Dart (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.4T-I4-Gas
1.4L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Dodge Dart Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
3.0T-I4-Diesel
3.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Dodge Dart, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2013-2016 Dodge Dart
On a used 2013-2016 Dodge Dart, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (918), the engine (495) and the electrical system (465). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 918 owner complaints on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 495 owner complaints on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 465 owner complaints on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 449 owner complaints on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (8)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles. The shifter cable may detach from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the park (P) position and causing a loss of park function.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software.
Show 3 older recalls
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component within the brake booster.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Dart Aero vehicles manufactured August 24, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected vehicles were built with a premium instrument cluster and Lowline Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS warning light may not illuminate when low tire pressure is detected. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2016 Dodge Dart complaints?
Owners have filed 2,327 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,327 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart have?
NHTSA has 2,327 owner complaints on file for the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Dodge Dart?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Dart?
The 2016 Dodge Dart received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,327 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.