Model year record

2001 Dodge Neon recalls & problems

The 2001 Dodge Neon has 10 safety recalls and 146 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (33 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints146filed by owners

Crashes · fires35 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths30 · 5reported in complaints

2001 Dodge Neon in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

SuspensionApr 14, 2008

Suspension

Recall 08E0330006,903 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, hydraulicMay 8, 2001

Power assist › Vacuum

Recall 01V154000353,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentFeb 12, 2001

Other › Labels

Recall 01V039000137 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: THE LABEL SPECIFIES THE WRONG RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE OWNER TO SELECT INCORRECT REPLACEMENT TIRES.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentDec 12, 2000

Other › Labels

Recall 00V4150001,504 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THE LABEL SPECIFIES THE WRONG RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE OWNER TO SELECT INCORRECT REPLACEMENT TIRES.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW LABEL, OR, IF THE OWNER WISHES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Child seatNov 9, 2000

Child seat

Recall 00V3660001,211,756 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2001 Dodge Neon 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2001 Dodge Neon NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Neon

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Neon

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	33	24	0	19	53,500 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring	25	1	0	1	51,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPower assist › Vacuum; Foundation components › Disc	23	6	0	5	38,800 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	18	1	0	3	36,500 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	15	4	0	6	62,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights › High/low beam dimmer switch; Turn signal › Switch	14	0	1	0	60,000 mi
StructureBody › Trunk lid; Body	14	1	0	1	51,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	10	3	0	1	98,900 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Constant velocity joint	8	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Webbing; Front › Anchorage	7	5	0	5	51,000 mi
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.; Appliance › Air conditioner	5	1	0	1	—
SuspensionFront; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint	4	1	0	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed control
THROTTLE STUCK ON HIGHWAY WHEN ACCELERATION.
Mar 16, 2020 · 200,890 miles
Air bags
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN MY HORN DON'T WORK
Jan 23, 2002
Structure › Body
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,189.
Feb 7, 2015 · 158,189 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Oct 2, 2014 · 102,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Sep 5, 2013 · 49,000 miles
Electrical system
I WAS DRIVING AND CAR START TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. *TR
Jun 1, 2013 · 137,500 miles
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Jul 10, 2006 · 75,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,845.
Oct 12, 2011 · 156,800 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEClosed
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.
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003