2005 Dodge Neon Problems
Shopping for a used 2005 Dodge Neon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 95 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2005 Dodge Neon has 95 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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.
2005 Dodge Neon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2005 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. 3 trims analysed.
2005 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 2005 Dodge Neon has 95 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Neon
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 95
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2005 Dodge Neon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration, Structural Problems. 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 2005 Dodge Neon?
The 2005 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 2005 Dodge Neon
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and airbag systems.
- 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 2005 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
Based on 95 NHTSA complaints for the 2005 Dodge Neon, the data suggests that engine problems, unintended acceleration, and structural issues are frequently reported. There are 4 recalls and 23 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low due to the limited sample size.
- Engine Problems account for 17 complaints, the highest count among components.
- Unintended Acceleration is reported in 15 complaints.
- Structural Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, and Transmission/Drivetrain each have 14 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
- Structural Problems
Full breakdown
All 2005 Dodge Neon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Dodge Neon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 15 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 14 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 5 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 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 2005 Dodge Neon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
No warning or engine light appeared; the gas pedal did not function as intended and accelerated while trying to parallel park when I put the shift knob in reverse the car immediately accelerated on its own to full force and I nearly Crashed into a bus stop filled with people losi…
The gas pedal has come disconnected or stuck continuing to accelerate and I miraculously stopped the car with the emergency brake before it nearly Crashed into a crowded bus stop! The car only has 65k miles but regardless a car should never put anyone in this danger! It is giving…
THE AC UNIT LEAKS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT NEEDING TO BE FILLED YEARLY. WE PAID A DEALER TO REPAIR THE AC AND IT ALL LEAKED OUT AGAIN. THEY REFILLED ONCE AGAIN AND SAID TO BRING IT BACK EVERY YEAR TO HAVE IT REFILLED AGAIN. SO FAR IT HAS ALL LEAKED OUT 3 TIMES NOW. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAD A DEFECTIVE SEAL THAT ALLOWED MOISTURE TO SEEP INTO THE VEHICLE. THE MOISTURE TRAVELED THROUGHOUT THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE FLOOR TO DECAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DECAY …
PERSON SOLD AN INOPERABLE VEHICLE. USING VERBAL MANIPULATIONS HE CLAIMED IN THE ADD AND LATER FACE TO FACE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A CLEAN TITLE (CARFAX REPORT SHOWS IT AS SALVAGE WITH MULTIPLE REPORTED ACCIDENTS AND 8 SERVICE HISTORY RECORDS), CERTAIN MILEAGE (148000 CLAIMED, 223.3…
BLOWN HEAD GASKET AT 60,000 MILES
I PURCHASE A 2005 DODGE NEON IN JUNE. APPROXIATELY 3 WERKS LATER I NOTICE HOW WHEN I WOULD HAVE TO STOP WHEN TIME TO MOVE FORWARD CAR WOULD STALL AND BARELY WANT TO GO THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD PICK UP. IT DID THAT FOR 2 DAYS. THE 3RD DAY I DROVE AWAY IN IT WITH NO PROMBLEMS.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE NEON. WHILE PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH INJURIES THAT REQUI…
I WAS DRIVING TO DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES WITH MY FRIENDS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY DASHBOARD RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY STEERING WHEEL SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I THEN LATER NOTICE MY BRAKE,FOG,HIGH BEAMS, AND TURN SIGNALS LIGHT DO NOT WORK. I WENT ON A FORUM TO SE…
I SHIFTED MY CAR INTO REVERSE AND IT ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COULD NOT STOP CRASHED THRU MY NEIGHBORS GARAGE DOOR. THERE S NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND COULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES EVEN IN NEUTRAL. I CHECKED AND THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER OR BLOCKING …
TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP.
I HAVE A 2004 DODGE NEON, MY TURNING SIGNALS SOMETIMES WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE TO BANG THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THEM TO WORK PROPERLY. ALSO MY HORN STOPPED WORKING ALL OF SUDDEN. I HAVE CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES AND THE HORN IT SELF AND THERE IS NOTHING FOUND.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE NEON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS AND THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACT…
ON 10/6/15 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. HE WAS MERGING ONTO THE PARKWAY WHEN THE SUV HE WAS FOLLOWING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT DOING THE SAME, BUT WHEN MY SON TRIED TO BREAK THE BREAKS WERE COMPLETELY OUT CAUSING HIM TO HIT THE BACK OF SUV …
I WAS DRIVING ALONG INTERSTATE 480 AND DEPLOYED CRUISE CONTROL ON MY NEON AT 60 MPH. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN BRIEFLY, AND THEN ENGAGED THE "ACCELERATE" OPTION ON CRUISE CONTROL TO SPEED BACK UP. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP TOWARDS A MUCH HIGHER SPEED AND I HAD TO QUICKLY SHUT OFF CR…
MY 2005 DODGE NEON ENTERED INTO A COLLISION WITH A 2001 FORD TAURUS ON 7/4/2014. MY VEHICLE HIT THE FORD TAURUS HEAD-ON INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE FORD TAURUS AT ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE TAURUS. MY SEAT BELT HAD KEPT ME IN MY SEAT, BUT THE AIR BAG HAD FAILED TO DEPLOY, RESUL…
THE 2ND TIME IN TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR . THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THERE IS NO POWER IN ACCELERATION. *TR
WHILE HAVING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE ENGINE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN RACE/ACCELERATE BEYOND WHAT IT SHOULD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE HEAD INJURIES, BRUISES ON THE BODY, AND BACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE AND WAS TAKEN TO T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING ON THE CHEST FROM THE SEAT BELT WHICH REQUI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Dodge Neon.
Safety recalls
2005 Dodge Neon recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Dodge Neon. 4 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
SUSPENSION
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2005 Dodge Neon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Dodge Neon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 95 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 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 2005 Dodge Neon?▾
#1: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (15 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Dodge Neon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Dodge Neon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Dodge Neon, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 95 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Dodge Neon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Dodge Neon. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 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 2005 Dodge Neon?▾
The 2005 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 Engine Problems 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 2005 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.