2003 Dodge Neon Engine cooling Problems

“The spark plug has repeatedly flown out of the engine, it has been fixed multiple times. There was a sleeve put in to keep it in place one time, another time the cylinder head was replaced, the final time I'm being told I need a new engine. I also had to get the catalytic converter replaced once. I've had to track down anyone to speak to at the dealers, and have gotten conflicting answers any time I've spoken to different people.”

“Upon warming the car before driving to work windows steamed up badly I thought it was because of cold temp outside. This happened throughout the winter. Always having a sweet taste in my mouth took the car back to the dealer where I bought it there said the heater core was leaking would have to replace it. I called the local parts store and got a price on it 60.00 dollars I thought this price was ok .the parts house said good luck I asked why he was smiling when he said that .he said that was an 800.00 dollar job by the dealer. He was so right!! …”

“No prior incidents. Driving along, transmission slips. I let off gas, seems to re-engage, press on gas again, slips again. Pulled over after about 200 yds, tried reverse - no movement. Trail of transmission fluid behind me, puddle of transmission fluid on the ground. Take to shop - told radiator is ruined, and coolant had circulated through the transmission. Mechanic hasn't seen this before, yet is obviously a common complaint here on NHTSA. Lines running through radiator to cool trans. Fluid are plastic - doomed for failure. I see a pattern here, anyone else?”

“I am the 2nd hand owner of this vehicle. I have been in possession of it for about a year and 1/2 have meticulously maintained it and it has 55,000 mile on it. Recently the transmission became rather jumpy and it was to go into service but the day before I was to schedule an appointment it was more jumpy than usual and I smelt trans. Fluid through my air vents. Checked trans. Fluid and found nothing on the stick, shut if off, looked under the car and there was a puddle of pink fluid under on the ground. Looked at the little bit of fluid that was the trans stick and it was the same color. …”

“Engine blowing due to rings deteriorating before reaching 100,000 miles. Compression low, car shakes, close to stalling out. Harder to start. Only way to fix is by replacing engine. Have seen thousands of references to this on many Dodge forums and other sites. Does not just include the 03 NEON sxt, also se, srt, intrepid, and one of the chrysler models.”