Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Neon. While driving 30 MPH with the headlights illuminated, the fog lights suddenly illuminated without warning. The steering wheel began to emit smoke and became unusually hot in temperature. She was able to drive the vehicle home; however, a burning smell filled the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that either the wiring harness or the multi-function switch had failed. There were no recalls for the failure and the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 97,000. Updated 4/26/10 updated 05/06/10.
There has been a popping sound coming from the right side of the car since April of 2004. Vehicle has been to the dealership a total of 14 times since purchased in January of 2004. The rack and pinion has been replaced once. Starting somewhere around August it started squeaking. After speaking to a family member that used to work at the dealership where car was purchased I was told that the right strut insulator was bad. Took car to dealership where they are replacing the ball baring in the right side of the car.
As I was driving down the road with my lights on, I began to see and smell smoke coming from steering column. I turn the lights off and the smoke cleared up and went away. After some time, I turned the lights back on with no problem to be found at this time. A week or so later the headlight switch would not work unless you pulled the high beam switch, then and only as you held the switch the lights would work. ( if you have never sit and held the switch while driving at night ( of course ) to get home it is no fun. ) that week end I pulled the covers off the column and pulled the harness out of switch to find it was melted. Needless to say I am down a vehicle until this is fixed. Luckily there was no fire.
Started to see smoke and then the headlights stopped working properly. After disassembling the wiring connector from the headlight switch, I discovered the connector had overheated to the point it was charred and crumbling to pieces. This is not a misuse by operator, but a safety failure of the electrical system. This could have resulted in a fire as the fuse protecting this circuit did not fail when the circuit obviously overheated and melted and charred the plastic connector.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Neon. While exiting a highway at approximately 20 MPH, the steering ability seized. The contact had to maneuver to a complete stop and no warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Neon. While driving at any speed, the fuel gauge, speedometer, and other instrument panel gauges were inoperable. The dealer stated that the instrument panel cluster caused the failure. As of November 14, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 46,000. Updated 01-10-08. The instrument cluster had an internal failure. The clutch, alternator and tie rods were replaced. Updated 01/08/08.
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. While operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and made the steering wheel very difficult to turn. The dealer diagnosed and repaired the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact also indicated that the check engine light would illuminate sporadically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering column coupler can become disconnected when the vehicle experiences an underbody impact.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column coupler with a coupler design that collapses on impact.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of steering control
There is no summary currently available
Loss of steering control
There is no summary currently available
Loss of steering control
There is no summary currently available
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Neon years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (124), 2000 (27), 1996 (24), 1997 (15) and 2001 (14) model years. Steering complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Neon steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 97V-169 (steering wheel/handle bar, Oct 7, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Neon steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (81 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (41).
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.