2000 Plymouth Neon

Introduction

The 2000 Plymouth Neon is a compact sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0L inline-4 that produced 132 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4L inline-4 engine was also available, producing 150 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Neon was praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and sporty handling. However, it was also criticized for its cramped interior, lack of features, and poor reliability.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, rough idling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt can break, causing the engine to lose power and potentially catastrophic damage
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and timing belt tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Inline-4

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the head gasket, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run erratically
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch can slip or fail to engage, making it difficult or impossible to change gears
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all
  • Solution: Replace the transmission solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• CVT Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT can fail, causing the transmission to slip or lose power
  • Solution: Replace the CVT
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce or handle poorly
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or make a clunking noise
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The door locks can fail, making it difficult or impossible to open or close the doors
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack, especially on vehicles exposed to excessive heat
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can fail, causing the gauges to stop working
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Plymouth Neon is a budget-friendly vehicle that offers decent performance and fuel efficiency. However, it is known for its reliability issues, which can be costly to repair. The most common issues affect the engine, transmission, and electrical system. Overall, the Neon is not a good choice for drivers who prioritize reliability and low maintenance costs.