What's the typical lifespan for a waterpump on a 2003 Dodge Neon?

Question

About 2 - 3 years ago we had to have the waterpump replaced on our car, and now we're having to do that again, except we don't have full warranty anymore (we bought the car new). We do have a powertrain warranty, but supposedly that only covers internal engine components and the waterpump is considered a "wear-and-tear" item (on the "outside"), so it's not covered. Our car has very low mileage (just over 39,000) and I'm just curious if replacing the waterpump this frequently is normal or if our Dodge dealer needs to stand behind their product. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I never had to replace a water pump on my neon and I had over 50,000 miles on it. (mine was a 1995 model, though)

Answer 2

I've had four Neons ('95, '01, 02, 05) and have yet to replace a water pump. I would say that the rule of thumb is that you replace the water pump whenever you replace the timing belt during routine maintenance somewhere around 60,000 to 110,000 miles. Who replaced the first water pump? Assuming it was the dealer (you mentioned the extended engine warranty) has the three year new car warranty time limit also expired? How many miles since the first water pump was replaced? If the dealer replaced the original water pump, and the three years has not expired, sometimes the dealer will do the right thing if the mileage is not too far beyond the 36,000 general warranty (yours is not). Do not expect the service department to be overly helpful in this or any other regard. Ask them what you asked here about the lifespan of a water pump. Ask to speak to the service manager and then to the general manager. Managers hate complaining customers, especially if they have a legitimate complaint. Best wishes in your continuing efforts!

Answer 3

if you never flush the radiator 2-3 years or if you put the belt on to tight it will fail after only 10,000 miles or 10 months or less. if you had the dealer do a flush within the last year or so then its a heating problem and will be a power train fix. like the head gasket. tell them to check it out. a leak inside the engine is not normal wear not at 39,000 if its maintained often. think if it this way. if you buy a new car and the windshield leaks. shorts a wire and burns up the computer.
is it your fault no the dealer should fix it.