Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On several occasions, smoke has been emitted from behind the steering column. Initially, fog lights would not turn off. Later, smoke came from behind the steering column, and the fog lights turned off, but would not turn on. 1 month later, more smoke came from behind the steering column, with a bad odor, and the headlights stopped working. Now, I have had to buy the mfs (multi-function switch) but it does not work, as the wiring harness and wires are burned. The Dodge dealer says that the entire wiring loom has to be replaced for several thousand dollars. I have researched online, and have found several complaints of the same issue. My concern is that headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc, should be a safety issue, and I have seen that many other Neon owners have had taillights go out, turn signals not operate, etc. …
2001 Dodge Neon . In shop 11 times for same problem. Electrical failure. All gauges drop to 0 engine stalls and starts back up. All lights black out. Very unsafe!!! Car can swerve due to power lose. Have had 4 very close calls of being hit when the car does this on freeway. Car was under warranty when problem started and problem could never be duplicated. Computer modula replaced, engine shut down replaced,ignition switch replaced, relays replaced. Just had positive battery cable (harness) replaced at $280.00 cost to me with 3 days lost at work. 20,000 miles ouit of warranty and even though problem has been documented for a year while under warranty I had to pay that and the $110.00 for the engine shut down relay 2 weeks ago. Don't know if this is fixed or not. Will never buy another Dodge.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Neon. While driving (MPH unknown) he heard a loud ringing noise then the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that he was able to restart to vehicle after adjusting the wiring harness. The mechanic stated that the main cable into the battery caused the failure and they made the repair. Approximately five months later the failure occurred again. The failure mileage was 34,880 and current mileage was 36,000. The VIN, engine size and number of cylinders were unavailable. The mechanic stated that the main cable into the battery caused the failure and they made the repair. Approximately five months later the failure occurred again. The failure mileage was 33,880 and current mileage was 36,000. Updated 04-07-08
Consumer stated while stopped at a light, as she attempted to step on the gas, the pedal began to act erratic, which caused the vehicle to hit the person in front and would not stop. The vehicle was repaired, but now it hesitates when driving or stopping. Other problems are as followed: the electrical lights and alarms, engine/cooling system, equipment(not spec), fuel system, heater/defrost/vent, park brake, power train, serv. Brakes, steering, structure, suspension, visual systems, the air bag module, (brain of the vehicle) computer, and a cracked motor head. Cause of incident: wear/corrosion/rust, locks, and stability.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Neon. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but it would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the front end was rewired. After the repairs, the failure recurred and the vehicle was towed back to the mechanic where the alternator, alternator belt, cam shaft, battery, horn and the ground wire cable were replaced. The failure continued after the repairs. The mechanic stated that the harness needed to be rewired. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Yes I have a 2001 Dodge Neon and when I drive it will just quit on me, when it quits on me, there are no headlights ,nothing. But when the car quits I can get out and play with the postive cable wire and everything comes back on. I have taken my car into the Dodge company here in red bluff and chico and they could not find the cause of promblem. This is a problem to me... I put the start date below and this problem happens sometimes everyday or every other day.
Vehicle experienced electrical problems, there is a burning smell when the lights are on at night. The smell comes from the instrument panel and behind the steering wheel. After turning on the vehicle for about an hour the electrical defects began to surface. When the air conditioner is on, it drains power from the vehicle. Provide further details.
Multi function switch in the steering column failure. Harness and connector burned out. Causing small amounts of smoke, source self-extinguished and did not create an emergency. Ability to switch headlamps and turn signals fail.
While driving down road at any speed the system will reset self like the clock will reset to 1200 and the seat belt light will flash on and motor light and airbag light all will flash and during that time the car has shut it self off then come back on like nothing happened. Then it will die completely I have had it in the shop twice and no one can find the problem. I have about got rear ended while this has occurred. It has done this 3 times in one week and 2 times in another week . This is a very bad problem and really needs to be looked at. It is a shame that people cant get a good car without problems I haven't had this car 1 month yet it is a used car 2001 but only has 46300 miles on it I believe there is something wrong with the computer system somewhere all I have had is a run around and I pay to much a month on this car. …
Car electrical intermittently goes out without warning, while moving or parked. Radio goes out, all dials go down to zero, power steering and brakes do not work. I have taken the car to the dealership on numerous occasions, mostly by tow-truck, to fix the problem. Dealer says they cannot duplicate the problem, installs co-pilot, but car does not act up while it's installed. I have contacted daimlerchrysler assistance center, but they say it's not their problem. My warrenty is almost up and I am afraid I won't have the money to take the car in anymore, this situation is severely dangerous, the car will come to a dead stop on the freeway or in the middle of an intersection, I have had a few close calls and am worried that I will get hurt, or worse.
Electrical complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Dodge Neon, 16% of the model year's 146 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Neon electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Dodge Neon, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Neon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury and 3 deaths to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.