15, 2008
Mileage
125,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 23, 2007

SAFETY ISSUE. MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH FOR THE LIGHT SYSTEM IS MELTING TO THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO FAIL. PERIODICALLY THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD STOP WORKING AND THEN START AGAIN. AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSES SMOKE RELEASES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO BY A LICENSED MECHANIC, WITH DODGE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND IS OCCURRING AGAIN. PROBABLE FIRE PROBLEM. CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED SINCE BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED SOON AND WILL KEEP THE PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10206637
Incident
Oct 22, 2007
Mileage
79,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 19, 2003

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2003: WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY LIGHTS TURNED OFF. I STOPPED AND THEN DISCOVERED MY HIGH BEAMS STILL OWRKED. DROVE HOME SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2003: ATTENDED FUNERAL OF UNCLE AND DID GET TO LEAVE TILL DARK. DROVE HOME WITH HIGH BEAMS. WHEN ARRIVED HOME, LOW BEAMS NOW WORK CONDITONS: WAS EXTREMELY COLD, TEMPERATURE WELL BELOW NORMAL

NHTSA ID
10002975
Incident
Jan 16, 2001
Mileage
40,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

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 level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

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 level part and submit a part warranty.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

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.

31-005-19

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

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.

3100319

STRUCTURE

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.