Hornet (1st)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1.3T-I4-PHEV
1.3L 4-cyl Turbo / 285 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0T-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 252 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Dodge Hornet Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet
That's about 3.6x the typical rate for PHEVs in this dataset (median 2.8 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 10 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2024] Approximately one month after purchasing this vehicle new, I began experiencing a recurring loss-of-propulsion defect. Since XXX, the vehicle has repeatedly lost the ability to accelerate ("limp mode" / "turtle mode") without warning, and later experienced a complete no-start/shutdown failure caused by a PIM/IDCM power electronics failure (repaired ~XXX at approximately 15,650 miles). The vehicle
- [2024] This is the 7th time this has happened turtle mode out of nowhere I've took it in the shop so much for the same reason the car shut off on me with my [XXX] grand child the car completely stopped throwing my neck extremely hard so hard I'm thinking about seeking medical attention and was stranded 2 hours in a location that was not safe my grandson was [XXX] at the time the car rolled backwards at h
- [2024] Just 5 minutes after starting the drive, the 'Limp Mode' warning light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became completely unresponsive. The vehicle decelerated rapidly and came to a sudden stop in the middle of an intersection, putting me in a highly dangerous situation. Furthermore, I pressed the emergency SOS button, but it failed to function entirely.
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2024] I am filing this complaint due to repeated and dangerous electrical and hybrid system failures in my 2024 Dodge Hornet, which have resulted in sudden loss of acceleration, loss of braking performance, dashboard warning lights, and system malfunctions while driving. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times at Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram with the following documented incidents:
- [2024] We had a sudden heavy wet snow that accumulated a couple inches on the roadway. This made the roadway very slippery. The vehicle could not be driven safely. Upon lifting my foot off the gas pedal, the rear wheels would enter regenerative braking and cause the rear wheels to skid (no matter the drive mode or speed down to less than 5 mph), leading to fishtailing and no ability to control the vehi
- [2024] Upon purchasing the vehicle on September 26th, 2024, my brand new Dodge hornet started experiencing critical failures between the gas engine, the hybrid electrical system, and various safety features in the vehicle. At just 1,800 miles, the vehicles auxiliary coolant pump needed to be replaced along with several other components within that system. The vehicle was at the dealership for 2 months fo
Regenerative Braking
- [2024] We had a sudden heavy wet snow that accumulated a couple inches on the roadway. This made the roadway very slippery. The vehicle could not be driven safely. Upon lifting my foot off the gas pedal, the rear wheels would enter regenerative braking and cause the rear wheels to skid (no matter the drive mode or speed down to less than 5 mph), leading to fishtailing and no ability to control the vehi
- [2024] I purchased this vehicle in December of 2024 at 37 miles on the car. The car shut down three times on me due to electrical issue, but the dealership said it was the battery and the electric, i have invoices for all of the visits. i didnt feel safe driving the vehicle so i let the car sit and rented through Turo. Recently in October, there was a loud squeek sound and vibration coming from my brake,
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2024] Battery died twice on 2 separate occasions since the day car was received on 1/17. Car was ‘serviced’ after the first time battery died, but this morning I could not get it to turn on again. This car has been giving me nothing but issues and I haven’t had it for a month yet.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Dodge Hornet, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet
On a used 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (41), the airbags and driver-assist systems (34) and the brakes (24). 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.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet about the electrical system.
- 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 34 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet about the engine, all engines combined.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet about the suspension.
Recalls (8)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The manufacturer label is missing the tire rim and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Show 3 older recalls
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet complaints?
Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the safety systems and the brakes.
Is the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet 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 103 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet have?
NHTSA has 103 owner complaints on file for the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet 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 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet 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 Hornet?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the safety systems and the brakes, 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.
Does the Hornet have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 103 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.