2003 Dodge Neon problems & reliability
202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Neon. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
17 complaints report injuries (25 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2003 Dodge Neon vehicles were involved in 16 fatal crashes with 13 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 72 | 36% |
| Exterior Lighting | 48 | 24% |
| Power Train | 28 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 20 | 10% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 18 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 17 | 8% |
| Structure | 11 | 5% |
| Suspension | 9 | 4% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | 4% |
| Steering | 8 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 55,146 miles (middle 50% between 30,000 and 84,202 miles), based on 152 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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!!”
Electrical System · filed Oct 20, 2019
“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…”
Structure · filed Oct 5, 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…”
Air Bags · filed Mar 8, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- HEADLIGHT FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA06019 · opened Nov 22, 2006 · closed Nov 7, 2007
- HEADLIGHT FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE06028 · opened Jul 28, 2006 · closed Nov 22, 2006
- SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Preliminary Evaluation PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003
Technical service bulletins
48 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Neon. The 10 most recent:
KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging 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…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use 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.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use 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.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2003 Dodge Neon in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2003 Dodge Neon?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 55,146 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.