2012 Dodge Dart problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Dart, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 6 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 101,472 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 12 of 14 complaints (86%).
- Brakes (2) and engine (2) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 101,472 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2012 Dodge Dart has 6 recalls on file.
- It ranks 5th of 5 Dodge Dart model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
2012 Dodge Dart problems by category
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash12 complaints
- Brakes2 complaints
- Engine2 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers2 complaints
- Airbags1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 10 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Power train:manual transmission:column shift assembly | 1 |
| Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 |
| Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system | 1 |
| Air bags:frontal | 1 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2012 Dodge Dart recalls (6)
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 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.
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.
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
Risk: 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.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
Risk: 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.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: 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.
- POWER TRAIN
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.
Risk: 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.
- PARKING BRAKE
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.
Risk: 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.
Recent 2012 Dodge Dart complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Apr 10, 202430,000 miNJAirbags
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had continued intermittently over the years; however, the warning light had remained illuminated while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed…
NHTSA complaint #11582191 · source - Filed Mar 4, 2024180,000 miCATransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a gasoline odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel started flickering. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to shut off the vehicle, after which the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who…
NHTSA complaint #11575399 · source - Filed Feb 5, 2024117,000 miFLTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse with a message stating that the gear was not available. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local transmission and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the dual clutch was inoperable. The…
NHTSA complaint #11569902 · source - Filed Aug 2, 202397,945 miKYVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the front windshield trim was missing and that the adhesive around the front windshield was cracking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,945.
NHTSA complaint #11536049 · source - Filed Jul 18, 2023120,000 miALEngineTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and RPM's decreased briefly before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure with the HVAC system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the contact was advised that the…
NHTSA complaint #11533096 · source - Filed Apr 24, 2023120,000 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the service transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under…
NHTSA complaint #11518723 · source - Filed Mar 1, 202390,000 miMIBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that he had heard the cable brake and noticed while depressing the brake pedal that the vehicle was not decelerating. The contact stated that the flywheel had detached from the vehicle and the clutch was damaged. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The…
NHTSA complaint #11509696 · source - Filed Oct 28, 2022172,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact's son owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while his son was pulling out of a parking lot, the RPM started fluctuating. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle surged. The transmission was slipping significantly while driving to his residence. The message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was associated with an unknown transmission…
NHTSA complaint #11491308 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology