Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Dart owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Dodge Dart. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop and crashed into a creek. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V800000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. Updated 05/11/16
I was driving down the highway on my way to work in the morning, and coming around a turn my steering jerked to the right making my car swerve off the highway and through a couple yards, the accident left the car a total loss I have a 1 year old daughter and a wife what if they were with me and the accident was much worse than it was I could have been killed due to this car, I've had the car for about 3 years and in total it was in the shop for about 12 months of the time I have had it this is by far the worst car you can own and it is a death trap I would not recommend this car to anyone
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. While accelerating from a stop sign at 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dashboard, radio, and other electrical functions failed. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle, but crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and later to a body shop for repair. The vehicle was not destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,723.
I bought a Dodge Dart 2013 limited edition (or was talked into it by your salespeople) I wanted this to be my last car and I actually really liked it. Then I started having transmission problems with the car shifting into neutral randomly. I took it to a Dodge dealer but the problem persisted. This happened three times and they said they did everything they could. A lemon law firm contacted me and said they could replace the car if I had 3 occurrences with receipts which I submitted to them. They said Chrysler was giving me $3900. I was confused because I thought they were giving me enough to replace the car. They explained Chrysler didn't want to do that. I actually forgot about it (that was 2016) and thought the issue had been fixed so I was happy. Now this past July 4th 2019 my transmission problems have returned. …
As I was approaching a traffic signal, my car lost power and did a half shut off (lost power items, but did not actually lock the steering out as if the car was in park). I was still moving and was doing approx. 20-25 MPH when this happened. My power steering, brakes, etc were all lost and there was an overwhelming sound coming from the stereo system (sounded like a bomb going off in the car.). I was able to get the car stopped and pulled over to a turn lane that was not in use without getting hit. Once I got the car stopped, it started back up and I was able to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer has not been able to diagnose the problem. This is not my first issue with the car. It also has had 'service transmission' errors and gave us numerous issues on christmas day as it would not start when we were headed home. …
I have an ongoing issue about the battery sign coming on sporadically. I took the car 3x to the dealer and nothing was found to be wrong. A couple of month later at least 5 different signs came up while driving, a warning about the power steering also appeared briefly and the steering wheel locked while driving. Luckily I was able to maneuver the car to a safe zone. I had the car towed to the dealership and yet again they found nothing, they told me that no signs appeared. Attached is the one picture I was able to take once I was able to move to a safe zone. Im just scared to drive the car and have this happen again, more so since went that happened I had my two small children with me in the car. I also have a video but I cant upload it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. While driving 35 MPH, the battery warning and service ABS warning indicators illuminated, and the steering seized. The contact stated that the vehicle started sputtering and several electrical functions became inoperable, including the steering, instrument cluster, and radio. The contact turned off the vehicle and was able to restart it after several attempts. Once restarted, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure occurred twice. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
My radio with the touchscreen has been replaced 4 times I believe due to an electrical issue-continued to flicker on and off. The visor fell off, now there are no interior lights. Brake recall repair done, but now engine light on, steering wheel locked up while in reverse, all system lights came on looking like failure. Car was accelerating on its own, but when putting foot on gas it would have no effect. Now the car does not start or even turn over including when jump started. I have documentation of the radio repair and brake recall and have videos on my phone of the acceleration with foot on the brake.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled away and crashed into a tree while the emergency parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who advised that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number 13V124000 (parking brake). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact also stated that the steering wheel electrical module failed and the steering wheel features would not function. The sound system had also failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 1,400.
Electric power steering failure while vehicle in motion, caused by a sensor failure. This caused the vehicle to have diminished control. Dealer wants $1700 to replace the steering box in the hope that it "might fix the problem", the dealer is resistant to checking all relevant sensors related to the electric steering system. Instead the dealer wants to replace the parts one at a time until the vehicle works. The vehicle has been unusable for two weeks now.
Steering complaints in other Dart years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Dodge Dart?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Dodge Dart, 3% of the model year's 1,081 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Dart steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Dodge Dart, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Dart steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.