NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The shifter cable can disconnect from the transmission, stopping the vehicle from shifting into park and disabling the park function.
This page covers 6 recalls, 242 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Dodge Dart.
27–31 mpg combined
7.6–8.7 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 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Dodge Dart centers on the transmission and drivetrain. Owners most frequently report problems with the shifter cable, describing situations where the cable snaps or detaches, leaving the transmission unable to shift normally. A recurring and specific concern is the vehicle rolling after being placed in Park, owners report the gear selector shows Park, but the transmission isn't actually engaged, allowing the car to move unexpectedly. Some owners only discovered the problem when the vehicle rolled, while others noticed the cable failure when attempting to shift out of Park or reverse. Engine complaints make up the second-largest group, though the narratives don't point to a single dominant engine symptom the way the shifter cable issue does. Electrical complaints are reported at a lower volume. The shifter cable and Park-engagement failure is clearly the most concentrated issue owners describe across this model year.
242
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Dodge Dart has 6 recalls, the most serious being a software gap that can allow an unintended surge of engine power on manual transmission models, and a shifter cable that can detach and leave the transmission unable to hold the vehicle in park, allowing it to roll away.
Both rollaway and unintended acceleration risks apply to specific configurations: the software issue affects 2.0L manual transmission vehicles, while the shifter cable concern covers models with the 6-speed automatic. The cable can either detach outright or lose its bushing, and in either case the transmission may not respond to gear selections or may fail to stay in park on a slope.
On the visibility side, a faulty windshield washer pump can send voltage spikes into the wiper circuit, causing the wipers to stop working entirely and leaving the driver without a clear view in rain or snow.
There is also a recall covering a Kidde fire extinguisher that may have been included with certain vehicles. The extinguisher can fail to discharge properly, reducing its usefulness if a fire breaks out.
At a glance
What can fail
The shifter cable can disconnect from the transmission, stopping the vehicle from shifting into park and disabling the park function.
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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 →
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
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Voltage spikes from a faulty windshield washer pump can cause the windshield wiper circuit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the windshield washer pump at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A poorly crimped diode in the windshield washer pump can fail the wiper circuit in the body control module, making the windshield wipers stop working and reducing driver visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper pump and replace it if defective.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The powertrain control module monitoring engine torque may lack backup software protection, potentially affecting engine operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software at no cost to restore the missing backup layer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
