Model year guide

2000 Plymouth NEON

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2000 Plymouth NEON is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2000 Plymouth NEON — representative photo
Representative photo

2000 Plymouth NEON at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints144
Combined24–27 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2000 Plymouth NEON recalls 6

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #01V154000 · manufacturer #983 · 08/05/2001

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

Fix: 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.

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #00V366000 · manufacturer #957 · 09/11/2000

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.

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

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #00V194000 · manufacturer #886 · 17/07/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. VAPORS FROM THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM CAN CONDENSE AND FREEZE INSIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN EXTREMELY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE AND RELOCATE A PCV SYSTEM TUBE.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #99V114000 · manufacturer #826 · 06/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED BETWEEN THE PIVOT TUBE AND THE ARM.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #99V043000 · manufacturer #821 · 11/03/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONTAL (PASSENGER SIDE) AIR BAGS MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2000 Plymouth NEON common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2000 Plymouth NEON safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2000 Plymouth Neon 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2000 Plymouth NEON MPG & running costs

Combined24–27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,650
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2000 Plymouth NEON costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,250
Fuel only$13,250
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE Closed

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT. WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K). THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE E…

NHTSA #PE02082 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003

CONTROL ARM WELDS Closed

NHTSA #RQ99010 · Suspension · opened Jun 1999 · closed Feb 2001

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 63

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 63.

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the NEON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Plymouth NEON

The Neon is a compact car built by Chrysler from the 1995 to 2005 model years. Taking its name from the inert gas, the model line was marketed by Dodge and Plymouth; in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America, the Neon was branded as a Chrysler. The model line was the first compact car to become profitable for an American automaker.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2000 Plymouth NEON vehicles on record

Other Plymouth NEON model years

2000 Plymouth NEON — frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Plymouth NEON have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2000 Plymouth NEON. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Plymouth NEON?

Across all 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, air bags.

What is the 2000 Plymouth NEON safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2000 Plymouth NEON crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Plymouth NEON get?

The 2000 Plymouth NEON has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.