Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The gas pedal has come disconnected or stuck continuing to accelerate and I miraculously stopped the car with the emergency brake before it nearly Crashed into a crowded bus stop! The car only has 65k miles but regardless a car should never put anyone in this danger! It is giving me a nervous breakdown almost running people over!
When I turn on my right turn signal my fog lights turn on. I smelled something that smelled like burning electrical components. When I looked at my mfd switch connector the left side(number 10&20) was showing signs of melting.
As I was driving down the street, my rear passenger end was leaning a little to the side. I was a smooth paved road and it felt as though I was hitting potholes. I pulled over to the side of the road thought my tire was flat. I t0ok the car to a shop to get checked out. They stated that my rear shot blew. On 11/20/18 my defrosters are no longer working. My headlights are dim. I tried replacing the bulb. However, it still isn't bright enough to drive in the dark.
2004 Dodge Neon lost head lights while driving late at night. Had there not been traffic in front and behind, I would have ran off the road. Multi function switch harness melted connector to multi function switch causing short to fuse 16. Prior to fuse 16 blowing, a melted plastic smell was coming from the column cover. Replaced multi function switch which showed signs of overheat (copper tarnished). While disconnecting the mfs harness, the connector was overheated (melted) and was falling apart. Both fuses (17 & 18) to the headlamps were intact so issue is inside the cab. I still need to have the harness connector to the mfs replaced.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that the exterior lights did not illuminate due to a plug that burned out all of the wires in the vehicle. He noticed smoke ascending from the steering column, and the gauges on the dashboard and odometer failed. Chrysler stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure occurred for approximately three months. The current mileage is 63,000, and failure mileage was 56,000.
I have a 2002 Dodge Neon sxt. For about a year now my fog lights have not worked properly. When my headlights are on my fog lights flicker on and of on their own. If I go over a bump the turn on another bump turns them off. They even flicker on and off on smooth road. I thought nothing about it until I started smelling something electrical burning. I then saw a stream of white smoke coming out of the top of my steering column through the hazard light button. This happens everytime I turn on my headlights. I have not had the problem repaired yet but I need to very soon. I am most scared that a fire will ignite while I am driving or the electrical problem will cause my airbag to deploy and cause an accident resulting in injury or death.
NHTSA investigations
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Neon years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (48), 1995 (37), 1996 (17), 1997 (16) and 2000 (13) model years. Headlight complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Dodge Neon headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Dodge Neon model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Neon headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (31 mentions), followed by the headlights › switch (14).
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.