What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2000–2005) Neon?

Neon owners have made 442 complaints about the 2000–2005 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 34th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with some engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Neon Generations

Common 2000-2005 Dodge Neon Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Neon owners have to deal with.

  1. Stuck in Park

    Can't shift the car into reverse or drive! Now what? This is most commonly reported from Dodge Avenger owners, but there have also been similar complaints about other Dodge makes as well as other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles having a similar …

    Continue reading article "Stuck in Park" Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

  2. Cracked Dashboards

    Is your Dodge dashboard falling apart and breaking into pieces? Have you been watching the cracks grow bigger and bigger with each passing month? Do you feel helpless as your dashboard caves in on itself? Trust me, you're not alone.

    Continue reading article "Cracked Dashboards" A common example of a Dodge Ram dashboard

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2000–2005) Neon Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 442 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 34th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.