Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Dodge Dart problems
Owners filed 262 complaints about the 2016 Dodge Dart with NHTSA between Oct 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (87).
Complaints
262
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
14
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train87
- Engine67
- Electrical system49
- Service brakes26
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Visibility/wiper12
- Steering11
- Vehicle speed control10
- Air bags8
- Suspension6
- Exterior lighting5
- Electronic stability control (esc)5
- Wheels4
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
7
19
34
70
26
16
6
17
2
19
44
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 44 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
87 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“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…”
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.”
Electrical system
49 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“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…”
Service brakes
26 reports4 crashes
“I was sitting at the lights. Light turned green. One car is in front of me. The driveway is fifty feet away from the light, and. The car in front of me was turning the same direction as I was, and no brakes, was hard to push down had to pump it and avoid rearending car in front of me. I barely stopped, checked the fluids oreillys put it on the scanner and, brake booster - general signal failure.”
Fuel/propulsion system
13 reports2 fires
“I own a 2016 Dodge Dart with an active safety recall related to the transmission shift cable bushing. I have contacted dealerships multiple times and have been told parts are not available with no timeline provided. This defect affects the vehicle’s ability to properly shift gears and creates a serious safety hazard. I am being forced to drive an unsafe vehicle due to Chrysler’s failure to supply recall parts in a reasonable timeframe.”
Visibility/wiper
12 reports
“My windshield wipers stopped working. I have tested the motor and the multi switch. They’re all functioning. There is a recall for windshield wipers just not for my VIN number same make and model”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.