Dodge

Neon (2nd)

2000-2005 · Compact Sedan ยท 3 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.8)
1,079 NHTSA Complaints
14 Recalls
36 Fire Reports
205 Crash Reports
Includes data from: NEONNEON RTSRT-4
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.4T-I4-Gas

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.8)
53 complaints 17.7 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Dodge Neon Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.2)
333 complaints 55.5 per year
13 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
61
engine
48
electrical
46
transmission
44
cooling
41

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (61 complaints)
Engine Issues (48 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (46 complaints)

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
681 complaints 113.5 per year Gasoline
14 fire reports 5 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
120
engine
117
safety systems
109
cooling
107
brakes
99

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (120 complaints)
Engine Issues (117 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (109 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2025)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)
Show 7 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

3.8-V6-Gas

3.8L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.5)
3 complaints 1.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
2
electrical
1
interior
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

3.3-V6-FlexFuel

3.3L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.3)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+71 more
CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

4.0-I6-Gas

4.0L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Dodge Neon regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (191 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (173 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (166 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (148 complaints)
cooling critical
Brakes Issues (101 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (14)

09E025000Nov 4, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

08E033000Apr 13, 2008serious
Suspension

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.

08E050000Nov 7, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

01V039000Dec 1, 2001cosmetic
Equipment

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 15" WHEELS, EQUIPPED WITH AN R/T PACKAGE. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT TIRE PLACARD. THE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH P195/50R16 TIRES BUT THE TIRE PLACARD INDICATED THAT THE RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZES WERE P185/65R14 AND P185/65R15. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

01V154000Aug 4, 2001cosmetic
Service Brakes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.

00V194000Jul 16, 2000serious
Vehicle Speed Control

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.

00V415000Dec 11, 2000cosmetic
Equipment

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SPORT APPEARANCE PACKAGE FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." CERTAIN VEHICLES BUILT WITH 16" WHEELS AND TIRES WERE EQUIPPED WITH THE INCORRECT TIRE PLACARD.

00V416000Dec 11, 2000serious
Electrical System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. STARTER ASSEMBLIES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT PLASTIC TERMINAL BLOCKS WHICH COULD DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS SUBSEQUENT TO THEIR INSTALLATION ONTO THE BODY OF THE STARTER. SEPARATION OF THE TERMINAL BLOCK FROM THE STARTER BODY COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE UN-FUSED POSITIVE TERMINAL TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH AN ADJACENT SURFACE, PROVIDING A PATH TO GROUND.

00V366000Sep 10, 2000serious
Child Seat

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.

99V043000Nov 2, 1999serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONTAL (PASSENGER SIDE) AIR BAGS MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY.

99V114000Jun 4, 1999cosmetic
Suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED BETWEEN THE PIVOT TUBE AND THE ARM.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2005 Dodge Neon problems?

The 2000-2005 Dodge Neon has accumulated 1,079 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Dodge Neon engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2005 Dodge Neon was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2005 Dodge Neon a good used car?

The 2000-2005 Dodge Neon can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,079 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Dodge Neon have?

The 2000-2005 Dodge Neon has 1,079 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Dodge Neon?

There are 14 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2005 Dodge Neon vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Dodge Neon?

Before buying a used Dodge Neon, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Neon have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2005 Dodge Neon. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,079 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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