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 PER YEAR
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.
36% of complaints: electrical system — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY WIRE HARNESS/ MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH HAS MELTED CAUSING MY HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130214
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, 20031001
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, 20191020
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and POWER TRAIN
27% of complaints: exterior lighting — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.
FIREShow 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, 20121119
14% of complaints: power train — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20040422
SAFETY TIMELINE
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
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 WIT
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.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WITH
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.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Dodge Neon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.