Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Purchased 05 Neon in '06 w/16,000 miles. Tires were already in bad shape. Current incident occurred while accelerated on entry ramp to freeway. Once on freeway notice vehicle was accelerating on its own. Attempted to apply brakes and they would not engage. I assumed brakes had failed. Finally after a terrified exit from the freeway, I was finally able to come to a stop my eventually entering a vacant graveled, uneven lot and driving atop concrete blocks. My terrified passenger and I put in park, turned off the ignition and jumped out of the car. When aaa arrived, he said my gas pedal had stuck. The car was towed to my home. When a mechanic friend checked it out he found the air throttle control value was shot. Without that, the engine will not idle properly. I am still in the process of getting this fixed. The part had to be ordered. I am not sure if that is the only problem. …
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 contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. The vehicle has Goodyear Eagle ls, size p225/60r16 tires. While driving 65 MPH, the sidewall of the front passenger side tire blew out. The contact quickly pulled off the road. She later purchased a new tire. She did not call the dealer, but felt that the failure was a serious safety risk. She has pictures. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 33,000. Updated 12/12/07
Rim leaks from all 4 tires due to the chrome separating from interior of the steel wheel. A local mechanic said he has seen a lot of this. He wire wheeled the inside of the rim to knock loose pieces of chrome off and replaced the tire on the rim. It is holding air for now but will have to be done again as more chrome starts to flake off. Not realizing her tire was flat. My wife drove on it and ruined it.
I was in a small collision at the speed of 10 MPH or less. I rear ended a Ford f150 truck because my brakes skided on the road, my 2003 Neon fishtailed, and I hit the bumper of the truck. My right headlight was smashed, and my radiator was also broken. After 3 minutes my engine caught on fire, and my entire car was engulfed in fire within 5 minutes after the collision. My airbag on both driver and passenger side did not go off, I didn't hit the truck at a highspeed, yet my car went up in flames. Everything in the car was melted, and I think this car is very unsafe. Had I hit a truck or been hit by another large or small car, I hate to wonder what would of happened then. Would I of made it out in time before it caught on fire, or would it blow up on impact?! Neons are not safe, and I think this car will catch on fire at any speed. …
Severe shimmy at speeds above 30 MPH. Car is two years old with 18K and has only been serviced by the dealer. Was told by dealer that it needed tires rebalanced. Had tires rebalanced at 18,197 miles. 21K problem got worse, was told by dealer Goodyear tires were no good and needed brake rotors turned. Pads were fine, metallic pads cause rotor warpage in just a few miles. Repair estimate on a two year old car is $495.00. No warranty on brakes or factory tires.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Neon. The vehicle has good ride tires, size p185/60/r15 (na). The contact stated that the tire brand and tire line are unknown. The contact noticed that the two rear tires were out of round. He took the vehicle to a local tire technician, who stated that the tires were produced defectively. The tires have not yet been replaced. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 128,000. Updated 6/4/09 the consumer stated the tire was repplaced. The second tire developed a big knot on the sidwall and repair shop replaced it, due to the consumer having road hazard insurance. Soon after the tire, the replaced developed aknot on it as well. Again the tire was replaced. Updated 06/09/0
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Neon years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (19), 1995 (15), 2003 (9), 1997 (8) and 2002 (6) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Dodge Neon wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for any Dodge Neon model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Neon wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (7 mentions), followed by the sidewall (7).
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.