2003 DODGE Neon Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
202
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
37 complaints
WELL I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD MY KID IN CAR 10-16-15 THANK GOD I A HAD ARRIVED HOME ON TIME WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I KEPT DRIVING I STARTED TO SEE SMOKE COMING OF DASH I WAS ON STREET COMING FROM JANESVILLE WI IT'S LIKE 35 MIN AWAY I WAS DRIVING ON HIGH WAY BUT LIKE I SAID IT STARTED HAPPENING WHILE APPROACHING HOUSE I REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO SEE INSIDE BUT THIS HAS ME SHOCKED DUE TO VIDEO I HAVE SEEN CATCHING ON FIRE WHY ISN'T NOTHING BEING DONE NO RECALL NOTHING SOMEONE CAN DIE FROM THIS I LOOKED UP PROBLEM AND IT'S A COMMON THING THATS HAPPENING THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND DISAPPOINTED WITH DODGE I NEED SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PLEASE HELP I TOOK A PICTURE OF WHEN I PARKED IT.
Oct 17, 2015
ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC, CAUSED BY OVERHEATED WIRING (PIN 16) ON TURN SIGNAL AND LIGHT CONTROL. LIGHT WOULD ONLY FUNCTION ON LOW BEAM ; WHILE HIGH BEAM INDICATOR WAS LIT . FOG LAMPS HAVE BEEN LIT ,WHEN SWITCH IS HEADLAMP ON POSITION, FOR THREE YEARS. THEY COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF UNLESS YOU USED LEFT TURN SIGNAL. WHEN HEADLAMP MALFUNCTIONED I BOUGHT REPLACEMENT SWITCH. DURING INSTALLATION, FOUND WIRING HARNESS TERMINAL WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE, AS IT WAS MALFORMED AND BRITTLE DUE TO EXCESS HEAT. I TOOK PICTURES TO DOCUMENT WIRE POSITION; THERE IS NO PIN 15 OR 10 : ALSO NO WIRE TO TERMINAL POSITIONS 15,10, AND 12. THERE IS A PIN 12 ON THE SWITCH. *TR
Jan 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARMENT WHILE THE BATTERY WAS BEING CHARGED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE TEMPERATURE, SPEEDOMETER, FUEL AND RPM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Jun 24, 2014
HI, I HAVE A DODGE NEON 03, AND IT CUTS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, EVERYTHING IN THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND THE CAR COMES TO AN INSTANT STOP ON THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO OCCASIONS WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY THOUGHT THAT THEY KNEW WHAT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME AND THEY JUST SWITCHED OUT A CAR PART, BUT THEY DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE TWO MONTHS LATER MY CAR STOPED AGAIN ON JULY 4TH. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP, THEY KEPT IT FOR TWO DAYS TO RUN TEST AND THEY GAVE ME MY CAR BACK AND SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. ABOUT A MONTH GOES BY AND MY CAR COMES TO A SUDDEN STOP ON A HIGHWAY THIS TIME, ON AUGUST 3RD. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS AT THIS POINT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, BUT YOU CAN SEE HOW ONE COULD EASILY OCCUR AND HOW IT COULD POSSIBLY BE FATAL FOR THE DRIVER AND OTHERS. I DID SOME REASEARCH AND DISCOVERED ONLINE THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHERS THAT WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR DODGE NEONS, AND IT'S NOT JUST THE 03'S BUT ALSO THE 96-98, AND 2000'S. I JUST THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT SOMEONE SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. THANKS *TR
Aug 05, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SWITCH AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SWITCH WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $130. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/11/13
Jan 07, 2013
+ 32 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
23 complaints
STARTED VEHICLE DURING RAINY, FOGGY, 40 DEGREE WEATHER. HEADLAMP INDICATOR DID NOT COME ON WITHIN GAUGE CLUSTER. UPON CHECKING OUTSIDE THE CAR, ONLY PARKING LIGHTS WERE FUNCTIONING DESPITE HEADLIGHTS SWITCH BEING IN THE "ON" POSITION. BURNING SMELL OCCURRED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND MULTIFUNCTION HARNESS CONNECTOR IS MELTED. *TR
Apr 08, 2015
SMELLED HOT WIRING AND 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 UF 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. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEM. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
MY WIRE HARNESS/ MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH HAS MELTED CAUSING MY HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. *TR
Feb 14, 2013
FIRST THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON. UPON INSPECTION OF THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, I NOTICED A PORTION OF THE PLUG HAD MELTED FROM EXTREME HEAT. MOST LIKELY DUE TO A POOR DESIGN IN THE WIRING, THE CIRCUITS OR THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. HAD THIS BEEN LEFT UNNOTICED IT COULD EASILY RESULT IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGES, FIRE OR PERSONAL HARM.
May 28, 2011
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY CAR FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WERE MY HIGH BEAMS WILL OPERATE BUT MY LOW BEAMS WOULDN'T. NOW MY HIGH BEAMS WILL OPERATE BUT I AM UNABLE TO SWITCH TO MY LOW BEAMS. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS WITH MY BATTERY DYING SEVERAL TIMES WHICH RESULTED IN GETTING A JUMP FROM ANOTHER CAR. I END UP HAVING A BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REPLACED ON MY CAR LAST YEAR BETWEEN NOV/DEC 2010. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN LOCATED NEAR THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. THIS HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. MY CAR DIDN'T START MONDAY 3-28-11 MORNING SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. THE MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE CAR BUT NO READINGS REGARDING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE IMPORTANT QUESTION PERTAINS TO WHAT IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. *TR
Mar 31, 2011
+ 18 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
19 complaints
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. THE DEALER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE HIGH LOW BEAM MECHANISM, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 185,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Nov 19, 2012
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THEN WOULD ONLY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL FINALLY THEY DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. TOOK OFF THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO THE SWITCH WAS MELTED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURERS MADE THE WIRES TOO SMALL TO CARRY THE ELECTRICAL LOAD. *TR
Sep 01, 2012
JUST DRIVING ONE DAY EVENING, ABOUT 1.5 HOURS ONTO THE TRIP I START TO SMELL SOMETHING WIERD AND A FEW MINUETS LATER MY HEADLIGHTS START TO FLICKER AND THEN THEY SHUTOFF. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FUSES, THEY WERE ALL GOOD. I HAD TO STAY IN A NEARBY HOTEL THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I LOOKED AT AN ONLINE FORUM FOR A SOLUTION AND FOUND ONE THAT SUGGESTED THAT THE HARNESS MELTS. I PULLED OFF THE STERRING COLUM AND TO FIND THE CONNECTOR INTO THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH HAS COMPLETLY MELTED. I BOUGHT A NEW HARNESS AND SWITCH AND INSTALLED MYSELF. THE FORUM SAID THAT TO KEEP THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO NOT LET THE WIRES GET TOO HOT. *TR
Feb 16, 2011
WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AND SIGNALING FOR A RIGHT TURN THE FOG LIGHTS COME ON THE ENTIRE TIME IT WAS IN THAT POSITION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME NOW ALTHOUGH THE FOG LIGHT SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. WHILE TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM I NOTICED THAT MOVEMENT OF THE TURN SIGNAL STALK IN A CIRCULAR MOTION ALSO TURNED ON THE FOG LIGHTS BRIEFLY. *TR
Jan 13, 2011
MY 2003 DODGE NEON SRT4 STARTED SMOKING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, AND MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, ALSO MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AS WELL. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AFTER CHECKING THEY SAW THAT THE CONNECTOR FROM THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS ALL MELTED AND HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE THANK GOD IT DIDN'T SPREAD AT THE TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HARNESS AND SWITCH AND FROM FORUMS I HAVE COME TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A LOT THIS CARS WITH SAME PROBLEM. THIS HAS TO STOP IS REALLY DANGEROUS AND IS COSTING US A LOT OF MONEY, IT IS REALLY UNSAFE. *TR
Nov 22, 2010
+ 14 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
19 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON SRT4 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE 3RD GEAR SHIFTER SUDDENLYPOPPED OUT OF PLACE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING AFTER A LITTLE MANEUVERING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Mar 29, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE TRANSMISSIONS SECOND GEAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD METAL SHAVINGS, BUT THEY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED.
Jul 19, 2010
BOUGHT CAR NEW AND I AM METICULOUS ABOUT IT'S MAINTENANCE. OIL SEAL IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TWICE NOW. ONCE IN 2004 WITH ABOUT 10,000 MI. ON THE CAR WITH NO DAMAGE TO CLUTCH DISC AND AGAIN NOW IN 2008 WITH 45,000 MI. THIS TIME THE CLUTCH DISC WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE REPAIR UNDER CHRYSLER'S 7 YR. 70,000 MI. DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY. ENDED UP PAYING FOR A NEW CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS THE 100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. THIS IS JUST ONE OF ABOUT 15 TIMES THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR MAJOR REPAIR. *TR
Sep 26, 2008
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. *AK
Jul 08, 2007
TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. YET TO BE REBUILT VERY EXPENSIVE! I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP PRODUCT AGAIN! *JB
Apr 23, 2007
+ 14 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
15 complaints
WE WERE HIT FROM THE SIDE AND TORE UP THE WHOLE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Jun 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Mar 08, 2016
THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AGGRESSIVELY, WITH POSSIBLE METALLIC SHRAPNEL OR FRAGMENT INTRUSION INTO THE DRIVER'S BODY, BECAUSE THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A COMPLETE TRANSECTION OF THE RIGHT MAIN BRONCHUS - EITHER FROM METAL DEBRIS OR FROM AN OVER-AGGRESSIVE INFLATION THAT CAUSED SEVERE BLUNT TRAUMA TO THE CHEST.
May 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND ADVISED THAT ALL OF THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BASED ON THE IMPACT. THE POLICE HAD TO CUT THE DRIVER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE STATE'S TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Jul 29, 2010
I REARENDED AN SUV DURING A RAINSTORM. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF MY CAR, AND SIDE PANELS WERE TOTALED. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR WAS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT AND DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR FRONT OF MY CAR ACTUALLY LEFT MINOR INTERIOR DAMAGE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL-PANEL PIECES BECAME DETACHED. I RECEIVED MULTIPLE BRUISES, MINOR CUTS, AND MAJOR HEADACHE FOR DAYS AFTERWARDS DUE TO THE FORCE OF HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL THEN MY SEATBELT JERKING ME INTO MY SEAT. *TR
Jun 11, 2010
+ 10 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 complaints
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
Apr 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. HE TOOK THE REAR BRAKES APART ON HIS VEHICLE TO INSPECT THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE MAKING GRINDING NOISES. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINING SEPARATED FROM THE BACKING PLATE. ALSO THE ADHESIVE WAS SEPARATING. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Nov 13, 2009
2003 DODGE NEON BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD GO ON REVEALING LOW BRAKE FLUID. PROBLEM RESOLVED BY ADDING BRAKE FLUID AND LIGHT WOULD GO OUT. AFTER TWO INCIDENTS OF CORRECTING SAME PROBLEM CAR WAS DRIVEN AND BRAKES WERE HARD TO PRESS AND DID NOT STOP WITHIN ACCEPTABLE DISTANCES. CAR WAS INSPECTED BY SERVICEMAN AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE LOWER BRAKE LINE FITTING PERPENDICULAR TO THE GROUND AND ATTACHED TO THE MASTER CYLINDERS LEAKED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT YOU ASSUME YOU LOSE BRAKE FLUID BY USE AND IT IS REALLY A LEAK. ADDING FLUID APPEARS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT BY THE TIME YOU RECEIVED A BRAKE LIGHT WARNING AIR HAS ENTERED THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND CAUSES A SITUATION WHERE YOUR BRAKE DISTANCED IS COMPROMISED AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS YOU MAY NOT STOP WITHIN THE DISTANCE YOU ARE ACCUSTOMED TO AND THIS MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. TIGHTENING THE FITTINGS DID NOT WORK AT HE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Sep 16, 2008
DRUM BRAKE PAD FAILURE. FRICTION MATERIEL SEPARETED FROM METAL BACKING AND CAUSED IMMEDIATE LOCKUP OF RT REAR DRUM BRAKE. VEHICLE TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THAT WOULD HAVE HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE, POSSIBLY FATAL. VEHICLE TYPE 2003 DODGE NEON SXT, MILEAGE 52000. FACTORY ORIGNAL BRAKE PADS.*AK
Mar 21, 2007
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DASHBOARD. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED, AND THEY FOUND THE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.*AK UPDATED 1/19/2006 - REPAIRS WERE MADE ON 12/28/2005. *NM
Dec 29, 2005
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
9 complaints
ENGINE BLOWING DUE TO RINGS DETERIORATING BEFORE REACHING 100,000 MILES. COMPRESSION LOW, CAR SHAKES, CLOSE TO STALLING OUT. HARDER TO START. ONLY WAY TO FIX IS BY REPLACING ENGINE. HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF REFERENCES TO THIS ON MANY DODGE FORUMS AND OTHER SITES. DOES NOT JUST INCLUDE THE 03 NEON SXT, ALSO SE, SRT, INTREPID, AND ONE OF THE CHRYSLER MODELS. *TR
Jul 27, 2011
NO PRIOR INCIDENTS. DRIVING ALONG, TRANSMISSION SLIPS. I LET OFF GAS, SEEMS TO RE-ENGAGE, PRESS ON GAS AGAIN, SLIPS AGAIN. PULLED OVER AFTER ABOUT 200 YDS, TRIED REVERSE - NO MOVEMENT. TRAIL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID BEHIND ME, PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND. TAKE TO SHOP - TOLD RADIATOR IS RUINED, AND COOLANT HAD CIRCULATED THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION. MECHANIC HASN'T SEEN THIS BEFORE, YET IS OBVIOUSLY A COMMON COMPLAINT HERE ON NHTSA. LINES RUNNING THROUGH RADIATOR TO COOL TRANS. FLUID ARE PLASTIC - DOOMED FOR FAILURE. I SEE A PATTERN HERE, ANYONE ELSE? *TR
Nov 10, 2010
NO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS WITH TRANSMISSION OR RADIATOR, FLUIDS BOTH FINE LAST TIME CAR DRIVEN, DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY FOUR MILES FROM HOME, ENGINE BEGAN TO REV, APPEARED TO HAVE TROUBLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BETWEEN GEARS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CHECKED AT LOCATION, RADIATOR EMPTY, TRANSMISSION FLUID LOW, CHECKED 30 MIN LATER, TRANSMISSION FLUID EMPTY, REFILLED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND LEAKED FROM RADIATOR- RADIATOR RUPTURE, UNSURE IF DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION FROM RADIATOR RUPTURE AT THIS TIME. *TR
Nov 24, 2009
CAR HAD A PROBLEM WITH A FUEL SENSOR, WE HAD IT REPLACED. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER A FUEL CAM WENT OUT. WE HAD IT REPLACED. WE TOOK THE CAR HOME AND NEXT MORNING IT HAD OIL ALL OVER THE PLACE. TOWED IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T WORK ON THAT SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY STATED I HAD A MAJOR HEAD CASKET PROBLEM. IT STARTED OUT AT $800, THEN THEY KEPT FINDING MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD. THE GROMMETS NEEDED REPLACED AND A LOT MORE PARTS. FINALLY THEY STATED THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEAD. IT STARTED AT $800 THEN WENT TO $1100 THEN $1800 THEN $2100. BY THE TIME THEY WHERE DONE IT WAS UP TO $2,600. THEY GAVE ME A TECHNICAL BULLETIN STATING THAT CHRYSLER KNEW ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THESE VEHICLES ARE KNOW TO BE THROW AWAY CARS BUILT TO REPLACE OVER AND OVER. WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE I BROUGHT IT. *TR
Jan 19, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE RATTLES HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE VEHICLE STALL. IT HAS STALLED FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER REPAIRED TRANSMISSION BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLES BEEN TO THE SHOP ON SIX OCCASIONS FOR THIS ISSUE.
Jul 19, 2006
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,421.
Oct 05, 2017
WHILE PARKED IN THE RAIN, WATER WAS LEAKING FROM TOP OF DRIVERS-SIDE DOOR, SOAKING THE DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR TO A POINT THAT SQUISHING SOUNDS COULD BE HEARD, ALSO DURING RAIN, THE DRIVERS-SIDE OF THE TRUNK LEAKED & IT SOAKED ENOUGH WATER TO BE ABLE TO SOAK A CLOTH & SQUEEZE WATER OUT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE. *TR
Jul 11, 2013
WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER WE BOUGHT IT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK WAS LEAKING AND HAD SO MUCH WATER IN IT THAT MUSHROOMS WERE LITERALLY GROWING UNDER THE CARPET. NO ONE COULD FIX THE TRUNK LEAK. WE HAD TO TAKE THE CARPET OUT AND BLEACH THE MUSHROOMS OFF, TWICE. WE ENDED UP BUYING CAULKING AND FIXED IT OURSELVES SO WE WOULDN'T WASTE $250 FOR A MECHANIC TO NOT FIX IT AGAIN. IT TOOK 3 TUBES OF CAULKING, BUT IT STOPPED LEAKING. NOW THE SUN ROOF LEAKS AS WELL. BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIX THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM EITHER. WE'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO 4 SEPARATE GARAGES AND HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE "FIXED" 6 TIMES NOW. WE'VE SPENT AT LEAST $500 ALL IN ALL ON THIS ONE PROBLEM AND EACH TIME, THE LIGHT GOES OFF, BUT A WEEK LATER IT COMES BACK ON. NO ONE CAN FIX IT. WE'VE HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND WE'VE ALREADY PUT AT LEAST $1000 INTO IT, IF YOU INCLUDE THE BRAKES AND TUNE UPS. *TR
Feb 04, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRUNK AND MOLD STARTED TO GROW IN THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Nov 25, 2011
MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2003 DODGE NEON AND WHEN IT RAINS WATER COLLECTS IN THE TRUNK AND RIGHT FRONT FLOORBOARD. IF YOU CHECK OUT WEBSITES ON COMPLAINTS ABOUT DODGE NEONS AND THEIR WATER LEAKS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR MORE COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS. THIS WATER LEAK DOES PRESENT A SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD IN THE FORM OF MOLD COLLECTING IN A CAR. THIS DEFECT IN CONSTRUCTION NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I CONTACTED MY DODGE DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT RESPOND TO ME. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
2003 DODGE NEON LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WORN OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME FIRST TIME AT 68,000, NOW AT 87,000. THE SHOP SAYS VERY UNSAFE. *TR
Dec 20, 2010
BOUGHT CAR NEW. REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS HAVE FAILED TWICE ON THIS CAR AND DURING MY LAST INSPECTION THE PASSENGERS SIDE BUSHING WAS STARTING TO TEAR AND FAIL AGAIN. A LOCAL DODGE DEALER STILL INSPECTED THE CAR AFTER FIRESTONE WOULD NOT DUE TO SAFETY THE SAFETY ISSUES OF A FAILED CONTROL ARM BUSHING. FIRST FAILURE HAPPENED AT AROUND 25,000 MI. AND SECOND AROUND 40,000 MI. THEY WILL BE REPLACED AGAIN DURING NEXT YEARS SAFETY INSPECTION DONE AT FIRESTONE THIS TIME. THIS CAR IS GARBAGE. *TR
Sep 26, 2008
LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS FALLING OUT OF CONTROL ARM. *NM
Nov 17, 2006
THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE SCRAPING AND SQUEAKING NOISES WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND DIPS. I INSPECTED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND HAD FOUND THAT THE REAR BUSHINGS ON BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARMS. THE PASSENGERS SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED AND WAS TOUCHING THE SUB FRAME, THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS CLOSE TO FAILING. BOTH BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Oct 10, 2005
DT: THE BUSHINGS ON BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARMS. THE LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS TOUCHING THE SUB FRAME, AND THE RIGHT SIDE WAS ALMOST THERE. BOTH BUSHINGS HAD COME OUT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE DEALER SAID TO HAVE CHRYSLER LOOK AT IT TOO.*AK
Aug 08, 2005
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
1. STARTED TO ACCELERATE OFF OF A GREEN LIGHT HEARD A LOUD POP. THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, WHEN IN GEAR, WITHOUT ME HAVING TO APPLY ANY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR. AS I CONTINUED ON MY WAY HOME I HEARD A LOUD HISSING LIKE A METAL ON METAL SOUND. POSSIBLY THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR 2. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ANY OF MY VEHICLES. 3. THE INCIDENT JUST HAPPENED TODAY TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Jul 15, 2010
WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED VIOLENTLY FORWARD CAUSING ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO SUSTAIN NECK TRAUMA, NOT SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH THOUGH TO REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 150 TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, WHICH HAS BEEN ALMOST 3 YEARS. THIS LAST TIME WAS CONCERNING ENOUGH FOR ME TO FILE THIS REPORT. MOST TIMES IT IS REALLY NOT THAT SIGNIFICANT OF A JERK OR LURCH, BUT DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE AND ANNOYING/CONCERNING. IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM USUALLY STOPPED AND START TO PROCEED, AND THE SPEEDOMETER WILL SHOW A DROP IN SPEED, HESITATE, AND JERK THE CAR FORWARD. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND HAVE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE TWICE. ONCE THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP, AND ONCE THEY REPLACED THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR. I HAVE SINCE BEEN ONLINE LOOKING FOR OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME, AND BELIEVE ME, THERE ARE MANY, AND FIND THAT IT IS THE OXYGEN SENSOR THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. IF I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR JERKING FORWARD, ENOUGH TO CAUSE MY NECK TO ALMOST SUSTAIN WHIPLASH, I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR, AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY YOUR AGENCY. *TR
May 10, 2009
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN THE DRIVER BARELY TOUCHED THE PEDAL, ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLES THAT WERE IN FRONT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.*AK
Feb 08, 2005
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE NEON SXT THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR CONTROL THE CAR SPEED. THIS HAPPENED IN THE FAST LANE OF A 6 LANE ROADWAY. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. WHILE WITH THIS INCIDENT I WAS FORTUNATE TO AVOID A COLLISION IF THE POTENTIAL FOR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAS OBVIOUS. SEVERAL APPROACHING CARS NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLIDING WITH MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED. *JB
Feb 06, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Jan 05, 2005
TIRES
4 complaints
I HAVE A 2003 DODGE NEON WITH YOKOHAMA TIRES THAT ARE 185/60/15. I BOUGHT 4 TIRES AND IN A MONTH IN A HALF 2 OF THEM BOTH ONE THAT WAS A LEFT FRONT AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALLS. THE OTHER ONE THAT WAS ON THE REAR LEFT BLEW OUT 3 WEEKS EARLIER AT HIGHWAY SEEDS THE SIDEWALLS. I PERSONALLY HAS TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 14, 2010
CUPPING OF TIRES NOT ASSOCIATED WITH NORMAL WEAR OR VEHICLE - VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE BAD ALIGNMENT, OR SHOCKS, ISSUE BEGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES ON TIRES SOLD FOR 60K MILES. *TR
Sep 09, 2009
HIGH SPEED BLOW OUT AFFTER ONLY 3 1/2 MONTHS TOTALED MY CAR ON TOP OF IT. *TR
May 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. THE VEHICLE HAS FALKEN, SIZE 18565R15 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000.
Sep 24, 2007
STEERING
3 complaints
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. ) THAT WEEK END I PULLED THE COVERS OFF THE COLUMN AND PULLED THE HARNESS OUT OF SWITCH TO FIND IT WAS MELTED. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM DOWN A VEHICLE UNTIL THIS IS FIXED. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FIRE. *TR
Jan 18, 2015
I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. I COULDN'T TURN ON MY HEADLIGHTS WITHOUT SWITCHING THE SWITCH FORM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAMS A FEW TIMES, THEN I WOULD TURN THE SWITCH OFF THEN ON, AND THE LHEADLIGHTS WOULD THEN TURN ON. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON, THEY MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME TO BRIGN MY CAR IN TO BE LOOKED AT. WHEN THEY FOUND OUT WHAT IT WAS THEY THEN CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE PLUG FROM THE SWITCH WAS MELTED AND WHEN THEY TRIED TO TAKE THE PLUG OUT FROM WHER IT WAS PLUGGED INTO, THE PLUG BROKE APART INTO SEVERAL PIECES. MY QUESTION TO THE SEERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS, WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THAT SWITCH TO HEAT UP AND MELT THE WAY IT DID? HE IN TURN SAID TO ME, I DON'T KNOW, YOUR CAR ISN'T THE ONLY TYPE THA HAS BEEN IN HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IF MY CAR WASN'T THE FIRST INTO THEIR SERVICXE DEPARTMENT TO BE REPAIRED, THEN TO ME THIS IS A PROBLEM, THE SWITCH IS HEATING UP CAUSING THE PLUG TO MELT, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT COULD CASUE A FIRE, BUT I WASN'T GARANTEED THAT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE SPENT 250.00 PLUS TAX AND LABOR WHICH ALL TOGETHER CAME TO $354. 74. COULD SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE AND SEE IF THIS IS A RECALL PROBLEM. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECALL. IF IT IS HAPPENING TO SEVERAL OTHER CARS. NOT ONLY MY TYPE OF CAR EITHER. I HAVE THE 2003 DODGE NEON SXT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE EMAIL ON THIS MATTER, OR CALLME. THANK YOU AGAIN.
Mar 16, 2007
LOOSENESS AND RATTLE IN STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Dec 09, 2003
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP FROM 35 MPH AND THE LAP/SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S KNEE TO HIT THE DASHBOARD, AND HIS CHEST TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER DECLINED TRANSPORTATION TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. *AK
Apr 06, 2005
THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT TENSIONER BROKE. THE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T STAY TIGHT. DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 17, 2004
THE REAR SEAT BELT MECHANISM BROKE, ALSO, THE PLASTIC COVER WHICH PROTECTED THE METAL FELL OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Jun 16, 2004
WHEELS
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
May 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT A FLAT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF. VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS RIM. LUGS NUTS SHEARED OFF. *AK
Jan 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT. THIS WAS DUE TO THE RIM PEELING OFF. *PH
Jul 31, 2003
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
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. *TR
Nov 04, 2014
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. *AK (11/21/05) *SC
Sep 26, 2005
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. EVERYTIME THE CONTACT ACTIVATES THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED AN INFLUX OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE VEHICLE. HE EXHIBITS PHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, SUCH AS FEELING LIGHT HEADED. THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE OR FIND A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,500.
Dec 19, 2008
WATER FLOWS INTO THE TRUNK OF THE CAR BY GOING DOWN THROUGH THE SIDE PANELS (UNDER THE TRUNK) AND ENDS UP UNDER THE SPARE TIRE. THIS MAKES IT HARD TO IDENTIFY BECAUSE YOU DON'T NOTICE IT UNTIL YOU NEED YOUR SPARE. *JB
Oct 04, 2005
CHILD SEAT
2 complaints
THE STRAP THAT ATTACHES THE CAR SEAT BASE TO THE HOOK IN THE CAR IS NOT SECURED TO THE BASE VERY WELL. THE STRAP IS SECURED BY ONE SCREW AND THE STRAP IS NOT REINFORCED WHERE THE SCREW GOES THROUGH IT SO THE HOLE STRETCHES AND EVENTUALLY BECOMES LARGER THAN THE SCREW HEAD MAKING IT SO THAT THE STRAP IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE BASE. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2003, MAKE=DODGE, MODEL=NEON). *TR
Oct 07, 2008
THE CONSUMER WANTED TO A SEND A THANKS TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR HELP IN FINDING AN APPROPRIATE EVENFLO #3672098 P2 CHILD SEAT AND INSTALLING IT FOR INFANT. MR....*AK *JB
May 07, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
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!!
Oct 20, 2019
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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. *TR
Oct 28, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE VENTS & STEERING COLUMN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER & THEY SAID IT WAS SPILLED ANTI FREEZE FROM WHEN THEY CHANGED THE OIL. CAR WAS OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE. NOW IT'S SMOKING AGAIN THE FRONT DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK THE FOG LIGHTS ARE GONE & RECENTLY MY HIGHLIGHTS WENT TOO. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THEY SHOWN ME THE BURNT WIRES IN STEELING COLUMN & SAID THE HEATING COIL IS DAMAGED MAKING THE SMELL & FOGS THE WINDOW FROM THE FUMES. NEXT TO GO WILL BE THE TURNING SIGNALS & WIPERS IF NOT FIXED. *TR
Jan 24, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
UPON WARMING THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING TO WORK WINDOWS STEAMED UP BADLY I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF COLD TEMP OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE WINTER. ALWAYS HAVING A SWEET TASTE IN MY MOUTH TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT THERE SAID THE HEATER CORE WAS LEAKING WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I CALLED THE LOCAL PARTS STORE AND GOT A PRICE ON IT 60.00 DOLLARS I THOUGHT THIS PRICE WAS OK .THE PARTS HOUSE SAID GOOD LUCK I ASKED WHY HE WAS SMILING WHEN HE SAID THAT .HE SAID THAT WAS AN 800.00 DOLLAR JOB BY THE DEALER. HE WAS SO RIGHT!! THE SOB WHO DESIGNED THAT SHOULD BEEN MADE TO CHANGE IT IN EVERY CAR THAT THE CORE WET BAD IN I HAVE OWNED 96 1500 97 1500 99 1500 AND NOW 2003 EVERY ONE HEATER CORE LEAKS .WENT ON LINE TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM HUNDREDS. PEOPLE ARE BREATHING ANTIFREEZE VAPOR. HELP!!!! *TR
Apr 25, 2013
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
PREMATURE FAILURE OF MOTOR MOUNTS. CAUSING POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXHAUST SYSTEM, EXCESSIVE NOISE AND VIBRATION. *TR
Sep 15, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 DODGE NEON SXT. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2008. 6 MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN AT ALL. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS TO THIS. AAMACO SAID THAT THE RADIATOR BLEW WHICH LED TO THE COOLANT AND TRANS. FLUID MIXING TOGETHER AND DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD NO WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT USED. IT COST ME 3500 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE CAR IS BURNING FUEL. I AM GETTING ANYWHERE FROM 10 TO 17 MPG DEPENDING ON THE DAY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS, INCLUDING A DEALERSHIP, WHO CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE WORST PROBLEM YET IS THAT WHEN IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE AND I AM DRIVING THE CAR THERE IS A SMALL THUNKING NOISE, AND THEN A LOUD THUNKING NOISE THAT LOCKS UP THE REAR TIRES AND BRINGS THE CAR TO A SKIDDING HALT. SO FAR, KNOW ON WOOD, NO ACCIDENTS, BUT IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AGAIN, THE CAR HAS GONE TO SEVERAL MECHANICS WHO CLAIMED THEY FIGURED OUT THE PROBLEM. HAVE CHANGED EVERYTHING FROM AXLES, TO BRAKE CYLINDERS AND BRAKES. PAID APPROXIMATELY 1500 DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET, AND THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN WHO I REFUSE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE IN THIS CAR FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. *TR
Sep 12, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING SPARK PLUGS IN OUR NEON, I NOTICED THE FUEL RAIL FOR THE INJECTORS UNDER THE HOOD HAS A LOT OF SEVERE RUST AND PITTING ON IT. IT MUST BE MADE OUT OF STEEL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER UNDER WATER SO THIS MUST BE BAD PARTS. I DON'T LIKE THE FACT THAT IT IS RUSTING OUT. ONE PIN HOLE AND THERE WOULD BE AN ENGINE FIRE. I HAVE MY CHILDREN WHO WORK IN A SALVAGE YARD LOOKING TO GET ME A RUST FREE ONE NOW TO REPLACE THIS ONE. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Jul 06, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE CAR WAS IN OPERATION + PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF AIRBAG. DRIVER WAS FORCED TO CLAW THE AIRBAG OUT OF HIS WAY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND STEER IT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO KNOWN TAMPERING WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PRIOR TO THIS; CAR WAS USED, BUT HAD ONLY BODY WORK DONE TO OUR KNOWLEDGE. HEAT DAMAGE TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. DRIVER SUFFERED SOME FACIAL AND NECK INJURY--POSSIBLY OTHERS. *TR
May 14, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, IT STARTED RAINING AND I TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS ON. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON BUT THE DRIVING LIGHTS DID, I FLIP THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UP TO HIGH BEAMS AND THE BRIGHTS WORKED. I NOTICED IN THE PROCESS THAT SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN AND IT SMELLED LIKE WIRES BURNING. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AFTER IT HAD RAINED. I SET MY CRUISE CONTROL, THE FIRST TIME, USED IT SINCE THE SMOKE. I SET THE CRUISE AT 75 MPH. THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING TO 80 THE COMPUTER CAUGHT THE INCREASE AND DOWNSHIFTED ON IT'S OWN. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN, THIS TIME IT WAS UP TO 90 MPH, AND CONTINUING TO GAIN SPEED. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON TO RELEASE THE CRUISE AND NEITHER WORKED. I WAS COMING UP ON THE EXIT THAT I WAS NEEDING TO TAKE. I DOWN SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TO 2ND AND 1ST THE CAR SLOWED, BUT NOT ENOUGH. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND STILL THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXIT RAMP THERE WAS A WIDE SPOT THAT I KNEW THAT I COULD USE IF A CAR WAS COMING. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXIT RAMP I WAS FINALLY DOWN TO 30 MPH BUT STILL NOT ABLE TO STOP. I FINALLY PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, STILL THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. FINALLY WHEN THE CAR WAS HEADED UP A HILL THE CAR SLOWED TO 10 MPH AND I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. FINALLY, I STOPPED WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND WITH OUT LEAVING THE ROAD. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED SINCE THE SMOKE AND HEADLIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED ON DIM. THE DODGE PLACE, DALTON, GA IS SAYS THAT THE MULTI FUNCTIONAL SWITCH THAT CONTROL THE HEADLIGHT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO LOCKUP THAT IS ON A DIFFERENT CONTROL. HOW MANY LIVES HAVE TO BE INJURED OR LOST BEFORE CHRYSLER ISSUES A RECALL FOR THEIR CARS. I HAD MY 8 & 10 YR OLDS WITH ME EARLIER, AND HAD JUST DROPPED THEM OFF. IS FIXING YOUR PARTS THAT ARE INSTALLED ON CARS BY MANUFACTURERS WORTH MORE THAN 3+ LIVES. *TR
Apr 21, 2009
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A SEVERE CRASH AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY SECURE HER AND SHE STRUCK THE STEERING COLUMN. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT NEVER SAW ANY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,000.
Apr 11, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I AM THE 2ND HAND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN IN POSSESSION OF IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND 1/2 HAVE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED IT AND IT HAS 55,000 MILE ON IT. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION BECAME RATHER JUMPY AND IT WAS TO GO INTO SERVICE BUT THE DAY BEFORE I WAS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IT WAS MORE JUMPY THAN USUAL AND I SMELT TRANS. FLUID THROUGH MY AIR VENTS. CHECKED TRANS. FLUID AND FOUND NOTHING ON THE STICK, SHUT IF OFF, LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF PINK FLUID UNDER ON THE GROUND. LOOKED AT THE LITTLE BIT OF FLUID THAT WAS THE TRANS STICK AND IT WAS THE SAME COLOR. LOOKED IN THE COOLANT, SAME FLUID AS ON THE STICK AND THE GROUND. MY RADIATOR HAD GIVEN OUT MIXING MY COOLANT WITH TRANS. FLUID. THIS LEFT ME TO PAY $974 OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE CHRYSLER WOULD NOT HELP PAY FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. CAR IS UNDER A 7/70K POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. RADIATOR IS NOT COVERED. *TR
Mar 28, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE NEON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER SPORADICALLY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FOG LIGHT FAILED. SHE HAD THE FOG LIGHT REPAIRED, BUT IT FAILED AGAIN SIX MONTHS LATER. SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THAT, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Jan 28, 2008
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
BACK BRAKES FALL OFF THE PADS AND CAUSES TIRE TO LOCK UP, CAUSING A 360 TURN AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT! THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONE YEAR, ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR. SECOND TIME WAS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BACK BRAKES. HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND SPRINGS ON EACH SIDE. *TR
Dec 21, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A DODGE NEON SXT 2003, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO PEP BOYS TO HAVE THE COMPUTER PUT ON IT AND IT WOULD TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I DIDN'T DO THAT, I TOOK IT SOME WHERE ELSE TO HAVE IT CHECKED. IT WAS THE PURGE SOLENOID THAT HAD GONE BAD. SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY ASKED ME WHAT I FOUND OUT WITH IT, I TOLD THEM I DID BUT I WASN'T TELLING THEM WHAT I FOUND OUT, IT WAS THEIR JOB TO FIND OUT AND WHEN THEY FIND OUT TO LET ME KNOW SO I WOULD SEE IF THE PROBLEM MATCH WITH WHAT I FOUND OUT. THEY CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM . A MONTH LATER I TOOK IT BACK BECAUSE IT STILL WAS TAKING TO MUCH GAS TO FILL UP THE VEHICLE, THIS TIME THEY FOUND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG THEY DID FIND IT WAS THE PURGE SOLENOID THAT HAD GONE BAD. I HAVE A 7-YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE NEON. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 479.00 FOR THE PART NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR. DID I MENTION THAT THE NEON IS A 2003 AND WHEN THE SOLENOID WENT THE CAR ONLY HAD 28,000 MILES ON IT AND RIGHT NOW IT HAS ONLY 31,500. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR THAT PART. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A HONDA OR A TOYOTA. I HAVE HAD IT WITH CAR. AS MANY REPAIRS THAT I HAVE HAD DONE I THINK I WOULD HAVE TWO CARS IN MY DRIVEWAY BY NOW. *TR
Dec 15, 2007
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
2003 DODGE NEON'S HOOD UNLATCHED AND OPENED . *TS THE POLICE OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS PREVIOUS FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. SOME PART WERE BEING SECURED WITH TWINE. HOOD LATCH AND GRILL SUPPORT APPEARED TO NOT BE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER DUE TO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. THE DRIVE CLAIMED THAT THE LATCH WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. *NM
Dec 01, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SPEED SENSOR SHORTED AND CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO SHORT OUT. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE IT WAS THEN TOWED TO A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WERE REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE SENSOR. *AK
Jan 05, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE STALLED AND DIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THERE WAS TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. NO FURTHER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK
Nov 21, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THE HORN WAS REPLACED ON AUGUST 3, 2004 AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 . SHE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING WHEN CRANKED. SHE STATED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WOULD START. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP , AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, AND THE FLASHED PCM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING AGAIN; THIS BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2005. THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED THIS TIME. *AK
Oct 20, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 DODGE NEON THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITH ONE MILE ON IT WHEN I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT. SINCE THAT DREADFULL DAY I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING AROUND 10K MILES. FIRST SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONETS IN THE SOUND SYSTEM WENT OUT. FROM THERE I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACEDBECAUSE NEARLY EVERY 5K MILES STARTING AROUND 10,500 MILES. THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME STARTING WHEN THE TEMPERATURES GET TOO CLOSE TO 20 DEGREES F, WHEN YOU GET TO ZERO FORGET IT. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY TESTED MY DEALER CHARGED ME $30.00 SOME ODD DOLLARS TO DO THAT AND SAID IT IS JUST ME. WHEN IT GETS TOO HOT LIKE AROUND 85 DEGREES OR SO IT RUNS LIKE IT IS BOGING DOWN. THE FULE INJECTION SENSORS HAVE GONE OUT TWICE 200 MILES APPART AND AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE HAS NEARLY 33K MILES ON IT. I HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 3K MILES AND HAVE CHANGED THE AIR FILTER AND SPARK PLUGS AS DIRECTED. I ALSO HAVE ALL OF MY SERVICE RECEIPTS FROM THE TRIPS TO THE DEALR I REGUARDS TO THE ELECTRICAL, BREAK AND INJECTION WORK I HAVE HAD DONE. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO THREE DIFERENT DODGE DEALERS HOPING ONE WOULD FIND SOMETHING THE OTHERS KEEPT OVERLOOKING. MORE INFO CAN AND WILL BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTED.
Jun 26, 2005
STEERING,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE A NEW 2003 DODGE NEON THAT HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED AND SO FAR THE SHIFTER BOOT HAS TORN(WAS REPLACED) BUT IS NOW CRACKING AGAIN (IT'S [XXX] COLD WHERE I LIVE, -50 TO -60 HAPPENS). I HAD AN OIL LEAK THAT WAS BLAMED ON ME BY ANCHORAGE CHRYSLER, I REPORTED THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES ALWAYS SQEAL WHEN APPLIED (I WAS TOLD THATS DUST) BUT IT'S HAPPENES EVERY DAY. I NEEDED AN WHEEL ALIGNMENT (CAR PUULS TO THE LEFT) AND I'M TOLD YOU CANT ALIGN A NEON. YOU CAN PART OF THE ALIGNMENT BUT WERE SORRY [XXX] IT WILL ALWAYS PULL TO THE LEFT BECAUSE IT IS NOT ADJUSTABLE.THE ALIGNMENT CAME FROM LITHIA IN ANCHORAGE ALASKA (THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE) I DONT BLAME THEM 1 BIT THEY DIDNT MAKE A CAR THAT CANT BE FIXED(DODGE DID). ANCHORAGE CHRYSLER WAS MY BEST FRIEND UNTIL I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR REPAIRS THEN THEY ACTUALLY TOLD ME THE REASON I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT IS BECAUSE IT'S A CHEAP NO GOOD CAR. I SENT AN E-MAIL TO DODGE ASKING WHY THEY WOULD BUILD SUCH A VEHICLE THAT COULD NEVER BE ALIGNED AND THEY SAID WE TRY TO MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY. NOT ONCE GETTING TO THE QUESTION "WHY" WHAT WAS THE REASONING BEHIND SUCH A STUPID IDEA. I LOVE MY CAR BUT BECAUSE OF THIS 1 FLAW I CANT WAIT TO GET RID OF IT. I'M CHECKING INTO A MINI, NEED TO MAKE SURE IT CAN BE FIXED IF NEEDED FIRST. THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT(RATHER HARD AT TIMES), THE SHIFTER BOOT IS STILL SPLITTING, THE BRAKES STILL SQUEEK. AND NOW I'M WONDERING IF THE FUEL GAUGE IS CORRECT. ANYBODY WANT TO BUY A NICE "LOOKING" NEON WITH LOW MILES. I DONT REMEMBER THE ACTUALL INCIDENT DATES. THIS IS AN ONGOING THING INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 21, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
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. *AK
Apr 11, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A DODGE NEON 2003. JANUARY 2004 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE (OIL CHANGE/PLUGS. ABOUT A WEEK LATER A SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF CYLINDER ONE. I CALL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TOOK IT BY THE DEALSHIP (DARCARS) THEY PUT THE SPARK PLUG BACK IN BUT MY CAR HASN'T RUN PROPERLY YET.THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S TAKES A THOUSAND DOLLAR OR MORE TO FIX. I'VE HAD DIANOGSTICS DONE AND NOW THE CAR IS BE REPAIRED AT LEE'S AUTO SHOP WITH PROBLEMS HARD FOR MR. LEE TO FIX (ELECTRONIC PROBLEM IN THE NO. 4 CYLINDER; IT WON'T OPEN AND CLOSE PROPERLY. LEE'S DONE ALL HE COULD DO SO FAR (THE CAR NOW IS STILL IN HIS SHOP. IT'S BEEN ABOUT A WEEK). FURTHERMORE I WAS TOLD AFTERWARD THAT A NEW CAR DOSN'T NEED A TUNE UP FOR TWO YEARS. I THINK THE SERVICE GUY SHOULD HAVE INFORMED ME OF THAT INSTEAD HE TOOK MY MONEY WITH NO REFUND. THE EXACT DAY I DON'T HAVE RIGHT NOW BUT I COULD GET IT I HAVE ALL MY PROBLEM PAPER WORK. *AK
Feb 10, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
SEVERE SHIMMY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30 MPH. CAR IS TWO YEARS OLD WITH 18K AND HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT IT NEEDED TIRES REBALANCED. HAD TIRES REBALANCED AT 18,197 MILES. 21K PROBLEM GOT WORSE, WAS TOLD BY DEALER GOODYEAR TIRES WERE NO GOOD AND NEEDED BRAKE ROTORS TURNED. PADS WERE FINE, METALLIC PADS CAUSE ROTOR WARPAGE IN JUST A FEW MILES. REPAIR ESTIMATE ON A TWO YEAR OLD CAR IS $495.00. NO WARRANTY ON BRAKES OR FACTORY TIRES.*AK
Jan 27, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
EVERY 2000 MILES THE CONSUMER HAS TO PUT 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN VEHICLE. THE SPARK PLUG WENT BAD IN THE ENGINE. THE BRAKES SQUEALED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP. *BF *SC *JB
Dec 10, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
NEON HAD TO HAVE THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE TOTAL MILAGE OF 20,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS DELIVERED WITH A DEFECTIVE BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR, AND 1 MONTH BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE IT WAS IN THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC FAILED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TIEDOWN BAR. ON AUGUST 26, 2004 THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE IGNITION WAS OFF AND WAS DRIVEN FOR ONLY 5 MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A BAD PASSANGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE. MANY PASSANGERS COMPLAINED OF IT BEING DIFFICULT TO INSERT THE BELT INTO THE LOCKING MECHANISM.*AK
Sep 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE BRAKES FAILED. DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REPORTED THAT THE THROTTLE SCREW WAS LOOSE, AND THEY WERE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE.*AK SCREW ON CLIP ON THROTTLE HOSE CAME OFF, CAUSINGAIR TO RUSH IN REV UP THE ACCELRATOR AND CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE.*TS
Sep 08, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A SIDE RAIL. NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A AUTO BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *NM ALSO, 2 MONTHS AFTER THE CONSUMER PURHCASED THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THERE IS ALSO AN INCIDENT THAT THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START. *LA
Jul 06, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH STARTING UP VEHICLE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ABOUT THE STARTING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED ERRATIC IDLING. THE DEALER FOUND A LARGE VACUUM LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE HIGH IDLE. *NM
Jun 24, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED AND CONSUMER COULDN'T GET AN ACCURATE READING OF THE VEHICLE'S SPEED. *PH THE MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SPEEDOMETER NUMEROUS TIMES, ONCE BY REPLACING THE INTERNAL CLUSTER. THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE NOISE WAS FIXED BY BLOCKING THE AIR INTAKE ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES ON THE FREEWAY, HOWEVER THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE HEAT SHIELD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED A LOT OF FUEL, THERE WAS A RATTLE FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE ENGINE HAD AN OIL LEAK, SUBSEQUENTLY THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY THE CONSUMER'S CONCERNS. *JB
Jan 15, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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. MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS SMASHED, AND MY RADIATOR WAS ALSO BROKEN. AFTER 3 MINUTES MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND MY ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES AFTER THE COLLISION. MY AIRBAG ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT GO OFF, I DIDN'T HIT THE TRUCK AT A HIGHSPEED, YET MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. EVERYTHING IN THE CAR WAS MELTED, AND I THINK THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE. HAD I HIT A TRUCK OR BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER LARGE OR SMALL CAR, I HATE TO WONDER WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED THEN. WOULD I OF MADE IT OUT IN TIME BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, OR WOULD IT BLOW UP ON IMPACT?! NEONS ARE NOT SAFE, AND I THINK THIS CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE AT ANY SPEED. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR THAT SHOWS THE DAMAGE FROM THE COLLISION, AND YOU WOULDN'T EVER THINK THE SMALL DAMAGE COULD CATCH THIS CAR ON FIRE.
Jan 15, 2004
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING IF THERE IS ANY LITTLE DIP IN THE ROAD VEHICLE WILL BOTTOM OUT. VEHICLE'S FRONT HAS BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 28, 2003
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THERE IS A SERIOUS BLIND SPOT WHEN LOOKING TO THE LEFT OUT THE WINDSHIELD. THE PIECE THAT CONNECTS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW IS MUCH TOO WIDE FOR PROPER VISIBILITY. ALSO NOTICED POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH ONCOMING HEADLIGHTS. *AK
Aug 16, 2003
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
2003 DODGE NEON HIT DEER AT 65 MPH, DEER HIT FRONT LEFT FENDER BEFORE BOUNCING OFF WINDSHIELD. GLASS TURNED INTO TINY SHARDS OF RAZOR SHARP GLASS (I THOUGH SAFETY GLASS WAS SUPPOSED TO TURN INTO LITTLE CUBES AND NOT RAZORS). AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION THAN A COMPLAINT. *NLM
Jun 19, 2003
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
1 complaint
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.*AK
Jun 11, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 DODGE Neon have?
The 2003 DODGE Neon currently has 202 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 DODGE Neon?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 DODGE Neon are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 DODGE Neon problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 DODGE Neon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - DODGE Neon
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
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