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 program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Dodge Neon electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2005 Dodge Neon have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 11 electrical complaints filed for the 2005 Dodge Neon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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 program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2004–2005 Dodge Neons describe a range of electrical failures that don't fit neat single-part replacements. Several complain of stalling at traffic lights or stops, then losing all electrical power until the ignition is cycled off and back on. One owner spent $2,000 on a starter, battery, and alternator with no improvement to a chronic no-start condition.
The multifunction switch (turn signal/horn control) appears to be a weak point: it hangs up in mid-position, turn signals work intermittently until the owner taps the steering wheel, and the horn simply quits. Most damning, one owner spotted melting damage and burnt electrical smell at the connector pins, indicating thermal failure of the switch assembly itself. Another reports that engaging the right turn signal actually fires up the fog lights instead—a wiring or switch cross-fire issue.
Engine-start-on-its-own incidents have occurred, with one owner's vehicle firing up in the garage when the remote was accidentally engaged. Multiple owners mention stalling paired with check-engine lights; several cite cam position sensor faults diagnosed at auto parts stores. One owner notes this issue is "all over the internet" among owners of the same model, but no recall has been issued. A parked vehicle produced smoke from the engine bay; the dealership was notified but reportedly made no fix.
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent ignition/starting failure
Vehicle stalls at stops or won't start after running normally. Owner replaced starter, battery, and alternator with no resolution. Another owner reported complete loss of power at traffic lights requiring ignition cycle to restore function.
When: 3 weeks to several months into ownership; occurs when stopping or parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at stops then lurches forward; Vehicle will not start despite new starter, battery, alternator; Total loss of electrical power; requires ignition off/on cycle to restore; Engine loses power mid-drive then suddenly regains it
Repairs/costs cited: One owner spent $2,000 replacing starter, battery, and alternator with no resolution
Multifunction switch malfunction and overheating
Steering-wheel-mounted multifunction switch exhibits erratic function including failing to lock, causing turn signal/fog light cross-firing, and thermal damage. One owner reported melting connector (pins 10 & 20) with burnt electrical smell.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; appears to be chronic
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals intermittent; require tapping steering wheel to function; Horn stops working suddenly; Right turn signal activates fog lights instead; Smell of burning electrical components; Multifunction switch connector shows melting damage; Switch hangs up and won't move to lock position
Repairs/costs cited: Owner noticed melting at MFD switch connector left side pins 10 & 20
Cam position sensor failure
Engine stalls with check engine light. Owner and multiple acquaintances with same-year Neons experienced identical symptom pattern suggesting systemic issue.
When: Timing unspecified; appears common across multiple vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Cam sensor fault (diagnosed at AutoZone; specific code not stated)
Unintended remote start
Vehicle started itself in garage when owner accidentally pressed remote while lying in bed. Also reported spontaneous start with door locks engaging. Safety risk in enclosed spaces.
When: Approximately 1 year into ownership and at separate later occasion
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts by itself when remote activated; Door locks engage automatically; Spontaneous engine start in garage
Engine compartment smoke/burning
Smoke emission from engine compartment while vehicle parked. Dealership was notified but did not resolve the underlying issue.
When: While parked
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership notified but did not resolve
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
About 1 year ago, the vehicle started by itself when I was in the car and engaged the automatic door locks. Then on this occasion I was laying down in my room and must have rolled over on the remote and engaged the door lock button. The car started in the garage. Luckily, it was discovered in <5 minutes and the car was turned off. I have taken the batteries out of the remote and am no longer…
Switch started hanging up and would not go to lock position. Keep working shifter and switch until it goes to lock position so I can remove key. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2005 Dodge Neon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2005 Dodge Neon?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 44,126 and 88,257 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,126; a quarter make it past 88,257. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Dodge/Neon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.