Dodge Dart Acceleration Problems

Owners have filed 110 complaints about speed control & acceleration problems with the Dodge Dart — 4% of all Dart complaints. The worst model years are 2012 (41), 2015 (26) and 2014 (18). Problems typically start around 44,000 miles. No acceleration recall has been issued for the Dart.

110complaints
2012worst year
44ktypical miles
0related recalls
6crashes
1fires

Acceleration complaints by model year

201220132014201520164115182610
Acceleration complaints per model year, Dodge Dart.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2016104%14,000 miles
2015265%54,000 miles
2014185%30,000 miles
2013155%86,000 miles
2012414%40,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Cruise control
    1
  • Accelerator pedal
    1

Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2430%
  • 25k–50k
    2228%
  • 50k–75k
    2127%
  • 75k–100k
    810%
  • 100k–150k
    23%
  • 150k+
    23%

What owners report

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. …

2016 Dart · May 2026

Car not shifting gears correctly. Dodge Dart accelerating poorly to the point where driving can be extremely dangerous for everyone involved. Sometimes car will not go over 40mph which is extremely dangerous. Car jerks and surges forward. Constant Problems with Transmission and gears. Car looses horsepower going up hills to the point where it can back into cars behind me. Gas Mileage extremely high constant trips to gas stations to refuel car. Car has been to dealership shop multiple times for transmission and engine problems but the car still has the same issues nothing is getting fixed car is unfit to and is a safety hazard to all on roads. Dealership doesn't care as long as they get their money. Engine light and slip light constant on. The car is dangerous to and dealer won't issue me refund or any other car. I'm scared for my safety everytime I drive this car. …

2016 Dart · Mar 2022

When I first got this car three years ago I had a shift problem in the transmission it got stuck in the gear and I couldn't pull the key out when I did some research I realize that there was a recall so of course I went to the dealership and have them take a look at it to fix it they said that I will still be charge in the problem wasn't even originally fixed they rigged it they just made it to where I could pull off but I was still charged and now a couple years later I am having transmission problems again and the dealership is saying that I need a transmission as I am doing a research I realize that my transmission again has a recall on it.

2015 Dart · Jul 2021

Love you drive for a few minutes and then it completely stops and it will not go. It starts shaking and will not go. It has been to the dealership and they said these cars are known for electrical issues. Had something electrical.

2015 Dart · Jul 2026

My transmission shift cable disconnected and prevented me from shifting my vehicle into park which is preventing my vehicle from shifting or my vehicle even being able to start. When calling the recall hotline for Dodge they said that a remedy is not available and there is nothing that they can do to repair it temporarily until a permanent fix is available. This recall has been acti6since October of 2025 but there still is no fix for the issue. So now I am supposed to go without a vehicle for however many more months which is going to cost me my job because I do not have a vehicle that will start or run. Dodge needs to get on this issue ASAP because I cannot afford to wait for a remedy.

2014 Dart · May 2026

I have an open safety recall that has no available fix. My dealership confirmed they cannot repair it and advised me it may be unsafe. Because I cannot safely operate the vehicle, I am requesting a manufacturer buyback or financial assistance toward a replacement vehicle. Please escalate this to a case manager.

2014 Dart · Oct 2025

On June 16, 2021 I exited a parking lot and joined a line of traffic that was stopped for a stoplight. Traffic began to move and as I stepped on the accelerator the engine started ROARING and the car accelerated uncontrollably across the opposite lane and into a utility pole. It was totaled and I was left badly bruised by the airbag explosion; I have also found I have strange noises in my ears and am seeing an otolaryngologist for that. The car has ben disposed of and I don't know where it is. I am fortunate that there was no oncoming traffic, no one was on the sidewalk and I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The only one who may have inspected the car was the insurance adjuster. There was no warning of any kind and I had never experienced this before.

2013 Dart · Jun 2021 · crash

The failure was when i was shifting gear .so i shifted 5 to 4,3,2 and thats when it stayed in 2 gear .i exit the freeway and drove the street to my home .the vechicle at that point only travel 21 mph .2 years prior i had a similar issue on the freeway and my kids where with me at the time of the failure. So i had to pull to the shoulder and try to encounter the issue at a peaceful way .like i said i had my kids with me and 9:45 p.m. .so i tooked me 2 hours to move the vehicle to a safer place and had my friend give me a ride home .next day i have the tow truck picked up the vehicle and take it to dodge dealer .they fixed it with no charge towards me .but now this second time they are not trying to help out .either Toyota who sold the car .or dodge the dealer.or Chrysler the manufacturer wont help.and dodge is saying the vehicle requires a new motor at the cost of $13,000 dollars.

2013 Dart · Jun 2021

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Dart years have acceleration problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (41), 2015 (26), 2014 (18), 2013 (15) and 2016 (10) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2012.

Is there a recall for Dodge Dart acceleration problems?

No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Dodge Dart model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Dodge Dart acceleration problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the cruise control (1 mentions), followed by the accelerator pedal (1).

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.