2002 Dodge Neon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 21%of 173 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Dodge Neon, 21% of the 173 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car was working fine. All of a sudden would not go into gear and made loud noise. Took it to aamco and they tell my throttle regulator box blew up. My car has 50,000 miles on it. I drive it 10 miles to and from work. Needed a whole new transmission as when the box blew up it send shards of metal through my transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10154452, filed 2006-04, 52,000 miles“Took my 2002 NEON sxt in for transmission warranty work in 2004...first chrysler denied the claim stated that the transmission was not covered (had an extended warranty!). Had my speed sensors replaced in december 2005 & am taking the car in again tomorrow to have them replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #10155728, filed 2006-04, 71,000 miles“Vehicle would not shift into drive, upon having the vehicle towed to the garage we were informed, it had a sizable hole in the transmission and they also found an oil leak. Total repair cost exceeded $600. This vehicle is a 2002 Dodge NEON and we are the original owners. The vehicle has always received proper care as far as oil changes, tires, spark plugs etc. The vehicle has not even reached 60,000 miles yet, and we're encountering such problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182035, filed 2007-02, 59,000 miles“I was driving on the interstate when, with no warning, I felt a jolt (like being hit from behind), then a strange sound from the engine compartment. I was able to control the car and pull off to the side of the road where I discovered that I had lost all gears. The car would not shift and would not move. I had to have it towed home (about 80 miles) where I took it to a transmission shop. They did a complete diagnostic evaluation and determined that the transmission was completely blown along with the cooling system radiator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10377648, filed 2011-01, 125,349 miles“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. Cost me 2,323. Also rip in left front axel mechanic says these neons are known for this trouble and to file with you. I need to get refunded in full, these cars should not be on the road. I do not work and it was very hard to scrap up the money to pay this and our lives were seriously in danger on a busy road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10648296, filed 2014-10, 70,503 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 15% |
| 2004 | 23 | 24% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 36 | 21% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 2000 | 28 | 8% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 6% |
| 1997 | 26 | 7% |
| 1996 | 47 | 8% |
| 1995 | 93 | 10% |
| 1994 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge Neon
28 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Dodge Neon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology