My Old Car's Issues

Here's the things that popped up while I owned my 2000 Chrysler Neon.

No notice from Chrysler of recall for PCV Valve.

Traction control obscurities. If the brakes stick a little too much after releasing them, the traction control may engage. The traction control is only used below 70kph and if active as you cross the 70kph limit, a potentially dangerous conditions occurs as it cuts out unexpectedly. On icy conditions, if the parking brake is left on, the traction control can engage and effectively get you stuck in place until you release the parking brake, this is not expected behaviour, nevertheless the fact that you shouldn't be trying to drive with the parking brake on.

The 2.0i 16v badge on the trunk deck-lid falls apart. This seems to be a very common problem with the 2000+s around here. Mine was replaced under warranty. Separated again.

Any snow left on the vehicle collects in the center of the rear window while driving. The aerodynamics just seems to drop particles there. Rather annoying for visibility as its impossible to remove all the snow from the vehicle.

Horn failure. Seems to be water related and there is a TSB on the issue. Mine was replaced under warranty.

Delayed transmission engagement in cold weather and poor shifting. There is a TSB on this issue as well. Mine was fixed under warranty.

Warped rotors after only two years use. Seems the Neons have traditionally had poor factory rotors. The dealer replacements are said to be much better. Replaced after 3 years use.

Squeaky brakes. Seems a common problem for modern cars. But still a major annoyance with the windows rolled down and shameful.

Low gas mileage. With my short trips to work, especially in the winter, the car runs far below its optimal parameters and the fuel mileage is extremely poor. I've hit 15mpg when its rated 30mpg city. Update, that's 15mpg(US) (18mpg imperial) and its rated 30mpg(imperial), I usually average 25mpg (imperial) now in winter and 28mpg (imperial) overall.

Squeaky interior HVAC fan. Mine developed an intermittent squeal. Mine was replaced under warranty.

Squeak originating from the sunroof switch area. Fixed, passenger sunshade retainer clip had dislodged.

Brake hose recall. Nothing I found wrong here, just a pre-emptive safety fix from Chrysler.

Problems with the passenger door lock. My front passenger door lock will sometimes fail to unlock/lock electronically, as well, it will intermittently lock itself without any user intervention. I'm not talking about the automatic locks as your driving away, but opening and closing the door will cause it to lock itself. Actuator replaced under warranty. Continues to exhibit the problem, but not as often. Driver's door now exhibits the same effects, especially in cold weather. In fact it has been worse, in certain cases, the lock cannot be physically moved. Intermittently the electronic system gets stuck locking no matter which way the switch is pressed. Driver's door lock is now making loud noises when locking.

Failures of the keyless entry and power lock system. Intermittently, possibly in wet weather, the keyless entry and power lock system fails. The keyless entry will not lock or unlock certain or all doors, same with the power locks. Usually the interior light will not dim when the problem occurs. Under investigation.

Obscure alarm functionality. Some of the states of the alarm aren't totally obvious. For example, if you lock the doors electronically while the hood is open, the alarm will trigger when the hood is closed. Not really a problem, just annoying occasionally while the car is honking at you.

There is no side visible turn signal as the side markers do not blink as in the 9xs. I took it upon myself to correct this. See the BSM page.

Incorrect wiring schematics in the service manual. Not uncommon, but not good.

High pressure or mis-aimed windshield washer spray, which for the right hand sprayer ends up hitting the top of the windshield or over it. Works great at highway speeds heading into a wind though.

Poor integration of the block heater cord. Well, its industry standard, but it still sucks having a cord dangling out the front grille, not to mention that it flys around and bangs on the paint and the cord is easily damaged in cold weather.

The car has an uncanny ability to absorb exhaust fumes from other cars into the HVAC system. The vent also will heat all air to some extent regardless of the setting.

Springs that hold the trunk open that are just a bit too weak, with any wind at all the thing folds right back down. I'm getting sick of getting bopped in the head. I found another hole to mount the springs into to increase the tension, hopefully this helps.

Thick A Pillars in the wrong place, nicely block the apex of sweeping left-hand turns, very dangerous visibility problem.

Reading lamps without auto shut-off. Every other light in/on the car has auto shut-off except the reading lamps and vanity lights if left open.

Slow restoration of the parking lights/daytime running lights after utilized as a turn signal.

Failure of driver's power door lock mechanism. Sounds like a stripped gear during ultra-cold weather. Replaced myself.

The plastic guard that protects the AC from debris kicked up by the tire failed and subsequently the AC wiring failed.