The 2024 Dodge Hornet is essentially a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale sharing the STLA Medium platform. Being brand new, long-term reliability data is thin, but early patterns show transmission concerns, hybrid/PHEV electrical complications, and typical Stellantis fit-and-finish issues that mirror its Alfa sibling.
Dual-Clutch Transmission Issues (9-Speed DCT)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifting or lurching during low-speed acceleration, Transmission slipping between gears, especially 2nd-3rd, Clunking noise from bellhousing area during engagement, Check engine light with clutch actuator codes
Fix: Early failures often involve clutch pack wear or mechatronic unit faults. Dealerships typically replace the entire transmission assembly under warranty. Out-of-warranty requires transmission removal and internal rebuild or reman unit. 12-16 hours labor for R&R plus programming.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Hybrid Battery Coolant Leak (PHEV Models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 5,000-25,000 mi
Symptoms: Sweet smell in cabin or under vehicle, Low coolant warning with no visible radiator leak, Reduced EV range or hybrid system fault messages, Pink/orange fluid pooling under rear seats area
Fix: High-voltage battery cooling system uses dedicated coolant lines prone to fitting leaks at battery pack connections. Requires lifting vehicle, disconnecting HV system per safety protocols, replacing O-rings or coolant hoses. 4-6 hours labor plus system flush and HV system re-certification.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle (2.0L Turbo)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling sound from engine bay on cold start, disappears when warm, Metallic ticking at idle that increases with RPM, Occasional overboosting or underboost codes, Loss of power under hard acceleration
Fix: The IHI turbo's wastegate actuator rod develops play or the internal flapper wears. Turbo replacement is typical fix since rebuilds aren't cost-effective. Requires downpipe removal, coolant drain, oil line disconnect. 5-7 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Backup Camera Intermittent Failure
Common · low severitySymptoms: Black screen when shifting to reverse, or 'camera unavailable' message, Distorted/pixelated image that clears after several minutes, Backup guidelines not appearing, System resets after cycling ignition
Fix: Combination of software bugs in Uconnect 5 system and loose camera module connections behind liftgate trim. Most cases resolved with software flash first (0.5 hour), persistent issues need camera module replacement (1.5-2 hours including trim removal and camera calibration).
Estimated cost: $350-950
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (1.3L Turbo)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 10,000-35,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling at operating temperature, Rough idle with misfire codes stored, Engine cuts out during deceleration
Fix: The MultiAir 1.3L uses a crank sensor mounted low on the block that's vulnerable to heat soak and oil contamination. Sensor replacement is straightforward but requires raising vehicle and removing belly pan for access. 1.5-2 hours labor. Always verify reluctor ring condition while in there.
Estimated cost: $280-450
Brake Pedal Soft/Spongy Feel (All Models)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 8,000-20,000 mi
Symptoms: Pedal travels further than normal before braking occurs, Inconsistent pedal firmness, sometimes normal then soft, ABS/ESC warning lights intermittent, Brake fade sensation without overheating
Fix: Recall-related issue involving brake pedal linkage fastener that can work loose, plus separate cases of ABS modulator air intrusion. Linkage fix is 0.5-hour TSB procedure. If modulator is culprit, requires replacement and bleeding with scan tool (3-4 hours). Check for active recalls first.
Estimated cost: $150-1,800
Wait 2-3 model years for the platform to mature—too many teething issues for a $35k-40k vehicle, and Stellantis warranty support can be inconsistent once you're past the bumper-to-bumper coverage.
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.