2003 Dodge Neon Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 24%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 24% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 7 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“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 miles“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 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 2003 Dodge Neon
72 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 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