Vehicles / Dodge / Neon / 2003

2003 Dodge Neon

202 federal complaints (290 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 46 service bulletins
See all 13 model years of the Dodge Neon →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
22 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
202
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
73
Lighting
56
Power train
28
Engine & cooling
21
Air bags
20
Brakes
19
Body & structure
11
Fuel system
10
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 19 complaints01 years old: 36 complaints2 years old: 23 complaints3 years old: 24 complaints4 years old: 21 complaints5 years old: 17 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 13 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 196 of 202 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 20 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 26 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 34 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 27 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 20 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 10 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 7 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 152 of 202 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

73 complaint records16 fire reports2 crash reports
"HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING HARNESS SHORTED AND MELTED RESULTING IN LOSS OF ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Lighting

56 complaint records8 fire reports
"HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING HARNESS SHORTED AND MELTED RESULTING IN LOSS OF ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →

Power train

28 complaint records1 fire report
"TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. YET TO BE REBUILT VERY EXPENSIVE! I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP PRODUCT AGAIN! *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA06019
opened Nov 2006
closed Nov 2007Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT FAILURE
THIS EA WAS OPENED AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES WOULD FAIL, CAUSING A LOSS OF HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORT LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION WHILE FOR OTHERS TEMPORARY LIGHTING WAS AVAILABLE BY PULLING ON...
PE06028
opened Jul 2006
closed Nov 2006Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT FAILURE
ODI HAS REVIEWED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE HEADLIGHT FUNCTION WHILE OPERATING THEIR VEHICLE.THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT A LOSS OF BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IS THE RESULT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLES MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH...
PE02082
opened Nov 2002
closed Apr 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Show 41 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
21-001-13
Jan 2013
Electrical SystemMIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
1900805
Nov 2005
SteeringREVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC
0802801
Aug 2005
Exterior LightingMOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE A VENTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONDITION. *TT
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
1100105
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingDUAL EXHAUST TIPS ARE NOT IN EQUAL FORE/AFT ALIGNMENT. *EH
2100804
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT
0300604
Sep 2004
Power TrainFRONT HUB/HALF SHAFT CLICK/POP SOUND. *TT
1900204
Aug 2004
SteeringSTEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT
2100503
May 2004
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT *MJ
1900702
Apr 2004
SteeringLOWER STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT
1801204
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingWOT ACCELERATION STUMBLE/NUMBER 4 SPARK PLUG WIRE APPEARANCE. *TT
0900704
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingIRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT
1100104
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHAUST TIP ALIGNMENT. 2004 NEON SRT4 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
110014
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHAUST TIP ALIGNMENT. 2004 NEON SRT4 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
1802603A
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NO START (ENGINE WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY), MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0016, P0116, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499, P0522, P0622, P1604, P1681, P1686, P1698. *TT
C24
Sep 2003
EquipmentOWNER'S MANUAL ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION CORRECTION - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION C24. *TT
2100603A
Aug 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT. *TT
2100503A
Aug 2003
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
0703
Jul 2003
Electrical SystemHORN MOUNTING CHANGE. *TT
1802603
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NO START (ENGINE WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY), MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0016, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499. *TT
2100603
Jun 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
0801303
May 2003
Electrical SystemERRONEOUS AIRBAG DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) - LOSS OF IGNITION RUN/START. *TT
0801003
Apr 2003
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT
1801803
Apr 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION (MIL), ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC). *TT
03005
Mar 2003
StructureRIGHT SIDE COWL WATER LEAK. RAPID RESPONSE TRANSMITTAL. *TT
03004
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingIMPROPER RIGHT MOTOR MOUNT THROUGH BOLT THAT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BOLT TORQUE. *TT
08
Mar 2003
Power TrainCOMPUTER DRIVER CHIP THAT COULD FAIL. REPLACE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TT
02025
Dec 2002
Interior LightingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION / TRANSMISSION LIMP-IN CONDITION. *TT
02020
Oct 2002
Power TrainDELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP. *TT
1802902
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NO START (ENGINE WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY), MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0016, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499, P0522, P0622, P1604, P1681, P1686. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Neon →