Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 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.
Dt*: the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated constantly. Also, the rear brakes squeaked, and there was a loss of power brake assist. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problems. There is a NHTSA recall # 01V154000 pertaining to the service brakes power assist vacuum. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
When vehicle exceed speeds of 50 MPH, the vehicle will vibrate, the vibration becomes worse when brakes are applied. Theere is also a grinding noise, but the brake pad or rotor are not worn. The dealership cannot locate the cause of the problem.
While driving 40 MPH applied brakes and without warning brakes malfunctioned, resulting in a collision. Driver sustained minor injuries. Consumer also stated brakes failure has occured on 3 separate occasions.
Prior to recall notification, consumer experienced brake failure, she was informed by dealership that vehicle was safe to drive, however after leaving dealership consumer experienced brake problems again, consumer was then informed about the recall, she was then informed that it would take four weeks before vehicle can be fixed.
While driving at any speed brake system would lock up preventing proper operation of vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle and determined that front brake calipers were not releasing, and that brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Recall# 01V154000/ manufacturer's recall 983. Consumer contacted dealer about recall repairs, and dealer set up an appointment. Consumer went to deale r get repairs done, and dealer did not have parts. Also, didn't know when parts will be in.
Since 7,000 miles to the present mileage front brakes would squeak when brakes were applied. Vehicle been to dealer, and had front brake rotors and pads replaced. However, problem reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information.
The vehicle's brake booster hose was on recall (01v-154), but the consumer was told by the dealer there were no parts to replace. Consumer stated that the dealer was unwilling to fix the problem.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. In the presence of oil and heat, the brake booster vacuum hose could swell and loosen from the intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum hose. Owner notification began July 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within…
Brake complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Dodge Neon, 14% of the model year's 146 complaints. The component named most often is power assist › vacuum (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Neon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-154 (vacuum, May 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Neon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries and 3 deaths to brakes 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.