2000 Dodge Neon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Dodge Neon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags7115.4%
- Brakes7015.2%
- Engine5411.7%
- Electrical439.3%
- Body & structure337.2%
- Steering275.9%
- Suspension265.7%
- Transmission255.4%
- Driver assistance204.3%
- Seat belts194.1%
- Tires & wheels153.3%
- Visibility143.0%
- Other / unspecified122.6%
- Exterior lighting112.4%
- Interior & seats92.0%
- Heating & air conditioning51.1%
- Powertrain (other)30.7%
- Fuel system30.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN THE PASSING LANE. A WHITE SUV TRIED PASSING ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS TO HER RIGHT. THE SUV MISJUDGED AND HIT THE REAR RIGHT PANEL OF MY DAUGHTERS NEON SENDING HER INTO THE MEDIAN WHERE THERE ARE WIRE GUARD RAILS. SHE HIT THE GUARD RAIL ON THE DRIVERS FRONT LEFT DAMAGING THE BUMPER, FENDER, WHEEL, RIM STEERING RACK AND EVERYTHING ON THE LEFT FRONT OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE STATE POLICE FILLED A POLICE REPORT WHICH STATES NO FAULT OF NEON DRIVER AND THE SUV TOOK OFF. *TR
MY DAUGHTER HIT ICE ON A BRIDGE GOING ABOUT 40 -45 MPH SPUN AND STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL HEAD ON AND WHILE SPINNING HIT GUARDRAIL WITH FRONTEND AT LEAST ONE OR MORE TIMES, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS HAPPENED ON 2/20/2012. SHE HIT HER JAW ON THE STEERING WHEEL, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO BROKEN BONE JUST VERY SORE. THE OFFICER AT THE ACCIDENT STATED THAT WE SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER ABOUT THIS. THE CAR BELONGED TO MY STEPMOTHER BEFORE MY DAUGHTER, AND SHE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICES ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNFORTUNATELY I RAN INTO A DRIVER WHOM WAS IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY & BAD BRAKES. MY HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DULL & FOGGY. ALSO, WHOMEVER OWN THE CAR BEFORE ME HAD THE BRAKE VACUUM REPLACED DUE TO RECALL & EVER SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR THERE'S BEEN A BRAKE PROBLEM. SUCH AS NEEDING A NEW MASTER CYLINDER, NEW PROPOSITIONING, NEW BRAKE SHOES, AND WHEEL CYLINDER. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF ALL WORK COMPLETED. I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD WHOM RIDE ALONG AND I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. I LOVE THE CAR BUT IF IT CONTINUES I WILL JUNK OUT MY CAR AND LOOK TO SUE DODGE CHRYSLER AND WHOMEVER ELSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAKING OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER WERE REPORTED INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE BRAKES (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V154000-SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: POWER ASSIST: VACUUM) BUT NOT FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM JD BYRIDER OF READING PA ,I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS SAFETY INSPECTED AND THE STICKERS ARE ON VEHICLE, COME TO FIND OUT FROM MY OWN MECHANIC THE CAR WAS NOT SAFETY INSPECTED PROPER BECAUSE THERE WAS ALOT OF THINGS FOUND DEFECTIVE ON IT LIKE ROTORS WERE WARPED BRAKE PAD FELL APART DRUMS NO GOOD BROKEN BOLTS TO OIL PAN AND REAR MAIN SEAL BROKE CAR VIBRATES WHEN AT A RIGHT LIGHT AND WHO EVER DID THE INSPECTION DIDN'T DO IT THE WAY HE WAS SUPPOSED TO WHICH I THINK WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR ACTS LIKE IT HAS A BAD SPARK PLUG BUT WEN YOU CHECK ONE IS FULL OF OIL ITS SHUTS OFF WHEN IT DOES THAT AND IT TAKES A MINUTE TO START BACK UP. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TURNING SIGNAL HEADLIGHTS 80% FAILURE, WHEN TEMPERATURE IN VEHICLE OVER 100 DEGREES. WHEN LIGHTS ARE ENGAGED, ALL REAR MARKING LAMPS, SIDE, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED, AND FOG LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN IN OFF POSITION. I SPOKE TO A TECH OFF THE RECORD, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN A NEAR COLLISION SINCE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS NOT VISIBLE TO DRIVER. WHEN TEMP IN CAR WENT DOWN LATER THAT EVENING, SWITCH WORKED. TODAY IN THE AM IT WORKED, BUT FAILED THIS AFTERNOON. *TR
MAKE: DODGE MODEL: NEON TYPE: PASSENGER CAR YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: AS NOTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, WITH ANY HEAVY RAINFALL, THE FLOOR IN THE BACK SEATS FILLS WITH WATER (UP TO AN INCH OR MORE). APPEARS TO BE ENTERING THROUGH THE TRUNK AREA, AS THE SPARE TIRE WELL ALSO FILLS WITH WATER. USING SPONGES AND A SHOPVAC TO SOAK UP THE WATER AND THEN LEAVING WINDOWS OPEN TO DRY IT OUT IS MY ONLY REMEDY TO THE MOISTURE AND ODOR. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2001. THE DEALER IS OF NO HELP BECAUSE (MERCIFULLY FOR OTHERS) THAT DEAL WENT BANKRUPT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. I HAVE A LITANY OF OTHER CONCERNS WITH THE 2000 NEON. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE (CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY - PARTLY A PROBLEM WITH RECORDS AS THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE/INITIAL MAINTENANCE HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS), EACH TIME I START THE CAR, THE FUSE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, THOUGH ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND LOOK OK. AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS HAS FAILED AND AS A RESULT I HAVE NO FUNCTIONING INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS OR EXTERIOR BACKUP LIGHTS. REPEATED EFFORTS BY SEVERAL REPAIR FACILITIES TO LOCATE THE CORRECT HARNESS HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 72,000 MILES OF RELATIVELY EASY CITY DRIVING (COMMUTE TO WORKPLACE) OR DIVIDED HIGHWAY DRIVING), YET MOST FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED (ALL STRUTS, SWAY BARS, ETC). TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE OR CONNECTOR FAILED ON FEB 19, 2006, RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF FLUID. *NM
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A ENTER SECTION AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND IT BROKE MY SUB FRAME. WHEN I WENT TO LOOK AT IT THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME BECAME RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE MIDDLE OF THE FRAME AND EACH WHEEL WHERE THE CONTROL ARM WAS LOCATED WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO REPAIR AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS OVER THE 10 YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. KMJ *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS HEARING A CLUNK UNDER MY CAR. TOOK IT TO GOODYEAR. THEY SAID IT WAS A RUSTED SUBFRAME. NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED TO THE TUNE OF 1000 DOLLARS. THEY SAID NOTHING ELSE LOOKED RUSTED. HMMMM ODD. *TR
SEVERE CORROSION CAUSED A WEAKNESS IN THE SUSPENSION CRADLE/ ENGINE CRADLE THAT RESULTED IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AWAY FROM ITS MOUNTING TO THE SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER/ CRADLE. THE CONTROL ARM AND ALL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS SEEMED TO BE IN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION AND DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY FAILURES. THE FAILURE WAS SEVERE ENOUGH THAT THE DRIVE AXLE WAS PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNDRIVEABLE. I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE HAD THE FAILURE AT A VERY LOW SPEED WHILE TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY. THE SAME FAILURE AT POSTED SPEED (45MPH AT THE TIME) WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL AND LIKELY SEVERE CRASH. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HELP. *TR
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS SUB-FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. HAS THERE BEEN A RE-CALL ON THE 2000 DODGE NEON? *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM WRITING THIS ON BEHALF OF MY ELDERLY MOTHER WHO IS IN THE HOSPITAL UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR INJURIES SHE RECEIVED WHEN HER CAR DROPPED INTO REVERSE FROM PARK WHILE SHE WAS GETTING ITEMS OUT OF THE TRUNK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. SHE WAS PINNED UNDER THE CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE A FAMILY MEMBER FOUND HER AND MOVED THE CAR OFF HER. SHE HAS MULTIPLE ABRASIONS, SOME STITCHES, AND IS UNDERGOING TESTING FOR INTERNAL INJURIES. *TR
MAKE: DODGE MODEL: NEON TYPE: PASSENGER CAR YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: AS NOTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS, WITH ANY HEAVY RAINFALL, THE FLOOR IN THE BACK SEATS FILLS WITH WATER (UP TO AN INCH OR MORE). APPEARS TO BE ENTERING THROUGH THE TRUNK AREA, AS THE SPARE TIRE WELL ALSO FILLS WITH WATER. USING SPONGES AND A SHOPVAC TO SOAK UP THE WATER AND THEN LEAVING WINDOWS OPEN TO DRY IT OUT IS MY ONLY REMEDY TO THE MOISTURE AND ODOR. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2001. THE DEALER IS OF NO HELP BECAUSE (MERCIFULLY FOR OTHERS) THAT DEAL WENT BANKRUPT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. I HAVE A LITANY OF OTHER CONCERNS WITH THE 2000 NEON. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE (CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY - PARTLY A PROBLEM WITH RECORDS AS THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE/INITIAL MAINTENANCE HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS), EACH TIME I START THE CAR, THE FUSE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, THOUGH ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND LOOK OK. AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS HAS FAILED AND AS A RESULT I HAVE NO FUNCTIONING INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS OR EXTERIOR BACKUP LIGHTS. REPEATED EFFORTS BY SEVERAL REPAIR FACILITIES TO LOCATE THE CORRECT HARNESS HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 72,000 MILES OF RELATIVELY EASY CITY DRIVING (COMMUTE TO WORKPLACE) OR DIVIDED HIGHWAY DRIVING), YET MOST FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED (ALL STRUTS, SWAY BARS, ETC). TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE OR CONNECTOR FAILED ON FEB 19, 2006, RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF FLUID. *NM
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST UNTIL ACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO MAINTAIN SPEED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT SHE BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,191.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING IN THE CENTER LANE AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOVED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND UNDERNEATH THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE IT WOULD PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AS WELL. SHE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER UNTIL THE SPEED COMPLETELY SLOWED DOWN AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT TIED A ROPE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE MIDDLE CONSOLE, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ROPE WAS PULLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REPLACED THE VEHICLE FOR FREE; HOWEVER, SHE BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN UPDATED 03/23/09. *JB
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP AT ALL AND HAVE 3 OTHER BUDDIES THAT THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL DIFFRENT YEARS DO THE SAME. ITS NOT SAFE FOR A 4 YEAR OLD TO BE IN A BOOSTER SEAT IN THE REAR SEAT BECAUSE OF BOTH OF SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK UP AT ALL. AND WENT TO DEALIER SHIP AND THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHY THEY DONT LOCK UP AND TOLD ME TO CALL COUSTMER LINE AND TELL THEM BUT NO ANSWARE IF IT GOING ON WITH MORE THAN ONE AND ITS A SAFTEY HASARED SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE CAR.....
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER WERE REPORTED INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE BRAKES (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V154000-SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: POWER ASSIST: VACUUM) BUT NOT FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT 4 GRAND SPIRIT TOURING TIRES SIZE 185/60TR15 ON 6/15/05. BELTS ON TWO OF THESE TIRES SEPARATED. ONE ON 7/21/08 THE SECOND ON 12/19/08. MANUFACTURER OF THESE TIRES IS TBC TIRES. ONE OF THESE TIRES WAS PRORATED AND REPLACED. I WAS INFORMED BY TIRE RETAILER ,TIRE KINGDOM, THAT THE TIRE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. NOW I HAVE A TIRE WITH BELT SEPARATION AND TWO MORE THAT WILL NO DOUBT DO THE SAME. *TR
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN I HAVE PUT $750 INTO REPAIRS AND HAVE ESTIMATES FOR $1000 MORE WORTH OF REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURERS PROBLEMS INCLUDED A REAR MAIN OIL SEAL LEAK, AN OIL PAN GASKET LEAK, AND A DISTRIBUTOR SWITCH LEAK. THERE WAS ALSO A BENT WHEEL, DAMAGED TIRE, AND BAD STARTER. THE DEALER (DICK MORRIS CHEVROLET) WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX IT. *JB
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNFORTUNATELY I RAN INTO A DRIVER WHOM WAS IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY & BAD BRAKES. MY HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DULL & FOGGY. ALSO, WHOMEVER OWN THE CAR BEFORE ME HAD THE BRAKE VACUUM REPLACED DUE TO RECALL & EVER SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR THERE'S BEEN A BRAKE PROBLEM. SUCH AS NEEDING A NEW MASTER CYLINDER, NEW PROPOSITIONING, NEW BRAKE SHOES, AND WHEEL CYLINDER. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF ALL WORK COMPLETED. I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD WHOM RIDE ALONG AND I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. I LOVE THE CAR BUT IF IT CONTINUES I WILL JUNK OUT MY CAR AND LOOK TO SUE DODGE CHRYSLER AND WHOMEVER ELSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAKING OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
AS WITH A MULTITUDE OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE, WHENEVER THERE IS A RAIN (HEAVY OR LIGHT), WATER LEAKS INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR (MOST LIKELY THROUGH THE TRUNK, POSSIBLY AROUND THE TAILLIGHT OR ANOTHER HARD TO DIAGNOSE AREA). THE WATER WILL FILL UP THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND POOL THERE, THEN MOVE UNDER THE BACK SEATS AND THE BACK SEAT FLOORS WHERE AGAIN THE WATER POOLS AND SOAKS INTO THE LINING/CUSHIONS/INTERIOR. ALL OF THIS WATER CAUSES BOTH STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR (RUST AND OTHER ISSUES), PRODUCES MILDEW AND MOLD IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE (A POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD), AND CREATES HIGHLY HUMID AND MOIST ENVIRONMENT INSIDE THE CAR. THE LEAK AND WATER HAVE ALSO AFFECTED THE REVERSE/BACKUP LIGHTING (ANOTHER HAZARD) AND RUSTED PARTS OF THE SPARE TIRE WELL. IN ADDITION THE HIGH HUMIDITY RESULTS IN INTERIOR WINDOWS BEING NOT JUST FOGGED BUT HAVING A WORRISOME AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION THAT MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE DRIVING SAFELY. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO "SEAL" THE LEAK IN THE TRUNK TO NO AVAIL. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH FOR THIS PROBLEMS REVEALS HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE OF THE LEAK. DODGE HAS NEVER ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE WITH CONSUMERS. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. GOING ABOUT 65 MILES AN HOUR.. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME.. WAS A CAR AND A HALF AWAY. THE CAR AHEAD OF ME STOPPED VERY SUDDENLY I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO REACT WHEN I HIT HIM HEAD ON. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
I BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM JD BYRIDER OF READING PA ,I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS SAFETY INSPECTED AND THE STICKERS ARE ON VEHICLE, COME TO FIND OUT FROM MY OWN MECHANIC THE CAR WAS NOT SAFETY INSPECTED PROPER BECAUSE THERE WAS ALOT OF THINGS FOUND DEFECTIVE ON IT LIKE ROTORS WERE WARPED BRAKE PAD FELL APART DRUMS NO GOOD BROKEN BOLTS TO OIL PAN AND REAR MAIN SEAL BROKE CAR VIBRATES WHEN AT A RIGHT LIGHT AND WHO EVER DID THE INSPECTION DIDN'T DO IT THE WAY HE WAS SUPPOSED TO WHICH I THINK WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNFORTUNATELY I RAN INTO A DRIVER WHOM WAS IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY & BAD BRAKES. MY HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DULL & FOGGY. ALSO, WHOMEVER OWN THE CAR BEFORE ME HAD THE BRAKE VACUUM REPLACED DUE TO RECALL & EVER SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR THERE'S BEEN A BRAKE PROBLEM. SUCH AS NEEDING A NEW MASTER CYLINDER, NEW PROPOSITIONING, NEW BRAKE SHOES, AND WHEEL CYLINDER. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF ALL WORK COMPLETED. I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD WHOM RIDE ALONG AND I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. I LOVE THE CAR BUT IF IT CONTINUES I WILL JUNK OUT MY CAR AND LOOK TO SUE DODGE CHRYSLER AND WHOMEVER ELSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAKING OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
FOG LIGHTS NOT WORKING. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY CAR BACK AND FORTH FROM COLLEGE AND RUNNING ERRANDS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE A COMPLETELY STOCKED 2000 DODGE NEON ES. I USE THE HEADLIGHTS MOST OF THE TIME, EVEN DURING THE DAY, TO INCREASE VISIBILITY. ONE NIGHT, I WAS DRIVING THROUGH MY TOWN. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING BUT NOT THINKING ANYTHING OF IT SINCE I WAS NEAR A RURAL AREA THAT COULD HAVE CAMP FIRES LIT. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. THEN I NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AS THEY USED TO. THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON SOMETIMES AND OTHER TIMES NOT. I FIGURED THAT IT WAS JUST A SWITCH AND NOT A BIG DEAL SO I DID NOTHING TO FIX IT. THEN MY HIGH BEAMS STOPPED WORKING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I DID A BIT OF RESEARCH TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. I STUMBLED UPON A WEBSITE AND READ ABOUT LOOKING AT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I JUST GOT FINISHED CHECKING OUT MY CAR. THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONNECTS TO THE MFS IS MELTED AS HAS EVIDENCE OF BURN MARKS. THE HEADLIGHTS CURRENTLY WORK BUT THE FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS DO NOT. I HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE MELTED HARNESS AND WILL SEND THEM TO WHOEVER I NEED TO. I HAVE READ UP ON REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS BUT IT IS RATHER EXPENSIVE. ESPECIALLY IF IT WILL MELT AGAIN SOMETIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I BELIEVE THE PART NUMBER IS 5183442AA BASED ON SEVERAL SOURCES. I WILL BE REPLACING THIS PART PROBABLY ON MY OWN TO SAVE SOME MONEY, ESPECIALLY ON A PART I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ORDERING IN THE FIRST PLACE. *JN
THE CAR IDLES VERY HIGH AND THEN ACCELERATES TO HIGHER SPEEDS WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE IS A HIGH ACCELERATION BOOSTS AND SPURTS WHEN FIRST ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, CAUSING CAR TO LUNGE FORWARD AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE CAR REFUSES TO START WHEN NOT USED DAILY, SUCH AS A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER OR THE ALTERNATOR, BUT NO PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FOUND WITH EITHER PARTS UPON INSPECTIONS BY A MECHANIC. FRONT AXLES POP WHEN TURNING. KEY IS HARD TO DISENGAGE OR REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. BRAKES ARE CONSTANTLY SQUEALING AND WEAR EVERY 3-6 MONTHS REGARDLESS F HOW THE CAR IS DRIVEN. THOUGH IT MAY OR NOT BE A PROBLEM FOR SOME, THE FOLD DOWN SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT DO NOT HAVE A DISENGAGE LEVER FROM THE TRUNK. OVER-HEAD DOME LIGHT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND HAS FAULTY WIRING, SO THAT EVEN THOUGH ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED THE DOME LIGHT NEVER SHUTS OFF. THERE IS CONSTANTLY A FUSE LIGHT THAT FLASHES IN MY DASH, THOUGH ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES AND ALL ARE IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER, THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE WARNING LIGHT STILL FLASHES. THE UTILITY OUTLET/CIGARETTE LIGHTER OUTLET DOESN'T AND HAS NOT EVER WORKED SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN 2004. FUSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. WATER LEAKS IN FROM RAIN OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAUSING MUSTY ODOR IN THE CAR. CAR CONSTANTLY OVER-HEATS DURING TRAVEL OVER 35-40 MILES AND LEAKS ANTI-FREEZE, THOUGH NO LEAKS OR PIN HOLES OF ANY KIND COULD BE FOUND. TRUNK STICKS MAKING IT HARD TO OPEN OR DISENGAGE, CAUSED KEY TO BE BROKEN OFF INSIDE THE TRUNK LOCK. *JB
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WILL START TO PULSATE AT ANY SPEED. ALSO, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THE FOLLOWING AS PROBLEMS OCCURED: THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, THROTTLE BLADE ICING, DEFECTIVE ROTORS, CHARGING SYSTEM OVER CHARGING-NO TROUBLE CODES; 3 BATTERY REPLACEMENTS(DEFECTIVE PER MECHANIC), MANY GAS TANK REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS(WOULD NOT TAKE GAS WITHOUT CLICKING AND TICKING/FILLER TANK/GAS TANK), WARNING BRAKE LIGHT AND BUZZER CHIMES WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED ALSO WITH THE GAS PEDAL WHEN APPLIED (DUE TO DEFECTIVE ROTORS AND LACK OF BRAKE FLUID, TRANSMISSION PROBLEM-GRINDING NOISE/WON'T GO IN REVERSE, BRAKE NOISE IN REAR TIRE/BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACE PER RECALL-NEEDS ROTORS & PADS IN FRONT, A/C BLOWS WARM AIR-COMPESSOR CLUTCH WOULDN'T ENGAGE(FOUND BROKEN WIRE), PROBLEM WITH THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, AND NOISE IN THE POWER STEERING. *SCC
ENGINE KNOCKIS IN MORNING WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED COMPRESSOR FOR AIR CONDITIONER, AND REBUILT TRANSMISSION. BUT, PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I ATTEMPED TO PULL OUT FROM A STOPLIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO ANYWHERE. ALMOST WAS REARENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER BEING THAT I WAS TRYING TO MOVE AND MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE LIGHT. ... TOOK A FEW SECONDS TO REALIZE IT WASN'T GOING TO MOVE AND PUT MY FOUR WAYS ON. THIS WAS AT AN INTERSECTION WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 45. VEHICLE FINALLY ENGAGED BUT WAS LEAKING TRANS FLUID. GOT IT HOME IN 1ST GEAR AND NOW THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGED IN DRIVE. WHEN STARTED IN PARK THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME I STARTED IT AFTER GETTING IT HOME I ALMOST RAN OVER THE PERSON LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD. ODD THING IS THAT THERE IS STILL FLUID IN THE TRANS... AT ADD BUT STILL THERE AND THE LEAK HAS STOPPED. TRANS IS STILL ACTING LIKE IT DID THE DAY IT FAILED THOUGH.
MOTOR MOUNTS TO A DOGE NEON HAS BEEN WEARING OUT EVERY TWO YEARS. THEY SHOULD LAST THE USE OF THE CAR I>E 30 YRS. HAS CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO COLLAPSE. CAUSING THE CAR TO BE A DANGER TO THE PERSON DRIVING AND THE PEOPLE WHO ARE WALKING IN THE WAY OF A CAR THATCANNOT STOP. *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 DODGE NEON OWNED BY MS. JERRY KIMBELL OF HAUGHTON LOUISIANA BURST INTO FLAMES AFTER REAR END COLLISION. 2000 NEON HAS FUEL SENDING UNIT LOCATED ON BOTTOM OF GAS TANK AND POORLY ROUTED FUEL LINES. ACCORDING TO NHTSA STUDY, COST TO PLACE FUEL SENDING UNIT ON TOP OF TANK AND REROUTE FUEL LINES WOULD ADD ZERO COST IN PRODUCTION. THIS COMPLAINT IS FILED BY SAM GOODWIN, ATTORNEY FOR RENE RIVERS, THE DAUGHTER OF THE DECEASED. *NM
THE VEHICLE'S GAS GAUGE IS INOPERATIVE. THE GAUGE WAS READING FULL , BUT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A PART(PART UNKNOWN). PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .