Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. While driving in the center lane at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal moved all the way to the left and underneath the brake pedal. This prevented the vehicle from accelerating. The contact could not depress the brake pedal because it would press down on the accelerator pedal as well. She applied the emergency brake and was able to pull the vehicle over until the speed completely slowed down and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact tied a rope from the accelerator pedal to the middle console, which would allow the vehicle to accelerate when the rope was pulled. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and they stated that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The dealer stated that she would be responsible for the failure. …
While driving on the highway with the cruise control set and engaged, I was forced to depress the brakes. The cruise control did not disengage, nor was I able to turn it off via the buttons on the steering wheel. I came within 5 feet of rear-ending another vehicle when we were traveling at speeds above 55 MPH. If I did not keep the brakes depressed, the cruise control tried to bring the vehicle up to the set point. After about five minutes, the cruise control shut itself off automatically. Subsequent times the on/off switch has worked on the cruise control, but it does not disengage when the brake pedal is depressed. I have taken the vehicle into a dealership detailing the problem to fix it. They charged me for a diagnostic evaluation and have found that there is a bad servo. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. While driving at 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal fractured from the vehicle. The contact was able to coast until activating the cruise control to maintain speed. The dealer advised that she bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage and current mileage was 123,191.
Vehicle was turned on and in park when it suddenly lurched forward, knocking consumer down and unconscious. Before stopping, vehicle turned in a counter clockwise motion, destroying all objects in its path. . Dealer and manufacturer were notified.
When applying the brakes, the vehicle will start to pulsate at any speed. Also, extended stopping distance. Contacted dealer. The consumer states the following as problems occured: the passenger air bag, throttle blade icing, defective rotors, charging system over charging-no trouble codes; 3 battery replacements(defective per mechanic), many gas tank repairs/replacements(would not take gas without clicking and ticking/filler tank/gas tank), warning brake light and buzzer chimes when brake is applied also with the gas pedal when applied (due to defective rotors and lack of brake fluid, transmission problem-grinding noise/won't go in reverse, brake noise in rear tire/brake booster replace per recall-needs rotors & pads in front, A/C blows warm air-compessor clutch wouldn't engage(found broken wire), problem with the voltage regulator, and noise in the power steering.
This vehicle has extreme surges in the motor, on start up if A/C unit is turned on car May stall, also "grinding" noise from engine on over nite start ups. Surge in engine during the winter season is also a problem, snow or ice covered road are bad enough, let alone the vehicle decieds to surge, when this happens I would put the gear selector to neutral. Dodge dealer has informed me that they would have to keep the car overnight, but that is not good for me because I need my car. They also told me that there are a number of noises that Dodge has deemed acceptiable.
Interior trunk lock wasn't operable. Consumer went to open the trunk and lock wouldn't unlock/ cigerette lighter and cd player failed. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership. Mechanic told her that they couldn't duplicate the problems. Seat belt malfunctions. Door light and dome light stays on alarm system malfunctons continuously. Power windows malfunctions. Cruise control failed. The vehicle stalled on the road. Vehicle alignment problems while using brakes.
Car runs very rough. Idles rough. When shifting gears car "jerks" excessivly. When trying to maintain the car at a steady speed the car "rocks and jerks" until acceleration. Car does not want to stay running. When taking off from a stop the car will start to take off and die. Very dangerous to try to cross an intersecion. The check engine light comes on and will stay on for days at a time and then go off and not come on far an extended period of time.
While applying brakes vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly to 80mph. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and reattached vaccum hose that was not installed correctly. Consumer states this has happened 3 times before 4-12-2001 vehicle was taken into shop but dealer could not find anything wrong.
While driving cruise control will engage without warning if previously turned on/off during the same trip. Consumer very concerned because car will revert to previous cruise speed. Dealer could not duplicate problem. Consumer stated that cruise control disengages only if the cancel button is pressed.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: passenger cars. Vapors from the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system can condense and freeze inside of the throttle body when the vehicle is operated in extremely cold ambient temperatures.
Remedy: Dealers will replace and relocate a pcv system tube.
Acceleration complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2000 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2000 Dodge Neon, 6% of the model year's 337 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Neon acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-194 (vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Neon acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 123,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.