Most common 2002 Dodge Neon problems
Share of the 173 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Neon complaints by model year
Best Neon years: 2005, 2004, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2002 Dodge Neon:
Headlight failure
Odi has reviewed complaints from consumers stating that they do not have headlight function while operating their vehicle.the reports indicate that a loss of both high and low beam headlights is the result of problems with the vehicles multifunction switch and connecting wiring harness.consumersnoticed that the steering column area (where these parts are located) is heating up.in some cases, smoke would come out of…
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.
Headlight failure
This ea was opened after receiving reports that the multifunction switch on these vehicles would fail, causing a loss of headlight illumination.some complainants report loss of headlight function while for others temporary lighting was available by pulling on the multifunction switch stalk to illuminate high beam lighting.analysis of the complaint and warranty data show a low and declining failure trend.further use…
What 2002 Dodge Neon owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 36 →
While driving a 2002 Neon, either the transmission/brakes locked up on the car, stopping abrubtly without any warning on interstate 400 in atlanta, ga. Due to the mechanical failure of the auto, my daughter's auto was then rear-ended by another car. Both autos were totallled, neither driver was charged with the accident, but she was written up "mechanical failure" on the accident report. I believe that the Neon auto itself was at fault/defective. I have another 2002 Neon which just had to be repaired August 1-8th, 2003 for the "transmission locking up and shutting down" and had to have the torque converter replaced. I located a service bulletin from Chrysler on the internet which described this condition that was occuring in the 2001-2002 neons. I believe Chrysler should be held responsible to this accident. …
2002 Dodge Neon automatic transmission failed while driving on the highway while pulling off exit at very slow speed was hit from behind by another car -with minor damage to rear bumper. Transmission was replaced car had 40,000 miles.
Engine & cooling all 33 →
I got my oil changed, tires rotated, and windshield wipers replaced on April 13 2011 around 6:30 pm. My oil change took approximately 15 min. After the oil change and tire rotation, I paid and went straight home. I was not informed by anyone at valvoline that anything was wrong with my car. I got in my car around 7:40 am on April 14th and headed towards my insurance company on asheville highway. As I entered onto business 85, my car started to smoke from under the hood and I could feel heat on my feet near the gas pedal and brake. As I tried to brake and slow the car down, something under the hood caught fire and the brakes failed to stop the car and the car ended up sliding into the back of a pick up truck and the hood and front end of the car completely burst into flames. …
At approximately 3:00 a.m. On a Saturday the 4th of August I was involved in a rollover car accident in which I swerved to avoid a medium dog/coyote and my vehicle hit the ditch and rolled. My front airbags didn't deploy and I had to be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. I suffered a head injury as well as numerous body impact injuries from the crash. According to the report from the impound my engine was found 40 feet from my vehicle. My first concern was of course my airbags and why they failed to deploy.
Electrical system all 25 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Neon. When the contact opened the vehicle door, a mouse was seen running from the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle and under the seat. The contact stated that the rodent entered the vehicle through the air vents in the rear of the vehicle to chew on the wires inside the engine compartment. The contact had to place mouse traps inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
While the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, some one informed the consumer that vehicle was on fire. By the time the consumer reached the vehicle all of the windows were covered with soot. Fire department arrived and extinguished the flames, and concluded that the fire started behind the dashboard.
2002 Dodge Neon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 31 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Dodge Neon a good car?
Based on 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Neon rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Neon at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Neon?
The transmission & drivetrain — 36 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (33) and electrical system (25).
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Neon have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Dodge Neon. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Neon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. See the full Dodge Neon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Neon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.