Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Plymouth Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Frame of car was so rusted that the actual engine mounting system broke in half., lost control of steering and movement. My daughter was driving and the car began to shake she lost control of the steering then it stopped moving though the car was still in drive. Car was moving on a city street and turning was nil.
Head gasket failure at 40,000 miles. Vehicle only driven 6000 miles by first owner (my grandfather) and is now at 40,000 with my mother as current owner, with a blown head gasket. All maintenence performed as mandated by daimlerchrysler by both owners. Vehicles now has oil leak, resulting from this defect. Repair cost estimated at approximately $1000 by ase-certified kumler automotive in lancaster, oh. Mechanic stated that original Dodge/Plymouth Neon head gaskets (genuine daimlerchrysler parts) are made poorly and often fail on 1995-2000 neons. As the first generation of Neon vehicles used the same part, this defect has existed since 1995. As a result of such, daimlerchrysler has worded the warranty statement in such a manner to avoid correcting being required to correct this defect under warranty.
My 2000 Plymouth Neon lx lost power at an intersection, I had it towed, found out that a hose (that I believe either connected the radiator and the transmission or was for the radiator only, not sure, wasn't explained very well to me) had fallen out for no apparent reason, causing all of the fluid to leak out. When taken to a dealership, I had to have the radiator replaced, luckily my transmission was OK. About one minute before it happened, I noticed the car was shifting hard, and seemed like it was trying to shift while I was stopped at the intersection. By the time the light turned, most of whatever fluid was already gone.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Plymouth Neon. While attempting to park, the contact changed gears into reverse and the vehicle shut off. She restarted the vehicle and shifted into park; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. The brakes failed to work when the pedal was depressed. The contact was able to shift into park, but the vehicle shut off a few minutes later. She waited a while before restarting the vehicle and it returned to normal. She will take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
In October while driving on the highway with two friends there was a leak in exhuast system. Because everyone in vehicle fell asleep, they ran off the road and hit a 10 foot enbankment. Passenger suffered some serious injuries to hip/head,/rm, and some internal bleeding. All consumers in vehicle were wearing seat belts. Air bags did not deploy. There was no prior warning as to air bags and exhaust system failures.
We have a 2000 Plymouth Neon and have taken the vehicle in numerous times to dealers in different states for stalling. Happens most often when coming to a stop, it is intermittent and they can never find anything wrong with the vehicle. I am afraid that one day it is going to get one of us killed. It has stalled in the middle of intersections, on on-ramps, and other places as well.
I have a 2000 Plymouth Neon and I was driving down the road the car stalls and was leaking water from the side of the motor I get out to check it car was in park but the car started rolling and ran over my foot.
When attempting to have all NHTSA issued safety recalls completed on my vehicle service repair center manager. Stated they only applied to certain Neon's not all of the 2000's. I have yet as of this date been able to accomplish NHTSA recall id#99V043000, #99V114000 nor have I ever received the addendum referred to in NHTSA recall id #00V366000. In recognition of the recent problems experienced w/my vehicle, overheating, inoperable driver side window, horn & airbag system and my having also experienced brake problems, I feel these recalls are essential. However, they are going unrecognized by annapolis tate Dodge.
Driving vehicle away from stop sign, engine mount gave and engine fell onto the front axle, crushing it. Previously inspected due to loud sounds when backing up and putting car into gear. Dealer gave car back saying it was "fine". If this had happened going 65 MPH I'd be dead right now. Please bring insist on service if you hear any sounds when you back up or start off in gear...this is a serious matter. Dealer refuses to take responsibility for defect.
Consumer has numerous problems, air condition burned out , and locks will not unlock. Consumer was locked in for an hour, black smoke came from air conditioning while she was inside of vehicle. Also, gasket had to replaced numerous times. Dealership was aware of problem.
Engine complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Plymouth Neon?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Plymouth Neon, 15% of the model year's 141 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Plymouth Neon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Plymouth Neon, though it has 5 recalls for other components. 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 2000 Plymouth Neon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.