Home · 2016 Dodge Dart · Complaints

What 247 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Dart

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (247)Crash / fire / injury (17)Transmission & drivetrain (74)Engine (66)Electrical system (47)Brakes (26)Fuel system (13)Visibility & wipers (13)Speed control (10)Steering (10)Airbags (8)Suspension (6)

Newest first · 247 complaints · page 1 of 10

Jul 22, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to move and was stuck in neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11752026

Jul 14, 2026Suspension

The transmission shifter cable failed. It completely stopped working so therefore i was unable to drive my vehicle any longer. I have been without a vehicle for five days now. My safety was put at risk because i could have been working in the field and the shifter completely stopped working on me as i was in traffic with vehicles behind me. The recall has been confirmed and the diagnostics report has been completed by the Chrysler dealership. There was no signs of the shift gear going out as i drove my vehicle every single day. Everyone i have spoken with is trying to make me pay out of pocket with the repairs that has no remedy or the rental itself. I am unemployed and I use my only vehicle to make income by door dashing and now I cannot do so.

NHTSA ODI 11750398

Jul 12, 2026

Unknown Key continuously getting stuck in the ignition without cause.

NHTSA ODI 11749870

Jul 9, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the transmission shift cable fractured. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop for a diagnosis; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11749303

Jun 17, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

I am requesting assistance regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2016 Dodge Dart GT. In October 2025, a recall was issued for the transmission shift cable. My vehicle is included in the affected population, and I had been experiencing issues with this component before the recall was announced. Within weeks of the recall, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Dodge dealership and was informed that no repair could be performed because no remedy had been developed and replacement parts were unavailable. I was advised to wait until a remedy became available. It is now June 2026, and there is still no repair available. As a result, my vehicle has been inoperable and unsafe to drive for several months. During this time, I have continued making monthly payments of $332 on a vehicle that I cannot use. I recently contacted the dealership again seeking assistance but was told there was nothing they could do. A representative suggested I purchase an aftermarket replacement part at my own expense, estimated at over $800, despite the fact that it would still be susceptible to the same defect covered by the recall. I do not believe consumers should be expected to pay for a temporary repair related to a manufacturer safety defect. Additionally, I am currently eight months pregnant and rely on dependable transportation for medical appointments and daily necessities. The prolonged inability to use my vehicle has created a significant hardship. I am also concerned that the longer the vehicle remains unused, the greater the risk of additional mechanical issues developing, resulting in further expenses. I respectfully request that Dodge provide assistance while awaiting a permanent recall remedy. This could include a loaner vehicle, reimbursement for alternative transportation, a temporary repair at no cost to me, or another reasonable accommodation. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

NHTSA ODI 11744869

May 13, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

after starting my car and putting it in reverse the gear stopped shifting. after lifting up the cover for the knob i found that the shifter cable snapped. i called the dealership and was told about the recall. they told me to take it in and they would be able to fix it. after manually shifting my car back into drive i was able to make my way to the dealership. but not before my transmission slipped again and i had to manually pull the lever. i had to drive on a busy road not knowing if my car was going to stop and id get into a wreck. but then the dealership told me that the remedy was not finalized for the recall. even though the interim recall was given in november. this is a safety hazard and the nhtsa must hold dodge accountable for this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11737494

May 12, 2026

The transmission shift cable on the vehicle may fail to maintain its connection to the transmission. According to the manufacturer’s safety notice, this defect results in an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function. The manufacturer has acknowledged that this condition can lead to unintended vehicle movement in an unintended direction, even when the shifter indicates the vehicle is in "Park." This creates an immediate risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning and poses a severe threat of injury to the driver, passengers, and bystanders outside the vehicle. The manufacturer issued the safety notice on March 8, 2026, but stated that a remedy is "not currently available." As of May 12, 2026 (over 60 days later), the manufacturer has failed to provide a timeline for the repair, failed to respond to formal written inquiries regarding a safety remedy, and has not provided interim safety measures or alternative transportation. The vehicle remains an active safety hazard that cannot be safely parked or operated.

NHTSA ODI 11737242

May 12, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the shifter cable detached while parking at the bank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been inspected prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The local dealer was contacted, who informed the part was backordered for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Powertrain). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the remedy was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 122,828.

NHTSA ODI 11737383

May 6, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle was placed in park, and the vehicle began to roll. The driver entered the vehicle and pulled the emergency brake. A good Samaritan pushed her vehicle out of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shift cable part was backordered. The vehicle was not repaired. An independent mechanic was contacted who determined the shift cable needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the parts were backordered. The failure mileage was approximately 70,089.

NHTSA ODI 11735983

May 6, 2026SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainSpeed control

The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding property at risk of injury or damage, especially when parked on an incline or in populated areas. There were no clear or consistent warning indicators prior to the issue. The vehicle appeared to be safely secured, which increases the possibility of an accident or death because the driver may exit the vehicle believing it will remain stationary. This issue is consistent with a known recall involving the shift cable assembly. The defect appears to be intermittent and not always easily reproducible, but it directly impacts the vehicle’s ability to remain securely in Park. At this time, the vehicle has not received a complete or reliable remedy, and the condition raises ongoing safety concerns. The component can be made available for inspection upon request. Because this defect affects a critical safety function and can lead to unintended vehicle movement, it presents a serious hazard. I am submitting this complaint to document the issue and request further investigation and resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11736059

Apr 29, 2026Fuel system

I own a 2016 Dodge Dart with an active safety recall related to the transmission shift cable bushing. I have contacted dealerships multiple times and have been told parts are not available with no timeline provided. This defect affects the vehicle’s ability to properly shift gears and creates a serious safety hazard. I am being forced to drive an unsafe vehicle due to Chrysler’s failure to supply recall parts in a reasonable timeframe.

NHTSA ODI 11734665

Apr 24, 2026Transmission & 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 while attempting to shift to park(P), the gear shifter was stuck and failed to move to the intended gear. The contact engaged the parking brake. The failure recurred while attempting to shift to drive(D) or reverse(R), rendering the vehicle undrivable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and the gear shifter would respond as intended after several attempts. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired because the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11733505

Apr 23, 2026Brakes

In the event of having to panic stop, slamming on the brakes doesn't stop the car. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and I have to pump the brake before the car stops. This has happened multiple times with my 2016 dodge dart the last time was 2 months ago. This needs to be a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11733209

Apr 8, 2026Transmission & 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11729939

Mar 31, 2026Backup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

Transmission shift cable

NHTSA ODI 11728263

Mar 24, 2026Transmission & 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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,938.

NHTSA ODI 11726822

Mar 12, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while scheduling an oil change appointment on the dealer website, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting to park(P), the vehicle tugged and hesitated while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11723799

Mar 11, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone to test the battery, alternator, and transmission fluid. A mechanic diagnosed that the thermostat was sticking. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic, who replaced an AC cord due to liquid leaking from underneath the vehicle. This mechanic suggested replacing the thermostat if the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While at a stop sign, the vehicle jerked before accelerating, and while driving approximately 35-45 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the mother's residence, where the vehicle remained for 3 days before being restarted. The vehicle remained parked for approximately a week before the contact drove back to the residence, and the check engine warning light and the battery light were illuminated. The vehicle remained parked while the wheel bearing, headlights, and oil change were repaired. A certified mechanic replaced the thermostat, and another inspected the vehicle but could not identify any other failures. After the repair was completed, the contact noticed that the vehicle continued to jerk while driving at various speeds, and the sensation was more prominent whenever the AC unit was activated. While driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle decelerated, the battery light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and coast downhill into their grandmother's driveway nearby. After waiting a minute, the contact started the vehicle and was able to drive to the residence, approximately 5 minutes away, at 20 MPH to avoid additional failure. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where no battery or alternator failure was found. The mechanic suggested it might be an electrical failure, which was supported by previous window closing and opening failures and key fob failure to lock the vehicle. However, because the key fob battery had been replaced, but the contact did not initially assume the failure could be related to the most recent issue. The vehicle was repaired. The contact continued driving the vehicle with the battery warning light was flashing intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11723515

Feb 28, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2016 Dodge Dart GT (VIN: [XXX] ). The selling dealership represented the vehicle as accident‑free and undamaged, but after delivery I discovered significant, undisclosed front‑end and structural issues. The affected components include the front bumper, radiator support area, subframe, suspension, brakes, and cooling system. These components are available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle shows clear evidence of prior impact and improper or incomplete repairs. A mechanic’s inspection documented a salvage‑yard front subframe installed for unknown reasons, a leaking lower radiator hose, rusted struts and shocks, suspension bushings beginning to fail, a bent left‑rear lower control arm, and brakes that “feel like they don’t want to stop the vehicle,” possibly due to rusted rotors and pads. The mechanic also noted alarming rust inside the frame and stated that the rust alone would justify returning the vehicle. All four tires show high/low spots consistent with belt separation, creating a wobble at speed. These conditions create multiple safety hazards: compromised crash protection, potential airbag sensor misalignment from prior front‑end impact, cooling‑system failure risk, loss of braking ability, suspension instability, and possible loss of control due to tire belt separation. The Carfax also shows a radiator replacement shortly before sale, strongly suggesting a front‑end collision that was not disclosed. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The manufacturer, police, and insurance have not yet inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared prior to discovering these issues; the defects were concealed and UNKNOWN to me at purchase. I unknowingly operated a vehicle with compromised structural integrity and multiple safety‑critical defects, placing me and other drivers at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11721181

Feb 18, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.

NHTSA ODI 11718836

Feb 13, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission shift cable failure occurred on our 2016 Doge Dart. The vehicle was stuck in Drive and we were unable to shift the transmission to Park or Neutral, or to completely turn off or start the vehicle. I had to disconnect a battery to shut off the vehicle. This is part of an unrepaired Manufacturer recall A0C. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for repair; however, the dealer is refusing to repair the issue or replace any parts. The tow truck driver managed to re-attach the transmission cable to force the car into neutral during towing, and the dealer is stating that everything is fine and they will let us know when a remedy will be available. This is unacceptable. There needs to be a difference between a "vehicle may experience a transmission shift cable failure" vs. the vehicle that has already experienced the failure. On top of it the dealer is charging me a fee because they evaluated the vehicle. I contacted Stelantis customer service about the recall and they are basically telling me there is nothing they can do and just deal with it. Stelantis Case# 95608092. This vehicle is unsafe to operate and the manufacturer or the dealer are unwilling to even attempt a repair.

NHTSA ODI 11717729

Feb 13, 2026Electrical systemBrakesFuel system

My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .

NHTSA ODI 11717799

Jan 29, 2026BrakesEngine

I received a safety recall on my vehicle in October, and it is now almost february and there is still no remedy. This safety recall is the Transmission Shift Cable A0C. The recall states: "This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle." This is putting myself and others at risk. The dealership has confirmed the issue and has no remedy. They informed me to wait for the remedy. My vehicle has been developing the symptoms of this recall for about 3 years. The key gets stuck in the ignition, the car does not go into or out of PARK easily, it sticks. After I park my car rolls backwards. My vehicle does not feel like its in park. The shifter has become stiff and does not want to move. The form says " do not drive" on mopars official recall. I do not feel safe driving this car.

NHTSA ODI 11714238

Jan 28, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel systemFire

I came home from work, (drove 18 miles) and parked, walked towards my building and I heard a noise, as if something turned on under the hood. Like a electrical motor spinning. And it was not the fan because that one had already turned off. I walk back to the car and pop the hood, white smoke starts coming out and in less than 2 minutes a huge flame comes straight out from the passenger side of the hood. Called the fire department. Fire was on for 4 minutes, neighbor mechanics came running with fire extinguishers and put out the fire before the firefighters arrived. Too many parts melted and damaged. So far estimate is at $4,000. I do not have the estimate on paper, since at the moment I did not have budget to fix my car. My car was perfectly fine, services got done regularly. Never had issues other than wear and tear. I've had that car for almost 10 years.

NHTSA ODI 11713968

Jan 20, 2026AirbagsCrash1 injury

Car was wrecked at 85 miles a hour and rolled 7 times and not a single air bag deployed

NHTSA ODI 11712137

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 247 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Dodge Dart verdict →