Four problems related to radiator have 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.
Where to start! steering wheel shakes bad when idling and had to replace the entire computer! there seems to be the same complaints with these cars without any action from Chrysler. We have had to replace the front control arm bushings twice in 6 months in my daughters car, there is water leaking into the backseat from somewhere, stuttering when going up hills or over 50 mph; blown out struts, replaced radiator; eats oil. . . . . . . . . . Why isn't Chrysler held responsible for these problems. Check the internet. . . . . . . . There are thousands of the same complaints! it has cost me over 2500 in repairs in 8 months!.
The radiator broke in my 2002 Dodge Neon. The coolant went into the transmission. This was last 7/2007. Next the transmission solenoid went 4/2008. Now the transmission needs to be rebuilt. 7/2008 in talking to numerous repair shops I am finding out this is a common problem and happens all the time with these Neons. This is a safety issue. I think its a defect with the way this was built.
On Feb 14, 2006 while driving to work the car started making dinging noise and the transmission started slipping. The temperature gauge went to hot and I heard a bubbling sound coming from the engine area. As I pulled the car into a parking lot, the car stopped. Had the car towed to the dealership in town and they ran a check through the onboard computer system. What they finally found was that the radiator had an internal failure (that the radiator seal had failed) and leaked between the radiator and the transmission causing the coolant and transmission fluids to mix. Since the car is a 2002 and I have had it for 4 yrs and 3 months with only 68,348 miles on the car the transmission should have been still under warranty, but Chrysler refused to honor the warranty stated, because the radiator caused the problem and it (the radiator) was no longer under warranty they would not cover the repairs to the transmission. I explained to the representative of Chrysler on the phone, that indeed the radiator is one of their components on the car and on a 4 year old car it should not have failed (as stated by the service personnel at the dealership), and it was factor for the extensive damage caused to the transmission. It was also the main factor that resulted in the car stopping while be driven on a busy roadway, which could have resulted in a possible accident, personal injury, or even death.
The screw on the rear of the radiator blew out and damaged the radiator's hoses. Also, driver's side door lock made a loud noise, and the brakes squeaked when engaged.