Most common 2004 Dodge Neon problems
Share of the 94 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 →
What 2004 Dodge Neon owners say
Engine & cooling all 26 →
Vehicle respond to a light acceleration request with sustain full throttle operation. The vehicle traveled in poor road conditions with full throttle operation. The only influence in course change was terrain and torque steering. After collision with a stone pillar code p0123 throttle high voltage was found.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. While driving 20 MPH, the engine revved and inadvertently shifted to a lower gear. Also, the service engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home but, prior to the failure, was having transmission issues for over a year. The contact mentioned that a plastic piece that separated the coolant and transmission fluid fractured and allowed coolant to enter the transmission. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs; however, the radiator was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 139,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Transmission & drivetrain all 23 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. While driving 20 MPH, the engine revved and inadvertently shifted to a lower gear. Also, the service engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home but, prior to the failure, was having transmission issues for over a year. The contact mentioned that a plastic piece that separated the coolant and transmission fluid fractured and allowed coolant to enter the transmission. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs; however, the radiator was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 139,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. While cleaning the vehicle as it was parked in the driveway, the contact accidentally moved the gear shifter into neutral. The vehicle rolled down a hill and crashed into the front yard. She stated that the gear shifter was able to be moved without the keys being in the ignition and without the brake pedal being depressed. There were no injuries. The current mileage was 48,969 and failure mileage was 48,967.
Electrical system
While driving at 70 MPH, the consumer attempted to exit a freeway and the vehicle lurched and made a loud noise. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot and smoke began to emit from the hood. Consumer turned the key off, but the vehicle continued to run. The fire department arrived and disconnected the battery cables. At that time the smoking ceased and the engine shut down. The consumers vehicle continued to run rough and lurch forward, the check engine light would come on, , the vehicle would run with the key out of the ignition, and when the door was inadvertently shut, the door would lock. The dealer could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. The consumer was told that the fuel was delivered at a rich combustion level. The service dealer replaced the ab/master relay and the power train control module. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key would release out of the ignition switch without warning. The vehicle continued to drive without the key in the ignition switch. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 7/16/15
2004 Dodge Neon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 32 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Dodge Neon a good car?
Based on 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Neon rates better than average: 66% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Neon at the same age. It is one of the best Neon years by this measure. 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 2004 Dodge Neon?
The engine & cooling — 26 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (23) and electrical system (15).
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Neon have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Dodge Neon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 44% 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.