2003 Dodge Neon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 14%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 14% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“Plastic transmission lines running through only one radiator system. One line broke doe to cold temperatures allowed antifreeze & trans coolant to mixed together in both the engine & transmission,both had to be flushed & cost me the consumer over $648.93 out of my pocket. Their warranty did not cover it.”
NHTSA complaint #10148407, filed 2006-01, 55,292 miles“I was driving to store at moderately slow speed and transmission slipped out of gear and car would not move. Checked transmission fluid and it was empty. Car towed to dealer and I was told the radiator had given out and the coolant had circulated through the transmission. Radiator was replaced and coolant was supposedly flushed from transmission. Chrysler did pay for most of repair but only after calling chrysler.”
NHTSA complaint #10195566, filed 2007-07, 53,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 15% |
| 2004 | 23 | 24% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 36 | 21% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 2000 | 28 | 8% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 6% |
| 1997 | 26 | 7% |
| 1996 | 47 | 8% |
| 1995 | 93 | 10% |
| 1994 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Neon
72 complaintsExterior lighting
48 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 29, 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