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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Symptoms: 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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
Owner tips
PHEV models: monitor hybrid system coolant level monthly and inspect battery pack area for moisture during routine maintenance
DCT transmissions need fluid changes at 30k intervals despite 'lifetime fill' claims—use Pentosin FFL-4 spec only
Keep Uconnect software updated through dealer or OTA—many early electrical gremlins fixed via reflash
2.0L turbo engines benefit from Italian tune-up runs to 4500+ RPM every few hundred miles to prevent carbon buildup
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.
Fitment notes: AGM required for hybrid system; battery located under cargo floor
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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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · 24V752000
2024-10-09
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
Consequence: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B7B.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 24V209000
2024-03-19
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The manufacturer label is missing the tire rim and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Missing rim and tire size information could lead to an incorrect wheel being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will apply a corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 32B.
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.
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 2024 Dodge Hornet 1.3L Turbo I4 Hybrid 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.