WORST Dodge Dart Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

If you’re shopping for a Dodge Dart, it’s important to know which years to avoid and steer clear of headaches and expensive repairs.

The 2013 and 2014 models are well-known for their problems, like transmission issues, poor brake performance, and shifter cable faults. Choosing these years could mean dealing with safety risks and high maintenance costs.

On the other hand, the 2015 and 2016 models are more reliable. So, what went wrong with the earlier models that make them so problematic? Let’s look into it.

Key Takeaways

• Stay away from 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models because they have big problems with the transmission.
• The 2013 and 2014 models also have serious brake issues.
• In the 2013 and 2014 models, the shifter cable can break, making it hard to change gears.
• The 1.4-liter turbo engine in the 2013-2016 models has a tendency to stall.
• The 2015 and 2016 models are more dependable with fewer complaints and better performance.

Worst Years Overview

If you’re thinking about which Dodge Dart models to skip, the 2013 and 2014 ones are the ones to watch out for. These years have a lot of complaints and mechanical problems. They’re well-known for having transmission issues, like gears slipping, which makes driving rough and leads to a lot of trips to the repair shop.

There are also problems with the engine stalling and brake booster failures. Because of all these issues, these models have lower reliability ratings than the 2015 and 2016 models. So, if you want a car with fewer problems and less maintenance, it’s best to avoid the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart.

Common Transmission Issues

A lot of owners of 2013 and 2014 Dodge Darts have reported major problems with their transmissions, like the gears slipping and not selecting properly. These issues can make driving unsafe and unreliable.

The 6-speed automatic transmission in these cars is especially troublesome, often leading to an inconsistent driving experience and potential safety hazards. Experts point out that fixing these transmission problems can be expensive and may require several trips to the mechanic.

Reports show that the transmissions in these models often fail even under normal driving conditions. If you’re thinking about getting a Dodge Dart, it’s a good idea to avoid the 2013 and 2014 models.

Choosing a 2015 or 2016 model can help you avoid these common transmission problems.

Brake Performance Concerns

Owners of Dodge Dart cars, especially from the 2013 and 2014 models, have reported serious problems with the brakes. You might notice the brake pedal feels strange, hear hissing or popping sounds, and need more distance to stop the car. Investigations into the 2013 Dart’s brakes found safety issues.

There have been recalls for brake problems in Dart models from 2013 to 2015, showing how serious these issues are. When you compare complaints with other Dodge vehicles like the Ram 1500, the Dart’s brake problems are much more noticeable.

If you’re thinking about buying a Dodge Dart, be very careful and check the brakes thoroughly, especially in the older models mentioned.

Shifter Cable Faults

The 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models have a common problem with their shifter cables. This issue can make it hard to change gears and might even cause the car to roll away on its own.

Because of this, there have been many recalls and safety concerns. Lots of people have reported these problems, and it seems to be a design flaw that keeps coming up.

To stay safe, it’s best to avoid buying these Dodge Dart models from 2013 and 2014.

Turbocharged Engine Stalling

If you have a 2013-2016 Dodge Dart with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, you might know about the stalling issues, especially when it’s cold outside.

This problem led to a recall in 2013 to update the engine control unit (ECU) to fix the stalling.

However, many owners still have concerns about the reliability of this engine.

Cold Weather Impact

Turbocharged engines in the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart, especially the 1.4-liter model, often have problems stalling in cold weather, which can seriously affect how the car runs. When it gets cold, these engines are more likely to stall, which can be really annoying and even dangerous for drivers.

Cold weather makes it harder for the engine to keep a steady mix of fuel and air, causing it to become unstable. Many owners have noticed that the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is particularly bad in cold weather, making the stalling issue even worse.

If you drive a Dodge Dart in cold climates, you should know about this problem. The stalling doesn’t just make driving harder; it can also lead to higher maintenance costs and safety risks during winter.

ECU Reprogramming Recall

Many Dodge Dart owners from the 2013-2016 model years had to deal with a recall to fix stalling problems in colder weather. This was done by updating the car’s computer system (ECU).

The recall was crucial for solving issues with the turbocharged engine that could cause the car to stall, which could be very dangerous. By updating the ECU, the goal was to make the car more stable and stop unexpected engine shutdowns.

If you owned one of these cars, you were asked to bring it in for the needed updates. This recall showed how important it’s to fix ECU problems quickly to ensure your car runs properly and safely.

Ignoring it could have led to serious engine failure or accidents.

Temperature-Related Stalling

Temperature-Related Stalling

Dodge Dart cars with the 1.4-liter turbo engine had a lot of stalling problems, especially when it got cold. This issue was mainly seen in models from 2013 to 2016. Cold weather made the problem worse, causing many owners to worry. Dodge fixed this by recalling the cars to update the engine control unit (ECU).

Here are three important points to remember:

1. Affected Models: 2013-2016 Dodge Dart models with the 1.4-liter turbo engine.
2. Root Cause: Cold weather causing the engine to stall.
3. Solution: Recalling the cars to update the ECU and fix the stalling issue.

Knowing these facts can help you decide if a Dodge Dart is right for you.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Problems

For the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has been known to be unreliable. Many owners have reported inaccurate readings and system breakdowns. These issues can cause false alerts or fail to warn you about low tire pressure.

Chrysler had to replace the faulty systems in affected cars to fix the problem. Make sure that the TPMS recall has been completed on your vehicle to avoid safety risks. A working TPMS is crucial for keeping your tire pressure at the right level, which is important for your car’s safety and performance.

Always check that your TPMS is functioning properly to ensure you drive safely.

2013 Model Year Problems

Besides the tire pressure monitoring issues, the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models have serious problems with the transmission, engine, and brake booster. These problems have caused many owners to complain and often result in expensive repairs and safety risks.

Here are the top three issues:

1. Transmission Slipping: Many owners said their transmissions slip, causing unexpected gear changes and a rough ride.
2. Engine Stalling: The engine in these models often stalls without warning, which can be dangerous while driving.
3. Brake Booster Malfunctions: Brake booster failures reduce braking power, making it hard to stop the car effectively.

These issues make the 2013 and 2014 models unreliable and potentially unsafe.

2014 Model Year Problems

In the 2014 model year, owners have reported major problems with the vehicle’s electrical system, causing frequent breakdowns and making it unreliable. There are also common issues with the transmission, like slipping and choosing the wrong gear. These problems, along with the engine stalling, seriously affect how the car drives and its safety.

Here’s a quick overview:

Because of these problems, the 2014 Dart’s reliability is questionable. You might want to avoid this model year to steer clear of these common but serious issues.

Improved 2015 Models

The 2015 Dodge Dart is much more reliable and performs better than the older models. This year’s model has fixed many of the problems seen in earlier versions. With fewer issues reported, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable compact car.

Here are the key improvements in the 2015 Dodge Dart:

1. Better Transmission: The 2015 model has a stronger transmission system, cutting down on the problems found in previous years.
2. More Reliable Engine: The engine parts have been upgraded, leading to fewer breakdowns and repairs.
3. Safer to Drive: This model includes advanced safety features, making it safer on the road.

Dependable 2016 Models

The 2016 Dodge Dart is known for its reliability and good performance, thanks to important improvements made over earlier versions. This model year is the best in terms of dependability in the Dart lineup, fixing many of the transmission and engine problems seen in the 2013 and 2014 models.

By 2016, Dodge had solved issues like brake booster failures, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact car. While some minor problems, like thermostat failures, still happened, they weren’t common.

The updated transmission system in the 2016 model made driving smoother and more reliable. Overall, the changes made in 2016 make this Dodge Dart a great option for those in search of a dependable car.

Recalls and Fixes

When looking at the recalls and fixes for the Dodge Dart, make sure to check out the transmission recall from 2019 because it has repeated problems.

Engine stalling was another big issue, especially in the 2013-2016 models, which needed specific fixes for the turbo engines.

Also, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the 2016 models often had to be replaced to work properly.

Transmission Recall Details

In 2019, Dodge recalled the 2013 to 2016 Dart models because of big transmission problems, like slipping gears and picking the wrong gear. This recall was really important to fix safety issues with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Ignoring it can cause more performance problems.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Check Recall Status: See if your Dart is affected by going to the NHTSA website or contacting a Dodge dealer.
2. Schedule Service: If your car is affected, make an appointment with an authorized dealer to get the recall service done.
3. Follow-Up: Make sure all recall repairs are finished and keep the paperwork for future use.

Taking care of this recall will help your Dodge Dart run safely and smoothly.

Engine Stalling Fixes

To fix engine stalling problems in 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models with turbo engines, there was a recall to update the engine control unit‘s software.

If you owned one of these cars, you needed to take it to a dealership to get this update. This recall was meant to make the 1.4-liter engine run better and more safely by preventing sudden stalls.

Doing this update was important for keeping your car’s engine working well.

TPMS System Replacement

After fixing engine stalling problems, another big issue for Dodge Dart owners is replacing the bad Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Chrysler had a recall to make sure the TPMS gives accurate tire pressure readings and makes the car safer. This recall was for certain Dart models to fix problems and avoid safety risks.

A working TPMS is important for keeping your tires in good shape and the car reliable. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check if your car is affected: Find out if your Dodge Dart is part of the TPMS recall.
2. Set up the replacement: Contact your dealership to schedule the recall service.
3. Keep an eye on tire pressure: Regularly check tire pressure even after the TPMS is replaced.

Reliability Ratings

When looking at reliability ratings for the Dodge Dart, you should know that the 2013 and 2014 models had big problems, like transmission failures and engine issues. These early models often had problems with the transmission, which were expensive to fix.

Engine troubles, including stalling and losing power, also hurt the reputation of these cars. On the other hand, the 2015 and 2016 models got a lot better. The 2016 Dodge Dart, in particular, has fewer complaints and is more reliable.

If you choose one of these later models, you’re likely to have fewer mechanical problems and a more dependable car.

Maintenance Considerations

Choosing a 2016 Dodge Dart can make your life easier when it comes to maintenance, thanks to improvements over older models. This version fixes common problems like issues with the brake booster and thermostat, making it a more dependable option.

Still, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Transmission Repairs: The 6-speed automatic transmission in some of these cars might need frequent repairs, which can be costly.
2. TPMS Recall: Make sure the car has had the necessary recall work done on the tire pressure monitoring system to avoid any safety risks.
3. Brake System: Even though the 2016 model has better brake parts, you should still get the brakes checked regularly to keep them working well.

Owner Satisfaction Insights

Owners of the Dodge Dart are much happier with the 2015 and 2016 models because they’re more reliable and have fewer issues than the 2013 and 2014 versions.

The 2013 and 2014 models often had problems with the transmission control module, which caused jerky shifting and poor driving performance. These issues made many owners dissatisfied.

However, the 2015 and 2016 models had improved transmission control modules, leading to smoother driving and better reliability. This upgrade significantly increased owner satisfaction, especially with the 2016 Dodge Dart, which had the fewest complaints from drivers among all the model years.

Value Retention

When thinking about keeping value, you’ll see that the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart models lose value faster because they often have problems with the transmission, engine, and brake booster.

These issues make it harder to sell or trade these cars, and they don’t sell for as much money.

On the other hand, the 2015 and 2016 models hold their value better since they’re more reliable and have fewer complaints.

Depreciation Rates Comparison

When comparing how quickly cars lose value, the Dodge Dart stands out. After three years, it keeps only 42% of its original value, much less than most other compact cars, according to Consumer Reports.

Here’s why:

1. Loses Value Fast: The Dodge Dart loses value quicker than most compact cars, which means owners lose more money over time.
2. Buyer Perception: Because it loses value so quickly, people don’t see the Dart as a good long-term investment.
3. Hard to Sell: Owners find it tough to sell the Dart because buyers are worried about how quickly it loses value.

Knowing these points is crucial if you’re thinking about buying or selling a Dodge Dart.

Resale Value Trends

If you’re thinking about buying a Dodge Dart, it’s important to know how their resale values change over time.

The 2013 and 2014 models have much lower resale values because they’ve a lot of problems, like transmission issues and electrical glitches. These problems make them less appealing to buyers.

On the other hand, the 2015 and 2016 models hold their value a bit better. They fixed some of the issues from the earlier years, making them more reliable.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Dodge Caravan, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

Consider the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Dart like a rough ride—you’re likely to face problems with the transmission, brakes, and shifter cable.

Instead, go for the 2015 or 2016 models, which are more reliable and have fewer issues. These later models will save you from expensive repairs and give you a safer, more enjoyable drive.

Choose wisely and avoid the troublesome earlier years.