Problems · by component

2016 Dodge Dart electrical system problems

49 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart cite electrical system, 19% of all 262 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
49
19% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone to test the battery, alternator, and transmission fluid. A mechanic diagnosed that the thermostat was sticking. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic, who replaced an AC cord due to liquid leaking from underneath the vehicle. This mechanic suggested replacing the thermostat if the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While at a stop sign, the vehicle jerked before accelerating, and while driving approximately 35-45 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the mother's residence, where the vehicle remained for 3 days before being restarted. The vehicle remained parked for approximately a week before the contact drove back to the residence, and the check engine warning light and the battery light were illuminated. The vehicle remained parked while the wheel bearing, headlights, and oil change…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11723515
“My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11717799
“I came home from work, (drove 18 miles) and parked, walked towards my building and I heard a noise, as if something turned on under the hood. Like a electrical motor spinning. And it was not the fan because that one had already turned off. I walk back to the car and pop the hood, white smoke starts coming out and in less than 2 minutes a huge flame comes straight out from the passenger side of the hood. Called the fire department. Fire was on for 4 minutes, neighbor mechanics came running with fire extinguishers and put out the fire before the firefighters arrived. Too many parts melted and damaged. So far estimate is at $4,000. I do not have the estimate on paper, since at the moment I did not have budget to fix my car. My car was perfectly fine, services got done regularly. Never had issues other than wear and tear. I've had that car for almost 10 years.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11713968
“My car keeps shutting down, battery dieing, lose parts , brake caliber come off completely. Gas gone right after putting gas in the car . I have taking it to dealership were I purchased the car Eddie said it would be fixed and it's been one year now. Northgate Ford on colerain Ave Cincinnati ohio where I purchased it They have been tracking me threw GPS system shutting down my car when they want . Over Google and apple they have been breaking into my car taking and switching out all paperwork”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11694429

Showing 6 of 49 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Feb 26, 2016NHTSA 16V113000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026

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