Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Dodge DartRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 262 owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Dart. Most complaints involve power train (87) and engine (67). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–32mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Oct 2025
Owner complaints
262
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: floor shift

Remedy pending

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.

Power trainReported Oct 9, 2025NHTSA 25V674000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Apr 11, 2019NHTSA 19V293000

Equipment

Free remedy

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

EquipmentReported Dec 21, 2017NHTSA 17V824000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

262 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train87
  2. Engine67
  3. Electrical system49
  4. Service brakes26
  5. Fuel/propulsion system13
  6. Visibility/wiper12
  7. Steering11
  8. Vehicle speed control10
  9. Air bags8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Dart model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20131,175
2014373
2015531
2016262
Crashes reported
14
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

87 reports2 crashes
“The vehicle has experienced recurring engine drivability and electrical problems since 2019, including persistent rough idle, intermittent loss of power under load, repeated no-start conditions, check-engine light illumination, and electrical system malfunctions. In June 2019, an authorized FCA dealership diagnosed DTC P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), identified an ignition-coil boot electrical short, and replaced all four ignition-coil boots under the manufacturer’s 15-year/150,000-mile PZEV emissions warranty. The rough-idle condition never fully resolved. In January 2024, another authorized dealership replaced all four spark plugs and one ignition coil and performed PCM-related recall/service work. On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was presented to an authorized dealership with electrical and drivability complaints. The dealer replaced the battery, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that repairs were verified. Three days later, the vehicle again failed to start, the check-engine light illuminated, and an independent scan returned U0401 (Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A). The vehicle was returned to the dealership on August 22, 2026. The dealer…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11773419

Engine

67 reports3 fires
“I received a safety recall on my vehicle in October, and it is now almost february and there is still no remedy. This safety recall is the Transmission Shift Cable A0C. The recall states: "This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle." This is putting myself and others at risk. The dealership has confirmed the issue and has no remedy. They informed me to wait for the remedy. My vehicle has been developing the symptoms of this recall for about 3 years. The key gets stuck in the ignition, the car does not go into or out of PARK easily, it sticks. After I park my car rolls backwards. My vehicle does not feel like its in park. The shifter has become stiff and does not want to move. The form says " do not drive" on mopars official recall. I do not feel safe driving this car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2026Unknown or other, Service brakes, EngineODI 11714238

Electrical system

49 reports1 crash1 fire
“On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Dodge dealership for an electrical-system problem at approximately 105,111 miles. The vehicle required a jump start and the battery failed a load test. The dealer replaced the battery, calibrated the electronic steering sensor, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that the repairs were verified. Approximately two days after the vehicle was returned, diagnostic trouble code U0401 appeared and the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle has now remained at the dealership for several days without a substantive diagnosis or explanation of the cause. The vehicle also has a significant shift-cable recall history. It previously received the V34/19V-293 shift-cable recall repair in 2019. NHTSA later investigated post-remedy failures and FCA determined that the prior remedy did not sufficiently address the defect. The vehicle is currently subject to Recall 25V-674/A0C for possible transmission shift-cable failure. NHTSA currently lists the recall as incomplete because the remedy is not yet available. The defect can result in loss of PARK and/or unintended vehicle movement. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11759900
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM6) · Manual 6-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline · Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Dart Aero
Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
283832$2,500280
Dart Aero
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
283932$2,500279
Dart
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273831$2,550285
Dart
Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,650292
Dart
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253529$2,200309
Dart
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233427$2,400328
Dart
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,400327
Dart
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223427$2,400334
Dart GT
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233326$2,450336
Dart GT
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550350
  • Dart Aero
    Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    28 city · 38 hwy · $2,500/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Dart Aero
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    28 city · 39 hwy · $2,500/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    27 city · 38 hwy · $2,550/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    27 city · 36 hwy · $2,650/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    25 city · 35 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 34 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Dart
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 34 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Dart GT
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Dart GT
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Dodge Dart 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 10141
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Dart questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Dart have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Dart problems?

Owners filed 262 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (87), engine (67), electrical system (49). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Dodge Dart get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Dodge Dart at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Dart?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Dodge Dart 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026