1997 Dodge Neon Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 390 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Dodge Neon, 3% of the 390 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Plastic headlight lens became foggy after 3 years of service. Included cracking and glazing. Result was reduced light intensity available for night driving. Headlamp assemblies required replacement to regain ability to operate safely at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10019279, filed 2003-05, 50,000 miles“I have talked to other people with neons made in 97 and they seem to have the same problems. Also the paint is coming off. I have seen many NEON's since I bought mine, with this same problem. . No safetyd efec tmentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #757823, filed 2002-02“My first complaint would be about the paint. My car has been peeling for the past 2 years now, it bubbles then peels and gets bigger and bigger every day. It is now peeling in 6 spots, the largest is the size of a watermelon. Very unhappy!!!! Second, the brakes are horrible, the squealing of metal on metal has been occurring since day 1 of getting my car. I was recently driving on a major highway and my steering wheel began shaking like crazy. I pulled over and everything seemed fine. I continued to drive but could not accelerate faster than 60km/hr. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155727, filed 2006-04“I bought my NEON used (but only a year old) I have had many problems with this car my blinkers come on by themselves, my trunk and back floors are getting drenched (puddles of water 3 inches) my brakes are squaling, my door light is shorting my reverse lights are blown my head gasket has blown twice. I have also had problem with my fires under the hood. This car is made poorly. I am trying to trade it and it not as much as I owe. Talk to dealer but does not seem like they want to help.”
NHTSA complaint #731841, filed 2000-09“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge NEON. The headlights and high beams are very dim. The bulbs were replaced; however, the lights remained dim. Oil was placed in the vehicle, but then leaked onto the ground, causing the oil warning indicator light to illuminate intermittently. The contact noticed a grayish-colored smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle. The repair shop stated that the failure was caused by a blown head gasket. The failure mileage was 97,000 and current mileage was 140,301.”
NHTSA complaint #10214211, filed 2008-01, 97,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 48 | 24% |
| 2002 | 11 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 15 | 2% |
| 1995 | 35 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Neon
222 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Neon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology