Dodge Dart: A Sporty Compact with Big Issues

S.D. Grady
Aug 30, 2021

The Dodge Dart was an attractive and efficient ride, but it had some serious issues with its transmission and engine. Its 2013 debut year alone registered over 1,200 complaints with the NHTSA.

2014 Dodge Dart Limited-Stellantis

Key Points

  • The Dodge Dart was a compact car that was built for the commuter market between 2012 and 2016.
  • The 2013 debut year was plagued by problems, with over 1,200 complaints logged with the NHTSA.
  • Later models faced recalls over transmission issues, and the Dart scores below average for reliability.

2016 Dodge Dart-Stellantis

Dodge Dart: A Short-lived, Often-loved, and Problematic Compact Car

Once the Dodge Neon started to look outdated, the manufacturer needed to replace the compact car with something attention-grabbing to compete in the second decade of the 21st century. The solution was the Dodge Dart, a sporty, affordable compact car with front-wheel drive and a wallet-friendly fuel economy that was sold for the 2013 to 2016 model years. For those that dreamed of driving a rally car, the Rallye and GT versions delivered a sport-tuned suspension, exterior trim kits, and sport seats.

The Dodge Dart’s contemporary styling made it an appealing option as a commuter car, but its transmission, engine, and electrical systems were susceptible to chronic issues. While its debut garnered loads of attention at the auto shows, it quickly lost its luster as its reputation suffered in the service centers.

2013 Dodge Dart-Stellantis

2013 Dodge Dart Debuts with Curiosity, and Plenty of Complaints

The debut year for the Dodge Dart was also the year plagued by many problems–1,220 complaints to be exact, all registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Plus, it has six open recalls.

The powertrain is seemingly the worst problem, with 516 complaints, followed by 265 for the brakes, 214 for the electrical system, and 195 for the engine. Recalls began popping up that tried to address the growing complaints.

The first recall was issued in June 2013 over the engine stalling in cold temperatures. It affected around 12,500 vehicles with the 1.4L MultiAir engine and needed a quick reprogram to fix. Later, over 23,000 cars were recalled for a faulty transmission that could make the Dart shift into neutral unexpectedly, cutting acceleration and possibly causing an accident.

In November 2015, over 105,000 Darts fell under a recall over an issue with leaking engine oil that resulted in a loss of power brake assist, making it difficult to bring the car to a controlled stop.

Finally, an April 2019 recall was issued for all years of the Dart, because the six-speed automatic transmission could fail. Owners reported that the car would suddenly stop, then fail to restart, requiring multiple trips to the dealership over the chronic problem.

2014 Dodge Dart GT-Stellantis

2014 Dodge Dart Experiences Less Issues than Previous Year

The number of complaints dropped dramatically for the model year 2014. The NHTSA only received 291, which is about average for a compact car of this age. Three of the five recalls for the 2013 apply to the 2014 including the bushing on the shifter cable, transmission control module, and the bad brake booster.

Electrical problems are one of the more common complaints for this Dart. A few owners have had their driver instrument cluster suddenly go dark while driving. When one owner brought theirs into the dealer, he had to wait a week for the part to come in. The dealer said that it was a typical MOPAR failure.

At least one driver that bought their Dart used said that theirs continued to stall when driving on cold mornings. Before the car shuts off several warning lights appear on the dash, indicating some kind of major electrical error.

There are over 50 complaints in the Unknown section, but many of them apply to the lingering transmission problems. At least three owners stated that they would move the shifter into Park, but the car indicated that it was not in Park and would not shut off or let them remove the key.

2015 Dodge Dart GT-Stellantis

Powertrain Problems Linger on 2015 Dodge Dart

The third year for the Dart had complaints rise to 388 at the NHTSA with the engine, powertrain, and electrical systems remaining the highlights for problems. Five recalls were issued including the same transmission control module and bad shifter cable bushing found in previous years.

New recalls include one that covers a few more than 1,100 vehicles. A refresh is needed for the powertrain control module to ensure that backup files are present on monitoring software for engine torque.

Another recall applies to the 2015 Dodge Dart Aero and its tire pressure monitoring system. It did not turn on the warning light when low pressure was detected. The dealer should have reconfigured the TPMS to function properly.

Finally, any Dart from 2015 or 2016 that had a fire extinguisher in the back fell under the massive Kidde recall. Owners were directed to contact Kidde for a replacement to ensure it would work when needed.

2016 Dodge Dart-Stellantis

2016 Dodge Dart: Final Year and the Fewest Problems

Dodge decided to end production for the Dart after model year 2016 due to low sales, which dropped by a third for the final season. As such, complaints were reduced to 172 at the NHTSA. One new recall appeared that pertained just to the 2016.  A few more than 53,000 bad windshield wiper pumps were installed at the factory, causing the wiper circuits to fail when they were turned on. The dealer would replace the pump at no charge and check the existing circuits for proper function.

A slightly different complaint did surface this year. After the usual chronic engine stalling problem, Car Complaints noted the second most common issue is a thermostat failure in the electrical system. The average failure occurred around 45,000 miles and would cost you more than $500. What happens when your thermostat goes out? There is no heat in the cabin.

Despite its Known Issues, is the Dodge Dart a Reliable Car?

While Repair Pal says that the Dodge Dart has above-average reliability, if you take a look at their own statistics, that isn’t entirely the case. It is ranked 28th out of 36 compact cars. You will need to spend nearly $600 a year on maintenance and repairs compared to the $526 average for the segment. Also, it is slightly more likely to need a serious fix if you bring it into the shop. At Vehicle History, owners ranked it 21 out of 30 compact cars for driver satisfaction.

Ultimately, when a particular model consistently ranks in the bottom third for owner satisfaction and that is backed up by a tidal wave of complaints, you should pay attention to those problematic areas. The Dodge Dart is known for stalling on cold mornings, its transmission has a hard time staying in gear, and the electrical system may fry at any minute.

Since the last year of the Dart was 2016, some problems that you find on one in 2021 may be the result of simple old age. If you are thinking about adding one to your garage, make sure to have it thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic before you buy.

Photos: Dodge, Evox Images

Frequently Asked Questions

Mar 27, 2022

Why did Dodge discontinue the Dart?

Dodge discontinued the Dart after the 2016 model year simply due to low sales figures. Buyers have become more focused on crossovers and SUVs and sedans have dropped in popularity in recent years. This is primarily because small SUVs and crossovers are now as efficient as sedans, but have better versatility.

Dodge also focused too much on trying to say that the Dart was a sporty compact sedan. The initial launch material focused on how you could get the Dart with a manual transmission, and then when it was all released the vehicle was rather lackluster. Some buyers had hoped that it would be similar to the Neon SRT4, but the Dart fell flat in terms of performance.

The Dart also was discontinued because it did not compete well with the other compact cars on the market. The Dart was not as reliable as most of its competition, and all it had going for it was that it was more affordable than the rest. In the end, the Dart was just not right for the market so Dodge found it better to discontinue it.

Do Dodge Darts have a lot of problems?

The Dodge Dart does have some known mechanical problems that tend to pop up. The most common problems are found in the 2013 model year, and they get better after that. The biggest problem that people report is that the engine has been known to stall while driving. This is usually caused by the engine running out of oil since it consumes a ton of oil in normal operation.

The Dart also has been known to have some transmission problems. Owners have reported that they are unable to get their vehicles out of park and into drive. This is usually caused by a problem within the transmission, or in the linkage from the shifter to the transmission.

The Dart ultimately was built to be an economy car and there were some corners cut. These are not known for being the most reliable vehicle and they rank very low compared to the competition. They even rank low in overall reliability amongst other Dodge and Chrysler products.

Are Dodge Darts expensive to maintain?

The Dodge Dart has an average annual maintenance cost of around $600. This is in line with the national average of $500 to $700 per year across all makes and models, but it is very high for a compact car like the Dart. Most of the Dart's competition has maintenance costs below $500 per year.

The Dart is expensive to maintain because some serious problems can pop up. If you have engine problems from low oil levels this can be very expensive to repair. If you have transmission problems these can also be costly and time-consuming to fix. The fact that the Dart's engine also consumes excessive oil adds to the high overall costs of ownership.

The Dart may seem like an affordable vehicle because they have a low purchase price, but they are expensive to keep running. If you are in the market for a compact sedan and want to save on maintenance costs you may want to check out some of the Dart's competition.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Joe D on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart. Fun to drive, nightmare to own.
This car is the 6 speed manual transmission model with the 1. 4l turbo engine from fiat. I have had many problems with this car from the electronics on the interior of the car shorting out, the back up camera turning off while I am driving the whole navigation screen reboot in traffic, overheating, serpentine belt, fog lamps shorted out, panel for the power front seat broke in half within the first month of ownership, the cars had the ignition coil replaced 7 times in 2 years, throw out bearing for the clutch and clutch diaphragm springs are faulty and screech in cold weather. The car is fun to drive it is got some pick up to it but if I could go back and buy something else for the same money I would in a heartbeat.
accountCircle tom on February 23, 2023
No problems on 2014 Ralleye
Everyone bitching is just flat out abusing the car and or using cheap after market parts, leaking oil, gas mileage, clutch(get a dam automatic),not sure what is wrong with everyone, STAY OF THE WEED!!!!!! Perfect car, 35-40mpg 30 during the brutal cold that will shatter any other brand for sure and having the power to blow em away, no doubt the reason it dominated the rally circuit with Red Bull. Complaints on the plastic piece in front of the tires, take the f****r off, can't believe how f*****g stupid everyone is but they are doing the illegal weed and GOD knows what else.
accountCircle Jessica kelley on August 13, 2022
Dodge dart 2013 shifting linkage cabel bushing
I have a 2013 dodge dart that has been broke down close to 1 year.. I have made call after call trying to get this car fixed and back on the road... This factory default this is a problem that I shouldn't have to pay for.. Sadly to say.. I have no vehicle can't get my car fixed..due to financial situation .. 🙃 I'm so pissed.. I loved this car..why can't this company help me.. Why why give me a run around.. Dodge dealer stating I had to buy the hole shifter cable so I did..but then they won't put it in with out charge.. Bullshit!! This is pure bullshit..
accountCircle Crystal Crouse on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart SXT gas usage
I own a 2013 Dodge Dart SXT and in my opinion it's the worst car I have ever owned for going through a large amounts of fuel. I feel I am constantly at a gas station. Another major problem is it's low to the ground so you're under flap under the bumper underneath of the front of the car always gets ripped off and also the material that they use to go underneath the car under the motor on the bottom of the car is made of the cheap material and rips and falls off it should be made of steel or hard wearable thick plastic of some sort underneath the car.
accountCircle Chris13 on January 8, 2023
Agreed -Garbage Car
I have a 2013 Dual Tran, which sounds great until it puts itself out of gear. It was bogging from day one, bought new, dismissed for years by the dealer. It hops on the highway and hard starts in the cold. Also trunk leaks, I've had it fixed twice. I spent 2k to fix an oil leak, they want $1800 to fix the bad turbo. INow it is not accelerating. I think the Trans is finally gone. It is such a good looking car, that handles great when it does. It is also slow to accelerate with a full tank or 1/4 tank. Only runs great half full.
accountCircle Avery s on April 14, 2023
2013 dodge dart rallye
The car is a great starter car, but awful at the same time. My mom bought her dodge dart in 2012-2013 and it was a brand new car. Approximately 10 years later and about 3 years of sitting and it has become a nightmare. Coolant leaks that cost 500+ to fix ( this issues has been " fixed " at least 4 times now and still causes issues). The car is an automatic but tends shift late, occasionally causing a red line. Otherwise it has good handling with good tires and other than the major problems its a good car.
accountCircle Michael Austin Collins on October 18, 2022
2013 Dodge Dart Aero
Mine has had Transmission and Clutch repairs twice costing thousands of dollars within same year, actually just a matter of months. Now the Catalytic Converter for parts and labor is costing almost another 4k$. A person could buy a new car just for the maintenance and repair costs spent on a Dodge Dart. There's been several other issues with this car as well. Some even the day after getting it out of shop for something else.
accountCircle Kimberly on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart: Worst car ever
Multitude of issues small to very large. Bought 1 year old 11,000 miles on it and had nothing but issues. Check engine light was always coming on, sensors were always going bad, gas tank door was always frozen shut in the winter, brake boosters went, car had no power RPM's were constantly reeving making the check engine light go on. Smell of gas filled interior constantly and finally engine appeared to be going at 75k miles.
accountCircle Leslie V on August 31, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart Limited Plagued with Transmission Woes
My vehicle started off really well. It was comfortable and it reach high speeds fairly quickly. But after a couple of years, recalls started coming through regarding the transmission and there is on currently. It is plagued with transmission problems. It is not a reliable car and its performance is atrocious. It does have Bluetooth which is nice and it is comfortable for long trips.
accountCircle Becky N on August 31, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart SXT battery charging problems.
I have had multiple problems with battery charges. It seems to run slower now for some reason. I bought this car in CarMax in 2018, and it has been to the shop at least 5 times in regards to battery problems. The car was not getting the sufficient battery charge to turn on after being parked for a while. The battery was new. It is now fixed, but took a while to figure out.
accountCircle Michelle W on August 31, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart touch screen is definitely a plus.
Since 2013 was the first year they rolled out with the Dart after many years, it seems to have a few bugs that needed worked out....i have had a lot if issues with updates, transmission, heating/air, and radio. Unfortunately the only things fixed my manufacturer are the ones related to safety. Because of this I have put a bit of $$ in to my car that I should not had to.
accountCircle Abbey A on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart SXT problems with car being too low
It rides way too low to the ground and it scrapes on everything. Since it scrapes so easily, the skid plate underneath the car constantly scrapes the pavement going in and out of driveways that it scrapes the bolts off and the skid plate then hangs. Engine light is always on even though there is nothing wrong. Have had to replace emissions canister several times.
accountCircle Chris R on August 30, 2021
2014 Dodge Dart SXT missed the bullseye when it comes to durability.
Seems to be poorly made and has had numerous problems since purchase. The car has a delay when accelerating. I have also had 3 recalls for the shifter cable which snaps and leaves the car useless unless you manually shift the car. The car does not look too bad on the outside. I just wish they spent a little more time making the car durable rather than cheap.
accountCircle Ashley H on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart Rallye problems and features
I've had many flat tires on this vehicle because it's so low to the ground. At a little over 80,000 miles I had to spend $4000 getting the dual dry clutch and the fly wheel fixed. The back up camera and audio system is very nice. The car is sleek. I love the back lights. The oil change is kind of expensive but not too bad.
accountCircle Megan M on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart Rallye: Fiat and Chrysler Dodge Made a Mess
The 1.4L Turbo is too much engine for the car. The transmission skips, critical parts are made of plastic and it's unreliable with performance. I've hated this car since the first year I had it. Tried to claim lemon law and the dealer refused to see my car, admitting to the faulty 'as designed' engine. Replacing it soon.
accountCircle Andrew P on August 30, 2021
2015 Dodge Dart Aero may not be worth the money
The GPS update is very expensive, I had a tire pressure sensor go out in the first month and the gas tank sensor go out. Great gas mileage. So software problems with the touch screen radio. Overall this is a decent car but does have some reliability issues with different sensors and aspects of the car.
accountCircle Heather S on August 30, 2021
2015 dodge dart: a solid car.
Have had problems with it losing oil and cutting off. No apparent leaks so it must be burning off. Seems to only be happening when it is very hot or very cold. No other mechanical difficulties. It is moderately comfort. I like the size of the touch screen display and the back up camera is clear.
accountCircle Brenda P on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart Limited: They do not make it anymore for a reason!
There are a lot of recalls on this vehicle. They do not even make this car anymore and that should be enough reason on why not to get it. Although it does go pretty fast and the inside is really nice, I still would never buy this car again. It also has a lot of electrical issues.
accountCircle Claudia L on August 31, 2021
2014 Dodge Dart SXT: Gas saver but not powerful
Vehicle problems: headlights and brake lights have been replaced. Loud engine and does not run too smooth. I would not buy that type of vehicle again. Positives are: gas saver, good for commuting. Negatives: small only fits 4 people of petite size. The AC is not very potent.
accountCircle Daniel on July 27, 2022
2016 Dart GT
I loved my dodge dart, very little problems went into my car. It’s fuel efficient, looks amazing, and sporty interior. Idk i can see why ppl complain about the older models but i haven’t ever experienced any of those problems and i have 46,000 miles on it so far.
accountCircle Meghan H on August 31, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart is the worst car to ever buy. Don't buy it unless you want a headache everyday
Hate everything about this car. I've had so many problems with it since the day I brought it home. I bought it brand new and it was like buying trash. Would never recommend this car to anyone.
accountCircle Matt H on November 5, 2021
Loved it, 2014 GT
Got my 14 GT in 2017 with 34k miles, it's 2021 still going strong at 68k miles, if they still made it I would trade mine in for a new one. Overall haven't had any major problems.
accountCircle Devin D on August 30, 2021
2014 Dodge Dart is great for having if you only want to own it for a few years.
I like the gas mileage and the sleek look of the body, the car has a few issues with the transmission and the oil.
accountCircle Ashley C on August 30, 2021
2013 Dodge Dart has back-up camera! Love that feature!
Nothing but problems. Been in the shop multiple times. Bought almost new. Ready to trade this thing in.
accountCircle Mike on December 26, 2023
Awesome Vehicle's
I've got a 2014 Dart GT 2.4 with a 197,545 trouble free miles Absolutely a Great Vehicle
avatar S.D. Grady
Sonya is a vastly experienced journalist who loves to share her passion for everything automotive. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show.
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