The 2013 Dodge Dart, built on Fiat's Compact platform, suffers from serious powertrain reliability issues, particularly the dual-clutch transmission and catastrophic engine failures on 1.4L Turbo models. These aren't normal wear items—we're talking premature internal engine damage and transmission replacements before 100k miles.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Failure on 1.4L Turbo Models
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh shifting or lurching at low speeds, grinding or shuddering during acceleration, transmission slipping or refusing to engage, check engine light with clutch actuator codes
Fix: The dual-clutch automated manual is notorious for premature clutch pack wear and mechatronic unit failures. Most end up needing complete transmission replacement or remanufactured unit—budget 8-12 hours labor for R&R. Clutch pack service alone runs 6-8 hours but often doesn't solve electronic actuator issues.
Symptoms: loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, sudden loss of oil pressure, metal shavings in oil during changes, engine seizure or connecting rod through block in severe cases
Fix: The 1.4L MultiAir suffers from oil starvation issues leading to spun main bearings, damaged pistons, and scored cylinders. Oil consumption problems often precede failure. Once bearing knock starts, you're looking at complete engine rebuild (18-24 hours) or used/reman engine swap (12-16 hours). We've seen this even with religious oil changes—poor design.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, burnt transmission fluid smell, pink/red fluid visible near radiator area, transmission overheating warnings
Fix: The cooler lines corrode where they connect to the radiator or at crimped joints. Simple line replacement is 1.5-2.5 hours, but if you let it leak long enough to damage the transmission from low fluid, you're into full trans service or worse. Catch it early.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, engine vibration at idle worsens over time, visible sagging or torn rubber on mount inspection
Fix: The front transmission mount tears prematurely, especially on DCT models with the harsh engagement. Replacement is straightforward—1.5-2 hours with proper support. OEM mounts last longer than aftermarket here.
Estimated cost: $200-400
2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption and Cylinder Head Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: burning one quart of oil per 1,000-2,000 miles, blue smoke from exhaust on startup, check engine light with misfire codes, coolant loss with no visible leaks
Fix: The 2.4L can develop excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings or valve guide seals, sometimes requiring complete piston ring replacement (16-20 hours). Separately, head gasket failures occur where coolant passages corrode through. Both head gaskets is 10-14 hours. These engines either run forever or eat themselves—no middle ground.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,000
Electronic Throttle Control and Stalling Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: engine stalls at idle or when coming to a stop, intermittent reduced engine power warnings, throttle response lag or surging, check engine light with throttle position sensor codes
Fix: Software glitches and actual throttle body failures both occur. Start with PCM reflash (0.5 hours), but many need throttle body replacement (1.5-2 hours). The electronic issues can be maddeningly intermittent and sometimes require multiple dealer visits to capture codes.
Estimated cost: $150-800
Owner tips
On 1.4L Turbo models, check oil level every tank of gas—consumption issues often precede catastrophic failure
DCT transmissions need fluid changed every 40k miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims—use Pentosin FFL-4 spec fluid
Inspect transmission cooler lines during every oil change for corrosion and seepage
Avoid the 1.4L Turbo with DCT combination entirely if buying used—that's the worst reliability combo
The 2.0L manual transmission is the most reliable powertrain option if you can find one
Hard pass unless it's a 2.0L manual for under $4k—the catastrophic powertrain failures outweigh any purchase price savings, and repair costs frequently exceed vehicle value.
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.
Fitment notes: Battery located in trunk on driver side; requires vented battery
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Every control module on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated with BCM or separate module behind instrument panel
🔧 TPMS relearn tool or drive cycle
⚠️ Sensor IDs must be programmed after tire rotation or replacement
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with camera in trunk lid
🔧 Vehicle settings menu
⚠️ Optional equipment; calibration lines may need adjustment
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under driver or passenger seat
🔧 Seat memory buttons
⚠️ Power seat memory models only; memory positions need reprogramming
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · 25V674000
2025-10-09
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.
Consequence: A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, explaining the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.
Wiper blades
Modern Dart sedan, first year of production. Standard hook-type attachment
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Dodge Dart 2.4L I4 Tigershark and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.