Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Neon. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for an alignment when she was informed that the front control arm bushings were defective and the bush rings would need to be replaced. The manufacturer advised that they were aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle bounced while driving down a hill or coming to a stop. Although the technician rode in the vehicle after inspection and stated this was not normal operating conditions, the dealership was unable to determine a problem.
As I was driving down the street, my rear passenger end was leaning a little to the side. I was a smooth paved road and it felt as though I was hitting potholes. I pulled over to the side of the road thought my tire was flat. I t0ok the car to a shop to get checked out. They stated that my rear shot blew. On 11/20/18 my defrosters are no longer working. My headlights are dim. I tried replacing the bulb. However, it still isn't bright enough to drive in the dark.
There has been a popping sound coming from the right side of the car since April of 2004. Vehicle has been to the dealership a total of 14 times since purchased in January of 2004. The rack and pinion has been replaced once. Starting somewhere around August it started squeaking. After speaking to a family member that used to work at the dealership where car was purchased I was told that the right strut insulator was bad. Took car to dealership where they are replacing the ball baring in the right side of the car.
Bought car new. Rear lower control arm bushings have failed twice on this car and during my last inspection the passengers side bushing was starting to tear and fail again. A local Dodge dealer still inspected the car after Firestone would not due to safety the safety issues of a failed control arm bushing. First failure happened at around 25,000 mi. And second around 40,000 mi. They will be replaced again during next years safety inspection done at Firestone this time. This car is garbage.
The car started to make scraping and squeaking noises while going over bumps and dips. I inspected the front suspension and had found that the rear bushings on both front lower control arms separated from the control arms. The passengers side control arm had failed and was touching the sub frame, the drivers side was close to failing. Both bushings were replaced by the dealer under warranty.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH on normal rural roads, the vehicle unexpectedly veered to the left hitting a school bus and banking off the road. The driver side wheel snapped off the axel causing a loss of steering control. There were no warning lights illuminated prior the incident. There was a police report taken and no injuries were sustained. Prior to the accident, the contact noticed shaking on the front end of the vehicle. It was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed tire balancing and rotation. As the shaking persisted, the manufacturer was contacted, who referred the contact to a dealership. The dealership recommended a complete wheel alignment. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who performed the alignment and the shaking disappeared. The accident occurred a few miles after the vehicle had the alignment performed.
Have a 2002 Dodge Neon with a little more than 101,000 miles on it. Brought car in for service and was told by the service manager that the control arm bushings are pushed right through the front sub frame and if they let go this can cause a serious crash this is a serious safety issue and that the car should be recalled.because the sub frame of this type of vehicle should not be gone alreadyand Chrysler don't want to admit that they are using cheap stuff in these types of cars. And if you keep driving the vehicle the worse it will get and other stuff will happen like the alternator will let go and have to be replaced. Seeing car is unsafe to drive it is sitting in my driveway.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front suspension lower control arms May have been inadequately welded between the pivot tube and the arm.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower control arm.
NHTSA investigations
Control arm welds
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Neon years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (29), 2000 (26), 2002 (15), 1998 (14) and 2003 (9) model years. Suspension complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Neon suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-114 (lower arm, May 6, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Neon suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (36 mentions), followed by the rear (9).
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.