2000 Chrysler Neon

The 2000 Chrysler Neon was a compact car offered in sedan and coupe body styles. It was generally considered a decent value for its price, offering reasonable fuel economy and a somewhat sporty driving experience, especially with the manual transmission. However, it suffered from a reputation for mediocre build quality and reliability. The 2000 Neon came with a 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. People generally liked the Neon’s affordability and nimble handling. Common dislikes included its unrefined engine noise, cheap interior materials, and questionable reliability.

Engine

2.0L SOHC 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil. Often caused by overheating due to a failing cooling system component.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket, machine the cylinder head if warped, and address the root cause of the overheating (e.g., replace radiator, thermostat, or water pump).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals. Ensure the PCV valve is functioning properly to prevent excessive crankcase pressure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, may hear a clunking noise during cranking. The 2.0L Neon engine is an interference engine, meaning that a timing belt failure can cause significant internal engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and inspect for any damaged valves or pistons. It is also recommended to replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the extent of damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic

• Shift Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping, hard shifts, failure to shift into certain gears. Can be caused by worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician is recommended. Depending on the severity of the issue, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and premature tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the brand and quality of the replacement parts)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, clunking noise over bumps, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the broken coil springs, preferably in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to roll up or down, intermittent operation. Often caused by a failing window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: In some cases, the instrument cluster can be repaired. Otherwise, it needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around wheel wells, rocker panels, and other body panels, especially in regions with harsh winters or road salt usage.
  • Solution: Repairing rust can range from sanding and painting small areas to replacing entire body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the severity of the rust)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Outer door handles breaking, often due to brittle plastic components.
  • Solution: Replacement of the outer door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking dashboard from sun exposure.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Fabric detaching from the headliner board.
  • Solution: Re-glue or replace the headliner fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Chrysler Neon, while affordable and somewhat sporty, suffers from a variety of reliability issues. The most significant problems are related to the engine, specifically head gasket failures, oil leaks, and timing belt issues. The automatic transmission can also experience problems. Suspension components are prone to wear, and electrical and interior issues are also common. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major repairs. The cost to fix these issues can also vary greatly, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the problem and the extent of the damage.