2003 Dodge Neon
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 202
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 202 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 985 |
| 1996 | 611 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 339 |
| 1999 | 116 |
| 2000 | 337 |
| 2001 | 146 |
| 2002 | 173 |
| 2003 | 202 |
| 2004 | 94 |
| 2005 | 95 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
36% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
My wire harness/ multifunction switch has melted causing my headlight and fog lights not to work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-14
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Spark plug wires on a new Dodge Neon 2.4 become burnt (Cracked, brittle and ashy white) from its turbo heat of this over time. A better heat range wires/redesign would correct this problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-01
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 ODI report, 2019-10-20
Also filed under Exterior lighting and power train
Exterior lighting
27% · 55 reportsMost commonly citing switch and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Neon. The contact stated that the high beam headlight switch failed, which affected the fog lights. After performing research, the contact deduced that the wiring harness was melted and needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-19
Power train
14% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
Air bags
10% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
I was in a small collision at the speed of 10 MPH or less. I rear ended a Ford F150 truck because my brakes skided on the road, my 2003 Neon fishtailed, and I hit the bumper of the truck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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I
2006-07-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-11-22 Headlight failure
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2006-11-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-07 Headlight failure
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2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between November 9, 2007 and March 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged…
Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
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2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Dodge Neon — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 55 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Dodge Neon reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Dodge Neon is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Neon?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Neon have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.