2002 Dodge Neon Problems
Shopping for a used 2002 Dodge Neon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 186 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2002 Dodge Neon has 186 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Dodge Neon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2002 Dodge Neon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2002 Dodge Neon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Dodge Neon has 186 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Neon
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 186
- Crash-related complaints
- 29
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Dodge Neon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. 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 2002 Dodge Neon?
The 2002 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 2002 Dodge Neon
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical 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 2002 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 2002 Dodge Neon are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with 39 and 37 reports respectively. Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but confidence is low due to the limited single-year sample.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 39, the highest count.
- Engine problems account for 37 complaints.
- There are 29 crash-related complaints out of 186 total.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2002 Dodge Neon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Neon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 39 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 37 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 24 | 21 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 19 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
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 2002 Dodge Neon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A WHIRRING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO GO INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A CLOGGED TRANS FILTER SO I REPLACED IT AND THE CAR RAN GREAT FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND NOW I HAVE TORQUE CONVERTER OUT OF RANGE CODE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE DOOR, A MOUSE WAS SEEN RUNNING FROM THE FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND UNDER THE SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RODENT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHIC…
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 49000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE THEN I SLOWED DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN TO BETWEEN 3 AND 7 MPH AND THE WHOLE THING JUST LOCKED UP. I TRIED EVERY GEAR BUT NOTHING WOULD UNLOCK THE TRANNY.. IT'S STILL LOCKED UP NOW I HAD TO GET IT TOWED.. L…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE PISTON DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED,…
2002 DODGE, WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE FRONT AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE HOOD WAS BENT. ACCIDENT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY
I DRIVING OFF THE INTERSTATE WEN CAR SHUT OFF IDLED TRIED TO CRANK IT UP BUT IT ONLY MADE WHINING NOISE AND WON'T START I ALSO NOTICE MY CAR WAS SMOKING SO I LET THE CAR COOL OFF BEFORE I PUT WATER... THE NEXT DAY I WENT AND A NEW TIMING BELT PUT ON AND A CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTIALLY FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. WHILE EXITING A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER TO A COMPLETE STOP AND NO WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT TH…
DRIVING ON RT224 AND CAR STARTED SQUEALING, LOST POWER IN GAS PEDAL, GOT OFF BUSY ROAD, TURNED ON SIDE ST. AND HAD NO GAS POWER, HAD TO CALL MY HUSBAND TO PICK ME AND MY UNCLE UP, HE LOST PAID WORK , MECHANIC CAME TO PARKING LOT, HE SAID TRANSMISSION BLEW, HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IND…
WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR, I HAD/HAVE LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM MY BREAKS WHEN I BACK OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY. I WAS TOLD, FROM THE DEALER, NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS. I THOUGHT THAT MAY BE THIS WOULD STOP, BUT IT IS STILL ALWAYS HAPPENING. *TR
DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH COULD NOT STEER CAR, PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT, COULDN'T CONTROL WENT OFF ROAD, HITTING TWO TREES AND THEN CAR FLIPPED, ENDING UP ON ROOF. RESULTING IN TWO INJURIES, DRIVER AND PASSENGER GOING TO HOSPITAL. *TR
GOOD MORNING, I HAVE A 2002 DODGE NEON THAT I HAVE PUT MONEY INTO AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED DISHONESTY FROM MECHANICS UNTIL NOW; PAYING LOTS OF MONEY TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. I WAS INFORMED LAST WEEK THAT THIS LEAK ON MY CAR CANNOT BE FIXED BECAUSE ITS A MANUFACTUR…
I BOUGHT 4 PIRELLI P4 P185/60R-15 TIRES. LESS THAN 6K MILES A TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL. NOW AT 17K MILES ANOTHER TIRE HAS A BIG BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. I AM TAKING THAT BACK TO DISCOUNT TIRE FOR A REPLACEMENT. I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES AND I DRIVE SLOW. THIS IS SCARY. *T…
WATER COLLECTS IN THE TRUNK CAUSING MOLD, THIS AFFECTS MY ATHSMA. SEEMS THIS AFFECTS MANY OWNERS AND SEEMS IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT AFFECTS THE AIR QUALITY YOU BREATH. *TR
WHERE TO START! STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BAD WHEN IDLING AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE COMPUTER! THERE SEEMS TO BE THE SAME COMPLAINTS WITH THESE CARS WITHOUT ANY ACTION FROM CHRYSLER. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS TWICE IN 6 MONTHS IN MY DAUGHTERS CAR, THERE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE NOTICED THAT THE BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD POINT DOWNWARD AND ILLUMINATED AN INADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS TOWARDS THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED BOTH …
THE CAR HAS LESS THEN 63K MILES ON IT AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS UNSAFE DO TO A RUSTED K FRAME. EVERYWHERE I LOOK ONLINE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH LOW MILEAGES HOW CAN THIS NOT BE RECALLED!?!? IT WAS ONLY FOUND WHEN I WENT TO 2 DIFFERENT PLACES IN NASHUA, NH AND IT FAILED INS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MA…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Dodge Neon.
Safety recalls
2002 Dodge Neon recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Dodge Neon. 6 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SUSPENSION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Dodge Neon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Dodge Neon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 186 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 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 2002 Dodge Neon?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (39 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (37 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Dodge Neon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Dodge Neon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Dodge Neon, NHTSA complaints include 29 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 186 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Dodge Neon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Dodge Neon. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 6 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 2002 Dodge Neon?▾
The 2002 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2002 Dodge Neon based on your ownership experience.
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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.