Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When backing into a parking space vehicle accelerated backwards, resulting in an impact in reverse. Vehicle was towed to dealership, and they were unable to duplicated problem. Both dealership and insurance company were unable to find the cause. Consumer states on several occasions the vehicle would not start.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Plymouth Neon. While driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a popping noise and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal shifted to the left and became detached. The dealer (autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram mobile, 3118 government blvd, mobile, al 36606, [phone]) was contacted to confirm recall information and to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls. The contact was advised to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contacts owns a 2000 Plymouth Neon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal became detached without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,550.
When brake is pushed the turn lights would light up and brake lights wouldn't brighten. This was (08/13/01). In 10/10/01 was able to drive forward in reverse and neutral, didn't have a reverse, transmission replaced. In 03/12/02, found oil in the antifreeze reserve and radiator, replaced engine due to head gasket problem. In 04/15/02, transmission doing the same thing back on 10/10/01 , transmission is replaced again. In 10/31/02, transmission replaced for the third time, due to shifting hard, and same problem as 10/10/01 and 04/18/02. Also, at the same time the speed sensor went out so there was no speedometer working. We also had to replace the rear main oil seal because it was leaking and replaced the oil sending unit. ***dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 121/12/02 cut-over to artemis--------769334.
These problems were found during a replacement of our third transmission. We are really upset with Plymouth/Dodge auto. We had this car for only a year and it has been nothing but trouble. Like I said, 3 transmissions, 1 engine due to head gasket problems. Now, the oil pressure sending unit, vehicle speed sensor, and the rear main oil seal. ----dims 11 ivoq entry after 12/12/01 cut-over to artemis-------769336.
Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with vehicle continually / intermittently accelerating out of control, causing vehicle to go out of control which almost caused damages and injuries to other vehicle. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still remains unresolved. Consumer would like some help in this matter before someone gets hurt or killed.
I was driving when the instrument cluster gauges started moving up and down like if the instrument cluster was making false contact with the connector to get a calibrated read on the speed, gasoline, temperature gauges
When accelerating the car pulls to the left, when decelerating vehicle pulls to the right. Steering wheel replaced, it was vibrating due to being out of alignment, rack and pinion and steering rack were also replaced. Excessive shaking while driving, dealer replaced tires, and balanced and rotated tires, however shake still present, dealer stated vehicle had torque pull and could not be aligned, also had bad strut, vehicle continues to pull to the left and right and shakes. Consumer noticed oil around the bolts on the valve cover at only 265 miles, dealer can not find any leaks, front motor mount had a lot of play and was replaced, oil is very dark in color, poor power. Cv joints bad. Dealer lubed and adjusted front windows, they were hard to open and close. Windshield wiper blades failed. Wrong air cleaner vent was installed on vehicle. Emergency brake was stuck on. …
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: passenger cars. Vapors from the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system can condense and freeze inside of the throttle body when the vehicle is operated in extremely cold ambient temperatures.
Remedy: Dealers will replace and relocate a pcv system tube.
Frequently asked questions
Which Plymouth Neon years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (18), 1995 (14), 1996 (11) and 1998 (9) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Plymouth Neon acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-194 (vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Plymouth Neon acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (12 mentions), followed by the cruise control (4).
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.