Dodge DART Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge DART options? We analyzed 4 model years (2013–2016) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge DART has 2,314 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2013–2016. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2014 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- DART
- Model years analyzed
- 2013–2016 (4 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,314
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 131
- Fire-related complaints
- 32
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2013 (1,167 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2014 (370 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge DART: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE DART has 2,314 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 131 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,314 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 131 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
EQUIPMENT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,314 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,314 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Dodge dealership for an electrical-system problem at approximately 105,111 miles. The vehicle required a jump start and the battery failed a load test. The dealer replaced the battery, calibrated the electronic steering sensor, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that the repairs were verified. Approximately two days after the vehicle was returned, diagnostic trouble code U0401 appeared and the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle has now remained at the dealership for several days without a substantive diagnosis or explanation of the cause. The vehicle also has a significant shift-cable recall history. It previously received the V34/19V-293 shift-cable recall repair in 2019. NHTSA later investigated post-remedy failures and FCA determined that the prior remedy did not sufficiently address the defect. The vehicle is currently subject to Recall 25V-674/A0C for possible transmission shift-cable failure. NHTSA currently lists the recall as incomplete because the remedy is not yet available. The defect can result in loss of PARK and/or unintended vehicle movement. The August 2026 dealer invoice nevertheless states that the A0C recall was “customer deferred.” I did not decline an available repair; the current NHTSA recall status states that the remedy is not yet available. The current electrical/electronic malfunction, the immediate recurrence of a diagnostic fault after dealer repair, and the unresolved transmission shift-cable safety recall raise concerns regarding continued safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V813000 (Visibility). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact observed an active recall via the internet and then took the vehicle to a dealer and was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Shifter went out at HEB had it towed to Dodge and nobody is able to get the part because it doesn’t exist. How did a car get built in 2016 and has a bad shifter and the recall came out 10/2025 and were in 2026 still no remedy. I’m left with no vehicle, no explanation, I have 2 jobs and nobody is giving explanations. I’m left without a car because of a recall that y’all don’t have a part for. My number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while reversing, the transmission became stuck in reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact disconnected the battery to correct the failure. Upon research, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V293000 (Power Train) and 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact had not received the recall notifications. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the transmission slipped and failed to shift into park. The contact engaged the parking brake to park the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park(P) as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The gear shifter was manually shifted into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The gear shifter was later shifted into park(P). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 161,282.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experience a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Transmission fails to stay in park, and prevents vehicle from starting as well as leaving it an unsafe state. Recall has been made but it has been 10 months with no fix.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to move and was stuck in neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The transmission shifter cable failed. It completely stopped working so therefore i was unable to drive my vehicle any longer. I have been without a vehicle for five days now. My safety was put at risk because i could have been working in the field and the shifter completely stopped working on me as i was in traffic with vehicles behind me. The recall has been confirmed and the diagnostics report has been completed by the Chrysler dealership. There was no signs of the shift gear going out as i drove my vehicle every single day. Everyone i have spoken with is trying to make me pay out of pocket with the repairs that has no remedy or the rental itself. I am unemployed and I use my only vehicle to make income by door dashing and now I cannot do so.
Unknown Key continuously getting stuck in the ignition without cause.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the transmission shift cable fractured. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop for a diagnosis; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I am requesting assistance regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2016 Dodge Dart GT. In October 2025, a recall was issued for the transmission shift cable. My vehicle is included in the affected population, and I had been experiencing issues with this component before the recall was announced. Within weeks of the recall, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Dodge dealership and was informed that no repair could be performed because no remedy had been developed and replacement parts were unavailable. I was advised to wait until a remedy became available. It is now June 2026, and there is still no repair available. As a result, my vehicle has been inoperable and unsafe to drive for several months. During this time, I have continued making monthly payments of $332 on a vehicle that I cannot use. I recently contacted the dealership again seeking assistance but was told there was nothing they could do. A representative suggested I purchase an aftermarket replacement part at my own expense, estimated at over $800, despite the fact that it would still be susceptible to the same defect covered by the recall. I do not believe consumers should be expected to pay for a temporary repair related to a manufacturer safety defect. Additionally, I am currently eight months pregnant and rely on dependable transportation for medical appointments and daily necessities. The prolonged inability to use my vehicle has created a significant hardship. I am also concerned that the longer the vehicle remains unused, the greater the risk of additional mechanical issues developing, resulting in further expenses. I respectfully request that Dodge provide assistance while awaiting a permanent recall remedy. This could include a loaner vehicle, reimbursement for alternative transportation, a temporary repair at no cost to me, or another reasonable accommodation. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
after starting my car and putting it in reverse the gear stopped shifting. after lifting up the cover for the knob i found that the shifter cable snapped. i called the dealership and was told about the recall. they told me to take it in and they would be able to fix it. after manually shifting my car back into drive i was able to make my way to the dealership. but not before my transmission slipped again and i had to manually pull the lever. i had to drive on a busy road not knowing if my car was going to stop and id get into a wreck. but then the dealership told me that the remedy was not finalized for the recall. even though the interim recall was given in november. this is a safety hazard and the nhtsa must hold dodge accountable for this recall.
The transmission shift cable on the vehicle may fail to maintain its connection to the transmission. According to the manufacturer’s safety notice, this defect results in an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function. The manufacturer has acknowledged that this condition can lead to unintended vehicle movement in an unintended direction, even when the shifter indicates the vehicle is in "Park." This creates an immediate risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning and poses a severe threat of injury to the driver, passengers, and bystanders outside the vehicle. The manufacturer issued the safety notice on March 8, 2026, but stated that a remedy is "not currently available." As of May 12, 2026 (over 60 days later), the manufacturer has failed to provide a timeline for the repair, failed to respond to formal written inquiries regarding a safety remedy, and has not provided interim safety measures or alternative transportation. The vehicle remains an active safety hazard that cannot be safely parked or operated.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the shifter cable detached while parking at the bank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been inspected prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The local dealer was contacted, who informed the part was backordered for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Powertrain). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the remedy was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 122,828.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle was placed in park, and the vehicle began to roll. The driver entered the vehicle and pulled the emergency brake. A good Samaritan pushed her vehicle out of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shift cable part was backordered. The vehicle was not repaired. An independent mechanic was contacted who determined the shift cable needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the parts were backordered. The failure mileage was approximately 70,089.
The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding property at risk of injury or damage, especially when parked on an incline or in populated areas. There were no clear or consistent warning indicators prior to the issue. The vehicle appeared to be safely secured, which increases the possibility of an accident or death because the driver may exit the vehicle believing it will remain stationary. This issue is consistent with a known recall involving the shift cable assembly. The defect appears to be intermittent and not always easily reproducible, but it directly impacts the vehicle’s ability to remain securely in Park. At this time, the vehicle has not received a complete or reliable remedy, and the condition raises ongoing safety concerns. The component can be made available for inspection upon request. Because this defect affects a critical safety function and can lead to unintended vehicle movement, it presents a serious hazard. I am submitting this complaint to document the issue and request further investigation and resolution.
I own a 2016 Dodge Dart with an active safety recall related to the transmission shift cable bushing. I have contacted dealerships multiple times and have been told parts are not available with no timeline provided. This defect affects the vehicle’s ability to properly shift gears and creates a serious safety hazard. I am being forced to drive an unsafe vehicle due to Chrysler’s failure to supply recall parts in a reasonable timeframe.
Showing 20 of 2,314 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge DART
These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge DART, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge DART has 2,314 complaints on record across 4 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge DART has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 131 of the Dodge DART's 2,314 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge DART vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge DART vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge DART has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Dodge DART by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge DART.
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Dodge DART reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge DART reliable?
Poor. The Dodge DART has 2,314 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge DART years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (1,167 complaints), 2015 (521 complaints), 2014 (370 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge DART problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (906 complaints); ENGINE (483 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (446 complaints).
Does the Dodge DART have recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge DART. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.