Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at 40 MPH on the highway, there was an increased stopping distance which resulted in a rear end collision, and the airbags did not deploy. The contact was wearing a seat belt, but minor injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained extensive front end damage. The police were alerted, and a report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not alerted.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with air bags. Consumer was driving and was involved in a frontal collision. The vehicle air bags did not deploy and a s result the driver sustained severe injuries. Manufacturer and dealer were contacted, and they knew of the problem, but would not get involved.
While driving at 45 MPH consumer hit a patch of ice and lost control of the vehicle. Vehicle collided head on with a tree, and the air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained slight neck and back injuries.
Our car was struck by a hit and run driver while our son was in the process of parallel parking the car, the car was not moving but it was running. The car that hit ours was going about 40 miles per hour and did quite a bit of damage however the air bags never deployed. We contacted Chrysler corp. And they sent an investigator to the repair shop. He at first could not get any information off of the air bag system because all of the wires to the air bag system had been cut in the accident. When we did get a report from Chrysler they stated that the air bags did not deploy "because it, the car, did not develope the necessary decelerative force to energize the system". This we feel is a stupid statement because cars get hit everyday and the air bags deploy even if they are standing still. …
Dodge Neon 2001 my - 43,000 miles. Today, while making a parking maneuver I suddenly heard several plastic click and crack like noises. I immediately thought of the clock spring; my fears were confirmed few seconds later when the airbag light turned on my cluster. Finally, after hearing the same kind of noise 3 of 4 times while driving the light ended up staying on. It basically meant that I have no airbag and I am a little bit worried that it might come off unexpectedly. Think it is not normal for such a safety component to fail in such way after only 43,000 miles. I really can't think of anything I could have done that would explain that.
Consumer stated while stopped at a light, as she attempted to step on the gas, the pedal began to act erratic, which caused the vehicle to hit the person in front and would not stop. The vehicle was repaired, but now it hesitates when driving or stopping. Other problems are as followed: the electrical lights and alarms, engine/cooling system, equipment(not spec), fuel system, heater/defrost/vent, park brake, power train, serv. Brakes, steering, structure, suspension, visual systems, the air bag module, (brain of the vehicle) computer, and a cracked motor head. Cause of incident: wear/corrosion/rust, locks, and stability.
Front collision at 45-50 MPH, hit a cement wall, and neither airbags deployed. Consumer suffered head injuries due to hitting head on steering wheel. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time. Driver also has neck, back and waist pains from accident, investigators from Chrysler stated the airbags should not have gone off since the vehicle was not at 30 degrees.
Consumer's vehicle slid off the road on a ninety degree turn during wet conditions, and impacted a telephone pole . During impact, neither air bag deployed. Dealership was doing repairs, and did not give consumer any reason why air bags failed to deploy. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Vehicle was going 30-35mph and hit a tree head-on. Consumer's face hit against steering wheel, bruised on arm. Front air bags didn't deploy. Drivers door had to pried opened.dealer stated if the front clips weren't hit air bags wouldn't have gone off. Dealers statement contradicts the owners manual.
While driving the air bag warning light stayed on and the horn was inoperative. The dealership indicated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The failure was due to the defect described in the air bag clock spring recall 04V480000, but this model vehicle was not part of the recall.
Airbag complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Dodge Neon, 23% of the model year's 146 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Neon airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 Dodge Neon, though it has 4 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 2001 Dodge Neon airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 0 fires and 19 injuries and 3 deaths to air bags 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.