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2002 Dodge Neon problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Dodge Neon is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 55,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical Neon model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
69/100
Owner complaints
173
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
24-27mpg

The worst 2002 Dodge Neon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Dodge Neon

No deployment 15Stalling 12Transmission failure 10Check engine light 8Headlights 8Ball joint 7Jerking 7Grinding brakes 6Engine failure 6Won't shift 6Fire or smoke 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Headlight failureOpened November 22, 2006, closed November 7, 2007

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 the federal safety agency 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.

EA06019

Headlight failureOpened July 28, 2006, closed November 22, 2006

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.

PE06028

Safety belt cinching latch plateOpened November 6, 2002, closed April 23, 2003

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

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Neon 51

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 51 bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Neon

2002 Dodge Neon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2429-3124-27

What 2002 Dodge Neon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 31, 2018 · Transmission · MI

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

Filed Aug 2, 2017 · Electrical · 29,000 miles · VT

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.

Filed Jul 22, 2017 · Transmission · NV

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.

Filed Jun 9, 2017 · Engine · 200,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed May 16, 2016 · Airbags · 106,696 miles · FL · crash

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.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Airbags · MO · crash · 1 injury

2002 dodge, was in a front end collision and the front airbags didn't deploy. The hood was bent. Accident happen on the highway

Filed Nov 1, 2015 · Engine · FL

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

Filed Sep 29, 2015 · Body · 116,000 miles · KS

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2015 · Steering · 76,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Oct 17, 2014 · Transmission · 70,503 miles · OH

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.

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Compare the 2002 Dodge Neon

Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Dodge Neon

Is the 2002 Dodge Neon reliable?

Owners have filed 173 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Neon, 1.2 times a typical Neon model year.

What is the 2002 Dodge Neon year score?

The 2002 Dodge Neon scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Neon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Neon?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 36 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is engine (33).

How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Neon have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Dodge Neon get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Dodge Neon range from 24 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 29-31 highway.

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