2005 Dodge Neon

The 2005 Dodge Neon was a compact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly sporty handling for its class. Engine options included a 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. This engine was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. What people liked about the Neon was its fuel economy, simple design, and ease of maintenance. Common complaints included its somewhat bland interior, road noise, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.0L SOHC 4-Cylinder

• Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket. In some cases, the head may need to be resurfaced 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. Common leak locations include the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idler Pulley Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squealing noise from the engine, especially on startup or when accelerating.
  • Solution: Replace the idler pulley.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change and filter replacement may help. More severe cases require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $2000+ (rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at low speeds or when accelerating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, clunking noises, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends. An alignment is necessary after replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per side, plus alignment.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, or working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, flickering lights, or complete cluster failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door sills.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, patching, and painting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ for replacement. $20 - $100 for dashboard cover.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Re-glue or replace the headliner fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Dodge Neon has some common issues, particularly related to engine oil leaks and cylinder head gasket failures which can be expensive to repair. Transmission issues like slipping and erratic shifting can also lead to costly repairs or replacements. Suspension problems such as strut mount and ball joint wear can affect handling and safety. Electrical glitches with power windows and the instrument cluster can also be a nuisance. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be severe and costly to fix, so a thorough inspection before purchase is recommended.