Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I purchased a 2004 Neon sxt on November 23, 2004. Mileage on delivery was 200. In December of 2004, the solenoid malfunctioned. The engine light stayed on and the car would not accelerate. The dealer repaired this and my basic limited warranty covered it. On March 5, 2005, I took the car back to the dealer for repairs for this same problem. On March 23, 2005, I took the car back to the dealer for repairs. This time there was a malfunction with my timing chain causing the car to accelerate on its own! It would reach speeds of 60 to 70 MPH without applying gas! The dealer repaired this, again covered by the warranty. In June 2006, the problem recurred causing me to have an accident. Out of no where, with no warning, as I was turning a corner, the engine light flashed and my car took off! I could not stop it! Its 5 pm, the middle of rush hour traffic and cars a waiting for a red light! …
I drove my 2004 Dodge Neon sxt to school last Tuesday and parked it everything fine. I came out to leave started it and I had no reverse. It kicked in for a second and then again nothing. I put it in drive and the same thing nothing. When I got out and opened the hood I saw all the transmission fluid on the ground had it towed to dealership. I have a 70,000 mile powertrain warranty with 69,765 miles on it. The dealer said radiator failed causing trans fluid and coolant to mix through out. Albany Dodge tried to tell me I didn't have a 7yr 70K warranty only after the production of all my original paper work they agreed to fix trans. But not radiator or coolant system they want over 600$ I called around and found a place for 250$ after all the tows and everything 450$ later my car is at albany Dodge for the trans work and I will have to pay them 100$ deductible. …
Upon purchasing my car, brand new in 2004, I have had several problems with it. After a short year of having my car my power windows went out, shortly after my front door speakers stopped working and my radio/cd player often doesn't work correctly...cd discs will get stuck in player and continually play until car is shut off and sometimes that doesn't even resolve problem. Front brakes started to squeak and groan constantly, I took the vehicle to the dealership 4 times to have them try to fix brakes. While having brake problems, check engine light came on and car started to chug and jerk frequently. Took back to dealership, diagnostic showed #4 cylinder misfire, had plugs and wires replaced, however check engine light came back on after driving car <10 miles. …
Driving 2004 Dodge Neon, bought new, getting on interstate up to speed when engine began to stumble, would not accelerate, would not go above 2000 RPM, check engine light came on. Had to pull off to the side of the road. Nursed the car home at 40mph and ran obdii scan. Got a camshaft position sensor intermittent signal failure code. Replaced sensor from advance auto parts on 2-18-2009. Car ran fine until 7-7-2010 when same thing occurred. Pulling out into traffic to get up to speed when engine stopped pulling and started to shut down. Had to get out of the way of approaching traffic from behind and pull off the road. Check engine light, car would run but not over 2000 RPM . Got it home and scanned it and sure enough same defect code, cam shaft position signal intermittent. Changed it out with one from autozone with a two year warranty. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer to have the brake pads serviced. The technician discovered that the transmission solenoid pact was leaking and made the replacement. The repairs totaled $1,000, of which the contact paid $865. Two days after the repairs, the vehicle revved up while driving 25 MPH. On one occasion, the contact released the accelerator pedal to slow down and the vehicle began accelerate on its own. She attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle still accelerated. When she arrived home, she noticed that the check engine indicator was illuminated. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, but has not yet received any feedback. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 96,978.
This is on behalf of many owners of 2003-2005 Dodge Neon srt-4 vehicles. My vehicle as well as those of several hundred others commonly have problems shifting into 3rd gear. The problems continue to get worse until the transmission ceases to function entirely leaving the driver stranded. There are many owners who have experienced this with less than 10K miles on their car. I have 65K miles and I am on my 2nd transmission and now it is starting to act up as well. Most dealers will not warranty claims on this defect stating that it is driver abuse or due to mods done on the vehicle (in violation of the magnuson-moss warranty act). The dealers are aware of the problem but have chosen not to take any action.
Check engine light came on and engine started bucking.no more gears or shifting into drive.loss of transmission fluid and coolant. A piece of transmission line or fitting corroded and let loose inside the radiator. This caused the mixing of fluids into the transmission and cooling system.radiator failed and bled fluids. Radiator was replaced and coolant system was flushed. Transmission was also flushed.this very same problem occurred to my co-worker that has the same type vehicle(04 Dodge Neon,2.0 litre engine,74000 miles). I suspect it is happening to every customer that has that type and year Neon. Part not available.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a leak in the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and repairs over 10 times. The dealer replaced the transmission pan, transmission stick, head gasket, bolts and the dealer sent the vehicle to a transmission expert. Although, these changes were made, the transmission continues to leak. The dealer recently determined the problem can not be duplicated and no additional repairs were made. Contact was notified on 0313-2006 by m&m Dodge to bring vehicle to dealership for transmission work. The contact hoped that this will solve the leak problem.
Transmission complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Dodge Neon, 24% of the model year's 94 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Neon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Dodge Neon. 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 2004 Dodge Neon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.