Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 463 of 611 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 38 of 611 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
375 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"REPLACED HEAD GASKET EVERY 6 MOS., AS COMMON PROBLEM ON NEON'S AND AT $600 A SERVICE COULD THIS BE INTENTIONAL NEGLIGENCE?..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
105 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"WIRE SHORT CIRCUITED, BURNING THE SENSORS OF THE AIRBAG AND THE HORN CAUSING THE AIRBAG AND HORN TO BECOME INOPERATIVE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Brakes
104 complaint records10 crash reports
"ENGIN EHEAD GASKET BLEW OUT EVERY 6-8 MONTHS/ BRAKE CALIPER COLLAPSED , AND INSTRUMENT PANEL DEAD; NO ASSISTANCE FROM DODGE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE 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... |
| PE98012 opened Feb 1998 | closed Jun 1998 | Electrical System | UNDERHOOD FIRES There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V075000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL. | Normally free |
| 96V026000 | Electrical System | AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CAN SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION TUBE.. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996079 1996-05-17 | Brakes | 6,257 | On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. |
| 1996029 1996-02-12 | Electrical | 1,201 | AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) TUBE. SHORTING OF THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ENGINE DIE OUT. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 23-014-15 Apr 2015 | Equipment | Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. | |
| 0801003 Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0900800 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMPONENT TO ASSIST CAM SEAL RETENTION. *JB | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 050300 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT ON PROPORTIONING VALVE BRAKE PRESSURE ADAPTER TOOL REVISION. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 230200 Feb 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 234999 Nov 1999 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH SUNROOF MAKING A RATCHETING TYPE NOISE WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING. *TT | |
| 190299REVA Oct 1999 | Steering | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OR RATTLE IN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING COLUMN. *MJS | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 090899 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 210599A Sep 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 232099A Aug 1999 | Structure | DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 190398 Jun 1998 | Steering | POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 050198 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | A HOWL NOISE FROM REAR BRAKES DURING LOW SPEED STOP. *YC | |
| 230598 Jan 1998 | Structure | PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A "MILKY" OR "FOGGY" DISCOLORATION. *YC | |
| 051097 Dec 1997 | Service Brakes | CONCERNS WITH FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL AND /OR CREEP/GROAN. *NLM | |
| 090997 Dec 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM | |
| 020297A Dec 1997 | Suspension | SUBJECT ON POPPING/CREAKING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION. *YC | |
| 140897 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM | |
| 050897 Nov 1997 | Service Brakes | A HOWL TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES DURING A LOW SPEED. *YC | |
| 234797 Sep 1997 | Structure | VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE CREAK/RATTLE FROM FRONT FOOT WELL. *NLM | |
| 234897 Sep 1997 | Structure | WATER DRIPS FROM ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP CHANNEL INTO VEHICLE. *YC | |
| 970919083297 Sep 1997 | Air Bags | AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC | |
| 970919083397 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PART SPECIFICATIONS. *YC | |
| 083397 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PART SPECIFICATION. *NLM | |
| 234897A Sep 1997 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH WATER DRIPS FROM ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP CHANNEL INTO VEHICLE. *NLM | |
| 234697 Aug 1997 | Structure | VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE DOOR GLASS SCRATCHES. *NLM | |
| 241197 Jul 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM | |
| 220197 Jun 1997 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM | |
| 182097 May 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH "BUMP" FEEL DURING A/C COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT. *NLM | |
| 020497 May 1997 | Suspension | FRONT END ALIGNMENT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS AND SHOCK ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES ON COMPETITION PACKAGE. *NLM | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 181897 May 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH OBDII READINESS CODE RETENTION, FRDERAL PACKAGES. *NLM | |
| 240397 Mar 1997 | Visibility | BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT OPERATE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *NLM |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Neon →