2004 Dodge Neon Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good throwback, the 2004 Dodge Neon might ring a bell. This compact car, with its distinctive design and budget-friendly appeal, was a popular choice for many drivers in the early 2000s. However, like any vehicle, it came with its own set of quirks and challenges. Whether you’re considering buying a used one or just curious about its history, understanding the common problems and overall reliability of the 2004 Dodge Neon can be quite enlightening. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of what made the 2004 Dodge Neon both loved and loathed by its owners. From engine issues to electrical gremlins, we’ll explore the most common problems that drivers faced. But it’s not all doom and gloom—this little car also had its fair share of redeeming qualities that kept it on the road for years. So, buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane and uncover the highs and lows of the 2004 Dodge Neon’s journey on the asphalt.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Maladjusted door jamb switches may cause problems with interior lights

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has a few quirks, one of which is the maladjusted door jamb switches that can mess with the interior lights. While this issue might be a bit annoying, it’s generally not a deal-breaker for most owners. Overall, the Neon is known for being a reliable ride, but like any car, it has its little hiccups.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Engine May Overheat Due to Cooling Fan Not Turning On

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has a known issue where the engine may overheat because the cooling fan doesn’t turn on. This problem can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly, affecting the car’s overall reliability. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to prevent overheating and ensure the vehicle runs smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in Spark Plug Tube Seals May Cause Misfire and Poor Fuel Economy

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has some reliability issues, particularly with the spark plug tube seals. When these seals fail, it can lead to engine misfires and poor fuel economy, which are pretty frustrating problems to deal with. While its not the end of the world, its definitely something to keep an eye on if youre considering this car.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon seems to have a common issue with a musty odor coming from the AC system, which is being addressed by using a cleaner/disinfectant. While this solution might help temporarily, it suggests that the AC system might not be the most reliable part of the car. If you’re considering a 2004 Dodge Neon, it might be worth keeping an eye on the AC system for any recurring issues.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Clicking or Popping From Front of Vehicle While Accelerating

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon is known to have some issues with clicking or popping sounds coming from the front of the vehicle while accelerating. This problem is often linked to worn-out CV joints or issues with the suspension components. While it’s a common issue for this model year, addressing it promptly can help maintain the overall reliability of the car.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Fuel Level Sensor Issues

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon seems to have some issues with its fuel level sensor, which can be a bit of a hassle for owners. This problem might lead to inaccurate fuel readings, leaving you guessing how much gas is actually in the tank. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re driving or considering buying one.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Water Leak Due to Plugged AC Drain

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon seems to have a common issue with water leaks caused by a plugged AC drain. This problem can lead to water pooling inside the car, which is definitely annoying and can cause further damage if not addressed. While it’s not the most serious issue, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has a known issue where an oil leak may develop at the cam sensor O-ring. This problem can lead to oil dripping onto other engine components, potentially causing further issues if not addressed. While it’s a common problem for this model year, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maintain the overall reliability of the vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Recall to Replace Vacuum Hose to Brake Booster

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has had its share of issues, and one notable recall involves replacing the vacuum hose to the brake booster. This recall addresses a critical component that can affect braking performance, which is pretty important for overall safety. While it’s good that there’s a fix, it does highlight some reliability concerns with the vehicle’s braking system.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Click Noise when Turning Steering Wheel

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon is known to have a few quirks, and one of the common issues reported by owners is a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. This problem can be a bit annoying, but it’s generally not a major reliability concern. Many drivers have found that it can often be resolved with some basic maintenance or minor repairs.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Ignition key difficult to remove on models with tilt steering wheel

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has a known issue where the ignition key can be difficult to remove, especially in models with a tilt steering wheel. This problem can be pretty annoying and might require some fiddling to get the key out smoothly. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Sunroof may be damaged if opened at freeway speeds

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Engine may stumble during full throttle acceleration

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has a known issue where the engine may stumble during full throttle acceleration, which can be a bit frustrating if you’re looking for a smooth driving experience. While this problem doesn’t necessarily mean the car is unreliable overall, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model. Regular maintenance and addressing this issue promptly can help maintain the car’s performance.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Replace hood switch to fix problems with remote starter accessory

Analysis:

The 2004 Dodge Neon has had some issues with the remote starter accessory, particularly related to the hood switch. Replacing the hood switch seems to be a straightforward fix for these problems, which suggests that while the issue is a bit of a hassle, it’s not a major reliability concern. Overall, once the hood switch is replaced, the remote starter should work smoothly, making it a relatively minor blip in the car’s overall reliability.

Conclusion

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