NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The shifter cable bushing on the transmission may wear out or fail, causing the shift cable to disconnect from the transmission.
This page covers 6 recalls and 1081 owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Dart.
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2012 Dodge Dart's complaint record, with transmission behavior drawing the most reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the transmission dropping into neutral without warning, refusing to engage drive or reverse, and triggering a transmission warning light, often leaving the vehicle temporarily undrivable. Some owners also report sudden loss of power while driving, with engine RPM dropping briefly before recovering. Brake complaints make up the second-largest group, with owners describing reduced stopping performance and pedal feel concerns. The electrical system also draws notable reports, including warning lights flickering or illuminating unexpectedly, and in some cases the vehicle failing to restart after shutting down. A smaller number of owners mention a fuel or gasoline smell inside the cabin accompanied by warning lights coming on simultaneously.
1,081
Total Complaints
63
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
29
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Dodge Dart has 6 recalls, the most serious involving transmission problems that can cut drive power or cause the vehicle to roll away: a faulty transmission control module can unexpectedly drop the transmission into neutral, and a shifter cable bushing can fail and allow the cable to detach, meaning gear selections may not register and the car may roll even with the shifter in Park.
On the engine side, vehicles with the 1.4L turbocharged engine and dual dry clutch transmission can stall in temperatures at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a brake concern on 2.0L and 2.4L models where engine oil from the vacuum pump seeps into the brake booster and damages it internally, reducing braking assistance and extending stopping distances. Two more targeted issues round out the list: certain vehicles built with the Mopar 13 trim package have front seat-mounted side airbags that were not properly installed and may not deploy in a crash, and a small number of vehicles built on a single production date may have incorrect rear brake calipers that leave the parking brake unable to hold the car on a slope.
At a glance
What can fail
The shifter cable bushing on the transmission may wear out or fail, causing the shift cable to disconnect from the transmission.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission-side shifter cable bushing at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil from the vacuum pump may leak into the brake booster and damage an internal component.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster for oil. If clean, replace the vacuum tube. If oily, replace the vacuum pump, tube, booster, and master cylinder.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control module may fail, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission control module and bracket at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat side airbags may not be properly installed in the seat, potentially leaving them unable to deploy in a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side airbag installation and reinstall them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine may stall in temperatures of 20°F or colder in certain 2013 Dodge Dart models with 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to restore proper cold-weather engine operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles have incorrect rear brake calipers that may prevent the parking brake from working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected rear brake calipers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.