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.
2002 Dodge Neon: engine failure
6 of the 173 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Neon describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
2002 neon developed a tapping noise at cold start; the noise continues until the car is warmed up. No warning lights to indicate a problem. Car was taken to dealer for diagnosis; owner told it is a rod or wrist pin, best to replace the engine for 4,600. This car only has 44,000 miles on it and has been properly maintained.
I work in the miami area and was going home after eating ; it had been raining that day and there was some small puddles on the roadways. I went through a small puddle; then through a red light ;when my car quit in the intersection with no warning and would not start. So I had to push the car off the road and get a taxi home until morning when I could try to determine the problem. My car is a 2002 dodge neon which I purchased on jan 17,2004 at capital chevrolet in montgomery alabama. After investigating the next morning I could not determine the problem and had the car towed to the maroone dodge dealer in miami fl. They determined that the car had slung a rod which the warranty refused to cover their stated reason was that the car took on water through the air intake which seized the motor and caused the rod to break. After checking with other mechanics I have found out that their reason is not possible and that there have been other cases like this reported. Your help would be much appreciated thank you.
Driving down i95, oil and engine light went on. Immediately pulled into rest stop <1 mile away. Car died on ramp. Last oil change 23,000 miles, car has 30,000 miles. Realize late for change, but deal says engine needs to be replaced will not cover under warranty. States that failure to have dealer do maintainan invalid warranty. States that problem caused by neglect. 7000 miles since last change, while late should not blow engine. No assistance offered by dealer.
Consumer states the vehicle stalled while driving, the vehicle was towed to the dealership and consumer was informed that the engine had locked up, during inspection of the vehicle, it was pointed out to the consumer that the air intake port lays under the vehicle parallel to the wheel and is easily accessible to water coming off the road and being displaced by the moving tire, consumer argued that it should be considered a manufacturing defect since it seemed to be in the wrong location, the dealer stated it was not a manufacturing defect and that the vehicle should not have been driven in high water, however consumer disagrees and states that yes it was raining, but the water was not that high, the dealer replaced the engine block.
Car took on water from the "air intake" port causing me to stop--had no control of car when it stopped--according to the dodge dealer the engine seized from the rain water intake--same day it could not be started again--was from a rusted starter as per dodge dealer--car was sold back to dodge dealer at a loss
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Neon engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2002 Dodge Neon?
6 of 173 owner complaints about the 2002 Dodge Neon (3%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Dodge Neon?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Dodge Neon
No deployment 15Stalling 12Transmission failure 10Check engine light 8Headlights 8Ball joint 7Jerking 7Grinding brakes 6Won't shift 6Fire or smoke 5
VIN decoder
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