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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Symptoms: "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 severity
Symptoms: 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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
Owner tips
Stick to 5,000-mile oil changes with full-synthetic 0W-20 to preserve the MultiAir valve system—this engine does NOT tolerate extended intervals
PHEV models: keep the high-voltage battery charged regularly; letting it sit discharged for weeks can damage cells and trigger cooling system faults
Check transmission fluid color every 15,000 miles—should be bright red; dark brown means cooler or seal failure is starting
Inspect backup camera and parking sensor connectors for corrosion during routine washes; apply dielectric grease preventively
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.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for PHEV system; do not substitute with standard flooded battery
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Every control module on the 2023-2026 Dodge Hornet — 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.
⚠️ Ultrasonic parking sensors. Calibration typically automatic after installation.
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in rear liftgate handle or bumper area
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Launch X431
⚠️ Camera alignment/calibration may be required. Typically plug-and-play.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V246000
2025-05-13
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software or replace the display as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 13C and 38C.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 24V175000
2024-03-05
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add an overlay label to the tire placard information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28B.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · 23V696000
2023-10-17
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Consequence: Failure to alert pedestrians when backing up increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear pedestrian siren connection and, if necessary, secure and/or replace the connector or siren, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is B5A.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and tighten the cable connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 98A.
Performance
Horsepower
288hp
Torque
383lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.1sec
Quarter mile
14.6sec
Top speed
128mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,860lb
Wiper blades
First year of Hornet crossover, based on Alfa Romeo Tonale platform.
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 2023 Dodge Hornet 1.3L I4 Turbo PHEV 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.