2002 Dodge Neon NHTSA Defect Investigations

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA06019 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**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
2002 DODGE NEON -- ODI has reviewed complaints from consumers stating that they do not have proper 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 vehicle's multifunction switch and connecting wiring harness. Consumers noticed 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. ODI has opened this investigation to further study this issue. Investigation was initiated on November 22 2006. Closed on November 07 2007. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA06019 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE06028 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**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
2002 DODGE NEON -- ODI has received 10 consumer reports alleging a loss of headlight function. Some of the complainants report seeing smoke coming from the steering column area. Remedy repairs have included replacement of the multi function switch, its wiring harness, and/or the harness connector. ODI has opened this investigation to further examine the issue. Investigation was initiated on July 28 2006. Closed on November 22 2006. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE06028 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE02082 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.

Seat Belts

CLOSED

no recall issued

2002 DODGE NEON -- 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. Investigation was initiated on November 06 2002. Closed on April 23 2003. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE02082 »

Defect investigation data is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.