2002 Dodge Neon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Neon › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Dodge Neon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2002 Dodge Neon. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
173 complaints26 involved a crash3 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
I was driving down the road and heard a whirring noise from under the hood and I lost the ability to go into drive and reverse come to find out it was a clogged trans filter so I replaced it and the car ran great for about 2 weeks and now I have torque converter out of range codes popping up the…
I was driving down the road and heard a whirring noise from under the hood and I lost the ability to go into drive and reverse come to find out it was a clogged trans filter so I replaced it and the car ran great for about 2 weeks and now I have torque converter out of range codes popping up the car has 88000 miles on it and I would like to think transmissions are supposed to be able to last at least 150 to 180 thousand miles before going bad this IS not a cheap nor easy fix please help
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. When the contact opened the vehicle door, a mouse was seen running from the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle and under the seat. The contact stated that the rodent entered the vehicle through the air vents in the rear of the vehicle to chew on the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. When the contact opened the vehicle door, a mouse was seen running from the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle and under the seat. The contact stated that the rodent entered the vehicle through the air vents in the rear of the vehicle to chew on the wires inside the engine compartment. The contact had to place mouse traps inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
- Power train
I bought this car with 49000 miles on it. I was driving everything seemed fine then I slowed down for a stop sign to between 3 and 7 mph and the whole thing just locked up. I tried every gear but nothing would unlock the tranny.. It's still locked up now I had to get it towed.. Luckily I was on a…
I bought this car with 49000 miles on it. I was driving everything seemed fine then I slowed down for a stop sign to between 3 and 7 mph and the whole thing just locked up. I tried every gear but nothing would unlock the tranny.. It's still locked up now I had to get it towed.. Luckily I was on a little two lane road with not much traffic so there wasn't to many mad people I feel dodge should take care of there problems and problem cars.. Im not asking for much just for my car to make it over 50000 miles.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. While driving various speeds, a knocking sound was coming from the engine and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine piston detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy without warning. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The manufacturer was contacted, but the call was forwarded to voicemail. The contact left a voicemail message. The failure mileage was 106,696.
- Air bags
2002 dodge, was in a front end collision and the front airbags didn't deploy. The hood was bent. Accident happen on the highway
- Engine
I driving off the interstate wen car shut off idled tried to crank it up but it only made whining noise and won't start I also notice my car was smoking so I let the car cool off before I put water... The next day I went and a new timing belt put on and a crank shaft sensor and it still won't crank
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. While servicing the vehicle, the contact discovered that the subframe was rusted and partially fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. While exiting a highway at approximately 20 mph, the steering ability seized. The contact had to maneuver to a complete stop and no warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. While exiting a highway at approximately 20 mph, the steering ability seized. The contact had to maneuver to a complete stop and no warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Power train
Driving on rt224 and car started squealing, lost power in gas pedal, got off busy road, turned on side st. And had no gas power, had to call my husband to pick me and my uncle up, he lost paid work , mechanic came to parking lot, he said transmission blew, had it towed to shop. Cost me 2,323. Also…
Driving on rt224 and car started squealing, lost power in gas pedal, got off busy road, turned on side st. And had no gas power, had to call my husband to pick me and my uncle up, he lost paid work , mechanic came to parking lot, he said transmission blew, had it towed to shop. Cost me 2,323. Also rip in left front axel mechanic says these neons are known for this trouble and to file with you. I need to get refunded in full, these cars should not be on the road. I do not work and it was very hard to scrap up the money to pay this and our lives were seriously in danger on a busy road. I called on 9-29-14 and filed a complaint with your worker ref #10639796 and she said she would send me an email and paper in the mail conserving this phone call . I have never received anything. Plus I will sending a complaint about my husband's jeep 2000 gas tank shield IS rotted away and pieces missing. This should be recalled. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact attempted to engage the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact attempted to engage the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. ..Updated 12/02/14 *bf updated 02/03/15*jb
- Service brakes
When I bought my car, I had/have loud squeaking noise from my breaks when I back out of my drive way. I was told, from the dealer, nothing can be done to fix this. I thought that may be this would stop, but it IS still always happening. *tr
- Steering
Driving at a speed of 25 mph could not steer car, pulling hard to the right, couldn't control went off road, hitting two trees and then car flipped, ending up on roof. Resulting in two injuries, driver and passenger going to hospital. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Good morning, I have a 2002 dodge neon that I have put money into and I have experienced dishonesty from mechanics until now; paying lots of money to fix a problem that cannot be fixed. I was informed last week that this leak on my car cannot be fixed because its a manufacturer problem.…
Good morning, I have a 2002 dodge neon that I have put money into and I have experienced dishonesty from mechanics until now; paying lots of money to fix a problem that cannot be fixed. I was informed last week that this leak on my car cannot be fixed because its a manufacturer problem. apparently, this IS a problem with all neon's. its a fluid leak of oil. a recommended mechanic diagnosed my car and informed me of this news. he said that the sealant IS gone and cannot be repaired by any mechanic. What happens now? because this problem cannot be fixed and I'm not in a position to purchase a vehicle, IS there a recall to repair this problem? I also had to disassemble my radio because after replacing my battery, the electrical fuse was replaced several times along with the alternator because the radio played after the car was turned off and would kill my battery. *tr
- Tires
I bought 4 pirelli P4 p185/60r-15 tires. less than 6K miles a tire blew out the sidewall. now at 17K miles another tire has a big bubble on the sidewall. I am taking that back to discount tire for a replacement. I did not hit any potholes and I drive slow. this IS scary. *tr
- Structure › Body
Water collects in the trunk causing mold, this affects my athsma. seems this affects many owners and seems it should be recalled because it affects the air quality you breath. *tr
- Engine · Suspension
Where to start! Steering wheel shakes bad when idling and had to replace the entire computer! There seems to be the same complaints with these cars without any action from chrysler. We have had to replace the front control arm bushings twice in 6 months in my daughters car, there IS water leaking…
Where to start! Steering wheel shakes bad when idling and had to replace the entire computer! There seems to be the same complaints with these cars without any action from chrysler. We have had to replace the front control arm bushings twice in 6 months in my daughters car, there IS water leaking into the backseat from somewhere, stuttering when going up hills or over 50 mph; blown out struts, replaced radiator; eats oil..........why isn't chrysler held responsible for these problems. Check the internet........there are thousands of the same complaints! It has cost me over 2500 in repairs in 8 months! *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated while driving various speeds, she noticed that the both low beam headlights would point downward and illuminated an inadequate brightness towards the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated both head lamps needed…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated while driving various speeds, she noticed that the both low beam headlights would point downward and illuminated an inadequate brightness towards the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated both head lamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The car has less then 63K miles on it and I was told it was unsafe do to a rusted k frame. Everywhere I look online people have the same issue with low mileages how can this not be recalled!?!? It was only found when I went to 2 different places in nashua, nh and it failed inspection at both. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for an unrelated repair when she was advised that the cross member was rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and advised the contact to call the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 64,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags · Engine
At approximately 3:00 a.m. On a saturday the 4TH of august I was involved in a rollover car accident in which I swerved to avoid a medium dog/coyote and my vehicle hit the ditch and rolled. My front airbags didn't deploy and I had to be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. I suffered a…
At approximately 3:00 a.m. On a saturday the 4TH of august I was involved in a rollover car accident in which I swerved to avoid a medium dog/coyote and my vehicle hit the ditch and rolled. My front airbags didn't deploy and I had to be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. I suffered a head injury as well as numerous body impact injuries from the crash. According to the report from the impound my engine was found 40 feet from my vehicle. My first concern was of course my airbags and why they failed to deploy. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that water would leak through both the driver and passenger side tail lights and into the spare tire wheel well, causing mold to form on the rear interior seats. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 128,801.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and she noticed that there was a puddle of water on the rear floor boards. The contact also stated that the failure occurred after it rained. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and she noticed that there was a puddle of water on the rear floor boards. The contact also stated that the failure occurred after it rained. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and independent repair shop, but they were unable to locate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that water would enter the vehicle and accumulate on the rear floor boards. The failure would also occur when it did not rain. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the seals on the vehicle caused the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. The contact stated that water would enter the vehicle and accumulate on the rear floor boards. The failure would also occur when it did not rain. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the seals on the vehicle caused the failure. The contact felt that the failure may be due to a leak on the rear brake lights. There was also a leak present in the trunk. The contact felt that this was a manufacturers defect. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 165,000. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge neon. the contact stated that the speedodometer malfunctioned and he was unable to determine how fast or slow he was traveling. the dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. no repairs were performed. the current and the failure mileages were 167,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Headlight failure
This ea was opened after receiving reports that the multifunction switch on these vehicles would fail, causing a loss of headlight illumination.some complainants report loss of headlight function while for others temporary lighting was available by pulling on the multifunction switch stalk to illuminate high beam…
This ea was opened after receiving reports that the multifunction switch on these vehicles would fail, causing a loss of headlight illumination.some complainants report loss of headlight function while for others temporary lighting was available by pulling on the multifunction switch stalk to illuminate high beam lighting.analysis of the complaint and warranty data show a low and declining failure trend.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted; accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- Headlight failure
Odi has reviewed complaints from consumers stating that they do not have headlight function while operating their vehicle.the reports indicate that a loss of both high and low beam headlights IS the result of problems with the vehicles multifunction switch and connecting wiring harness.consumersnoticed that the…
Odi has reviewed complaints from consumers stating that they do not have headlight function while operating their vehicle.the reports indicate that a loss of both high and low beam headlights IS the result of problems with the vehicles multifunction switch and connecting wiring harness.consumersnoticed that the steering column area (where these parts are located) IS heating up.in some cases, smoke would come out of the steering column area and the plastic trim would begin to melt.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-019) to further study this issue.
- 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 failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging 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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10021239Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017651Revised power steering system bleeding procedures.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10010478Front hub/half shaft click/pop sound.
- 10009784Steering column click sound.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 10000839Air bag light on with erroneous diagnostic trouble code (dtc) stored energy fault set.
- 10000833Lower steering column click sound.
- 10000330The transaxle low/reverse accumulator cover o-ring on certain vehicles may become dislodged.
- 10000329Delayed transaxle engagement after initial start up.
- 10000311Engine performance enhancements / rough idle in drive.
- 10000310Fuel cap difficult to remove.
- 635719Some vehicles may have a transaxle that will not move or slips in reverse or first gear.
- 635713Subject regarding engine oil in coolant reservoir.
- 635706Some vehicles may experience a slipping or no drive condition in reverse or first gear.
- 635704Some vehicles may experience a slipping or no drive condition in reverse or first gear.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634128Left front steering knuckle/abs tone wheel interference. *Slc
- 634090Subject regarding fuel cap difficult to remove. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 633972Subject regarding engine performance enhancements. *Slc
- 633963Subject regarding transmission control module (tcm) flash procedure will not work. *Slc
- 633957Subject regarding instrument panel mat (pencil tray) adhesion. *Slc
- 631623Subject regarding discolored brake fluid.
- 629139Moisture accumulation inside a vented headlamp assembly condition.
- 628314Rapid response transmittal regarding a/c system overcharge.
Every Dodge Neon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.