IllustrationAFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED DAIMLER CHRYSLER REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND REFUSED TO PAY FOR DAMAGES. *BF
2001 Dodge Neon
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Neon do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 173.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Neon years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
30–25K
2125–50K
1550–75K
575–100K
5100–150K
3150K+
52 reports with mileage · 94 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
35 crash reports1 fire reports24 injury reports
What owners actually said
146 reportsIGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN WITH KEY. DEFECTIVE KEY CYLINDER
VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVING SMOOTHLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER HAVE IT CHECKED, AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE.*AK
WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF. VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IT MADE A LOUD TICKING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION , AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE AIR COMPRESSOR. CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF TSB#24-04-00 BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER INVOLVING THIS COMPONENT.*AK
1) STARTED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT AND STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF 2) COULD NOT DRIVE, STEERING WHEEL FELL. MY WIFE AND MY 2 YEAR DAUGHTER WERE IN THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT. ) TOWED THE CAR TO A DODGE DEALER. AT THIS TIME, DAIMLER-CHRYSLER IS EVALUATING WHAT TO DO WITH THE DEFECT (TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY). THEY HAVE FAILED TO PRO…
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1) STARTED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT AND STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF 2) COULD NOT DRIVE, STEERING WHEEL FELL. MY WIFE AND MY 2 YEAR DAUGHTER WERE IN THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT. ) TOWED THE CAR TO A DODGE DEALER. AT THIS TIME, DAIMLER-CHRYSLER IS EVALUATING WHAT TO DO WITH THE DEFECT (TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY). THEY HAVE FAILED TO PROVIDE PROPER SERVICE. IT HAS BEEN 3 WEEKS WITH NO SUPPORT ON A RENTAL NOR A DECISION TO REPAY THE DEFECT. HENCE, THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALER WHICH CAUSES A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE TO MY FAMILY. *AK
CAR ELECTRICAL INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE MOVING OR PARKED. RADIO GOES OUT, ALL DIALS GO DOWN TO ZERO, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, MOSTLY BY TOW-TRUCK, TO FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, INSTALLS CO-PILOT,…
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CAR ELECTRICAL INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE MOVING OR PARKED. RADIO GOES OUT, ALL DIALS GO DOWN TO ZERO, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, MOSTLY BY TOW-TRUCK, TO FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, INSTALLS CO-PILOT, BUT CAR DOES NOT ACT UP WHILE IT'S INSTALLED. I HAVE CONTACTED DAIMLERCHRYSLER ASSISTANCE CENTER, BUT THEY SAY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. MY WARRENTY IS ALMOST UP AND I AM AFRAID I WON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO TAKE THE CAR IN ANYMORE, THIS SITUATION IS SEVERELY DANGEROUS, THE CAR WILL COME TO A DEAD STOP ON THE FREEWAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS AND AM WORRIED THAT I WILL GET HURT, OR WORSE. *AK
THE SEAL AROUND THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE LEAKED, CREATING A MOLDING SMELL AROUND THE TRUNK AND REAR SEATING OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE BUCKLE OF THE SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE LATCH WILL NOT STAY IN THE BUCKLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND WANTED THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THE SEAT BELT T…
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THE SEAL AROUND THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE LEAKED, CREATING A MOLDING SMELL AROUND THE TRUNK AND REAR SEATING OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE BUCKLE OF THE SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE LATCH WILL NOT STAY IN THE BUCKLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND WANTED THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THE SEAT BELT TO BE REPAIRED. *AK (THE BUCKLE HAD COME OUT OF THE INNER SEAT) THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO WATER AND MOLD DAMAGE. *SC *JB
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THERE IS A BURNING SMELL WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON AT NIGHT. THE SMELL COMES FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THE ELECTRICAL DEFECTS BEGAN TO SURFACE. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, IT DRAINS POWER FROM THE VEHICLE. …
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THERE IS A BURNING SMELL WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON AT NIGHT. THE SMELL COMES FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THE ELECTRICAL DEFECTS BEGAN TO SURFACE. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, IT DRAINS POWER FROM THE VEHICLE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Official recalls
401V154000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
01V039000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 12, 2001
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LABEL SPECIFIES THE WRONG RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE OWNER TO SELECT INCORRECT REPLACEMENT TIRES.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 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.
00V415000 · Equipment:other:labels
Dec 12, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LABEL SPECIFIES THE WRONG RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE OWNER TO SELECT INCORRECT REPLACEMENT TIRES.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW LABEL, OR, IF THE OWNER WISHES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
00V366000 · Child Seat
Nov 9, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat 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.