2001 Dodge Neon Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 146 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Dodge Neon, 8% of the 146 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 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.
“Vehicle experienced electrical problems, there is a burning smell when the lights are on at night. The smell comes from the instrument panel and behind the steering wheel. After turning on the vehicle for about an hour the electrical defects began to surface. When the air conditioner is on, it drains power from the vehicle. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10105079, filed 2004-12, 10,000 miles“Multi function switch in the steering column failure. Harness and connector burned out. Causing small amounts of smoke, source self-extinguished and did not create an emergency. Ability to switch headlamps and turn signals fail.”
NHTSA complaint #10172853, filed 2006-11, 63,000 miles“On several occasions, smoke has been emitted from behind the steering column. Initially, fog lights would not turn off. Later, smoke came from behind the steering column, and the fog lights turned off, but would not turn on. 1 month later, more smoke came from behind the steering column, with a bad odor, and the headlights stopped working. Now, I have had to buy the mfs (multi-function switch) but it does not work, as the wiring harness and wires are burned. The Dodge dealer says that the entire wiring loom has to be replaced for several thousand dollars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10355112, filed 2010-09, 90,000 miles“Water leaked into the front headlight lens, causing the lens to fog up. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #10087192, filed 2004-11, 60,000 miles“The contact stated when driving at 30 MPH, a wind draft was noticed in the steering wheel making it difficult to control. Upon inspection by the contact, water was notice in the back floor board. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership were they determined the seal around the tail lights had a small area that may have not been sealed properly. The dealer replaced the sealant around the tail lights, but was unable to determine the cause of the steering problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10148088, filed 2006-01, 57,000 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 2001 Dodge Neon
33 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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