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2003 Dodge Neon

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Neon do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 173.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

159 reports with mileage · 43 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports20 fire reports17 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

20 reports
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152,000 miles · Jun 23, 2017
Air BagsCrash

WE WERE HIT FROM THE SIDE AND TORE UP THE WHOLE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

NHTSA ODI #11000761

140,000 miles · Mar 8, 2016
Air BagsCrash

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 UNK…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10840461

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

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.

NHTSA ODI #10722167

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2010
Air BagsCrash

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10346175

104,000 miles · Jun 11, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

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 MU…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10335795

83,936 miles · May 14, 2009
Air BagsElectrical SystemFireInjury

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10268763

29,000 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrash

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 WA…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10224203

23,000 miles · Jun 8, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES DUE TO IMPACT. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED, BUT NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *TT CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THE TALRO IN…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES DUE TO IMPACT. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED, BUT NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *TT CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THE TALRO INSURANCE COMPANY, NEITHER WANTED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING NEITHER DID THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE INCIDENT. THE APOLLO CASUALTY COMPANY TOLD HER TO CALL CHRYSLER BACK. CONSUMER WANTS TO SUE BUT LAWYER SAID THAT THERE CAN'T BE ANYTHING DONE BECAUSE NOBODY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL.*SB

NHTSA ODI #10115882

3,500 miles · Mar 25, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON A DRY ROAD CONDITION AT 30 MPH. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BROAD SIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED KNEE INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. ALSO, DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY THE L…

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VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON A DRY ROAD CONDITION AT 30 MPH. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BROAD SIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED KNEE INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. ALSO, DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY THE LOCAL POLICE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10115888

28,000 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF MY SISTER (WHO WAS DRIVING MY CAR) AND SHE WAS GOING 40 MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS HIT ALMOST HEAD ON. AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY SISTER HAS MULTIPLE HEAD, NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10114102

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA06019 · Headlight Failure

Opened Nov 22, 2006 · Closed Nov 7, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights; 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.

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.

PE06028 · Headlight Failure

Opened Jul 28, 2006 · Closed Nov 22, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights; 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.

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.