Problems · by component

2016 Dodge Dart power train problems

87 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart cite power train, 33% of all 262 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
87
33% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

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
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part needed to complete the recall repair was not available. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Power trainODI 11772109
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Powertrain); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Power trainODI 11771607
“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 contact stated that while attempting to shift out of park, the gear shifter failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not repaired. The vehicle was inoperable and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power trainODI 11768924
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon shifting into park(P), the transmission failed to respond, and the contact used force to depress the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The air bag, brakes, check engine, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Power trainODI 11764079
“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

Showing 6 of 87 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

2 recalls on this component

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
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.