Dodge Neon rt problems

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The Neon is a compact car that was built from in January 1994 until 2005 by the American Chrysler Corporation over two generations. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and came in two-door and four-door sedan body styles. In the United States it was sold as either a Dodge or a Plymouth, while in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America it was branded as a Chrysler, the Neon was offered in multiple versions and configurations over its production life, which lasted from the 1995 model year until 2005. The Neon nameplate was subsequently resurrected in 2016 for the Dodge Neon, a rebadged variant of Fiat Tipo sedan for the Mexican market.

1991 concept car

The Neon nameplate first appeared as a concept car in 1991 under the Dodge brand. Although radically styled and clearly not production-ready featuring sliding suicide doors, the Neon concept resembled the future production vehicle.

The Neon concept was designed by Chrysler designers who had joined the company from Chrysler's buyout of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987.

photo of Dodge Neon rt car production

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Dodge Neon rt model years

dodge neon rt 2001 photo
Neon rt 2001
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Common Dodge Neon rt problems

Dodge Neon RT owners have reported several common problems with their vehicles. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and body-related concerns.

  • Radiator blowing, letting anti-freeze into transmission: In the 2004 Neon, there have been 18 complaints about the radiator blowing and allowing anti-freeze to enter the transmission. This issue can cause significant damage to the transmission, leading to costly repairs.
  • Transmission failure: The 2002 Neon has had 14 complaints about transmission failure. This issue can be caused by various factors, including low fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a faulty solenoid.
  • Water leaking into the trunk and back seats: In the 2002 Neon, there have been 14 complaints about water leaking into the trunk and back seats. This issue can be caused by a faulty sunroof drain system, a damaged trunk seal, or a clogged drain tube.
  • Engine will not start: In the 2005 Neon, there have been 12 complaints about the engine not starting. This issue can be caused by various factors, including a dead battery, a faulty ignition system, or a malfunctioning starter motor.
  • Engine 151 complaints: The Dodge Neon has had a total of 151 complaints about the engine, with the most common issues being rough running, misfiring, and stalling.
  • Electrical 77 complaints: The Dodge Neon has had a total of 77 complaints about the electrical system, with the most common issues being blown fuses, malfunctioning gauges, and faulty power windows.
  • Transmission 76 complaints: The Dodge Neon has had a total of 76 complaints about the transmission, with the most common issues being slipping, jerking, and delayed engagement.
  • Body 50 complaints: The Dodge Neon has had a total of 50 complaints about the body, with the most common issues being broken door handles, faulty power locks, and damaged interior trim.
  • Brakes 49 complaints: The Dodge Neon has had a total of 49 complaints about the brakes, with the most common issues being squeaking, pulsating, and reduced stopping power.

These common problems with the Dodge Neon RT can lead to costly repairs and decreased vehicle reliability. It is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and maintain the vehicle's overall performance and safety.

Dodge Neon rt

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Neon?

Owners have reported that the Dodge Neon's cooling fan has been known to fail. The cooling fan is important because it's the component that forces air to pass through the radiator, which effectively cools the hot coolant.

Is a Dodge Neon a reliable car?

Dodge Neon Reliability Problems

Neon owners have made 556 complaints over 11 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 13th in overall reliability out of 29 Dodge models , with some engine and electrical concerns.

How many miles can a Dodge Neon last?

The Dodge Neon, while not necessarily produced as a reliably high-mileage vehicle, can have a life as long as 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. It's estimated that on average, the Neon will require at least one major repair within the first 120,000 miles.

Why did Dodge stop making Neons?

Even though the Dodge Neon performs well in its category, the many engines, brakes, lighting, and transmission problems have dented its popularity. A dip in popularity has resulted in Dodge stopping the Neon production completely. Dodge has introduced other new models and vehicles that have gained immense popularity.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Neon rt years

We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Neon rt cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Dodge Neon rt model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Neon rt model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Neon rt years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Dodge Neon rt car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Neon rt , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Steering problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Engine problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Neon rt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Neon rt model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Neon rt . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Neon rt vehicles.

List of Dodge Neon rt complaints

Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2017-06-27
  • VIN: 1B3ES46C01D
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
  • Summary: RECENTLY PURCHASED MY NEON STILL HAVE TO REGISTER IT IN MY NAME WHEN THE FRONT BUSSINGS IN THE STABILIZER BAR LITERLY FELL OUT AND I WAS IN A RURAL AREA N HAD TO TIE IT TOGETHER USING SHOE LACES AND WIRE THAT I FOUND I THOUGHT TO LOOK ON THE RECALLS LIST TO FIND MY NEON HAS ALMOST EVERY PROBLEM LISTED ON THE SAFTY RECALL FOR A 2001 NEON I AM A SINGLE PARENT FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENT THIS IS MINE AND MY DAUGHTERS ONLY TRANSPORTATION SOME ONE LOOKED UNDER IT AND SAID OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE AT RISK EVERY TIME WE GET INTO THE CAR HOW DO I GET THESES THINGS FIXED WHAT DO I DO THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION N GOT VERY WOBBLEY ALLSO THE ENGINE WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH FOOT ON BREAK GETS RUFF AND WILL DIE SOMETIMES I PUT BRAND NEW TIRES ON IT BRIOR TO THE BUSHING FALLING OUT FROM FIRESTONE AND THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN PROBLEM IF IT WASNT SOME KIND OF DEFECT, I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR MAINTENENCE OIL CHANGE SPARK PLUGS COIL PACKS FUEL FILTERECT
Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2015-10-01
  • VIN: 1B3AS46F31D
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THIS CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE TURN SIGNALS, HEADLIGHTS, AND FOGLIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS FUSES. THE DEALER QUOTED ME OVER $98.00 PER HOUR TO "DIAGNOSE" THE PROBLEM, AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY HOPE OF HOW MANY HOURS IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AS NO CIRCUIT COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. I OBTAINED A NEW MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, HOPING THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CRACKED DUE TO HEAT AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE INDIVIDUAL SPADE CONNECTORS ARE BLACKENED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT DRAW THROUGH THEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS AT BEST, POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC AT WORST.
Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-04-15
  • Date Complaint: 2008-04-16
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3ES46F71D
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IN 2004 I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH, FAST FORWARD TO APRIL 2008 AND THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED, DANGEROUSLY HOT STEERING COLUMN, AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF IT. I THINK THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN (ORIGINAL COST TO REPLACE WAS $1,100). I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN A REASON FOR A RECALL, DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE THIS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED? I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *TR
Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-10-22
  • Date Complaint: 2007-10-23
  • VIN: 1B3AS46FX1D
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SAFETY ISSUE. MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH FOR THE LIGHT SYSTEM IS MELTING TO THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO FAIL. PERIODICALLY THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD STOP WORKING AND THEN START AGAIN. AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSES SMOKE RELEASES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO BY A LICENSED MECHANIC, WITH DODGE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND IS OCCURRING AGAIN. PROBABLE FIRE PROBLEM. CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED SINCE BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED SOON AND WILL KEEP THE PARTS. *TR
Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-16
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-19
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2003: WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY LIGHTS TURNED OFF. I STOPPED AND THEN DISCOVERED MY HIGH BEAMS STILL OWRKED. DROVE HOME SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2003: ATTENDED FUNERAL OF UNCLE AND DID GET TO LEAVE TILL DARK. DROVE HOME WITH HIGH BEAMS. WHEN ARRIVED HOME, LOW BEAMS NOW WORK CONDITONS: WAS EXTREMELY COLD, TEMPERATURE WELL BELOW NORMAL

Recalls Dodge Neon rt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Dodge Neon rt.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Dodge Neon rt 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2000-12-12
  • Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD OVERHEAT THE STARTER WIRING, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STARTER TERMINAL BLOCK JUMPER HARNESS.

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