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2012 Dodge Dart

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

868 reports with mileage · 213 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 454 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 252 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

63 crash reports14 fire reports29 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

12 reports
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45,000 miles · Aug 17, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN EVERY 2,000 MILES OR SO TO HAVE IT RECALIBRATED(ENGINE LIGHT ON), THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, SHOP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SAID IT'S THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, BOUGHT ONE AND HAD REGULAR MECHANIC PUT IN, DID NOT WORK. MY REGULAR MECHANIC SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE, AND SINCE I NEED…

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I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN EVERY 2,000 MILES OR SO TO HAVE IT RECALIBRATED(ENGINE LIGHT ON), THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, SHOP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SAID IT'S THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, BOUGHT ONE AND HAD REGULAR MECHANIC PUT IN, DID NOT WORK. MY REGULAR MECHANIC SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE, AND SINCE I NEED TO TAKE IT IN AGAIN FOR RECALIBRATION I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE MODULE WAS CHECKED AND HAVE IT REPLACED. SORRY I BOUGHT THIS CAR, IT'S IN THE SHOP EVERY 3-4 MONTHS!!!

NHTSA ODI #11120644

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

MANUFACTURE RECALL NUMBER R36 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 15V-800 RECALL INCOMPLETE

NHTSA ODI #11046437

50 miles · Nov 10, 2017
Exterior Lighting

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE 3 MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS STYLE OF HEADLIGHT. 1) THE PERFORMANCE IS SUBSTANDARD WHEN USED IN HIGH-BEAM MODE. THE WIDTH OF LIGHT BEAM IS TOO NARROW, I.E. TOO MUCH LIGHT IS FOCUSED STRAIGHT AHEAD AND NOT ENOUGH IS PROJECTED ON SHOULDERS & AREA ADJACENT TO ROADWAY …

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VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE 3 MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS STYLE OF HEADLIGHT. 1) THE PERFORMANCE IS SUBSTANDARD WHEN USED IN HIGH-BEAM MODE. THE WIDTH OF LIGHT BEAM IS TOO NARROW, I.E. TOO MUCH LIGHT IS FOCUSED STRAIGHT AHEAD AND NOT ENOUGH IS PROJECTED ON SHOULDERS & AREA ADJACENT TO ROADWAY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE ON CURVED ROADS. THIS IS DUE TO A DESIGN COMPROMISE RESULTING FROM USING THE SAME FOCUSING LENS ON LOW-BEAM OPERATION. 2)LIGHTING IS REDUCED WHEN USED IN LOW-BEAM MODE. THE SHUTTER THAT BLOCKS UPPER PORTION OF THE BEAM REDUCES THE QUANTITY OF LIGHT CAST ON ROADWAY. 3) SAFETY HAZARD IS CREATED FOR OTHER VEHICLES WHEN PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS APPROACH OR FOLLOW ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT BEAM IS VERY HIGH CAUSING OTHER MOTORISTS TO BE BLINDED WHEN A PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHT SHINES DIRECTLY INTO THE EYES OF ANOTHER MOTORIST. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN DRIVING ON HILLS, AROUND CURVES, AND WHEN BEING APPROACHED OR FOLLOWING A VEHICLE OF A DIFFERENT HEIGHT. (SEDANS BEING LOWER THAN SUVS OR LIGHT TRUCKS) MY COMPLAINTS ARE NOT LIMITED TO MY VEHICLE ALONE, BUT ARE DIRECTED TO ALL VEHICLES USING PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS. WHILE PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS HAVE GOOD VERTICAL CUT-OFF, THE ADVANTAGE IS LOST BY THE OTHER DEFICIENCIES. PLUS, LOOKING DIRECTLY AT A REFLECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHT DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME BLINDING EFFECT EXPERIENCED BY LOOKING AT PROJECTOR-STYLE LIGHTS. THE RESULT IS NO REAL ADVANTAGE IS OBTAINED IN THIS AREA. IN MY OPINION, THE OLDER, REFLECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS ARE MORE EFFECTIVE IN ILLUMINATING THE ROADWAY, AND DO NOT HAVE THE BLINDING GLARE OF PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PROJECTOR-STYLE HEADLIGHTS UNDERGO REDESIGN TO ELIMINATE THE GLARE PROBLEMS AND IMPROVE ROADWAY ILLUMINATION. IF THAT IS NOT TECHNICALLY POSSIBLE, THEN THEY SHOULD BE ELIMINATED.

NHTSA ODI #11045144

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2017
EngineExterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING HEAD LIGHT JUST CUT OFF BY THE SELF HAS CARRIED BACK TO A DODGE CENTER NUMBER OF TIMES ON HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS HAD A VERY CLOSE CALL ONE TIME

NHTSA ODI #10945055

119,000 miles · Sep 2, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE REPLACED THE HI/LO BEAM HEADLAMPS MULTIPLE TIMES, WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE IT THIS TIME, THE RECEIVER PLUG HOUSING ON THE WIRE HARNESS IS MELTED TO THE POINT THAT IT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED, UNABLE TO ATTACH THE NEW BULB AND THE OLD BULB WAS NEARLY FUSED DUE TO THE HEAT WHEN IT MELTED, LUCKILY IT DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE

NHTSA ODI #10903289

35,000 miles · Feb 28, 2016
Exterior LightingSuspension

TAKATA RECALL AT APPROXIMATELY 35000 MILES I BEGAN TO NOTICE A SQUEAK IN MY FRONT END WHEN I WOULD GO OVER SPEED BUMPS. NOW, IT HAS PROGRESSED TO A LOUD THUMP WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS OR TURN MY WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. IT FEELS LIKE THE SHOCKS/STRUTS ARE WORN OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10838833

10 miles · Feb 2, 2016
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE DART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE MOTOR, THE VEHICLE INDICATED THAT THE LED LICENSE PLATE BULB FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE DART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE MOTOR, THE VEHICLE INDICATED THAT THE LED LICENSE PLATE BULB FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AGAIN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BCM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10823782

46,000 miles · Jan 19, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

WHEN STARTING TO SLIDE ON ICE A NOTIFICATION FLASHES WHERE YOUR MILEAGE SHOULD SHOW BUT IT DISAPPEARS SO QUICK DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS ALONG WITH ALL ELECTRICAL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ( NO SPEEDOMETER NO STEREO NO TOUCH SCREEN NO LIGHTS IN OR OUT) HOWEVER WHILE SLIDING IF YOU LET Y…

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WHEN STARTING TO SLIDE ON ICE A NOTIFICATION FLASHES WHERE YOUR MILEAGE SHOULD SHOW BUT IT DISAPPEARS SO QUICK DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS ALONG WITH ALL ELECTRICAL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ( NO SPEEDOMETER NO STEREO NO TOUCH SCREEN NO LIGHTS IN OR OUT) HOWEVER WHILE SLIDING IF YOU LET YOUR FOOT OFF THE BREAK THE ENGINE AND ALL THE LIGHTS SEEM TO REBOOT AND THE CAR GAINS POWER AGAIN. NOT SAFE AND SCARY AS HELL WHEN DRIVING IN A UPSTATE NY SNOW STORM

NHTSA ODI #10820885

30,000 miles · Sep 30, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

EIGHT MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) FAILED CAUSING DOOR LOCKS AND TRUNK RELEASE NOT THE FUNCTION THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WASSTATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR THE HIGHWAY. AFTER THE BCM WAS REPLACED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STOP FUNCTIONING ALONG WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERING…

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EIGHT MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) FAILED CAUSING DOOR LOCKS AND TRUNK RELEASE NOT THE FUNCTION THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WASSTATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR THE HIGHWAY. AFTER THE BCM WAS REPLACED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STOP FUNCTIONING ALONG WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERING. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WASSTATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL BOTH MALFUNCTION WHILE THE VEHICLE WASSTATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR THE HIGHWAY. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/B7LOROMDBHS HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/QCLHYWT17IK HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/JYHG7DPQNDQ HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/JDTTHGRYV6W

NHTSA ODI #10778636

23,000 miles · Oct 30, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TURNED ON CAR IN THE MORNING, NOTICED THE BACK LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS REALLY DIM, I CHECKED THE DIMMING SWITCH TO SEE IF I MOVED IT BY UNKNOWINGLY. I TRIED ADJUSTING THE SWITCHES BUT NOTHING WORKED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND NO CHANGE THEY WERE STILL VERY DIM. I WENT AHEAD AND DROVE TO MY DESTINATIO…

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TURNED ON CAR IN THE MORNING, NOTICED THE BACK LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS REALLY DIM, I CHECKED THE DIMMING SWITCH TO SEE IF I MOVED IT BY UNKNOWINGLY. I TRIED ADJUSTING THE SWITCHES BUT NOTHING WORKED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND NO CHANGE THEY WERE STILL VERY DIM. I WENT AHEAD AND DROVE TO MY DESTINATION. ON THE TRIP THERE THE LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL AS WELL AS THE BACK LIGHTING FOR MY 8.4" SCREEN AND A/C AND RADIO LIGHTS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS, AND THEN EVERYTHING TURNED BACK ON, BUT STILL VERY DIM. I GOT TO MY DESTINATION TURNED OFF CAR, GOT OUT AND LEFT THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, CAME BACK AND STARTED IT AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. SINCE THEN, IT HAS HAPPENED EVERYDAY THIS WEEK SO FAR. I PLAN ON CONTACTING DODGE/CHRYSLER TO SEE IF THEY CAN ASSIST BEFORE I GO TO THE DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651351

Official recalls

6

19V293000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Apr 11, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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.

15V800000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Nov 25, 2015

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component within the brake booster.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Internal damage to brake booster could result in a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found, the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced. If oil is found, the vacuum pump, vacuum tube assembly, brake booster and master cylinder will be replaced. The recall began on May 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R63.

15V542000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Aug 25, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R42.

13V555000 · Air Bags:side/window

Nov 6, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through August 24, 2013 and equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected vehicles, the front seat mounted side airbags (SAB) may not have been properly installed into the seat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating SAB deployment, the SABs may fail to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAB installation and re-install them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N61.

13V238000 · Power Train

Jun 4, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. These vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N32.

13V124000 · Parking Brake

Apr 3, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured on November 27, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with incorrect rear brake calipers, which could result in an inoperable parking brake.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the parking brake is inoperable, the vehicle could roll when parked increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N21.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.