VehicleVerdict

2016 Dodge Dart problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Dodge Dart sits mid-pack among Dart years: 352 NHTSA complaints, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (72), engine (67), and other (58), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

352

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Dart years?

See all Dart years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Dart problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7220%
Engine6719%
Other5816%
Electrical System5215%
Brakes278%
Visibility & Wipers134%
Fuel System134%
Speed Control103%
Steering103%
Airbags82%
Suspension51%
Lighting51%
Driver Assistance51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Body & Structure31%

Does the 2016 Dodge Dart have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V674000TransmissionOctober 9, 2025 · 298,439 units

Defect

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.

19V293000TransmissionApril 11, 2019 · 298,439 units

Defect

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.

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

Defect

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.

16V813000Visibility & WipersNovember 8, 2016 · 53,155 units

Defect

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.

16V113000Electrical SystemFebruary 26, 2016 · 1,122 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

PURCHASED CAR NEW JAN 2017. ON 3/3/19 AT APPROX. 18 MPH WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN IN TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD I HEARD A LOUD POP AND CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT HITTING A CURB. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE CAR IT APPEARED THAT THE AXLE POPPED OUT OF JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO. BECAUSE OF THIS TWO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 3, 2019 · crash

MY SON PARKED THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING IT APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES. HE WENT INTO HIS DORM ROOM AND WAS INFORMED SHORTLY AFTER THAT HIS CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE ENGINE HAD IGNITED.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2019 · fire

PURCHASED CAR NEW JAN 2017. ON 3/3/19 AT APPROX. 18 MPH WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN IN TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD I HEARD A LOUD POP AND CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT HITTING A CURB. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE CAR IT APPEARED THAT THE AXLE POPPED OUT OF JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO. BECAUSE OF THIS TWO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 3, 2019 · crash

"TAKARA RECALL" I STARTED NOTICED SQUEAKING WHEN PRESSING THE BREAKS. THIS AUTOMATICALLY MAKING ME ASSUME THAT MY BRAKES/BRAKE PADS WERE GOING BAD. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND AFTER CHECKING IT OUT THEY SUGGESTED THE BRAKES WERE FINE AND THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. BEFORE I WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2019 · crash

This complaint is additional information for original complaint 11535053 7/28/2023 I have diagnosed the issue I have taken pictures of the entire brake booster that failed, and have held on to the parts for the investigation. The vehicle had the updated vacuum line. Still oil present in brake…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 28, 2023 · crash

2016 Dodge Dart — common questions

Is the 2016 Dodge Dart reliable?

It is close to typical for the Dart: 352 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2016 Dart problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (72 complaints), engine (67 complaints), other (58 complaints).

Does the 2016 Dodge Dart have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Dodge Dart. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Dodge Dart under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Dart?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Dodge Dart earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.