Most common 2016 Dodge Dart problems
Share of the 261 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 →
2016 Dodge Dart recalls (5)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles. The shifter cable may detach from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the park (P) position and causing a loss of park function.
Remedy: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. Dealers will replace the shifter cable assembly and install a cap, free of charge.
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.
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Dodge Dart:
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
On June 30, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ25002 to investigate and review the effectiveness of Recall 19V-293. This recall was intended to address deterioration and detachment of shifter cable bushings by replacing them with an improved bushing that is less susceptible to deterioration from chemicals, oils, and solvents in MY2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with automatic…
What 2016 Dodge Dart owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 86 →
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 in reverse(R), after the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to move the gear shifter to park(P); however, the shifter cable failed to connect to the transmission. The contact was able to move the shift lever; however, the transmission failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in reverse(R). In addition, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact activated the parking brake and left the key inside the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park(P) as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The gear shifter was manually shifted into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The gear shifter was later shifted into park(P). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. …
Engine & cooling all 66 →
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH there was a loud abnormal banging sound before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle went dark and there was no electrical power. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred two more times and the vehicle was driven to the dealer, who was able to diagnose the failure on the third visit. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the onboard computer needed to be reset as well as the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,815. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system all 48 →
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH there was a loud abnormal banging sound before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle went dark and there was no electrical power. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred two more times and the vehicle was driven to the dealer, who was able to diagnose the failure on the third visit. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the onboard computer needed to be reset as well as the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,815. The VIN was unavailable.
2016 Dodge Dart engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 28 / 38 / 32 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 39 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 35 / 29 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 34 / 27 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 34 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Dart a good car?
Based on 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Dart rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Dart at the same age. It is one of the best Dart years by this measure. 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 2016 Dodge Dart?
The transmission & drivetrain — 86 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about shift linkage/cable/rod. Next are the engine & cooling (66) and electrical system (48).
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Dart have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2016 Dodge Dart, the most recent from October 9, 2025 (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 2016 Dodge Dart problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 53% 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.