KnownCarProblems2000 Dodge Neon Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 337 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Dodge Neon, most often about the air bags (21% of complaints, typically around 75,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Neon model year since 2000 and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2000 Dodge Neon problems
Air bags
71 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 75,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
The word "airbag" stayed red. My local mechanic said the air bag would not deploy in a crash. He did not attempt to repair. As rain water is leaking into the trunk and from there into the floor of the back seat I wondered if the water seeped into the circuitry. I did not have time to bring to the dealer yet - but the…
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. The contact started the vehicle and the air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The failure progressed over a period of time and became a permanent issue. In addition, the horn failed to operate during the same time of the air bag indicator malfunction. The vehicle was…
Brakes
69 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, conventional.
My 2000 Dodge Neon has had two brake failures. At approx 30000 miles, my driver rear brake assembly failed. At approx 33000 miles, my passenger side rear brake assey has also failed. In the first incident the dealer repaired without explaining the nature of the problem. I'll find out about this one. It goes into the…
While driving at 45 MPH consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took vehicle to an independent repair shop, and mechanic replaced both rear brakes.
Engine
54 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
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…
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. While having the tires replaced,the mechanic determined there was a head gasket leak. The dealer's service manager informed her that she would have to be responsible for any repairs. Also, the contact also spoke to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 59,150, and the current…
Electrical
43 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, ignition, horn.
Dt: was driving to work and first stopped at the red light on the outside lane the green light came on ,and the car was in first gear. When trying to place car in second gear consumer was unable to shift and felt that the vehicle did not have gears. The consumer was able to coast the vehicle off the road to the…
Bought car from father in law, he bought the car new. He had no problems with it.soon after I bought from him in 2000(it was still new!),power windows quit working then started working again.cruise control went out, still dont work. Front end crash 2003 may, 4783.45 in damage, air bag did not deploy at 40mph !!! I had…
Body and structure
33 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: frame and members, body.
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.
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…
Transmission
28 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch assembly, axle assembly.
2000 Dodge Neon-I have had this car for 5 years and use it solely for commuting to and from work. I am a careful driver and do not abuse this vehicle. During these 5 yrs I have had the following work on this car; replaced the brakes twice within the first 2 yrs replaced the battery 3 times over 5 years replaced the…
Dt: broke down on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealership. They said the radiator separated from the engine, and transmission leaked into the engine. Had two different compartments flush and radiator replaced.
Steering
27 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 74,500 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, hydraulic power assist, steering wheel/handle bar, hydraulic power assist system.
We heard a pop in our engine while driving down the highway, uncertain that it was our vehicle we continued, as we exited the highway we had lost power steering it seemed. Continue home about 20 miles and once we pulled into our driveway we opened the hood to find our power steering belt had come off. While…
- the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. While turning left into a parking lot the vehicle abruptly stopped. The front driver's side tie rod failed, causing that tire to lean. The travel speed was approximately 5 MPH. The vehicle was towed away. The dealer replaced both tie rod ends. The current and failure mileage were…
Suspension
26 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Consume rcomplained about a front lower control arm problem. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and there was a recall on this make, model, and year. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Lower control arm fell off. This was due to the pivot tube and arm not being properly welded. Dealer stated that consumer's vehicle was 10 days past the recall date. Dealer will not fix it.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2000 Dodge Neon recalls
Brakes: vacuum
Risk: This could cause a loss of power brake assist and an increase in engine idle speed.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum hose. Owner notification began july 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. In the presence of oil and heat, the brake booster vacuum hose could swell and loosen from the intake manifold.
Child Seat
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: This can prevent the throttle from fully returning to idle, which could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace and relocate a pcv system tube.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger cars. Vapors from the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system can condense and freeze inside of the throttle body when the vehicle is operated in extremely cold ambient temperatures.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: This inadequate welding could allow the tube to separate from the arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will replace the lower control arm.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front suspension lower control arms may have been inadequately welded between the pivot tube and the arm.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger may not be adequately restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag module on the passenger side.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some frontal (passenger side) air bags may not inflate properly.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
Summary
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 existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
Control arm welds
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Questions about the 2000 Dodge Neon
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Neon?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (71 complaints, typically around 75,500 miles); brakes (69 complaints, typically around 33,000 miles); engine (54 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2000 Dodge Neon have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 8, 2001 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2000 a bad year for the Dodge Neon?
- It is the most complained-about Neon model year since 2000, with 337 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.