Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2005 Neon has been slipping when shifting from first to second gear. It is worse in warm weather. Transmission fluid fine and not burnt. Didn't pick up on the computer when it was checked out at a garage but no one disputes the problem. Feels like slipping on ice. Has 35,000m now and has been shaking as well. It began doing this at 30,000. Out of warranty by 6 months. Further, hit a deer last night. Significant damage to front end. Hit the deer hard enough for it to fly up onto the roof and bounce off. Body shop was surprised airbags did not deploy as the sensor was exposed and definitely hit. I'm kind of glad they didn't but after reviewing complaints this seems to be an issue. Finally. The wheels have been corroded since day one and there is no reason that the wheels should have done this let alone nearly immediately after purchase. Once again, Dodge does nothing.
Tl*- the contact has a 2005 Dodge Neon with an odometer reading of 29000 miles. The contact stated that under dry conditions while driving at 65 MPH the driver side cv joint failed, which caused the contact to lose control and hit a bridge. The contact had the car towed to the dealer, and is waiting for the vehicle to be fixed. The contact also called the manufacturer about the failure, and they instructed the contact to have the vehicle fixed and then they would replace the drive axle. Also, a police report was taken.
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.
Neon had to have the manual transmission replaced twice within the total milage of 20,000 miles. The car was delivered with a defective battery temperature sensor, and 1 month before the car caught fire it was in the shop and the mechanic failed to replace the battery tiedown bar. On August 26, 2004 the car caught fire while the ignition was off and was driven for only 5 miles. The vehicle also had a bad passanger seat belt buckle. Many passangers complained of it being difficult to insert the belt into the locking mechanism.
Oil problem although I paid thousands for repairs.-but the engine light flashes when car is stopped at a traffic light or idling for even a short time. When car is in motion, a steady engine light is on all the time, except when it flashes. This has been happening for a couple of years. I need info on this and all recalls or complimentary repairs available . I need to be safe .thank you.
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.
Related recalls (1)
Power train
Moisture can get into the powertrain control module (PCM) causing driveability malfunctions, including stalling.
Remedy: The powertrain control modules on these vehicles will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Neon years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (93), 1996 (47), 2002 (36), 2000 (28) and 2003 (28) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Neon transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 94V-033 (power train, Feb 23, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Neon transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (170 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (31).
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.