2016 Dodge Dart Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)8125.7%
- Engine6721.3%
- Electrical4915.6%
- Brakes288.9%
- Driver assistance196.0%
- Visibility144.4%
- Fuel system134.1%
- Steering113.5%
- Airbags82.5%
- Transmission72.2%
- Suspension61.9%
- Exterior lighting51.6%
- Other / unspecified41.3%
- Body & structure31.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the throttle cable warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The dealer provided the contact with an estimate for the diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The vehicle has experienced recurring engine drivability and electrical problems since 2019, including persistent rough idle, intermittent loss of power under load, repeated no-start conditions, check-engine light illumination, and electrical system malfunctions. In June 2019, an authorized FCA dealership diagnosed DTC P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), identified an ignition-coil boot electrical short, and replaced all four ignition-coil boots under the manufacturer’s 15-year/150,000-mile PZEV emissions warranty. The rough-idle condition never fully resolved. In January 2024, another authorized dealership replaced all four spark plugs and one ignition coil and performed PCM-related recall/service work. On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was presented to an authorized dealership with electrical and drivability complaints. The dealer replaced the battery, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that repairs were verified. Three days later, the vehicle again failed to start, the check-engine light illuminated, and an independent scan returned U0401 (Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A). The vehicle was returned to the dealership on August 22, 2026. The dealer subsequently diagnosed P0118 and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor under the emissions warranty. However, the persistent rough idle and other reported drivability concerns were not resolved. The dealer represented that BCM, PCM, wiring, power, ground, and communication testing had been performed, but the repair documentation provided does not contain the corresponding test results. Management ultimately declined further diagnostic work. The recurring loss of power under load creates a potential traffic safety hazard. Intermittent no-start conditions also affect vehicle reliability. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The precise underlying cause remains undetermined.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has experienced recurring engine drivability and electrical problems since 2019, including persistent rough idle, intermittent loss of power under load, repeated no-start conditions, check-engine light illumination, and electrical system malfunctions. In June 2019, an authorized FCA dealership diagnosed DTC P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), identified an ignition-coil boot electrical short, and replaced all four ignition-coil boots under the manufacturer’s 15-year/150,000-mile PZEV emissions warranty. The rough-idle condition never fully resolved. In January 2024, another authorized dealership replaced all four spark plugs and one ignition coil and performed PCM-related recall/service work. On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was presented to an authorized dealership with electrical and drivability complaints. The dealer replaced the battery, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that repairs were verified. Three days later, the vehicle again failed to start, the check-engine light illuminated, and an independent scan returned U0401 (Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A). The vehicle was returned to the dealership on August 22, 2026. The dealer subsequently diagnosed P0118 and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor under the emissions warranty. However, the persistent rough idle and other reported drivability concerns were not resolved. The dealer represented that BCM, PCM, wiring, power, ground, and communication testing had been performed, but the repair documentation provided does not contain the corresponding test results. Management ultimately declined further diagnostic work. The recurring loss of power under load creates a potential traffic safety hazard. Intermittent no-start conditions also affect vehicle reliability. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The precise underlying cause remains undetermined.
The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has experienced recurring engine drivability and electrical problems since 2019, including persistent rough idle, intermittent loss of power under load, repeated no-start conditions, check-engine light illumination, and electrical system malfunctions. In June 2019, an authorized FCA dealership diagnosed DTC P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), identified an ignition-coil boot electrical short, and replaced all four ignition-coil boots under the manufacturer’s 15-year/150,000-mile PZEV emissions warranty. The rough-idle condition never fully resolved. In January 2024, another authorized dealership replaced all four spark plugs and one ignition coil and performed PCM-related recall/service work. On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was presented to an authorized dealership with electrical and drivability complaints. The dealer replaced the battery, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that repairs were verified. Three days later, the vehicle again failed to start, the check-engine light illuminated, and an independent scan returned U0401 (Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A). The vehicle was returned to the dealership on August 22, 2026. The dealer subsequently diagnosed P0118 and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor under the emissions warranty. However, the persistent rough idle and other reported drivability concerns were not resolved. The dealer represented that BCM, PCM, wiring, power, ground, and communication testing had been performed, but the repair documentation provided does not contain the corresponding test results. Management ultimately declined further diagnostic work. The recurring loss of power under load creates a potential traffic safety hazard. Intermittent no-start conditions also affect vehicle reliability. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The precise underlying cause remains undetermined.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was sitting at the lights. Light turned green. One car is in front of me. The driveway is fifty feet away from the light, and. The car in front of me was turning the same direction as I was, and no brakes, was hard to push down had to pump it and avoid rearending car in front of me. I barely stopped, checked the fluids oreillys put it on the scanner and, brake booster - general signal failure.
In the event of having to panic stop, slamming on the brakes doesn't stop the car. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and I have to pump the brake before the car stops. This has happened multiple times with my 2016 dodge dart the last time was 2 months ago. This needs to be a recall.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Transmission shift cable
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My windshield wipers stopped working. I have tested the motor and the multi switch. They’re all functioning. There is a recall for windshield wipers just not for my VIN number same make and model
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I have less than 55,000 miles on this vehicle, and my shift linkage bushing has failed, making it so my car is stuck in gear and the shifter inside the vehicle will not work at all. There was a recall in 2019 for this issue, and it seems it hasn’t been satisfactorily remedied and another recall should happen. I purchased the vehicle one year ago (Oct 2024) from a Honda Dealership. This should definitely not be happening with a car less than 10 years old with less than 55,000 miles. It has made my car inoperable. Luckily I was backing into a fuel station spot when this happened, so I was going very slowly. I just was not able to remove my key, start the car, or drive it afterwards.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car was wrecked at 85 miles a hour and rolled 7 times and not a single air bag deployed
Airbags. The light did not come on upon start up of vehicle. Electrical. My radio, display on dashboard and Bluetooth would blink off and on. I think that my sons safety and mine were at risk because of the malfunctioning of the airbags if an accident would have occurred they wouldn't deploy. I took it into the dealer, but they didn't seem concerned. They fixed some things and it costs around $3500. The only thing I noticed was the flashing off and on of the dashboard display which shows your speed and mileage on the vehicle and my airbag light did not display at all. My VIN number was covered up with a sticker on the dashboard of my vehicle as well and the one on the drivers door was missing. My car was stolen from Ohio and I found it in Oregon at Capitol Toyota. Dodge Dart 2016.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part needed to complete the recall repair was not available. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Dodge dart has a malfunction that might have contributed in many crashes this car has been involved in. The issue is that some darts will experience a malfunction where the lights inside the car will randomly flicker (should they be on), digital dash will also flicker and navigation screen will either restart or just shut off. The biggest problem in all of this is that the power steering will always temporarily shut off and make it extremely hard to steer the car for a few seconds and this can happen during turns. The reset can also happen many times in a row forcing the power steering to be shut down for multiple seconds longer than the avg like 5-8 seconds. within that reset all lights on the dash will flick on and off and if you have cruise control on, it will shut off permanently until you restart the car. Sometimes the reset doesn't successfully turn on and the navigation will remain off indefinitely and will blast hot air into your cabin forcing you to park and restart your car. If your dart slows down to a stop the power steering will shut off forcing you to attempt to park your car with an extremely stiff power steering or you can restart your car for a chance to regain some assitance from the PS. Sometimes putting the car in reverse shuts off the car. The issue that the car displays when these errors occur is "Service Power Steering" or "Service Electronic Braking System" weird request when the braking is just fine. Dealership cannot diagnose this issue because the codes seemingly clear themselves as if nothing has ever happened. I have found a few others with similar issues to mine on Reddit as well as The Dodge dart forums. This issue also happens at random. There isn't a trigger or requirement for it to happen. You can be sitting at a parking lot with the car on in park and it might just reset itself for no reason and give you a stiff wheel.
REGARDING THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA, THE CAMERA IS A VITAL TOOL FOR US, THE VEHICLE WAS LITERALLY ONE MONTH OUT OF MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND IT WENT OUT. THEN WE WENT TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR A SERVICE AND ASKED THE SERVICE WRITER IF THEY COULD REPAIR THE CAMERA UNDER WARRANTY AND WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING IN THE COMPUTER HE QUICKLY RESPONDED THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET, IS THE CAMERA NOT A SAFETY DEVICE? I REALLY WISH DEALERSHIPS WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
While on the side of the highway trying to change a flat tire. I found that the lugnuts have swollen and my lug wrench would not fit on the lugs. A service truck responded and said he see's this all the time. He went to the next size up in order to get the lug nuts off and said buy new ones with out the aluminum covers over the nut.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF AS WELL AS THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING AT ALL AND SKID CONTROL DOESN'T WORK EITHER. BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH OFTEN AND VEHICLE IS MORE AND MORE RELUCTANT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS IN MOTION. STEARING IS HARDER WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS OR STOPS ALSO. THE ISSUE BEGAN AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ANTILOCK BRAKE ISSUE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. ALL LIGHTS WHERE CLEARED AT MY LAST SERVICE BUT CAME BACK ON IMMEDIATELY FROM LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP I SERVICED IT AT. I HAVE KIDS I TRANSPORT IN THIS VEHICLE AND FAILING BRAKES UNDER 90000 MILES IS A BIG DEAL. APPROXIMATE MILEAGE IS 83000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2016 DODGE DART. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DAMAGED UNDERCOVER ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT TOO LOW TOO THE GROUND IN THE FRONT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNDER COVER. THE UNDER COVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JS
THE AIR BAGS ON THIS CAR FAILED TO DEPLOY FROM A BAD CAR ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS HIT NEAR THE RIGHT FRONT FROM A PERSON THAT RAN A RED LIGHT. THE FRONT END DAMAGE WAS HORRIBLE TO SAY THE LEAST AS TO WHERE THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID TO ME THAT THE CAR HAS TO BE TOTALED. EXTENSIVE FRAME DAMAGE FROM THIS ACCIDENT AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAD NEVER DEPLOYED FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. THE CONSUMER OWNS ANOTHER VEHICLE SAME MAKE/MODEL AND QUESTIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE PREVIOUS VEHICLE FAILING. *JS *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .