The 2014 Dart is notorious for catastrophic dual-clutch transmission failures and premature engine bearing/piston failures, particularly on the 1.4L turbo. These are expensive, platform-defining problems that often total the car economically.
Symptoms: Violent shuddering during low-speed acceleration or gear changes, Grinding noises when shifting, especially 2nd to 3rd gear, Sudden loss of power or refusal to engage gears, Burning smell from transmission, Check engine light with clutch actuator codes
Fix: The dual-clutch automated manual is the Achilles heel. Clutch pack replacement rarely fixes it long-term; most need a remanufactured transmission. 8-12 hours labor for R&R, plus programming.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
1.4L Turbo Engine Bearing and Piston Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud knocking or rattling from engine block, especially cold start, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Catastrophic engine seizure, Blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration
Fix: The 1.4L MultiAir suffers from bearing wear and piston ring land failure. Oil passages clog, starving bearings. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement short block. 16-22 hours labor for full teardown/rebuild, more for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Head Gasket Failure - 2.4L Tigershark
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Rough idle and misfires
Fix: The 2.4L develops head gasket leaks between cylinders or into coolant passages. Both heads typically need surfacing. 14-18 hours labor, includes timing chain replacement while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode), Erratic shifting patterns, Won't start or crank with no-start condition, Dash warning lights for transmission, Total loss of communication with TCM on scanner
Fix: TCM fails outright or develops corrupted software. Replacement module requires programming to VIN and adaptive learning drive cycle. 2-3 hours labor plus module cost.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks and Clogging
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink fluid pooling under vehicle (transmission fluid in coolant), Transmission overheating warnings, Milky appearance in coolant reservoir, Harsh or delayed shifts after warmup, Coolant in transmission pan during service
Fix: Internal transmission cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, transmission fluid flush (often multiple flushes), and sometimes transmission rebuild if contamination caused damage. 4-6 hours labor if caught early.
Estimated cost: $900-2,200
Vacuum Brake Booster Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Hard brake pedal requiring excessive force, Hissing sound when pressing brakes, Engine stalling when braking, Brake pedal sinks slowly to floor when held at stop, Check engine light with lean codes from vacuum leak
Fix: Booster diaphragm ruptures, creating vacuum leak and losing power assist. Recall issued but not all units covered. 3-4 hours labor for booster replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Shifter Cable and Linkage Detachment
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Shifter moves freely with no gear engagement, Can't shift out of park, Gear indicator doesn't match actual gear, Shifter feels loose or disconnected, Vehicle rolls in park position
Fix: Shifter cable bushing breaks or cable detaches at transmission. Recall issued for some units. Cable replacement takes 2-3 hours including console disassembly.
Estimated cost: $350-700
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with OEM ATF+4 regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims - this can extend DCT life slightly
On 1.4L turbos, use quality synthetic oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum; sludge buildup accelerates bearing failure
Check transmission cooler lines and radiator for cross-contamination during every coolant service
Verify all recalls completed before purchase, especially shifter cable and brake booster
Budget $1,000/year minimum for transmission-related repairs if keeping past 60k miles
Hard pass unless you're getting it for $2,000 or less and consider it disposable transportation - the transmission and engine issues make this one of the least reliable vehicles of the 2010s.
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 front engine compartment; standard flooded lead acid 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 19V293000
2019-04-11
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.
Consequence: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · 15V800000
2015-11-25
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.
Consequence: Internal damage to brake booster could result in a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found,
the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced. If oil is found, the vacuum pump, vacuum tube assembly, brake booster and master cylinder will be replaced. The recall began on May 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R63.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 15V542000
2015-08-25
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.
Consequence: If the transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R42.
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 2014 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.