10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,183 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Dodge Neon transmission problems

transmission problem

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2003 Dodge Neon Owner Comments

problem #11

Sep 012007

Neon

  • 34,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated the check engine light remained illuminated and within a few minutes the transmissions second gear failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times to diagnose the failure. The dealer stated that the transmission had metal shavings, but they did not correct the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000 and the current mileage was 84,000. The manufacturer will be contacted.

- Gerard, PA, USA

problem #10

Dec 122008

Neon

  • 60,000 miles
I have a 2003 Dodge Neon SXT. I purchased the car in 2008. 6 months later the transmission gave out. The car would not run at all. There were no warnings to this. Aamaco said that the radiator blew which led to the coolant and trans. Fluid mixing together and destroying the transmission. I had no warranty because the car was bought used. It cost me 3500 dollars to fix this problem.now the check engine light keeps coming on and the car is burning fuel. I am getting anywhere from 10 to 17 mpg depending on the day. I have taken the car to three different mechanics, including a dealership, who can not figure out what is wrong with it. The worst problem yet is that when it is raining outside and I am driving the car there is a small thunking noise, and then a loud thunking noise that locks up the rear tires and brings the car to a skidding halt. So far, know on wood, no accidents, but it is a very dangerous situation. Again, the car has gone to several mechanics who claimed they figured out the problem. Have changed everything from axles, to brake cylinders and brakes. Paid approximately 1500 dollars out of pocket, and the car is still doing the same thing. I have young children who I refuse to drive anywhere in this car for their own safety.

- Barnegat, NJ, USA

problem #9

Apr 042007

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
Total transmission failure. Yet to be rebuilt very expensive! I will never purchase another Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep product again!

- Baldwin, WI, USA

problem #8

Nov 202005

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,928 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated while driving the transmission speed sensor shorted and caused the computer to short out. The engine and transmission completely locked and the vehicle stalled. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the road, where it was then towed to a certified dealership. The transmission and engine were replaced as a result of the damages caused by the sensor.

- Alum Creek, WV, USA

problem #7

Sep 282004

Neon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles
Vehicle performed poorly. The gears slipped, vehicle hesitated and jerked. Transmission was serviced four times, and the performance was the same.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #6

Aug 032004

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
I bought my 2003 Neon with 18,000 miles. Immediately I noticed the car shifted hard and sometimes when putting into gear would not go into drive. I took to my dealership on 3 occassions, once in 08/03, once in 12/03, and once in 03/04. All three times I was told that the car shifted fine and that the problem could not be "duplicated". on 08/04/03, I was traveling down the interstate whne my transmission locked up and rendered my car inoperable and immobile. Car was towed to dealership and was told that the transmission failed and that they had never seen anything like it before. I was given a totally new transmission unit. Since then the car has been shifting funny and it also hesitates a lot, especially in the late afternoon when it is fairly warm out.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #5

Mar 162004

Neon

  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intermittently and at any speed vehicle switched into lower gear and stalled. This problem occurred over 20 times since March of this year. Vehicle had been to a repair shop over seven times, but problem recurred. Consumers sustained minor leg and shoulder injuries.

- Parker, PA, USA

problem #4

Dec 152002

Neon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20 miles
3 days after purchasing vehicle, it would not go into reverse. After several attempts, and the engine engaged in neutral, it would violently jump into reverse. Dodge fixed the problem with reverse; currently vehicle continues to lunge violently forward after stopping, forcing me to put in park at lights, intersections; etc., to avoid rear-ending other vehicles. I have had the vehicle in the shop on three occasions, and they are unable to find the problem!

- Caldwell, ID, USA

problem #3

Sep 152003

Neon

  • 75,000 miles
While driving vehicle jumped out of gear into neutral. Took vehicle to dealer, who stated that shift fort pads were not properly installed which caused the shift collar not to engage.

- Laureldale, PA, USA

problem #2

Jul 262003

Neon 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70 miles
Transmissin failure on the intersate w/ a 2 year old and a 6 month old children in the car. Had just purchased the vehicle on July 19, 2004 with only 17 miles on the vehicle.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #1

Jul 282003

Neon

  • miles
While driving at 50mph vehicle shut down. Transmission went out. Dealer notified.

- San Diego, CA, USA

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