With the increasing popularity of the compact sedan market, Dodge jumped onto the wagon with the Dart last year. It is impressively built with a capacious cabin, scores the cent-percent ratings in the safety tests, and has an impressive list of features. In the current iteration, it makes the power 2.4L engine available across an increased number of trims, which helps increase its overall performance potential. Even in terms of reliability, the 2014 Dodge Dart delivers spectacularly. For a vehicle that sells over 80,000 units, the compact vehicle’s 303 complaints and 3 recalls do not paint a worrying picture. A 2014 Dodge Dart for sale starts at $16,495 and it competes with the likes of the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, and the Mazda 3.
2014 Dodge Dart User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Problems with the airbag system: Buyers of the 2014 Dart have reported two distinct issues with the airbag system. In one case, a user has recorded the sedan’s airbag deploying unexpectedly without the vehicle being involved in a crash. On the other hand, where a collision did take place, the airbags have failed to deploy.
Electric System Complaints
- Blank gauge cluster: The 2014 Dodge Dart electrical problems are neither concerning nor widespread. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the gauge cluster losing its power. As a result, the speedometer, odometer, and other vehicular information becomes incomprehensible. While the problem is common, there is no known solution currently.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: The 2014 Dodge Dart stalling issues are a recurring concern. Unexpectedly, buyers have reported the engine losing its power inadvertently. As a result, the vehicle cannot be moved from its place, which makes it difficult to control. This has resulted in near-miss collisions, and in some cases, buyers have observed the sedan stalling as soon as the vehicle is turned on.
- Excessive oil consumption: The 2014 Dodge Dart problems list also includes the problem of excessive oil consumption. In several cases, buyers have reported the vehicle consuming more than usual oil. This reduces lubrication inside the engine, which can affect its longevity and can also result in a stall. Despite being a known concern, currently, there is no known reason for the problem.
- Delay in acceleration response: Despite the accelerator pedal being depressed, buyers of the 2014 Dart have reported the vehicle’s inability to respond to the input instantaneously. In most cases, users have recorded the vehicle taking time to pick up speed, which increases the risk of a crash. While there is no known reason for the occurrence, in most cases where a diagnosis was conducted, the failure of the clutch was attributed as the cause.
- Issues with the automatic transmission: The 2014 Dodge Dart transmission problems are fairly rampant. In several cases, buyers have reported the vehicle’s transmission unit shifting to Neutral from Drive or Reverse, without any input from the driver. In other cases, users have also noticed the failure of the Park gear to engage, which causes the vehicle to roll away.
- Issues with the braking system: Buyers of the 2014 Dodge Dart have also reported the vehicle taking longer than usual time and distance to brake. In most cases where the vehicle has been diagnosed, warped rotors or low brake fluid levels have resulted in the vehicle’s substandard braking performance.
2014 Dodge Dart Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
11th Apr 2019 |
19V293000 |
Detachment of Shifter Cable Bushing |
Due to the failure of the shifter cable bushing, the shift cable might separate from the transmission, which can result in the vehicle rolling away or not engaging gears as intended. |
Dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of cost. |
|
2. |
25th Nov 2015 |
15V800000 |
Contamination of power brake booster |
In vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.4L engines, engine oil from the vacuum pump may enter the brake booster, resulting in damage to a component. |
Upon inspection of the brake booster for oil, dealers will replace the vacuum pump, vacuum tube assembly, brake booster, and master cylinder, if necessary. |
|
3. |
25th Aug 2015 |
15V542000 |
Transmission Control Module failure |
Due to the failure of the transmission control module, the vehicle might shift into neutral unexpectedly. |
Dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2014 Dodge Dart?
The 2014 Dodge Dart is an impressive option in the compact sedan market. It comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a vehicle in its class. Though it does suffer from drawbacks like a slightly less refined automated manual transmission and hard front seats, the ownership experience has been rather hassle-free. Compared to its sales figures, Dart’s complaints are justifiable while the recalls deal with the most recurring issues. So, anytime during the ownership period, if you find yourself suffering from recurring concerns about the sedan, Dodge’s proactive approach will come in handy. Nonetheless, if you still want an alternate option, the 2014 Mazda3 is a competitive choice.
