One problem related to automatic transmission cooler has been reported for the 2002 Dodge Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Dodge Neon based on all problems reported for the 2002 Neon.
I was driving on the interstate when, with no warning, I felt a jolt (like being hit from behind), then a strange sound from the engine compartment. I was able to control the car and pull off to the side of the road where I discovered that I had lost all gears. The car would not shift and would not move. I had to have it towed home (about 80 miles) where I took it to a transmission shop. They did a complete diagnostic evaluation and determined that the transmission was completely blown along with the cooling system radiator. I had to have the transmission rebuilt and the radiator replaced at a cost of almost $1,800. After talking with several transmission shops and reading comments on various websites on the internet, it appears that this type of transmission failure is very common with the Dodge Neons. It would seem reasonable that this be addressed in a recall by Chrysler.