NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 4 recalls, 357 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Dodge Dart.
27–30 mpg combined
7.8–8.7 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2014 Dodge Dart centers on the powertrain and brakes. Transmission issues draw the highest complaint volume, with owners frequently describing the shift cable disconnecting or losing its connection to the transmission, resulting in the inability to shift into park, unexpected gear behavior, or the car failing to start. Some owners report the transmission becoming unresponsive while driving, requiring a restart to restore normal operation. Brake complaints are the second notable cluster, with owners reporting brake booster failure. Several reports describe engine oil leaking onto the brake booster as the apparent trigger, though the core symptom owners cite is loss of normal braking feel or booster function. Engine complaints round out the top three reported systems, though those narratives are more varied and don't consolidate around a single symptom the way the shift cable and brake booster reports do.
357
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Dodge Dart has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the automatic transmission shifter cable and control module, either of which can cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly or lose drive power without warning.
Two of the recalls center on the transmission's shifter cable. The cable bushing can fail and allow the cable to detach from the transmission, meaning the driver's gear selections may not actually engage. More critically, even when the shifter is moved to Park, the transmission may not lock, and the vehicle can roll freely. A separate but related issue involves the transmission control module failing outright, causing the transmission to drop into neutral on its own while the vehicle is moving, cutting drive power mid-trip. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the cable detachment problem, which is why it appears in multiple filings here.
On the braking side, engine oil from the vacuum pump can seep into the brake booster over time. That oil damages an internal component inside the booster, reducing the power assist that makes the brake pedal firm and responsive. A driver pressing the brake pedal will need noticeably more force and distance to stop the vehicle, which raises the risk of a collision, particularly in situations that require a quick stop. This brake booster concern only affects vehicles with the 2.0L or 2.4L engine.
At a glance
What can fail
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
The shifter cable can disconnect from the transmission, stopping the vehicle from shifting into park and disabling the park function.
What the fix does
Chrysler will complete a repair to restore the shifter cable connection and park function. Instructions will be sent when the repair is ready.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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.