2003 Dodge Neon Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 36%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 36% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 16 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“Smoke started coming out of the vents & steering column. Took it to the dealer & they said it was spilled anti freeze from when they changed the oil. Car was ok for a little while. Now it's smoking again the front defroster doesn't work the fog lights are gone & recently my highlights went too. I took it to the shop they shown me the burnt wires in steeling column & said the heating coil is damaged making the smell & fogs the window from the fumes. Next to go will be the turning signals & wipers if not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10678686, filed 2015-01, 10,345 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“My multi-function switch on my 2003 Dodge NEON short circuited and melted the plug that it connects to I have contacted Dodge and searched multiple junk yards for the plug and have been unable to find one Dodge charges $1100 for the wiring harness I have no low beam headlights or fog lights and cannot afford the plug from the dealership nothing has been done to fix my problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10169365, filed 2006-09, 63,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, 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…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, 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…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10189392Jan 31, 2013MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 13 | 14% |
| 2004 | 15 | 16% |
| 2003 | 72 | 36% |
| 2002 | 25 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 16% |
| 2000 | 43 | 13% |
| 1999 | 13 | 11% |
| 1998 | 21 | 6% |
| 1997 | 33 | 8% |
| 1996 | 93 | 15% |
| 1995 | 98 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Neon
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge Neon
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology