2003 Dodge Neon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,618miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 4% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,618 miles.
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.
“As I was driving down the road with my lights on, I began to see and smell smoke coming from steering column. I turn the lights off and the smoke cleared up and went away. After some time, I turned the lights back on with no problem to be found at this time. A week or so later the headlight switch would not work unless you pulled the high beam switch, then and only as you held the switch the lights would work. ( if you have never sit and held the switch while driving at night ( of course ) to get home it is no fun. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676317, filed 2015-01, 244,517 miles“Started to see smoke and then the headlights stopped working properly. After disassembling the wiring connector from the headlight switch, I discovered the connector had overheated to the point it was charred and crumbling to pieces. This is not a misuse by operator, but a safety failure of the electrical system. This could have resulted in a fire as the fuse protecting this circuit did not fail when the circuit obviously overheated and melted and charred the plastic connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10652405, filed 2014-11, 200,000 miles“Consumer complained about a control arm bushings problem. Bushing are wearing out every 8,000 miles. Owner contacted manufacturer and dealer, who offered the owner replacement, however, because of the control arm bushings wearing thin the vehicle had a problem with the steering , as well. Vehicle could not pass inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10117677, filed 2005-04, 8,000 miles“3/22/3 5160 mi radiator loose, brakes pulse, 4/7/3 5500 mi. Front rotors replaced. 4/24/3 6204 mi. Power steering failed (twice), ps pump replaced. 6/6/3 7300 mi. Seat back poke into my back from the head rest support, actually wearing a spot in the seat back fabric. New seat back ordered.”
NHTSA complaint #10021413, filed 2003-06, 5,160 miles“Dt: the vehicle would shut down completely while in motion and the steering would lock. Also, the hazard lights would not come on. This was the third time this problem occurred in a ten month span. The first time this happened was on november 15, 2004, the second was march 23, 2005, and september 25, 2005. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice, and they replaced the battery twice. There was no forewarning, noise and or warning lights. (11/21/05)”
NHTSA complaint #10137577, filed 2005-09, 23,237 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017651Nov 2, 2005Revised power steering system bleeding procedures.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
| 2000 | 27 | 8% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 13 | 4% |
| 1997 | 15 | 4% |
| 1996 | 24 | 4% |
| 1995 | 124 | 13% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Neon
72 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 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 28, 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