2016 Dodge Dart problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
126
Recalls
5
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Median mileage
75,181 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 51 of 126 complaints (40%).
  • Electrical System (22) and engine (22) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 75,181 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
  • The 2016 Dodge Dart has 5 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 3rd of 5 Dodge Dart model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 39% fewer complaints than the 2015 model year (205).

2016 Dodge Dart problems by category

  • 51 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    30 complaints
  • 22 complaints
  • 22 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    16 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    5 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Steering
    4 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 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 train45
Unknown or other30
Engine22
Electrical system22
Service brakes15
Fuel/propulsion system7
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod4
Steering4

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k1530k–60k2160k–100k8100k–150k4150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Dodge Dart complaints that list mileage.

2016 Dodge Dart recalls (5)

  • Recall 25V674000Oct 9, 2025298,439 vehicles
    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.

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

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 19V293000Apr 11, 2019298,439 vehicles
    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.

  • Recall 17V824000Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles
    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

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

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 16V813000Nov 8, 201653,155 vehicles
    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.

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

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 16V113000Feb 26, 20161,122 vehicles
    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.

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • RQ25002Opened Jun 30, 2025Closed Dec 12, 2025led to recall 25E065

    Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures

    On June 30, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ25002 to investigate and review the effectiveness of Recall 19V-293. This recall was intended to address deterioration and detachment of shifter cable bushings by replacing them with an improved bushing that is less susceptible to deterioration from chemicals, oils, and solvents in MY2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automotive US LLC (FCA US). If the shifter cable becomes detached from the transmission, the transmission gear position may not match the drive…

Recent 2016 Dodge Dart complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 5, 2026110,000 miMSTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11768924 · source
  2. Filed Sep 14, 2026160,000 miMITransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11764079 · source
  3. Filed Aug 27, 2026CAElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11759900 · source
  4. Filed Aug 26, 2026142,000 miNYVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V813000 (Visibility). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact observed an active recall via the internet and then took the vehicle to a dealer and was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11759725 · source
  5. Filed Aug 22, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    Shifter went out at HEB had it towed to Dodge and nobody is able to get the part because it doesn’t exist. How did a car get built in 2016 and has a bad shifter and the recall came out 10/2025 and were in 2026 still no remedy. I’m left with no vehicle, no explanation, I have 2 jobs and nobody is giving explanations. I’m left without a car because of a recall that y’all don’t have a part for. My number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…
    NHTSA complaint #11758728 · source
  6. Filed Aug 18, 2026160,000 miARTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while reversing, the transmission became stuck in reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact disconnected the battery to correct the failure. Upon research, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V293000 (Power Train) and 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact had not received the…
    NHTSA complaint #11757686 · source
  7. Filed Aug 17, 2026126,000 miLATransmission & Drivetrain
    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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the transmission slipped and failed to shift into park. The contact engaged the parking brake to park the vehicle to prevent the vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11757387 · source
  8. Filed Aug 14, 2026161,282 miOKTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park(P) as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The gear shifter was manually shifted into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The gear shifter was later shifted into park(P). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11756902 · source

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Other 2016 Dodge models

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