Avoid: 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2005
6 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 10 model years, the Dodge Neon has 2,748 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 65 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and electrical system. 1996 drew the most complaints (681), 2004 the fewest (94).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Dodge Neon vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 1996 (681 complaints). Lowest: 2004 (94).
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience.
Door handles snap, seats unsupportive, hard plastics)
Water pump failure, heater core issues, coolant leaks leading to head gasket failure)
Speed sensor failures, erratic idle, check engine lights)
Erratic RPM behavior, fluid leaks, general unreliability)
Owner insights cover all generations of the Neon. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy