2001 Plymouth Neon

Introduction:

The 2001 Plymouth Neon is a compact car that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine option was the 2.0L I4, which produced 132 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 1.6L I4 and a 2.4L I4. The Neon was available with a 5-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Owners of the 2001 Plymouth Neon generally praise the vehicle’s affordability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability, particularly with the engine and transmission.

Engine

2.0L I4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, rattling or squealing noises from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

1.6L I4

• No Issues Found

2.4L I4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, lack of power when accelerating
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration while driving, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Belt Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty accelerating, shuddering or vibration while driving
  • Solution: Replace the CVT belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy or bouncy suspension, excessive vibration
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, flickering interior lights
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace or repair the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seat Upholstery Fading:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fading or discoloration of the seat upholstery
  • Solution: Replace or repair the upholstery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 2001 Plymouth Neon is a budget-friendly compact car with some notable reliability concerns. While the Neon offers good fuel economy and a spacious interior, owners should be prepared to deal with potential issues with the engine, transmission, and other components. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.