2000 Plymouth Neon

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 141 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Plymouth Neon years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Plymouth Neon years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

40 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Plymouth Neon problems

28 of the 141 complaints (20%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags12
11010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · brakes6
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration5
311
Suspension4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes4
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
000
Unknown or Other3
103

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

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.

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.

Child Seat00V366000
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.

Vehicle Speed Control00V194000
Filed Jul 17, 2000263,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

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.

Air Bags › Frontal99V043000
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 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Feb 25, 2020175,550 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,550.

Structure › Body
Filed May 30, 2019170,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 200 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOWERED TO THE GROUND AND BOTH FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT. THE CONTACTED CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO DETERMINED THAT THE JACK WENT THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 3, 2018160,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SHIFTED TO THE LEFT AND BECAME DETACHED. THE DEALER (AUTONATION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM MOBILE, 3118 GOVERNMENT BLVD, MOBILE, AL 36606, (251)-202-2253) WAS CONTACTED TO CONFIRM RECALL INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 10, 2017265,500 milesWA

I STARTED MY CAR GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE AT NIGHT, TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS AFTER STARTING. THEN I SMELLED A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL AND SHORTLY SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE AREA AROUND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS AND THE CAR BUT SMOKE STILL CAME OUT. I POPPED THE HOOD AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, THEN THE SMOKE EVENTUALLY STOPPED. LATER I FOUND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTOR MELTED AND BURNED UP, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS FIRE IF I HAD NOT CAUGHT IT IN TIME.

Engine
Filed May 24, 2016105,000 milesIL

FRAME OF CAR WAS SO RUSTED THAT THE ACTUAL ENGINE MOUNTING SYSTEM BROKE IN HALF., LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND MOVEMENT. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING THEN IT STOPPED MOVING THOUGH THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. CAR WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET AND TURNING WAS NIL.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Sep 21, 2015OH

FILLED GAS TANK TO FULL, AS EXITING THE GAS STATION HIT SMALL BUMP CAR DEAD STOPPED. WAS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY BY THE GAS TANK SLAMMING TO THE GROUND LIFTING THE CAR. THE CARS ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE CAR. GAS WAS LEAKING ON GROUND (SMALL AMOUNT) FROM THE RETURN LINE. GAS TANK FILL TUBE RIPPED OUT OF CAR TANK WEDGED IN BETWEEN CAR AND GROUND STOPPING VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. HAD I BEEN GOING AT A FASTER RATE OF SPEED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE 4 CORNER STRAPS ARE NO WAY TO HOLD A GAS TANK IN PLACE. I SUBMIT THAT IMPROPER MATERIALS AND DESIGN CAUSED THE INCIDENT. YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE OCCURS. MOUNTING STRAPS SHOULD BE NON CORROSIVE OR MADE OF SUPERIOR MATERIAL AND NOT THIN METAL. I ALSO SUBMIT THAT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS BEFORE, NOT ON A 15 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 13, 2014250,000 milesNC

START TO SMELL ELECTRICAL BURNING. THEN SAW SMOKE COME FROM STEERING COLUMN. STEERING COLUMN HOT TOP LEFT. REMOVED COVERS. WIRING HARNESS HOT. APPEARS TO BE THE HARNESS FOR THE HEAD LIGHTS. TURN OFF HEAD LIGHTS AND COLUMN COOLED DOWN. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 15, 201491,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS ON BOTH THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDES WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 10, 2012145,000 milesNJ

APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAME TO A JARRING STOP AFTER THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL HIT A SMALL RECESSED GAS COMPANY ACCESS COVER, PERHAPS 2" DEEP AND 6" IN DIAMETER. THE FRAME MEMBER BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT WHEELS CRACKED RIGHT THROUGH IN A SHOWER OF RUST. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR MAJOR INJURIES COULD HAVE OCCURRED. 12 YEARS SEEMS TOO SOON FOR THIS KIND OF UNDERCARRIAGE WEAR TO HAVE OCCURRED. CAR IS SCRAP NOW BUT HAD BEEN RUNNING WELL. *TR

Tires
Filed Oct 14, 201196,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON WITH MERIT MYSTIC TOURING TR TIRES, THE SIZE WAS 195/65/R14 AND THE DOT# U9ABHU42802D13L. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. AFTER SLOWING DOWN, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BELT HAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE ANOTHER TIRE WAS SHOWING PREMATURE BELT SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED HER AN OPTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 18, 201098,500 milesOK

2000 PLYMOUTH NEON VIN: [XXX], MULTI-FUNCTION PLUG, AND WIRING HARNESS UNDER STEERING WHEEL COLUMN MELTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 3, 201074,000 milesPA

2000 PLYMOUTH NEON, THIS VEHICLE WAS TRAVEL AT 65 MPH ON I-78 IN PA. THE GAS/ FUEL THAT IS ATTACH THIS VEHICLE BY TWO BOLTS SNAP OFF CAUSE THE GAS/FUEL GET STUCK UNDER THE DASH. THIS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RACE TO A HIGH SPEED. THE DRIVER HAVE TO MOVE SAFELY THIS CAR SHOULDER PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. AND HEAVY APPLY THE BRAKE. THE CAR HAVE TO BE TOW. *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 6, 2010132,010 milesFL

I PURCHASED A SET OF BRIDESTONE TURANZA EL400T BL 195/60R15 87T DOT# HYKUEADR2106. THEY WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND THE DEALER REPLACED THEM WITH SAME TIRES. LAST NIGHT AUGUST 5, 2010 WHILE DRIVING ON I95 SOUTHBOUND JUST NORTH OF GLADES ROAD AT 65MPH MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE MADE A THUMP SOUND WHICH I BELIEVE WAS THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE AND SECONDS LATER THE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, AND ALUMINUM WHEEL, LUCKLY THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT FATAL.THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND HOT, I DID NOT HIT ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES OR SUCH. THE TIRES HAVE AN 80,000 MILE WARRANTY AND I'VE DRIVEN LESS THEN HALF. AGAIN I BELIEVE THESE TIRES TO BE DEFECTIVE FOR THE TREAD TO SEPARATE LIKE IT DID. IN ADDITION I HAVE LIFETIME TIRE ROTATIONS, BALANCING, AND ALIGNMENTS AT TIRES PLUS AND HAVE PROPERLY ROTATED THE TIRES EVERY 3,000 MILES AND KEPT A PROPER BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRES. THEIR IS PLENTY OF TREAD DEPTH ON THE TIRES WELL ABOVE THE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AND THE TIRES WERE AT PROPER INFLATION. PLEASE ADVISE! *TR

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Oct 7, 2009111,111 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE A CHILD SEAT TECHNICIAN ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A RESTRAINT SYSTEM THE REAR DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FRACTURED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,111. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 2009129,725 milesKY

I HAVE A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STALLS AND WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE SIDE OF THE MOTOR I GET OUT TO CHECK IT CAR WAS IN PARK BUT THE CAR STARTED ROLLING AND RAN OVER MY FOOT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 14, 2009100,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONTACT CHANGED GEARS INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK, BUT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF A FEW MINUTES LATER. SHE WAITED A WHILE BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Fuel System, GasolineCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 12, 2008116,982 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THIS CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I PUSHED THE BRAKES AND I SLID INTO THE CAR CAUSING ME TO SPIN AROUND AND END UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES EVERY YEAR AND THEY STILL SQUEAK REALLY BAD. THE TRANSMISSION HAS LEAKED FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THE CAR. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRES EVERY 3 MONTHS AND A/C WENT OUT 3 YEARS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVEN'T FIXED THE A./C COMPRESSOR THE CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER STOPPED WORKING AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT'S STILL BROKE. THE BULBS IN THE LENS OF THE LIGHT ARE VERY DIM CAN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAD TO REPLACE TO ROTORS THIS YEAR I STILL HAVE THEM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 3, 200875,000 milesNJ

2000 NEON MY AIR BAGS AND CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN ARE NOT WORKING. I NEED A CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY AND THIS HAS HAPPEN TO OTHER CAR SAME YR AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANY THING ABOUT IT CAN YOU HELP ME. *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Mar 7, 2008NY

STRANGE SMELL COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN TODAY WITH WHITE SMOKE. STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY HOT. HAD TO TURN OFF LIGHTS. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Feb 4, 2008118,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. WHILE TURNING A CORNER AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SCRAPING NOISE. BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES SPREAD APART AS IF THEY WERE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT BOTH BALL JOINTS AND THE CABLE FAILED. THE CRADLE, LOWER BALL JOINTS, AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DRIVETRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V114000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Dec 22, 200697,400 milesIL

STEERING WHEEL STARTED SMOKING. HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY DIDN'T WORK. DEALER STATES HEADLIGHT SWITCH BURNED OUT AND WIRING MELTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *NM

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Jul 27, 200690,000 milesNY

LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT OF CAR. HAD IT LOOKED AT AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TIE ROD AND THE CONTROL ARM. *NM

Steering › Column
Filed Nov 21, 2005ME

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO DAYS PRIOR TO HER GRANDDAUGHTER TAKING HER DRIVER'S THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED.*AK UPDATED 12/27/2005. *NM

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 2, 200542,000 milesGA

THE POWER WINDOW MOTORS IN MY VEHICLE HAVE REPEATEDLY BURNED OUT. I DID REPLACE THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT BURNED OUT AGAIN SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. LATER ON, THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR ALSO BURNED OUT. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT POWER WINDOWS ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FOR THREE TO FOUR YEARS NOW.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jul 12, 200553,500 milesMN

MY 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON LX LOST POWER AT AN INTERSECTION, I HAD IT TOWED, FOUND OUT THAT A HOSE (THAT I BELIEVE EITHER CONNECTED THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION OR WAS FOR THE RADIATOR ONLY, NOT SURE, WASN'T EXPLAINED VERY WELL TO ME) HAD FALLEN OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING ALL OF THE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. WHEN TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP, I HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED, LUCKILY MY TRANSMISSION WAS OK. ABOUT ONE MINUTE BEFORE IT HAPPENED, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SHIFTING HARD, AND SEEMED LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO SHIFT WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION. BY THE TIME THE LIGHT TURNED, MOST OF WHATEVER FLUID WAS ALREADY GONE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Filed Jun 3, 2005PA

INVOICE FOR 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON REGARDING BRAKE WORK COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE.*MR THE CONSUMER ALSO MAILED IN A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 11, 200540,000 milesOH

HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 40,000 MILES. VEHICLE ONLY DRIVEN 6000 MILES BY FIRST OWNER (MY GRANDFATHER) AND IS NOW AT 40,000 WITH MY MOTHER AS CURRENT OWNER, WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. ALL MAINTENENCE PERFORMED AS MANDATED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER BY BOTH OWNERS. VEHICLES NOW HAS OIL LEAK, RESULTING FROM THIS DEFECT. REPAIR COST ESTIMATED AT APPROXIMATELY $1000 BY ASE-CERTIFIED KUMLER AUTOMOTIVE IN LANCASTER, OH. MECHANIC STATED THAT ORIGINAL DODGE/PLYMOUTH NEON HEAD GASKETS (GENUINE DAIMLERCHRYSLER PARTS) ARE MADE POORLY AND OFTEN FAIL ON 1995-2000 NEONS. AS THE FIRST GENERATION OF NEON VEHICLES USED THE SAME PART, THIS DEFECT HAS EXISTED SINCE 1995. AS A RESULT OF SUCH, DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS WORDED THE WARRANTY STATEMENT IN SUCH A MANNER TO AVOID CORRECTING BEING REQUIRED TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 24, 2005TX

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. NOT ONLY HAVE I HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT NEW. FROM ENGINE LIGHTS GOING OFF TO PCV PROBLEMS TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. MY NEWEST PROBLEM IS THE CAR STALLING RANDOMLY. I WILL JUST BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN IT WILL BEGIN TO ACT UP. I PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT SLOWS DOWN. I LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND IT SPEEDS UP. SOON AFTER THAT IT STALLS, OR DIES. I WOULD THEN PUT SOME FUEL CLEANER IN THE GAS TANK AND IT SEEMS TO HELP FOR A FEW MILES. THEN IT STARTS TO ACT UP ALL OVER AGAIN. USUALLY I CAN GET IT RESTARTED BY SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. SOME DAYS IT WILL BE JUST FINE AND OTHER DAYS I CAN'T GET IT TO START. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO FIND OUT WHEN IT GETS TO MY HOUSE IT STARTS AGAIN. ONE DAY IT DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. I WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES. RIGHT NOW WE ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM.

Structure
Filed Jan 24, 2005OH

WATER IS COMING IN THE TRUNK SOMEHOW SEEPING INSIDE THE SPARE TIRE AREA AND LEAKING INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR SOAKING THE BACK FLOOR BOARDS. / STRONG GAS SMELL IN MY CAR WHEN OPERATING - SO BAD THAT THE WINDOWS HAVE TO CRACKED FOR FRESH AIR - CANNOT FIND ANY LEAKS- MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE BEING TRANSPORTED IN MY CAR DAILY- WAS TOLD THAT THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A DEFECT AND I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COST - PROBLEM SINCE AROUND NOVEMBER 2004 / BRAKES SQUEAL EVERYTIME I BRAKE -HAD NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS INSTALLED DECEMBER 2003 - NOISE IS SO LOUD SOMETIMES IT IS EMBARRASSING. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Dec 3, 200456,500 milesNC

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A WIRING HARNESS. PROBLEM. HARNESS OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE WIRE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ELECTRICAL OUTPUT/LIGHTS, AND DASHBOARD RESOLUTION. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS WAITING FOR FINAL REPAIRS.*AK *TC

Structure
Filed Nov 6, 200413,500 milesPA

PUDDLES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AFTER A RAINFALL. I HAVE PUT NOVEMBER 5, 2004 BUT IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Sep 21, 200441,500 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THIS CAUSED T HORN TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERED ABOUT THE RECALL FOR CHRYSLER MINI VANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS HE IS HAVING SINCE BOTH VEHICLES USE THE SAME PARTS. *TC

Unknown or OtherCrash3 injured1 killed
Filed Aug 28, 200442,000 milesNE

CD PLAYER ON THE 2000 NEON IS MOUNTED ON THE FLOOR. ...AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STACK OF CENTER DASHBOARD EQUIPMENT. BEYOND A WORKING REACH OF MOST DRIVERS. *JB I FEEL MY DAUGHTER'S LINE OF SIGHT WAS OBSCURED AS SHE REACHED DOWN TO PUT IN A CD. SHE HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING THIS CAR 2 WEEKS PRIOR. SHE DROVE IT 30 MILES TO WORK IN THE NEXT TOWN. THIS CD ALIGNMENT IS SUCH THAT EVEN I (WHO IS 4" TALLER THAN MY DAUGHTER) WOULD NOT REACH THE CD PLAYER WITHOUT COMPROMISING MY ABILITY TO DRIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT MY CONCERN WOULD BE JOINED WITH OTHERS: WHERE THIS ISSUE WOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD TO RAISE THE AWARENESS OF AUTOS THAT ARE BUILT IN A RISKY WAY. ... WHERE AUTO MAKERS WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONSTRUCT ACCESSORIES AT THE EXTREME LIMITS OF THE REACH OF THE DRIVER. I WOULD BE WILLING TO BE A PART OF A WATCHDOG GROUP THAT WOULD TAKE THIS ISSUE FORWARD. ILLUSTRATING THE ISSUE, ASKING FOR CHANGE. 8 WEEKS AGO MY DAUGHTER DIED IN THAT HEAD ON COLLISION. YESTERDAY, AFTER THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT WAS COMPLETED, I WAS ALLOWED TO TAKE THE CD PLAYER OUT TO SEE IF SHE WAS USING IT. AND YES, THERE WAS A KIDS CD IN THE MACHINE THAT MY WIFE AND I HAD NOT PLAYED. (I HAD NEVER USED THE CD PLAYER. MY WIFE ONLY MINIMALLY. I THINK OUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS ATTRACTED TO TRY TO USE IT, EVEN WHEN IT WAS BEYOND REASONABLE REACH.) MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT MY DAUGHTER REACHED DOWN TO MANIPULATE THIS FACTORY INSTALLED CD PLAYER AND VEERED FROM THE DRIVING LANE. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF BRAKING. JU

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Aug 24, 2004RI

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MIDAS FOR BRAKE WORK AND WAS TOLD THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STERRING AND SHOULD CONTACT MY DEALER. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SQUEEZED ME RIGHT IN. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1999, IT IS A 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE GOTTEN NO RECALL NOTICES. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SEATBELT RECALL THROUGH THE NEWSPAPER. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TODAY STATING THAT THE POWER STERRING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT IS GOING TO COST ME $820.00. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDERWARRANTY AND WAS TOLD NO. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF POWER STEERING NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AFTER 5 YEARS. MY 1995 NEON'S NEVER NEEDED REPLACING. I HAVE TRIED TO RESEARCH IF THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Aug 24, 200452,476 milesRI

I BROUGHT MY CAR TO MIDAS FOR BRAKE WORK AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. THEY ADVISED ME TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED, AND THEY FIT ME IN RIGHT AWAY. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM TODAY STATING THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED ME IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CANOT FIND ANY DOCUMENTATION THAT I PURCHASED THE 7 YEAR, 70,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE PRICE TO REPLACE THIS IS $820.00. WHILE I WAS TRYING TO FIND MY PAPERWORK, I CAME ACROSS A WORK ORDER FROM 11/15/00. I COMPLAINED THEN OF THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A POWER STEERING CAP. THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE COST I WOULD HAVE HAD TO PAY WAS $6.00. HOW CONVENIENT FOR THEM. WELL, HERE IT IS 2004 AND THE PROBLEM AROSE AGAIN. ONLY, IT IS $820.00 THAT I HAVE TO PAY VS. THEIR $6.00 THAT THEY PAID. THIS SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL PROBLEM. BUT THEN AGAIN, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR ANYTHING. I LEARNED OF THE SEATBELT RECALL FROM THE NEWSPAPER.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 29, 2004VA

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY JASON MOTHER JOYCE BETRIAL.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 23, 2004MA

PROBLEMS WTIH VEHICLE'S BRAKES AND GAS TANK. *MR THERE WERE BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE ENGINE TO RACE. THE FUEL PUMP SEAL WAS FOUND LEAKING. *SC

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 7, 2004VA

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH FIFTH GEAR DISENGAGED, LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. DEALERSHIP REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Mar 30, 200438,000 milesGA

FAULTY SPOT WELDS ON THE METAL BRACKET THATS HOLDS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FIREWALL BROKE LOOSE. SPOT WELDS FULL OF AIR POCKETS. SHOWED IT TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE DEFECT. 38000 MILES AND ITS REAL NICE TO HAVE THE GAS PEDAL TO HANG BY THE THROTTLE CABLE. THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC!*AK

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 3, 200448,000 milesNJ

THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST FORMING ON THE UNIBODY STRUCTURE BEHIND THE FRONT FRAME SUPPORT THAT SPANS THE WIDTH OF THE CAR. LARGE PIECES OF FLAKING METAL ARE COMING OFF AND THERE ARE HOLES THROUGH THE METAL. I FEAR THE INTEGRATY AND THE STREANGTH OF THE BODY IS BEING WEAKENED.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 24, 2004MI

VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT STOP SIGNS. *PH THE CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrashFire
Filed Feb 18, 2004KY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO ALLOW A VEHICLE WITH A BLOW OUT TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I STARTED TO ACCELERATE, LOOKED AT THE CAR WITH THE BLOW OUT AND APPARENTLY A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME FELT THE SAME WAY BECAUSE WHEN I LOOKED UP HE HAD COME TO A STOP AND I COULDN'T STOP BEFORE HITTING HIM. I WAS GOING 15 MPH. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I DIDN'T EVEN SCRATCH THE OTHER VEHICLE BUT WITHIN SECONDS A FIRE STARTED COMING OUT WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE, IN A MATTER OF MINUTES MY CAR WAS ENGULED. THE FRONT OF MY CAR HAD LITTLE DAMAGE BUT THE FIRE ENGULFED THE REST. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 5, 2004PA

CONNECTION BETWEEN RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FAILED ON A BUSY ICY ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AS THE CAR LOST POWER MY WIFE NURSED IT TO A GAS STATION THE DAMAGE WAS ALREADY DONE WE REPLACED THE RADIATOR ONLY TO FINE THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Feb 2, 200470,000 milesNY

THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AT THE ENGINE IS CRACKED REAL BAD LETTING EXHAUST INTO THE CAR. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200482,000 milesNC

WATER LEAKAGE IN TRUNK AREA, AND REAR OF THE CAR FLOOR BOARDS, SATURATED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 15, 200425,000 milesGA

I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW WHICH WOULD NOT START FOR TEST DRIVE WAS TOLD SOMEONE LEFT DOME LIGHT ON. AFTER JUMP, IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES. THEN WENT TO CAR AND WOULD NOT START ONE DAY. THERE WAS NO BATTERY LIGHT ON OR ANY WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. REAR BRAKES WEAR OUT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS FROM REPLACEMENT. DEALER FIXED ONCE AND I HAVE INCURED THE EXPENSE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I CAN NOT EVEN AFFORD TO DO IT ANYMORE LEAVING ME TO TAKE A RISK OF DRIVING WITH BAD REAR BRAKES. THE MOST RECENT OF EVENTS TO OCCUR THIS MORNING MY DRIVE BELTS BROKE. AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO REPLACE THEM I WAS TOLD THE BELTS BROKE BECAUSE THE TENSIONER PULLEY HAD TILTED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED FROM SERVICE TECH THAT THEY SEE LOTS OF THEM COME IN LIKE THAT AND THAT THEY WERE SURPRISED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL OR AT LEAST A TSB. THE CAR IS PAID FOR AND WAS BOUGHT BECAUSE I NEEDED MORE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION THAN MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE. SAD PART IS MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING WITH MINIMAL REPAIRS MADE TO IT SINCE I HAD IT. ALSO I HAVE CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSTLER AND EMAILED THEM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Power Train › Axle Hubs
Filed Dec 18, 2003FL

VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING AND RATTLING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR HUB ON THE RIGHT SIDE. MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 14, 200350,672 milesCT

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 50,000 MILES. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 5, 2003TX

WHILE APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. DRIVER COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Unspecified
Filed Nov 25, 200336,500 milesPA

SINCE JUNE 2003 (AFTER MY WARRANTY RAN OUT) , MY 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON NEEDS TO BE JUMPED EVERY 2 WEEKS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BATTERY, SO I WENT TO AUTO ZONE WHERE THEY USED THEIR TESTER AND I PURCHASED A BATTERY FROM THEM. BUT SINCE THEN, I STILL NEED A JUMP EVERY 2 WEEKS AND SOMETIMES SOONER (WHEN IT'S COLD OR RAINY). I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT, TELLING ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT CHARGED ME ABOUT $150 FOR THE LABOR. I HAD THE CAR JUMPED ON 11/23, DROVE IT AROUND, LEFT IT SIT IDLING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, TURNED IT OFF AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. BUT ON 11/25, I NEEDED A JUMP AGAIN B/C IT WAS 44 DEGREES OUTSIDE. COULD THIS POSSIBLY BE A PROBLEM WITH A COMPONENT EITHER IN THE ALTERNATOR OR SOMETHING ELSE? I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED AT THIS POINT BEING TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I AM SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT TRADING IT IN B/C I AM GETTING NOWHERE.

Complaints 1-50 of 141, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200149311Fatalities reported
2000 — this page141653Fatalities reported
199962020Routine
1998167141Fatalities reported
1997161120Routine
19963082110Above average
19954816294Fatalities reported
19943000Routine

Compare every Neon year →

Reading this record

3 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: Apr 14, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.