Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
300–25K
3025–50K
2450–75K
1175–100K
13100–150K
5150K+
113 reports with mileage · 60 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
26 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports
What owners actually said
173 reports
33,326 miles · Feb 19, 2003
Suspension
I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TWICE FOR A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO TIRE WEAR AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE FREE OF COST. I TOOK THE CAR IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS LATER BECAUSE IT WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS …
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I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TWICE FOR A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO TIRE WEAR AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE FREE OF COST. I TOOK THE CAR IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS LATER BECAUSE IT WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL TIRE WEAR AND THEY NOTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10007820
1,500 miles · Feb 11, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
THIS CAR HAS USED MORE THAN 10 QUARTS OF OIL SINCE NEW (NOT COUNTING CHANGES). IT HAS JUST OVER 20K MILES NOW AND STILL USES OIL. IT DOES NOT SMOKE OR LEAK. THE FUEL MILEAGE IS NOWHERE NEAR THE ADVERTISED MILEAGE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING NO BRAKE LIGHTS JUST AFTER PURCHASE. AFTER TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER (AND THE SERVI…
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THIS CAR HAS USED MORE THAN 10 QUARTS OF OIL SINCE NEW (NOT COUNTING CHANGES). IT HAS JUST OVER 20K MILES NOW AND STILL USES OIL. IT DOES NOT SMOKE OR LEAK. THE FUEL MILEAGE IS NOWHERE NEAR THE ADVERTISED MILEAGE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING NO BRAKE LIGHTS JUST AFTER PURCHASE. AFTER TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER (AND THE SERVICE WRITER TELLING US THAT WE REMOVED THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER WRONG), THEY DISCOVERED THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE BACKUP LIGHTS WAS CRUSHED BY THE SHIFTER IN REVERSE AND SHORTED THE LIGHTS. AFTER COMPLAINING ABOUT POOR STARTING AND SHUDDERING AFTER A COLD SOAK, THE DEALER REPLACED THE INJECTOR O-RINGS, WHICH SOLVED THE SHUDDER, BUT NOT THE MILEAGE. NOTHING HAS HELPED THE OIL USAGE, NOT EVEN THE TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE A BAFFLE IN THE VALVE COVER AND AN "OIL CONSUMPTION" TEST, WHICH WE PERFORMED. YES, IT USES OIL. I SHOULD'VE BOUGHT MY DAUGHTER A NISSAN, OR, LIKE I JUST BOUGHT MYSELF, A BRAND NEW FORD PICKUP. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND LAST DAIMLER-CHRYSLER PRODUCT...EVER!
NHTSA ODI #10005659
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2003
Electrical System
I TURNED THE KEY THAT MORNING TO GO TO WORK, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD. I CALLED CHRYLER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, SENT A TOW TRUCK, GAVE ME A JUMP, I LET THE CAR RUN FOR 45 MINUTES BEFORE GOING TO WORK, I STARTED DRIVING, DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING LIKE CRAZY, THE GAS GUAGE KEPT MOVING UP & DOWN, AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT STARTED B…
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I TURNED THE KEY THAT MORNING TO GO TO WORK, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD. I CALLED CHRYLER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, SENT A TOW TRUCK, GAVE ME A JUMP, I LET THE CAR RUN FOR 45 MINUTES BEFORE GOING TO WORK, I STARTED DRIVING, DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE BLINKING LIKE CRAZY, THE GAS GUAGE KEPT MOVING UP & DOWN, AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. DROVE TO CARMAX/LOS ANGELES AND THEY WERE CLOSED. I DROVE HOME, WOULDN'T RESTART, CALLED THE TOW TRUCK AGAIN, CAR TOWED TO DODGE DEALER (ON MANCHESTER & ISIS/INGLEWOOD). I WAS TOLD THAT THE BATTERY CELL HAD DISLOCATED, REPLACED BATTERY AND I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. 12/20/02: DRIVING HOME ON THE 405 FREEWAY, THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND ALL THE DASHBOARD GUAGES WERE GOING UP AND DOWN, THE RADIO CUT OFF, AND THE GAS GUAGE WAS GOING CRAZY. I WAS AT THE CENTURY BLVD EXIT, I MADE A SHARP TURN TO GET OFF ON CENTURY, THEN THE CAR JUST CUT ON BY ITSELF. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ABOUNT 1 MILE AND THE CAR TOTALLY WENT DEAD. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS OR POWER. I CALLED FOR A TOW, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO DOWNTOWN LA DODGE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS LOOSE, IT WAS TIGHTENED AND THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS.. 12/23/02: DROVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOUSE (1/4) MILE, CAR CUT-OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. MY FRIEND CAME, TOUCHED THE BATTERY CABLE, AND THE CAR STARTED. WHEN I DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER 1/4 MILE, THE CAR SHUT-OFF AGAIN. I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SELLER (SANTA MONICA NISSAN), THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A WEEK TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ON DECEMBER 31, I REC'D A CALL FROM BUERGE DODGE, THEY HAD TO RE-WIRE THE ENTIRE CAR.. 01/10/03: I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLET STOP, MY CO-WORKER INSTRUCTED ME TO OPEN THE HOOD, SHE TOUCHED THE BATTERY CABLE AND THE CAR STARTED. I CAME HOME AND LEFT MSSGS FOR THE BUERGE DODGE SERVICE PERSON (JEREMY BATTAT) TO CALL ME BACK AND I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM.
NHTSA ODI #10001001
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2002
Air BagsCrash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT PANEL COLLISION ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI #10001619
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2002
Seat Belts
CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE SAFETY BELTS. THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE BELT WHICH CREATED TENSION TO MAKE THE BELT TIGHTEN TO KEEP IT FROM BECOMING LOOSE BROKE THREE TIMES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10003952
Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. CONSUMER PULL VEHICLE OVER AND LOOK UNDER HOOD AND NOTICE FLAMES ON ENGINE. CONSUMER CLOSE HOOD FIRE WAS PUT OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER TECHNICIAN NOTICE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS TO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI #8023274
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE JERKS AND PEDAL ALMOST GOES TO THE FLOOR. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI #8022810
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2002
Visibility
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SEVERE REFRACTION ON UNCOMING HEADLIGTHS AS WELL AS STATIONARY LIGHTS. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IS NORMAL ON THE VEHICLE AND ALSO IF WAS THEM NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT. MR
NHTSA ODI #8022633
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL MILEAGE NOT UP TO RATING 20 MPG NOW RATING 33 MPG. VEHICLE ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD. DT
NHTSA ODI #769685
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2002
Air Bags
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE VEHICLE PANEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ABOUT 5 TO 7 TIMES AND PROBLEM STILL THERE. MR
NHTSA ODI #8022586
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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 NHTSA 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.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:fog Lights
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 NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch
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 NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
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 NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
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 NHTSA 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.
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.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:fog Lights
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.
Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch
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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
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.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
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 FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
2002 Dodge Neon Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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