Neon

fuel delivery issue or vacuum leak somewhere, i would think. the symptoms sound similar to what the older cars do when there is a fuel or vacuum problem. should probably look into the timing, check the air intake for blockage (a 2003 protege5's air filter has to be absolutely perfectly clean, or it lags a teensie on acceleration and the 'check engine' light blinks *OR it has to have an expensive, more free-flowing filter*) and possibly the exhaust for blockage.

just some thoughts, considering it has been crashed and all.

Sounds like you've found yourself a "factory lemon". I think that some cars are better than others based on production date, day of the week, etc. I highly doubt any car company just shuts down the line if there's something a bit out of whack, hence recalls. You probably just have one of those cars from a bad day. It happens.

If the check engine lite is flashing, that's a cylinder misfire, and if you keep driving it, it will tear up the catalytic converter, you don't state what mileage this vehicle has but I would guess over 30k. Chances are a good set of mopar wires and plugs will cure your problem. Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech