2003 Dodge Neon Problems
- Complaints
- 202filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 54,700miles, 158 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Dodge Neon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2003 Neon most often report electrical and lighting trouble centered on the multifunction switch on the steering column: headlights and fog lights stop working, the switch or its connector overheats and melts, and in some cases smoke or fire appears from the column area. Reports also cover transmission and cooling problems, notably coolant entering the transmission through a ruptured radiator, and a smaller group of airbag non-deployment complaints after front-end collisions. These reports appear across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000.
- Electrical system
Multifunction switch / headlight wiring overheating
Mentioned in 24 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe headlights and fog lights that quit working, flicker, or only work while the bright-light stalk is held back, sometimes with a burning smell and smoke from the steering column. On inspection, the multifunction switch connector or wiring harness is found melted, charred, or crumbling, and repairs typically involve replacing the switch and the damaged connector. A number of owners say a dealer told them the problem was common but that no assistance was offered. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 130,000 miles, often noticed at night or when the lights are first switched on.
What to check: Turn the headlights and fog lights on and off, check that low and high beams both work, and look at the switch connector on the column for browning, melting, or a burnt smell. Ask whether the switch or harness connector has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My headlights/fog lights started flickering and all of my dash lights illuminated. I then lost all power for a brief second and then the car came back to normal. I pulled the steering column apart and found the multi-function switch has started to melt. I have not replaced this yet as I just found this today.”
NHTSA complaint #10168582, filed 2006-09, 45,740 miles“Suddenly had no lights on vehicle exterior, headlights most notably. Mechanic replaced multifunction switch on steering column but showed me the plug for this multifunction switch has obviously been heating up because it has melted in several places. By the way I cant find a replacement plug yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10227006, filed 2008-05, 80,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and fog lights stop working
- 43 complaints (21%)
- median 67,500 mi at 5.0 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2015
Complaints describe headlights and fog lights that fail intermittently while driving, sometimes leaving only parking lights or high beams, and in some cars they stop working entirely. Several owners traced the cause to the same column switch and its wiring, and some report the fog lights coming on by themselves or staying on with the switch off. Repairs usually involved replacing the switch and connector. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 125,000 miles, frequently discovered on starting the car or while driving at night.
What to check: Test every lighting function at night or in a garage: low beams, high beams, fog lights, and turn signals. Ask the seller whether the headlight switch has been replaced and whether the fog lights behave correctly when signaling.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was getting ready to drive to work. I turned on my headlights to find that they were not functioning. Later I removed the multi-function switch and located a burned electrical connector. The current repair will be to replace the multi-switch and burned connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10296167, filed 2009-12, 93,000 miles“My headlights and foglights would periodically shut off or not come on. Then only the brights would work and while driving would shut off altogether. Finally the headlights and foglights have stopped working. The marker lights and turn signals still work, but I have no illumination ahead of me. It required a switch and connector change. So far there are numerous other neons that have had this happen to them and the dealer refuses to help us in any way, shape, or form. …”
NHTSA complaint #10265681, filed 2009-04, 79,002 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Manual transmission hard to shift or popping out of gear
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners of manual-transmission cars describe difficulty engaging gears when upshifting or downshifting, and one reports the shifter popping out of gear at low speed. A dealer reportedly told one owner the behavior was normal, while another dealer could not diagnose the problem. A separate report describes loss of clutch hydraulic pressure from a broken line. Reported from very low mileage up to about 68,000 miles, often during normal shifting at low to highway speeds.
What to check: Drive the car through all gears, including a downshift, and check that each gear engages without grinding or popping out. Ask about clutch and shifter service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2003 Dodge srt-4 since I bought the car I have been having problem with my transmission. Sometimes it's hard the get in gears no mater is you're down shifting or up shifting, I went twice to the dealer I they told me that is normal but I know from the chats that there is a lot of people having the same problem. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10046948, filed 2003-11, 100 miles“The vehicle accelerated very slow when put into 2nd gear. The RPM hangs at 3000; while stopped in neutral the idle fluctuated from 3000-1000 RPM and the vehicle idled very rough. The dealership has serviced the vehicle 5 times, in which the sparks plug, air filter, oil filter etc,. Has been replaced. The problem still exist. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being serviced for this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10094200, filed 2004-09, 13,000 miles
Buying note. Have the lighting and column switch inspected closely and test every light function, since that is where most of these reports concentrate, and check coolant and transmission fluid condition for signs of radiator trouble. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop is worthwhile given the age of these cars.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 202 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Neon. 158 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 54,700 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 20 a fire, 25 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system72 36%
- Exterior lighting48 24%
- Air bags20 9.9%
- Brakes18 8.9%
- Engine cooling18 8.9%
- Body and structure11 5.5%
- Fuel system9 4.5%
- Suspension9 4.5%
- Steering8 4.0%
Also reported: Other or unknown (7), Vehicle speed control (7), Tires (6), Seat belts (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Wheels (3), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “This makes 3rd transmission that has been put in this 2003 Dodge NEON xst . I have put $10.000.00 in transmission replacements ! These are lemons!! I will never buy another Dodge!!”
NHTSA complaint #11269793, filed 2019-10, 124,000 milesExterior lighting: “My 2003 Dodge NEON srt-4 was making a funny smell at night then my lights went out and they would only work with my bright switch pulled back. I pulled apart and saw that my switch to my multifunction switch was burnt. I went to Dodge and they told me it was not covered under warranty. So I bought a new multifunction switch and plug. I do have all the old parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10248209, filed 2008-11, 67,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Oil problem although I paid thousands for repairs.-but the engine light flashes when car is stopped at a traffic light or idling for even a short time. When car is in motion, a steady engine light is on all the time, except when it flashes. This has been happening for a couple of years. I need info on this and all recalls or complimentary repairs available . I need to be safe .thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10786850, filed 2015-10, 100,000 milesAir bags: “I had a collision in my vehicle the front end was smashed in. (the vehicle was considered totaled by the insurance company.) the airbags (passenger and driver) did not deploy causing injury to me and my passenger. I was traveling approx. 25 or 30 MPH. According to police on the scene the airbags should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10107644, filed 2005-01, 26,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 158 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,911 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Dodge Neon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Dodge Neon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge Neon in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Dodge Neon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 96 | 45,200 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 94 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 202 | 54,700 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 173 | 48,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 146 | 53,500 | 4 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 337 | 62,500 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 116 | 59,995 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 339 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 390 | 62,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 611 | 81,500 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 976 | 82,741 | 6 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 9 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge Neon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Neon?
Owners of the 2003 Neon most often report electrical and lighting trouble centered on the multifunction switch on the steering column: headlights and fog lights stop working, the switch or its connector overheats and melts, and in some cases smoke or fire appears from the column area. The issues reported most often: Multifunction switch / headlight wiring overheating; Headlights and fog lights stop working; Manual transmission hard to shift or popping out of gear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Dodge Neon have?
NHTSA recorded 202 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Neon as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Dodge Neon is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 72 complaints (36% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 48.
Has the 2003 Dodge Neon been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Neon get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Dodge Neon (Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Dodge Neon reported?
Among the 158 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 54,700 miles and the middle half falls between 27,911 and 82,000 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.