Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
Severe corrosion caused a weakness in the suspension cradle/ engine cradle that resulted in the front suspension control arm to break away from its mounting to the suspension crossmember/ cradle. The control arm and all associated components seemed to be in acceptable condition and did not exhibit any failures. The failure was severe enough that the drive axle was pulled out of the transmission. The vehicle was completely undriveable. I was extremely lucky to have had the failure at a very low speed while turning into a driveway. The same failure at posted speed (45mph at the time) would have resulted in total loss of control and likely severe crash.
While driving the car you can hear banging under the front chasis. The sway bar links have been breaking from the sway bar. Twice they have been replaced by the dealer at my cost. The third time they repair at no cost. I have replaced two links on the right and two on the left side. The first time was the right. The second time was the right and left. The third time the right. The first time was May 16, 2002. The second was September 24, 2003. The third time June 1, 2004. The dealership can not find the reason to the failure ofthe links.
There is a vibration in the steering wheel. The steering column was replaced. There was also a grinding noise when making turns, the left front axle had made a grinding noise, and the vehicle leaked when it had rained.
While driving there was severe vibration in the front end. The consumer had taken the vehicle to an independent shop where the mechanic replaced the left and right wheel bearings. (it was turning blue per consumer)
Consume rcomplained about a front lower control arm problem. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and there was a recall on this make, model, and year. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Make: Dodge model: Neon type: passenger car year: 2000 summary: as noted in other complaints, with any heavy rainfall, the floor in the back seats fills with water (up to an inch or more). Appears to be entering through the trunk area, as the spare tire well also fills with water. Using sponges and a shopvac to soak up the water and then leaving windows open to dry it out is my only remedy to the moisture and odor. This has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased in 2001. The dealer is of no help because (mercifully for others) that deal went bankrupt a year after purchase. I have a litany of other concerns with the 2000 Neon. …
The recall that NHTSA set in May of 1999 for the lower control arms of the 2000 Dodge Neon was not applied to all 2000 Dodge neons. The defective lower control arms are on my car, and I was never notified, nor sent the recall notice. My VIN was not included. The lower control arms on both sides of my car have separated from the pivot tube and are secured by only a bolt. The bushings are both split. The steering wheel vibrates at all speeds, a symptom of this defect that my car has displayed for 3 years. Both lower control arms must be replaced immediately or I could lose control of my car and have an accident. Please, extend the recall notice for 2000 Dodge neons to include those built in February of 1999, the month my car was built. I am very disturbed about this defect being ignored on my vehicle considering the danger that it poses to me. …
I believe this car is a lemon! I have had it in to the dealership 3 times for the driver seat tracks not functioning properly, they don't move back all the way. It now needs to go back a fourth time because it will not engage properly and I am afraid it will let go and fly backwards while I am driving. The steering wheel shakes back and forth as if someone is moving it left to right. The dealership will not take responsibility for this and states that is for the tire mfg. To fix, however my mechanic beleives the tires are fine.
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.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front suspension lower control arms May have been inadequately welded between the pivot tube and the arm.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower control arm.
NHTSA investigations
Control arm welds
There is no summary currently available
Suspension complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Dodge Neon, 8% of the model year's 337 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Neon suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-114 (lower arm, May 6, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Neon suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.