Most common 2012 Dodge Dart problems
Share of the 1,081 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Dart complaints by model year
Best Dart years: 2013, 2016. Years to avoid: 2012, 2015. Compare all years →
2012 Dodge Dart recalls (6)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
Remedy: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component within the brake booster.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found, the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016.
Air bags › Side/window
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through August 24, 2013 and equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected vehicles, the front seat mounted side airbags (SAB) may not have been properly installed into the seat.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAB installation and re-install them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. These vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Parking brake
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured on November 27, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with incorrect rear brake calipers, which could result in an inoperable parking brake.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
What 2012 Dodge Dart owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 454 →
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended it rolled down the driveway into the neighbor's property and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries, fire or police report filed. The vehicle is at the contact's residents. The contact called the local dealer who informed her about NHTSA Campaign number 19V293000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 145,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse with a message stating that the gear was not available. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local transmission and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the dual clutch was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that after further diagnostic testing, it was determined that the Transmission Control Module and actuator had failed. The contact stated that as per the Mopar website, the vehicles was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train). …
Brakes all 281 →
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V293000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while depressed and hesitated to respond while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with her once the parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Parts distribution disconnect
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that he had heard the cable brake and noticed while depressing the brake pedal that the vehicle was not decelerating. The contact stated that the flywheel had detached from the vehicle and the clutch was damaged. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake booster was leaking and that the brake cable linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Electrical system all 175 →
Well my car headlight and the paneling caught on fire in my car went to car hop to advise them took the car to one of there dealers advised that they don't do electrical at the same time the recall came in advised me that a recall was needed too k it to dealership and as of now 30 days behind on the part advised carhop that the repairs have been made before I brought the car that wasn't done correctly which made me have to pay for the recall work they swear they didn't bit the state and carfax say otherwise it wasn't done by Dodge in no state but by there mechanics at this time the car is dangerous to drive it's still at Dodge and carhop said they will resell it to another family even though I advised them the panel caught on fire and there is a short
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. On one occasion, the contact struck a pole, drove into a ditch, and landed on top of an electrical box. Major damage was sustained to the front end of the vehicle; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The police arrived at the scene, but a report was not filed. The contact sustained injuries to the right of the head and the right elbow, but did not require medical attention. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V800000 (service brakes, hydraulic) after the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Dart a good car?
Based on 1,081 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Dart rates avoid: 4.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Dart at the same age. It is one of the Dart years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Dart?
The transmission & drivetrain — 454 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about clutch assembly. Next are the brakes (281) and electrical system (175).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Dart have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Dart, the most recent from April 11, 2019 (floor shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Dart?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2015. See the full Dodge Dart years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Dart problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 58% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.