2002 Chrysler Neon LE from North America - Comments

The engine when started cold makes a loud knocking sound for about two minutes. (Piston slap?).

When shifting into second gear from first there is often a couple second delay.

Squeaky brakes even though they appear to be just like new.

When driving with the defrost on the car bucks and makes it look like I cannot drive a standard.

Oil leak between engine and transmission.

I like the way the car looks and handles, but I wish that it didn't have so many things wrong with it for being so new, and having so low kms.

My wife and I each bought one at the same time because the price was so good, but now two years later I wish that we spent a little more and bought a toyota or honda instead.

Is the Neon marketed under the Chrysler nameplate in Canada?

Here in the States after the demise of Plymouth, it is only marketed as a Dodge. Chrysler markets the PT Cruiser as its only small car.

Neon LE.

The comments made by other Neon owners read so true.

Nice looking car, great stereo, but unreliable and costly.

Brand new car was in the shop 5 times in less than 3 months. Two transmission over-hauls in less than one year.

Hesitates, doesn't slip into gear, shutters, stalls. The car was covered under warranty and we still lost thousands in repairs.

I too wish I had bought a Honda or Toyota even though they may not be as pleasing to the eye.

I have to agree with the two previous comments. I have had the same problems with my Neon. I am really glad that I bought the extended warranty or else I would have put out a lot of money in this car. The car stalls when the weather is damp or wet. I have had to have the ignition wires changed twice. I have also had the catalytic converter changed as well. The car is currently in the shop for a knocking noise in the engine.

It is a nice looking car however, I do regret not spending a little more and buying something else.

I`ve purchased a Neon about a year and a half ago, the 1.6 SE. I have to disagree with the other comments as I have had no problems with my Neon, since it`s purchase. I am very pleased with the vehicle. I have test driven lots of other vehicles, but none can compare to the comfort and power to the Neon. I`m just a little worried about why it`s value drops so quickly in South Africa. Very good care all in all. Would definately and intending to purchhase another.

I as well had my Neon in the shop every 6 months. Was great for the first year since purchased new. Dealer has been no help. I as well wish I spent a little more on the Honda. Numerous repairs on major components have made the Neon a very costly car.

I am the person who had bought the two 2002 neons and I am now pleased to say that I am Chrysler/Dodge free at last. My wife and I smartened up at last and now after 8 years of neon we now have a 2004 civic si and a 2003 accord, if the cars weren't enough pleasure now going to honda to get an oil change or anything is just like night and day, I did not know that a dealership could actually treat you like a person instead of someone that they can rip off. (Honda more money more respect!!!)

Has anyone figured out what the knocking noise is in their 2002 Neon LE? I am currently still paying mine off which I just bought last year and that noise has been there since a few months after I drove it off the lot. I don't know what to do I plan on going back to school.

To the person who was wondering what the engine noise was...

It is normal engine noise when idling. My Neon makes the same noise and the engine works great. As soon as you get the revs up, it seems to become smoother. Also, the engine has awesome performance! I don't regret buying a Neon.

My 2002 Neon had a bad knocking noise and I complained directly to Chrysler as the dealer here said it was "normal". In a short time, the Service Manager came to my house and said they would replace the "short engine" under warranty. That solved the piston slap causing the knock.

02 Neon

5 years and 105,000 miles (US) and still going strong!

My neon shakes when it reaches 70 km/h then it suddenly stops once it reaches 80 km/h does anyone else experience this.

I'm really glad I stumbled across this website. My Neon too does the knocking noise when first started in the morning, but after driving, it stops. I have changed belts, water pumps etc. etc. etc., because they really don't know what it is, and keep giving me the "could be". But I've also had endless problems with everything to do with the wheels. Now the A/C isn't working and it's really not worth replacing since the car is only worth $1000-$1500 black booked.

I love my car, but I'm pretty disappointed that it's only a 2002 and I'm looking to retire it next year (if it survives). For what we paid for it, unfortunately I wouldn't recommend it.