EZ Swap LLC services the Dodge Neon in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005. If your Neon has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Neon owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the Neon and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control (15), structure (14), air bags (14).
Most-Reported Dodge Neon Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Neon (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | 15% | |
| Structure | 14 | 14% | |
| Air Bags | 14 | 14% | |
| Power Train | 14 | 14% | |
| Electrical System | 13 | 13% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 12 | 12% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 7% | |
| Engine | 5 | 5% |
Vehicle Speed Control
15 of the 96 complaints (15%) mention vehicle speed control (throttle and cruise control). Speed control complaints involve the throttle, cruise control and related sensors. We scan for stored codes and test the throttle system and sensors to find the actual cause instead of guessing. See our check engine light diagnostics and auto repair pages.
Structure
14 of the 96 complaints (14%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
14 of the 96 complaints (14%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Dodge Neon Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Neon, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Dodge.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Neon? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Dodge Neon Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Neon in these model years, most often involving exterior lighting, suspension. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2009 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 09E012000): SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- 2008 recall, Suspension (campaign 08E033000): FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS.
- 2006 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 06E049000): CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- 2006 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 06E026000): CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Neon, 23 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 20 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Neon Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Neon that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Neon owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Neon, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Neon Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Neon repair service, or choose a service below.
Dodge Neon FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Neon?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Neon are vehicle speed control (15), structure (14), air bags (14). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Neon model years have the most complaints?
The Neon model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Dodge Neon?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Dodge Neon. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Dodge Neon have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Dodge Neon across model years 2005. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Neon in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Neon, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Neon?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Neon in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.