The 2023 Dodge Hornet is essentially a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform. Being brand-new to market, long-term failure data is limited, but early patterns show transmission concerns, hybrid system teething issues, and some familiar MultiAir engine problems inherited from Fiat/Alfa lineage.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder and Oil Cooler Failures
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or hesitation during low-speed acceleration or stop-and-go traffic, Transmission overheat warnings on dash, Erratic shifting between 2nd and 3rd gears, Transmission fluid contamination visible on dipstick
Fix: Transmission oil cooler replacement is the common fix (2.5-3.5 hours labor), sometimes paired with a TCM software flash. If clutch packs are damaged from overheating, you're looking at a full transmission rebuild or replacement (8-12 hours labor). Stellantis has issued TSBs addressing cooler seal failures.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for cooler; $4,500-6,500 for rebuild
MultiAir Valve Lifter and Camshaft Follower Noise
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine on cold starts that persists after warm-up, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Loss of power or rough idle, Oil consumption between changes
Fix: MultiAir electrohydraulic valve system is notorious for lifter failures when oil change intervals are stretched. Requires cylinder head removal to replace all lifters/followers and inspect cam lobes (10-14 hours labor). Oil quality is critical—synthetic 0W-20 only, 5,000-mile intervals max.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,000
PHEV High-Voltage Battery Cooling System Faults
Rare · high severitySymptoms: "Service Hybrid System" warning on dash, Battery fails to charge or loses range rapidly, Coolant leaks under vehicle near rear axle area, Reduced electric-only range below 20 miles
Fix: PHEV models have a separate cooling loop for the battery pack. Connector failures or coolant leaks require battery pack partial disassembly for access (6-8 hours labor). Battery thermal management issues can brick the hybrid system. Some early units had faulty coolant level sensors triggering false warnings—software update available.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500 for cooling components; $8,000+ if battery pack damaged
Backup Camera and Parking Sensor Failures
Common · low severitySymptoms: Backup camera shows black screen or "camera unavailable" message, Parking sensors give constant false alarms or no alerts at all, Intermittent operation—works some days, not others
Fix: Recall-related issue (NHTSA campaign) for camera module failures and external pedestrian alert system. Dealership replacement of camera module and software update (1.5-2 hours). Some units have water intrusion into tailgate harness connector—inspect and apply dielectric grease.
Estimated cost: $400-700 if out of recall/warranty
Fuel Filter Clogging and Low-Pressure Fuel System Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power under acceleration, especially uphill, Check engine light with fuel trim or fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191), Engine stumbles or stalls at idle
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter isn't serviceable separately—requires full fuel pump module replacement (3-4 hours labor). Seen more often in vehicles using lower-quality fuel. High-pressure fuel pump on the engine can also fail, but less common. Replace fuel filter/pump module as an assembly.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Transmission Mounts Failing Prematurely
Common · low severityTypical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle with AC on, Visible movement of engine/trans when revving in Park
Fix: The passenger-side transmission mount uses a hydraulic design that fails early, especially on PHEV models with extra battery weight. Replacement is straightforward (1.5-2 hours labor). Use OEM or upgraded polyurethane mounts to avoid repeat failures.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Too early to recommend used—wait until 2025-2026 models prove reliability; if buying new, get the extended warranty to cover the DCT and hybrid systems.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.