2002 Chrysler Neon

The 2002 Chrysler Neon was a compact car known for its sporty handling and relatively spacious interior for its class. It came standard with a 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. A higher-output 2.0L DOHC engine, producing 150 hp, was also available in the R/T and ACR models. The transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciated the Neon’s affordability and fuel efficiency, while common complaints revolved around reliability issues and build quality.

Engine

2.0L SOHC Inline-4

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket, machine the cylinder head if warped.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on location and difficulty.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L DOHC Inline-4

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable drop in oil level between changes, blue smoke from exhaust during acceleration.
  • Solution: Depending on the cause (worn valve stem seals, piston rings), repairs can range from replacing valve stem seals to a full engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, harsh shifting, failure to shift, transmission not engaging.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid level, worn clutches, or a faulty valve body. A fluid flush and filter change might help, but often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $1500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, clunking noises, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not going up or down, intermittent operation. Often due to a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, erratic readings, backlighting failure.
  • Solution: Sometimes can be fixed by resoldering connections on the circuit board, but often requires replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on rocker panels, around wheel wells, and other body panels, especially in areas with road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per panel, depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Chrysler Neon has several common issues, with engine and transmission problems being the most significant. Oil leaks, head gasket failures, and transmission shifting problems can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical issues, while less severe, also contribute to the overall ownership experience. Rust is a concern in certain climates. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. While it’s a fun, economical car, buyers should inspect used models carefully for these common problems and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision.