Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Dodge Neon powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2005 Dodge Neon have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 29,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Manual transmission owners report 3rd gear refusing to engage smoothly, requiring repeated clutch cycling and engine revving to force shifts into gear. Downshifting produces grinding sounds and partial engagement that pops back out. These issues begin early—one owner at 800 miles, another from new—and dealerships have told owners this is a common problem with no fix available. One owner's transmission was repaired once but exhibited the same behavior within a few thousand miles.
Automatic transmission owners report slipping during 1st-to-2nd shifts (especially in warm weather), shuddering on acceleration, and multiple attempts needed to shift from 2nd to 3rd. Transmission fluid checks come back normal, ruling out basic maintenance issues.
Other powertrain failures documented include driver-side CV joint failure at 29,000 miles causing loss of control and crash, clutch failure after dealer repair didn't resolve underlying issues, and a pressure plate that fractured during normal turning—the manufacturer denied warranty repair, claiming owner abuse. Two owners report vehicles rolling uncontrollably downhill from parked position, and one owner describes transmission control module failure causing limp mode and speedometer loss.
Failure modes owners describe
Manual transmission grinding, lockout, and gear engagement failure
3rd gear refuses to engage smoothly during upshift or downshift, requiring repeated clutch cycles and rev-matching to force engagement. Downshifting produces grinding sounds and gear pops out partially or completely. Multiple owners report dealerships acknowledging the problem as common but stating no fix is available.
When: Begins early in vehicle life: one owner at 800 miles, another from new (10/18/05), third at 30,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: 3rd gear locks out during upshift; must release clutch, rev engine, re-engage; Grinding noise on downshift; Gear pops out of 3rd during downshift (1 in 10 occurrences); Partial engagement then grinding and pop-out; Refuses to engage into 3rd gear at all
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports transmission was repaired once; problem reoccurred within a few thousand miles. No permanent fix identified by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships told owners this is a common problem but stated no fix is available. Chrysler customer assistance deemed useless by one owner.
Automatic transmission slipping and shuddering
Automatic transmission slips when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, particularly in warm weather. Transmission fluid is normal and not burnt. Shuddering occurs on acceleration into first or second gear and when pressing gas pedal after stopping.
When: Begins at 30,000 miles; shaking has progressed since that mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Slipping sensation on 1st-to-2nd gear shift (feels like driving on ice); Slipping worse in warm weather; Shuddering or bumpy shift into 1st or 2nd gear; Vehicle shakes when accelerating from stop; Shaking felt throughout vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid checked and confirmed normal; no burnt smell or discoloration.
Automatic transmission shift delay and hunting
Vehicle requires multiple shift attempts from 2nd to 3rd gear at various speeds. Transmission does not lock into gear smoothly and must be shifted repeatedly to complete the transition.
When: No specific mileage stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Must shift from 2nd to 3rd gear multiple times for transmission to engage; Transmission hunting between gears at various speeds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to duplicate the problem.
Transmission control module failure
Check engine light illuminates and transmission enters limp mode, causing loss of speedometer function. Multiple sensor replacements (output speed sensor, input sensor) failed to resolve the issue. Root cause was transmission control module failure, which was replaced.
When: Mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; Transmission enters limp mode; Speedometer stops functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Output speed sensor replaced (ineffective). Input speed sensor replaced (ineffective). Transmission control module replacement resolved the issue.
CV joint failure
Driver-side CV joint failed catastrophically during normal highway driving under dry conditions, causing sudden loss of vehicle control and collision with bridge.
When: 29,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: CV joint failure at highway speed; Sudden loss of vehicle control; Vehicle struck bridge barrier
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; awaiting repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer instructed owner to have vehicle fixed, after which manufacturer would replace the drive axle. Police report filed.
Clutch failure
Clutch problems develop and then clutch fails completely and suddenly during highway driving. Initial dealer repair in 2013 did not resolve the underlying issue; clutch went out entirely during subsequent trip.
When: First problem reported March 1, 2013 (vehicle age unclear). Clutch failed completely July 10, 2013, after dealer repair in March.
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch problems onset; Clutch fails completely and suddenly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair took 3 weeks (March 11 to late March 2013). Clutch failed again on July 10, 2013.
Pressure plate fracture (internal transmission damage)
Pressure plate broke apart and pieces penetrated the transmission during normal highway driving. Manufacturer determined this to be owner abuse and denied warranty coverage, despite no evidence of abuse.
When: Failure occurred during turning at 30 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop heard while turning; Burning smell after pop; Liquid trail behind vehicle; Loss of vehicle drivability
Repairs/costs cited: Pressure plate piece found lodged in transmission. Transmission damage from internal debris.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer/dealer determined to be owner abuse; no warranty repair offered.
Transmission fails to hold vehicle in park on incline
Transmission (manual, 4th gear) fails to hold vehicle stationary on an angled driveway. Vehicle rolled downhill after owner inadvertently placed it in 4th gear instead of reverse. Parking brake also insufficient to hold vehicle on incline.
When: No specific mileage stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls downhill on incline when in gear; 4th gear does not provide sufficient resistance to hold vehicle; Parking brake insufficient to hold vehicle on incline
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes manual specifies reverse for parking but does not warn against reliance on 4th gear as a parking brake.
Vehicle rolls uncontrollably in parked position
Vehicle automatically becomes mobile and rolls downhill from parked position, apparently slipping out of gear or failing to stay engaged. Occurred while vehicle was parked on a slope. Dealership picked up vehicle and returned it the next day without explanation for cause or repair.
When: 42,649 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle becomes mobile while parked; Vehicle rolls downhill from parked position; Vehicle slips into reverse while rolling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership returned vehicle without repair; cause never explained to owner.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2005 Dodge Neon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Dodge Neon?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,000 and 42,649 miles, with the median around 29,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 42,649. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Dodge/Neon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.