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 2003 Dodge Neon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Odor of burning plastic, caused by overheated wiring (pin 16) on turn signal and light control. Light would only function on low beam ; while high beam indicator was lit . Fog lamps have been lit ,when switch is headlamp on position, for three years. They could not be turned off unless you used left turn signal. When headlamp malfunctioned I bought replacement switch. During installation, found wiring harness terminal was difficult to remove, as it was malformed and brittle due to excess heat. I took pictures to document wire position; there is no pin 15 or 10 : also no wire to terminal positions 15,10, and 12. There is a pin 12 on the switch.
I own a 2003 Dodge Neon srt4 there was a fire/smoking coming from my dash/steering wheel column. The problem is from a bad multi function switch in the 2nd generation Dodge neons. This switch is related to the headlights, so potentially this can be deadly. For example you headlights cut off on the highway, car shutting down, fire inside the cabin of the car. I still need this fix, I work nearly 9 hour days with little money to fix these malfunctioning electrical problems. Please tell Dodge to call a recall this.
Smoke started coming out of the vents & steering column. Took it to the dealer & they said it was spilled anti freeze from when they changed the oil. Car was OK for a little while. Now it's smoking again the front defroster doesn't work the fog lights are gone & recently my highlights went too. I took it to the shop they shown me the burnt wires in steeling column & said the heating coil is damaged making the smell & fogs the window from the fumes. Next to go will be the turning signals & wipers if not fixed.
Entire electrical system failure while car was in operation + premature activation of airbag. Driver was forced to claw the airbag out of his way in order to maintain control of the vehicle, and steer it off the highway. There was no known tampering with the electrical system prior to this; car was used, but had only body work done to our knowledge. Heat damage to electrical system was so extensive that car was considered a total loss. Driver suffered some facial and neck injury--possibly others.
I turned on my headlights and after about thirty seconds, I noticed a smell that smelled like something was burning. Maybe another 15 seconds or so after that, I saw smoke pouring out of the steering column. Pulling off the road now, I rolled down the windows and shut off the lights remembering that other owners have had problems with their wiring harnesses melting. The smoke dispersed and the car seemed fine. I have not used my headlights since.
Wire harness from under steering column caught fire for no reason what so ever. Car has 77000 miles on it. No covered under warranty. This has happened to multiple cars and Dodge is not covering repair on this item. Here is a link from more Dodge owners that have had this issue for no reason what to ever. Http://www.srtforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221333&highlight=5183442aa I would like to get help in regards to this issue. Thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that smoke was emitted from the steering wheel and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the main ground wiring to the engine was melted and caused the vehicle to stall. In addition, the wiring harness and multi-function switch was also melted. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 125,000.
I bought myself a 2003 Dodge Neon srt-4 last year. About 6 months ago smoke and melting plastic smell started coming out of steering column. The headlights and fog lights shut off on me one night coming home from store. (not good) the next day found that harness was melted at connector to the mfs to the headlights. I replaced the switch but fuses blow if fog lights come on or high beams. Plus it just started smoking again!
Electrical complaints in other Neon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Dodge Neon?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 36% of the model year's 202 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Neon electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 Dodge Neon. 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 2003 Dodge Neon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 16 fires and 3 injuries 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.