The 2016 Dodge Dart, particularly with the 1.4L Turbo and dual-clutch transmission, suffers from catastrophic powertrain failures that make it one of the least reliable compacts of the decade. The platform was discontinued after 2016 for good reason—transmission and engine longevity issues plague these vehicles well before 100,000 miles.
Symptoms: harsh shifting or lurching during acceleration, clutch slipping feel especially from stops, transmission shuddering at low speeds, complete loss of forward gears, burnt clutch smell
Fix: The dual-clutch mechanism and mechatronic unit fail prematurely. Most require complete transmission replacement as rebuilds rarely last. 8-12 labor hours for R&R, used transmissions often fail quickly too. This is the killer issue on Darts.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
1.4L Turbo Engine Internal Failure - Piston Ring Land Collapse
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 miles), white or blue smoke on startup, loss of compression, metallic rattling from cylinder head, eventual catastrophic failure with rod knock
Fix: Piston ring lands crack, leading to oil consumption and eventually complete engine failure. Requires short block replacement or full engine rebuild. 18-24 labor hours minimum. Many owners just total the car at this point.
Fix: Metal cooler lines corrode where they connect to rubber hoses, especially in salt-belt states. Line replacement requires dropping subframe on some variants. 3-5 labor hours depending on access.
Estimated cost: $400-800
2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption and Head Gasket Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: burning oil smell, coolant loss without visible leaks, white exhaust smoke, overheating issues, milky oil on dipstick in severe cases
Fix: The 2.4L MultiAir engine has both excessive oil consumption from piston design and head gasket failures. Head gasket job runs 10-14 labor hours. If caught late, warped head adds machining or replacement cost.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Software Glitches
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: red lightning bolt warning on dash, sudden loss of power to limp mode, engine won't rev past 2000 rpm, intermittent stalling, throttle response lag or surge
Fix: Software calibration issues in the throttle body and PCM cause random limp-mode events. Often requires multiple dealer reprogramming attempts and throttle body replacement when cleaning doesn't work. 1.5-2.5 labor hours plus diagnostic time.
Estimated cost: $300-700
Transmission Mounting Bracket Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: loud clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, excessive vibration at idle in gear, transmission appears to move excessively when accelerating, rubbing noise from underneath
Fix: The transmission mount and bracket crack from stress, especially on DCT models with harsh engagement. Requires subframe access on some configurations. 2-4 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Owner tips
If considering a 1.4L Turbo with DCT, budget $4,000-5,000 immediately for inevitable transmission replacement—it's not if, but when
Check oil level every fill-up on all engines; consumption issues start subtly then accelerate rapidly
Avoid Darts with salvage/rebuilt transmissions—they fail again within 20,000 miles typically
Get pre-purchase compression test on 1.4L engines; ring land issues show early loss of compression
Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claim—may extend life slightly
Hard pass unless free—the dual-clutch transmission alone makes the 1.4L Turbo Dart a financial trap, and even the 2.0L/2.4L models have enough engine problems to avoid in the used market.
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
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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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · 16V813000
2016-11-08
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
Consequence: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S83.
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.
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 2016 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.