Most common 2003 Dodge Neon problems
Share of the 202 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Neon complaints by model year
Best Neon years: 2005, 2004, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2003 Dodge Neon:
Headlight failure
Odi has reviewed complaints from consumers stating that they do not have headlight function while operating their vehicle.the reports indicate that a loss of both high and low beam headlights is the result of problems with the vehicles multifunction switch and connecting wiring harness.consumersnoticed that the steering column area (where these parts are located) is heating up.in some cases, smoke would come out of…
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.
Headlight failure
This ea was opened after receiving reports that the multifunction switch on these vehicles would fail, causing a loss of headlight illumination.some complainants report loss of headlight function while for others temporary lighting was available by pulling on the multifunction switch stalk to illuminate high beam lighting.analysis of the complaint and warranty data show a low and declining failure trend.further use…
What 2003 Dodge Neon owners say
Electrical system all 72 →
At 60,000 miles my 2003 Dodge Neon r/t started smoking from the steering column. At the time I thought it was dust caught by the sunlight and since nothing appeared to be wrong with my car, I forgot about it - one week later- I started by car and my headlights wouldn't work, concerned and remembering the "dust in the sunlight the week before, I called the Dodge dealership in the area and dropped off my car a little while later. Turns out the wiring harness on the steering column had overheated and melted together ( there was also a problem with the gas tank pressure but I could never get them to tell exactly what the problem was) luckily the harness was not completely destroyed so the wires could just be replaced. I asked them what caused the problem and if they were just replacing wires, well, wouldn't it happen again? …
Well I was driving and I had my kid in car 10-16-15 thank god I a had arrived home on time who knows what would happen if I kept driving I started to see smoke coming of dash I was on street coming from janesville wi it's like 35 min away I was driving on high way but like I said it started happening while approaching house I really don't know how to see inside but this has me shocked due to video I have seen catching on fire why isn't nothing being done no recall nothing someone can die from this I looked up problem and it's a common thing thats happening this is a serious problem and disappointed with Dodge I need something done about this please help I took a picture of when I parked it.
Lights all 48 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that the high beam headlight switch failed, which affected the fog lights. After performing research, the contact deduced that the wiring harness was melted and needed to be replaced. The dealer was later contacted and advised that he would have to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The contact repaired the vehicle by replacing the high low beam mechanism, but did not replace the wiring harness. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My 2003 Dodge Neon srt4 started smoking from the steering wheel column, and my head lights went out, also my brake lights and dash lights went out as well. When I took it to the mechanic after checking they saw that the connector from the multifunction switch was all melted and had caught on fire thank god it didn't spread at the time. I had to replace the whole harness and switch and from forums I have come to know that there is a lot this cars with same problem. This has to stop is really dangerous and is costing us a lot of money, it is really unsafe.
Transmission & drivetrain all 28 →
Neon had to have the manual transmission replaced twice within the total milage of 20,000 miles. The car was delivered with a defective battery temperature sensor, and 1 month before the car caught fire it was in the shop and the mechanic failed to replace the battery tiedown bar. On August 26, 2004 the car caught fire while the ignition was off and was driven for only 5 miles. The vehicle also had a bad passanger seat belt buckle. Many passangers complained of it being difficult to insert the belt into the locking mechanism.
Oil problem although I paid thousands for repairs.-but the engine light flashes when car is stopped at a traffic light or idling for even a short time. When car is in motion, a steady engine light is on all the time, except when it flashes. This has been happening for a couple of years. I need info on this and all recalls or complimentary repairs available . I need to be safe .thank you.
2003 Dodge Neon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 32 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Dodge Neon a good car?
Based on 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Neon rates average: 21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Neon at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Neon?
The electrical system — 72 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › interior/under dash. Next are the lights (48) and transmission & drivetrain (28).
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Neon have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Dodge Neon. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Neon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. See the full Dodge Neon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Neon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.