Problem Lookup › Dodge › Dart › 2016

Car problem report

2016 Dodge Dart problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2016 Dodge Dart has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 5safety recalls
  • 261owner complaints
  • 14crash reports
  • 4fire reports
  • 9injuries reported

The least complained-about Dodge Dart year on file: 261 complaints, against an average of 692 for the other model years.

Every Dodge Dart model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2016 Dodge Dart?

The components named most often in the 261 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Power Train86 (33%)
  2. Engine66 (25.3%)
  3. Electrical System48 (18.4%)
  4. Service Brakes27 (10.3%)
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System13 (5%)
  6. Visibility/Wiper12 (4.6%)
  7. Steering11 (4.2%)
  8. Vehicle Speed Control10 (3.8%)

What symptoms do 2016 Dodge Dart owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 261 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2016 Dodge Dart been recalled?

5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Floor Shift 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. NHTSA campaign 25V674000 · October 9, 2025 · Risk and fix

Risk: A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. Dealers will replace the shifter cable assembly and install a cap, free of charge. Interim notification letters, explaining the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.

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. NHTSA campaign 19V293000 · April 11, 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment 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 NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · December 21, 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail. NHTSA campaign 16V813000 · November 8, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S83.

Electrical System: Software 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. NHTSA campaign 16V113000 · February 26, 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S10.

What do 2016 Dodge Dart owners report?

12 of the 261 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

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.
Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11772109 · Oct 19, 2026
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.
Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11771607 · Oct 16, 2026
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.
Unknown Or Other, Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11771022 · Oct 14, 2026
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…
Steering, Power Train, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11759900 · Aug 27, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding property at risk of injury or damage, especially when parked on an incline or in populated areas. There were no clear or consistent warning…
Suspension, Power Train, Vehicle Speed ControlNHTSA complaint 11736059 · May 6, 2026
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.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11734665 · Apr 29, 2026
In the event of having to panic stop, slamming on the brakes doesn't stop the car. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and I have to pump the brake before the car stops. This has happened multiple times with my 2016 dodge dart the last time was 2 months ago. This needs to be a recall.
Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11733209 · Apr 23, 2026
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…
Power Train, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11723515 · Mar 11, 2026
The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.
Power Train, EngineNHTSA complaint 11718836 · Feb 18, 2026
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…
Unknown Or Other, Service Brakes, EngineNHTSA complaint 11714238 · Jan 29, 2026
I have less than 55,000 miles on this vehicle, and my shift linkage bushing has failed, making it so my car is stuck in gear and the shifter inside the vehicle will not work at all. There was a recall in 2019 for this issue, and it seems it hasn’t been satisfactorily remedied and another recall should happen. I purchased the vehicle one year ago (Oct 2024) from a Honda Dealership. This should definitely not be happening with a car less than 10 years old with less than 55,000 miles. It has made my car inoperable. Luckily I was backing into a fuel station spot when this happened, so I was going…
SteeringNHTSA complaint 11691723 · Oct 6, 2025
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
Visibility/WiperNHTSA complaint 11634453 · Jan 6, 2025

2016 Dodge Dart: questions owners ask

Is the 2016 Dodge Dart reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 261 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart; the most common categories were power train (86, 33%), engine (66, 25.3%), electrical system (48, 18.4%). There are 5 safety recalls. 14 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 9 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Dodge Dart?

Across 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (33% of complaints), engine (25.3% of complaints), electrical system (18.4% of complaints), service brakes (10.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2016 Dodge Dart have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Dart; the most recent (campaign 25V674000, 2025-10-09) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Floor Shift. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why does my 2016 Dodge Dart stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

41 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Dart (15.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The car keeps stalling and several scans, thousands into repairs to include the dealership itself. I’m convinced that it’s one of the recalls re: power train and engine keeps randomly stalling. This is a huge safety concern that will result in an accident." (NHTSA complaint 11592039, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Dodge Dart?

12 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Dart (4.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The car stinks like gas, check engine light has been on. Independent service center advised me that the fuel tank has a leak. Check engine code is also detecting a fuel leak. We have bad headaches due to gas smells inside the car." (NHTSA complaint 11549097, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why is my 2016 Dodge Dart burning or losing oil?

9 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Dart (3.4%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Was driving and the engine stalled and cut off w/o warning in traffic due to low oil pressure. 2.4l engine consuming oil due to scarring of the cylinder walls from the pistons. i was told this by the mechanic at the service center." (NHTSA complaint 11361535, September 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Has the 2016 Dodge Dart had transmission failures?

9 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Dodge Dart (3.4%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 25V674000 (power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift). The fix: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. One owner wrote: "I have less than 55,000 miles on this vehicle, and my shift linkage bushing has failed, making it so my car is stuck in gear and the shifter inside the vehicle will not work at all." (NHTSA complaint 11691723, October 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Check your own Dart

Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.

Check another car