The 2015 Dodge Dart suffers from catastrophic dual-clutch transmission failures and severe 1.4L turbo engine problems that make it one of the riskiest compact cars of its era. Transmission and engine rebuilds are disturbingly common before 100,000 miles.
Symptoms: harsh shifting or lurching at low speeds, transmission shuddering during acceleration, failure to engage gears, complete loss of drive, check engine light with TCM codes
Fix: The 6-speed DCT (transmission code DDC) experiences clutch pack wear, mechatronic unit failures, and oil cooler contamination. Most shops replace the entire transmission due to internal damage cascading through multiple components. Labor is 8-12 hours for R&R plus fluid service. Rebuilt units available but failure rate remains high.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
1.4L Turbo Engine Failure - Piston Ring and Bearing Damage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi), blue smoke from exhaust, knocking or ticking noises from engine, loss of compression, catastrophic engine seizure
Fix: The 1.4L MultiAir suffers from defective piston rings causing oil consumption, which leads to carbon buildup and eventual bearing failure. Ring replacement alone is 12-16 hours (engine disassembly required), but most engines need short block replacement or full rebuild due to scoring. Many shops recommend used engine swaps as more economical.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Contamination and Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission overheating warnings, harsh or delayed shifts, metal shavings in transmission fluid, milky appearance to coolant or trans fluid
Fix: The integrated transmission oil cooler fails internally, allowing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. Requires cooler replacement, complete fluid flush of both systems, and often transmission filter/pan service. If caught early (before major contamination), can prevent full transmission failure. Labor is 3-5 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
MultiAir Intake Valve Actuator Failure - 1.4L and 2.4L
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle and misfires, reduced power and poor acceleration, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, ticking noise from cylinder head, limp mode activation
Fix: The electro-hydraulic MultiAir system uses high-pressure oil to actuate intake valves. Actuator solenoids and cam followers wear, causing valve timing issues. Replacement requires cylinder head disassembly. Labor is 6-9 hours depending on which bank (2.4L). Critical to use Mopar parts as aftermarket units fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Automatic Transmission Shifter Cable and Linkage Defects
Common · high severity
Symptoms: shifter moves but car doesn't change gears, unable to shift out of park, gear indicator shows wrong position, vehicle rolls when in park
Fix: Subject to multiple recalls, the floor shifter cable and bushing assembly detaches or breaks, creating dangerous situations where the transmission isn't actually in park despite indicator showing it. Recall repairs available but many vehicles not fixed. Aftermarket fix involves cable replacement and reinforced bushing. Labor is 1.5-2.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Timing Belt Failure - 1.4L Turbo (Interference Engine)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: engine won't start after sudden failure, slapping or slipping noise before failure, catastrophic valve and piston damage if belt breaks
Fix: The 1.4L uses a timing belt (not chain) on an interference engine design. Belt failure causes immediate piston-to-valve contact requiring head and often short block replacement. Service interval is 96,000 miles but failures occur earlier due to oil contamination from turbo or PCV issues. Preventive replacement is 4-5 hours labor including water pump.
Estimated cost: $700-1,200
2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark Head Gasket Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: external coolant leaks from head/block interface, overheating without obvious cause, white smoke from exhaust, coolant consumption, rough running when cold
Fix: The Tigershark engines can develop head gasket leaks, especially at coolant passages. Requires head removal, resurfacing, and multi-layer steel gasket replacement. Labor is 8-11 hours. While less catastrophic than 1.4L issues, head warpage is common if overheating occurred, requiring machine work or replacement head.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,000
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid condition every 15,000 miles on DCT models - metal flakes or burnt smell means immediate service needed
Monitor oil consumption religiously on 1.4L turbo - more than 1 qt per 3,000 mi requires immediate diagnosis
Replace timing belt on 1.4L at 80,000 miles regardless of service interval to prevent interference engine damage
Verify all recall work completed, especially transmission shifter cable recall - serious safety issue
Avoid the 1.4L/DCT combination entirely - opt for 2.0L or 2.4L with conventional automatic if buying used
Hard pass unless free - the combination of transmission grenades and engine failures makes this one of the least reliable compacts ever sold, with repair costs often exceeding 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: AGM battery required for start-stop system; located in trunk behind access panel on driver side
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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.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 16V113000
2016-02-26
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software.
Consequence: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S10.
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.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · 14V800000
2014-12-17
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Dart Aero vehicles manufactured August 24, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected vehicles were built with a premium instrument cluster and Lowline Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS warning light may not illuminate when low tire pressure is detected. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems."
Consequence: A malfunctioning TPMS light will not notify an owner of an improperly inflated tire. An improperly inflated tire may experience a complete loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the vehicles from a lowline TPMS to a highline TPMS, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P76.
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 2015 Dodge Dart 1.4L Turbo I4 MultiAir 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.