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2003 Dodge Neon lights problems

48 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000.

owner complaints
48
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Headlights: switch
    7
  • Hazard flashing warning lights: switch
    6
  • Headlights
    4
  • Headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
    3
  • Fog lights: switch
    3
  • Fog lights
    2
  • Turn signal: switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Neon lights problems in other years

19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Dodge Neon lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 60

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Headlight failureOpened November 22, 2006, closed November 7, 2007

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 the multifunction switch stalk to illuminate high beam lighting.analysis of the complaint and warranty data show a low and declining failure trend.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted; accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.

EA06019

Headlight failureOpened July 28, 2006, closed November 22, 2006

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 and connecting wiring harness.consumersnoticed that the steering column area (where these parts are located) is heating up.in some cases, smoke would come out of the steering column area and the plastic trim would begin to melt.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-019) to further study this issue.

PE06028

What 2003 Dodge Neon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 20, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 124,000 miles · IN

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!!

Filed Apr 8, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · IN · fire

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.

Filed Jan 24, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 10,345 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Nov 4, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 200,000 miles · UT

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.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 120,000 miles · VT

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.

Filed Feb 14, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · FL · fire

My wire harness/ multifunction switch has melted causing my headlight and fog lights not to work.

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Lights · 100,000 miles · OR · fire

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.

Filed Sep 1, 2012 · Lights · 125,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 28, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 122,567 miles · WI

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.

Filed Mar 31, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · NC

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.

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Neon lights

Does the 2003 Dodge Neon have lights problems?

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Dodge Neon, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Neon lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Neon lights?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Dodge Neon have the most lights problems?

The Dodge Neon model years with the most lights complaints are 2003 (48 complaints), 1995 (36 complaints) and 1996 (17 complaints).

Other 2003 Dodge Neon problems

Electrical 72Transmission 28Airbags 20Brakes 18Engine 18Body 11Fuel system 9Suspension 9Steering 8Acceleration 7Tires 6Seat belts 5Visibility 4Wheels 3Locks 1Seats 1

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