“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.”
Owner complaint, filed May 5, 2012
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 26, 2012 at 99,100 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2000 Neon peaked in 2001, with 78 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 99V043000 in March 1999; 62 more have come in since. In 2016 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Defect. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum01V154000
Filed May 8, 2001353,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Nov 9, 20001,211,756 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. 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.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS CAN PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM FULLY RETURNING TO IDLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE AND RELOCATE A PCV SYSTEM TUBE.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm99V114000
Filed May 6, 1999744 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED BETWEEN THE PIVOT TUBE AND THE ARM.
Risk. THIS INADEQUATE WELDING COULD ALLOW THE TUBE TO SEPARATE FROM THE ARM, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM.
Filed Mar 11, 1999488 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONTAL (PASSENGER SIDE) AIR BAGS MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PASSENGER MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2000 Neon.
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPreliminary evaluation PE02082Closed
Opened Nov 6, 2002Closed Apr 23, 2003seat belts
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 WELDSRecall query RQ99010Closed
Opened Jun 1, 1999Closed Feb 5, 2001Led to recall 99V114000suspension
There is no summary currently available
Technical service bulletins
74 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 Neon. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
body and frame 13equipment 12engine 11transmission 8electrical system 7steering 5visibility 3seats 3
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 14, 2016VA
MERGED INTO THE SIDE OF ME
Power Train
Filed Aug 22, 2015147,000 milesPA
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.
Seat Belts
Filed May 26, 201587,000 milesOR
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.....
Visibility/Wiper1 injured
Filed Aug 8, 201415,000 milesKY
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
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 23, 2014283,000 milesIN
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
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 3, 2013110,000 milesKS
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
Suspension
Filed Apr 2, 2013KS
SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO HELP. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 23, 2013137,000 milesOH
MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2000 DODGE NEON AND THE SUB FRAME BROKE AND I LOOK UNDER THE CAR THE HOLE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT HE CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR WHERE GLAD THAT HE WAS NOT ON THE FREE WAY WHEN IT HAPPEN IS THERE A RECALL WHERE HE CAN GET THIS FIX I BEEN LOOKING AT NEONS AND THEY ALL SEE TO BE RUSTED OUT BY LOOKING AT THE BODY YOU WOULD THINK THE SUB FRAME WOULD NOT BE LIKE THAT. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 17, 201390,000 milesWA
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
Steering
Filed Jan 9, 201393,000 milesIL
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
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Dec 14, 2012OH
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS SUB-FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. HAS THERE BEEN A RE-CALL ON THE 2000 DODGE NEON? *TR
Suspension
Filed Nov 5, 2012172,000 milesMI
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
Air BagsCrash
Filed May 5, 2012MA
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
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 26, 201299,100 milesVA
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
Seat BeltsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 10, 2012129,000 milesWV
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.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 201175,000 milesAZ
TL* 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 DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT WHO DETECTED THE CLOCK SPRING WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 25, 2011MI
FOG LIGHTS NOT WORKING. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 28, 2011120,000 milesNY
TURNED INTO PARKING LOT WHEN CAR SUDDENLY MADE HORRIBLE BANGING-TYPE NOISE AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. BLACK SMOKE POURED OUT OF FRONT OF CAR AND CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. WHEN MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. THE AXLE BROKE, CONTROL ARM DROPPED AND EVERYTHING INSIDE THE FRONT OF THE CAR (I.E. ENGINE, ETC.) CRASHED TO THE GROUND! MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2000 NEON. IT WAS ADVISED, DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR, THAT IT WAS NOT WORTH FIXING. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 17, 2011KY
THERE HAS BEEN SMOKE COMING FROM BEHIND THE MULTISWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMELL OF BURNT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IS NOTICED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS EVENTUALLY QUIT AND THEN THE HIGH BEAMS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE JIGGLED NOW GIVING ME LOW BEAMS, AND NO HIGH BEAMS. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES CONNECTING TO THE MULTISWITCH WAS REPLACED FOUR YEARS BEFORE BECAUSE IT HAD BURNED THE CONNECTION IN HALF. NOW THE MULTISWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED AND UPON REPLACEMENT THE CONNECTION WAS EXAMINED, NOTICING THAT IT WAS MELTED. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 13, 2011WI
THE FRAME, FRONT CROSS MEMBER, RUSTED AND FAILED ON 2000 DODGE NEON. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A REPAIR FOR THIS FAILURE. I AM UNAWARE OF ANY RECALL BUT THERE SHOULD BE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE ANY LONGER. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 16, 201083,116 milesCA
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
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 26, 2010123,191 milesWA
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.
Suspension › Front
Filed May 19, 2010102,000 milesOH
CONTROL ARM BOLT NUT WELD BROKE NOT ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power Train
Filed Mar 29, 201090,000 milesTX
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
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 10, 201042,280 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAME TO A COMPLETE AND ABRUPT STOP, HE ALSO NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GAS STATION WHERE A MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE K-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,800 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,280.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Feb 18, 2009150,000 milesOR
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
Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 2009TX
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
Tires
Filed Dec 20, 2008FL
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
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 7, 2008PA
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
Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment
Filed Mar 17, 200887,000 milesCA
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 INVESTIGATING THE BELT, NOTICED OUR DRIVEBELT IDLER PULLEY HAD DISINTEGRATED. WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ORDER THIS PART FROM SEVERAL AUTO PART STORES AND THE DEALER TO NO AVAIL. IT IS ON FACTORY BACK ORDER FOR OVER THE PAST MONTH, WHICH HAS LEFT US WITH ONLY ONE VEHICLE FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 1, 2008108,220 milesKY
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
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Nov 11, 2007WA
THE REAR TAILLIGHT SEALS ON MY 2000 DODGE NEON LEAK EVERYTIME IT RAINS WHICH ENDS UP FLOODING THE PASSENGER CABIN AND CAUSES MOLD. *TR
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 18, 2007705,585 milesCA
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
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Aug 2, 200760,500 milesPA
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 PLAC
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Mar 16, 200790,898 milesMI
TL* - 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 BOTH 90,898. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Mar 8, 200775,000 milesNY
WATER LEAKING IN BRAKE POWER BOOSTER CAUSE BRAKES TO FREEZE IN COLD; BRAKE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; ABS SYSTEM DISCONNECT- NOT WORKING PROPERLY - CONTROLLER GIVEN OFF ERROR CODE - POSSIBLE NEED TO BE REPLACE; ALL BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ON IN CAR - NO DIAGNOSIS FOR PROBLEM; RATTLING NOISE IN DASH BOARD; HIGH HUMMING NOISE UNDER CAR WHEN DRIVE - UNABLE TO HEAR RADIO BETWEEN RATTLING & HUMMING NOISES; AC WORK BUT NO HEAT; WHEN DRIVING WHEELS SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OFF; RECENTLY FOUND OUT CAR FAILED NYS EMISSION TEST ON DATE OF PURCHASE; I FILED COMPLAINT WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU REGARDING DEALER WHERE I BROUGHT CAR FROM - THEY HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 26, 200759,150 milesIL
TL* 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 MILEAGE WAS 59,200.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 22, 2007111,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND TURNING THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED TO ACTIVATE. CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THE WIRES HAD MELTED TOGETHER. DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD THE LOCAL MECHANIC STATED HE COULD NOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND REFERRED CONTACT TO A DODGE DEALER. *AK
Structure
Filed Jan 11, 2007100,000 milesSC
WATER LEAKING INTO THE TRUNK AREA AND THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING MILDEW, RUST AND DAMAGE TO STORED PROPERTY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *JB
Structure
Filed Oct 11, 2006VA
AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED, WHENEVER THERE IS A HEAVY RAINFALL THE FLOORS IN THE REAR OF THE CAR FILL WITH WATER. IT IS SO BAD THAT NOW IT FILTERS OVER INTO THE FRONT SEATS. I HAVE BEEN HAIVNG THIS PROBLEMS FOR A FEW YEARS BUT WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WERE OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. DEALERS AND AUTO MECHANICS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN FINDING THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. *NM
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 8, 2006NV
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS THE VEHICLE CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AT THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS PROCESSED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT ON THE SCENE BUT A FAMILY MEMBER EVACUATED THE CONTACT TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. UPON THE IMPACT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO ANY DEALERSHIP.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 9, 200630,000 milesCT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS VERY RUSTY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO AGREED, BUT THERE WAS NO CLEAR DETERMINATION OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. UPDATED 5/31/2006 - *NM
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 22, 2006114,000 milesKY
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH HITTING A PATCH OF ICE, THE VEHICLE FISH TAILED, HIT A TREE, FLIPPED ON IT'S TOP AND THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 20, 200600
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
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
Air Bags › FrontalCrash3 injured
Filed Dec 5, 2005113,000 milesTX
MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2000 DODGE NEON, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED A MINIMUM OF FOUR TIMES. NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND IT'S A MIRACLE ANY ONE SURVIVED. THE CAR IS TOTALED AND NO ONE CAN JUSTIFY WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 2, 200586,000 milesCO
HEAD GASKET BLOWN. LARGE OIL/FUEL LEAKS AND/OR CONTAMINATION THROUGHOUT ENGINE COMPARTMENT, INCLUDING CAPTURED IN MOTOR-MOUNT BAY ACTING AS A RESEVOIR DAM. *NM GOOGLE ALONE DEMONSTRATES SOME 111,000 REPORTED "NEON HEAD-GASKET" ITEMS WITH A MAJORITY PERCENTAGE SAMPLED SHOWING AS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD-GASKET! PLEASE HELP! NOT ONLY IS THIS AN EXPENSIVE ITEM ($450) TO REPLACE, BUT IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE!
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Nov 30, 2005TN
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 ST
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 18, 200563,000 milesCT
DT: WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CHANGED LANES, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE HER VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE STRUCTURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 21, 200560,000 milesMI
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
Complaints 1-50 of 337, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Neon years to avoid. Owners filed 337 complaints, against about 202 for a typical Neon year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (18%).
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Dodge Neon?
The airbags: 62 of the 337 complaints (18%) are about it. Owners most often say it did not deploy its airbags in a crash (60%), shows an airbag warning light (6%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (5%). The typical report comes at 76,250 miles.
How many recalls does the 2000 Dodge Neon have?
11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 00V366000, covered 1,211,756 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Neon problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 63,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 76,250 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Dodge Neon?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, PE02082 ("SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE"), was opened Nov 6, 2002 and closed Apr 23, 2003.
Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Dodge Neon?
The manufacturer filed 74 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (13), the engine (11) and the transmission (8). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.