2003 Dodge Neon: sudden loss of power

6 of the 202 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Neon describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 45,740
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 13 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2005
3
2003
6
2002
4
2001
4
2000
3
1999
3
1998
3
1997
1
1996
6
1995
16
1994
1

What owners say

Filed May 9, 2011 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · OH

I have had nothing but problems with my 2003 dodge neon. The electrical problems have ranged from losing power completely while driving to dimming dashboard lights to corroded wires going into the power control module and fuses shorting out. This latest incident involves the seatbelt and brake lights flashing while the rest of the dashboard lights went dim. I'm tired of spending money on this car - but I can't sell it in good conscience to someone else. Dodge should be forced to recall these vehicles for new electrical wiring harnesses and power control modules as corrosion of wires and subsequent shorts in wiring appear to be common place, costing thousands of dollars to consumers and potential fatal accidents.

Filed Sep 28, 2009 · Electrical · 63,342 miles · FL

I own a 2003 dodge neon that just shuts off while driving on a few occasions. I have read numerous blogs and such of others having the same problems. Without warning the car shuts down with a complete loss of power. Nothing electrical will work. I have had the car checked out and no problems can be found, no codes on the computer. When it does shut down it will not restart until I move the wires at the battery. Upon inspecting the battery wires they show no signs of wear, corrosion, being loose or anything of that sort. Upon testing the wires for a short found none to exist. The mechanics and dealerships claim there is no problem. Diagnostic computers find no problems. On three occasion thus far we have been in near accident situations, driving along and the car shuts down, and comes to an unexpected quick stop and with a loss of all power that may result in a fatal accident in the future. Cars driving behind me have no warning that I'm coming to a complete stop in the middle of the road sometimes unable to pull off the road to a safe area to come to a stop. As mentioned it seems to be a common problem with this car not only of this year but others as well. There should be a recall of some sort before someone dies if that already has not happened.

Filed Sep 18, 2006 · Electrical · 45,740 miles · CA

My headlights/fog lights started flickering and all of my dash lights illuminated. I then lost all power for a brief second and then the car came back to normal. I pulled the steering column apart and found the multi-function switch has started to melt. I have not replaced this yet as I just found this today.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · 33,136 miles · TN

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.

Filed Jun 2, 2005 · Electrical · 23,200 miles · TN

While driving 60 MPH on I-35 in san antonio, texas in january, 2004, my 2003 neon r/t (with approximately 10,865 miles) experienced a complete loss of power. Luckily the momentum was great enough to allow me to pull off to the side of the highway. I checked the vehicle (cable connections and fuses) and could find nothing wrong. After 10 minutes the car started and ran fine. I took it to gunn dodge in san antonio in february, and they said a cell in the battery checked bad and that was what caused the total loss of power. They replaced the battery. While driving from san antonio, texas to knoxville, tennessee on april 18, 2005, the car again experienced a total loss of power while I was driving at approximately 60 MPH, outside of dallas, texas. I was again able to pull off to the side of the highway, and I detected a slight scent of electrical components overheating.. Again all cables and fuses appeared to be ok, but car would not start. As I was talking with chrysler roadside assistance on my cell phone, my wife checked the positive battery cable connection, I attempted to start the car, and it started (approximately 20 minutes after the total loss of power). I was able to complete the trip to knoxville, tennessee without incident. I took my car to rice chrysler-dodge in knoxville on april 19, 2005 (car had 24001 miles). After several hours, the service advisor informed me all cables, wires and fuses checked out fine, as did all ground connections. He also told me they had called chrysler to speak with an engineer about the problem, and the engineer could think of no reason why my car had experienced a total loss of power while driving at highway speeds, nor had he any knowledge of this happening to anyone else.

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Electrical · NC

My neon will sporatically lose all power then regains power within a few seconds. It has been in for service several times for the same problem. I am the mother of 5 yr old twins and their safety should be of the utmost concern to the dadge company.