VehicleVerdict

2001 Plymouth Neon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2001 Plymouth Neon is among the quieter years of the Neon on NHTSA's books: 74 complaints (66% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (14), airbags (12), and electrical system (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Neon years?

Neon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted711 complaints1994: 3 complaints1995: 711 complaints1996: 476 complaints1997: 234 complaints1998: 237 complaints1999: 82 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 74 complaints
Neon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Neon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Plymouth Neon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1419%
Airbags1216%
Electrical System1014%
Engine79%
Tires & Wheels57%
Body & Structure57%
Fuel System45%
Seat Belts34%
Speed Control34%
Suspension34%
Steering23%
Transmission23%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Other11%

Does the 2001 Plymouth Neon have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

01V154000BrakesMay 8, 2001 · 353,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IN THE PRESENCE OF OIL AND HEAT, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD SWELL AND LOOSEN FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000Child SeatNovember 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL WAS NORMAL; HOWEVER, THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION. VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 28, 2001 · crash

“NEITHER AIR BAG IN FRONT DEPLOYED WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WENT TO PASS A VEHICLE TRAVELING 35 MPH ON INTERSTATE, WHEN ABOUT TO PASS, OTHER VEHICLE CHANGED LANES AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES. VEHICLE STOPPED OPERATING IN LEFT LANE WHILE OTHER VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 7, 2001 · crash

“UPON TURNING IGNITION TO START VEHICLE WIRING MELTED AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME THROUGH STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“WHEN BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN AN IMPACT IN REVERSE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATED PROBLEM. BOTH DEALERSHIP AND INSURANCE COMPANY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE.*AK CONSUMER STATES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 20, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER MADE A QUICK STOP AND THE CONSUMER HIT THE REAR END OF THE OTHERS PERSON VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE CONSUMER. *AK *CB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 5, 2003 · crash

2001 Plymouth Neon — common questions

Is the 2001 Plymouth Neon reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Neon year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2001 Neon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2001 Plymouth Neon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Plymouth Neon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Plymouth Neon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Neon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Neon years to avoid are 1995, 1996. The cleanest record among Neon years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.