Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The complaints that I have for the air bags, seat belts and brakes the same problems occured during another accident on January 16, 2001. During both accidents I was pressing on my brakes and it seemed as if the car would not stop. At the time of impact the seat belts did not catch and the air bags did not deploy. The accident that occured on January 16, 2001, because the seat belt did not catch and the air bag did not deploy I was injured when my head impacted the windshield. I informed the Dodge corporation of the problems and all I was told is that there is not a recall on my car. I noticed that the headgaskets began leaking approximately a month ago, I contacted the dealership about a week ago and was told it would take about $700.00 in repairs. …
I have a 2000 Dodge Neon I bought at 32,000miles. Started over heating at 34,000mi. Only on really hot days. Now at 56,000 miles over heats all the time. Can't drive it. Found out it is a blown head gasket. Dealer estimates $2500 repair. (single mom, can't afford it) found out through research and mechanics that neons are prone to blown head gaskets between 30 to 60 thousand miles. Mechanic explained that the gaskets chemical compounds within the metals are not compatible. But they are no longer useing those gaskets and have replaced them with new ones that are compatible. I was informed that once replaced they have not seen any reoccuring problems. This leaves me wondering why the gaskets have not been recalled. Thank you brandi
I took our 2000 Neon (that I've had since late summer/early fall of 1999) to get an oil change and the mechanic said it looked like we had an oil leak. After further checking, he informed me that the head gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. He told me it would cost approximately $1200. I am in the process now of calling other garages for quotes. A co-worker told me she had the same problem with her Neon and the dealer covered most of the cost since this is an on-going problem with neons. Please let me know any information you have on this on-going head gasket problem. I don't remember exact day in April I took it to the shop. Records are at home. If you need exact date, I can find that. Thank you for your help.
On April 23, 2001, I was driving from cape cod to my home in campton, nh. The emissions control warning light came on and as I was pulling into the right lane to find an exit the car began losing power. As I approached exit 38, on interstate 93n, smoke started coming out of exhaust and by the time I reached the end of the exit the car stalled which was good because my brakes went all the way to the floor. When the car stalled the interior began filling with black smoke and I grabbed my dog by the collar and evacuated the car. Seconds after, the car burst into flames which shot out from under the hood. By the time the fire trucks arrived the car was burned beyond repair, including all my personal belongings inside the car.
Water leaking in brake power booster cause brakes to freeze in cold; brake valves needed to be replaced; front wheel bearings needed to be replaced; ABS system disconnect- not working properly - controller given off error code - possible need to be replace; all brake system lights on in car - no diagnosis for problem; rattling noise in dash board; high humming noise under car when drive - unable to hear radio between rattling & humming noises; ac work but no heat; when driving wheels sometimes feel like they are going to fall off; recently found out car failed nys emission test on date of purchase; I filed complaint with better business bureau regarding dealer where I brought car from - they have failed to respond.
Head gasket blown. Large oil/fuel leaks and/or contamination throughout engine compartment, including captured in motor-mount bay acting as a resevoir dam. Google alone demonstrates some 111,000 reported "Neon head-gasket" items with a majority percentage sampled showing as problems with the head-gasket! Please help! Not only is this an expensive item ($450) to replace, but it is a critical safety issue!
I bought the vehicle 2 months ago. Since then I have put $750 into repairs and have estimates for $1000 more worth of repairs. The manufacturers problems included a rear main oil seal leak, an oil pan gasket leak, and a distributor switch leak. There was also a bent wheel, damaged tire, and bad starter. The dealer (dick morris Chevrolet) will do nothing to fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Neon. While having the tires replaced,the mechanic determined there was a head gasket leak. The dealer's service manager informed her that she would have to be responsible for any repairs. Also, the contact also spoke to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 59,150, and the current mileage was 59,200.
Car was running, but parked. Engine caught fire, burning completely the front of the vehicle. My son escaped, the flames engulfed the engine, both the fire department and the police department were at the scene. He luckily was able to get out of the car. The front of the car was burned beyond recognition.
Trans died in middle of road. Dealer claims I need a new radiator to repair. Now I read here that this seems to be re occurring. Also, mechanic from another dealer I called indicated that this was the third he has seen in the past 2 weeks. This will cost me $ 500 for radiator replacement. Please help !
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Dodge Neon, 16% of the model year's 337 complaints. The component named most often is engine (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Dodge Neon, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.