2001 Dodge Neon Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2001 Dodge Neon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 155 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

20006 years2002

Before you buy

This 2001 Dodge Neon has 155 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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155
Complaints
35
Crashes
1
Fires
30
Injuries
5
Fatalities
10
Recalls

2001 Dodge Neon Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2001 Dodge Neon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

24
MPG City
21–24 range
30
MPG Hwy
28–30 range
26
MPG Combined
24–26 range
342
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2001 Dodge Neon Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
β—‹Stability Control: Noβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2001 Dodge Neon has 155 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2001 Dodge Neon β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Neon
Model year
2001
NHTSA owner complaints
155
Crash-related complaints
35
Safety recall campaigns
10
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
26
EPA MPG city / highway
24 / 30
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
No

Common problems

Most common 2001 Dodge Neon problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
33
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:24
Injuries:19
#2
23
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
22
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:6
Injuries:5

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2001 Dodge Neon?

The 2001 Dodge Neon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2001 Dodge Neon

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2001 Dodge Neon, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2001 Dodge Neon are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, electrical faults, and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of total reports. The data suggests potential reliability concerns in these areas.

Key Findings
  • Airbag Malfunctions represent the highest number of complaints among all components.
  • Electrical Faults and Brake System issues each have over 20 complaints.
  • There are 10 recalls associated with this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions
  • Electrical Faults
  • Brake System
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is Low, meaning the data may not fully represent the vehicle's reliability. Only one model year is included, limiting the ability to identify trends.

Full breakdown

All 2001 Dodge Neon complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Dodge Neon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions3324β€”β€”
Electrical Faults231β€”β€”
Brake System226β€”β€”
Hydraulic226β€”β€”
Engine Problems181β€”β€”
Steering Defects144β€”β€”
Structural Problems131β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures12β€”1β€”
Unintended Acceleration103β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain8β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues75β€”β€”
Equipment71β€”β€”
Suspension Failures41β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Visibility31β€”β€”
Fuel System21β€”β€”
Other21β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues11β€”β€”
Interior Lighting1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Dodge Neon. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 155 most recent complaints

Unintended AccelerationMar 16, 2020

THROTTLE STUCK ON HIGHWAY WHEN ACCELERATION.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 18, 2020

MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN MY HORN DON'T WORK

Structural ProblemsFeb 10, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE…

Steering DefectsDec 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT …

Structural ProblemsJun 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Electrical FaultsJun 7, 2013

I WAS DRIVING AND CAR START TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. *TR

Structural ProblemsOct 17, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE MALFUNCTION. …

Unintended AccelerationOct 13, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…

Electrical FaultsJul 22, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT END WAS REWIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHER…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 7, 2010

THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND NOW IT SLIPS EVERY TIME YOU USE THE CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF YOU WERE IN ON COMING TRAFFIC AND YOU HAD TO MOVE YOU CANT MOVE QUICK. *TR

Electrical FaultsSep 12, 2010

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, SMOKE HAS BEEN EMITTED FROM BEHIND THE STEERING COLUMN. INITIALLY, FOG LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. LATER, SMOKE CAME FROM BEHIND THE STEERING COLUMN, AND THE FOG LIGHTS TURNED OFF, BUT WOULD NOT TURN ON. 1 MONTH LATER, MORE SMOKE CAME FROM BEHIND THE STEER…

Tire IssuesApr 5, 2010

WAS DRIVING AT 50MPH, WHEN MY RT FRONT NOKIAN TIRE WENT FLAT. WHEN I CHANGED THE TIRE A NOTICED THAT THE GREEN PLUG WAS MISSING. THERE WAS A GREEN PLUG IN THE LF FRONT TIRE, SO I KNEW THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. AS OF RIGHT NOW, I WAS TOLD NOKIAN NO LONGER MAKES THAT TYPE OF TIRE WITH …

Airbag Malfunctions CrashOct 7, 2008

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD ON COLLISION GOING BETWEEN 60-70 MPH ON HIGHWAY. *TR

Structural ProblemsJan 3, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WHEN IT RAINS. HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE CAUSED OF THE LEAK. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000…

Electrical FaultsDec 27, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING (MPH UNKNOWN) HE HEARD A LOUD RINGING NOISE THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART TO VEHICLE AFTER ADJUSTING THE WIRING HARNESS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MAIN CABLE INT…

Structural ProblemsNov 15, 2007

LEAKY TRUNK AND BACK SEAT. *TR

Tire IssuesSep 25, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE VEHICLE HAS DUNLOP SP SPORT, SIZE 19550R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE SIDEWALL SHREDDED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE FA…

Door Lock IssuesMar 20, 2007

DOORS HAVE TROUBLE CLOSING AND STAYING CLOSED UNTIL THEY DONT CLOSE AT ALL. ALL FOUR DOORS ON MY CAR HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP GETTING A NEW DOOR MECHANISM SO THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL CLOSE. OTHER THREE WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AND REPLACED.DOORS OP…

Seat Belt IssuesJan 23, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 2 AND A HALF YEARS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS FAILED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SECURE IN THE VEHICLE AND IS UNSURE IF THE SEAT BELTS WILL PROVIDE PROTECTION IF NEEDED. THE VEHICL…

Brake System CrashNov 14, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE S…

Page 1 of 8

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Dodge Neon.

Safety recalls

2001 Dodge Neon recalls

10 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Dodge Neon. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#09E012000EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJul 4, 2009
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#08E050000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNov 8, 2008
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E049000EXTERIOR LIGHTING24/05/2006
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#09E025000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNov 5, 2009
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING23/03/2006
Safety recall

SUSPENSION

#08E033000SUSPENSION14/04/2008
Safety recall

CHILD SEAT

#00V366000CHILD SEATSep 11, 2000
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

#01V154000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMAug 5, 2001
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#01V039000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSDec 2, 2001
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#00V415000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSDec 12, 2000

Across model years

Compare Dodge Neon model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2001 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2001 Dodge Neon buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2001 Dodge Neon reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 155 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2001 Dodge Neon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Neon?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (33 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (23 complaints). #3: Brake System (22 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Dodge Neon?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2001 Dodge Neon?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Dodge Neon, NHTSA complaints include 35 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 155 total complaints. 30 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2001 Dodge Neon have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Dodge Neon. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2001 Dodge Neon?β–Ύ

The 2001 Dodge Neon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Neon reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2001 Dodge Neon based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.