Reintroducing a coveted name on an entry-level sedan is something Dodge should have never done. The short-run fifth-generation Dodge Dart sedan would come out as the most uninspiring product from the automaker in recent times. We are not at all surprised by this as the car has been prone to powertrain issues, be it whatever configuration that you opt for. In a segment that basically prioritizes reliability and robustness, the Dodge Dart failed to mark its worth in time, in contrast to what figures might suggest, which ended up being the final nail in its coffin. In a segment reigned by cars like the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic, and the Chevrolet Cruze, half-baked products usually find a tough time. So should you be even buying the 2016 Dodge Dart for $16,990? So what are the problems that broke the deal for this affordable sedan? Let’s take a look.
2016 Dodge Dart User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Random engine stall with an engine malfunction indicator and engine oil overconsumption are two primary engine faults that are seen on the 2016 Dodge Dart. The quickly drying engine oil leads to low oil pressure and is the reason behind the stalling problems faced by owners. The oil levels are said to drop by one-third of the capacity just 1,000-miles into a refill. Trims equipped with the 1.4L turbo engine are also prone to turbo oil seal and shaft fails, which mostly required a replacement.
- Transmission problems- Owners complain about the transmission on the 2016 Dodge Dart getting stuck in a specific gear or preventing the driver from slotting the shifter into any gear. This issue was pretty widespread and the cause was a detached shifter cable from the transmission. Dodge did initiate a recall (ID-19V239000) the following year and replaced shifter cables in all transmission with the fault detected. Clutch issues are also something to look out for on trims equipped with the 6-speed manual
- Service brake issues- Brake disc rust, a stuck caliper, and pulsating sensation while braking are some issues commonly seen with the 2016 Dodge Dart. Disc run out, rust in components, and brake booster issues are the common causes of the aforementioned complaints. Failures are noted at mileages as low as 10,000-miles.
Electric System complaints
- Blower Motor complaints- The AC blower motor is a common failure point on the2016 Dodge Dart. Though NHSTA has not reported this issue in high numbers, this is one of the most common problems owners of this sedan face. Failure symptoms include unintended variation in blower speeds. A faulty blower resistor is the root cause, which can be replaced at the owner’s expense to fix the issue.
- Starting issues- The factory battery on the 2016 Dodge Dart does drain prematurely. Several owners have noticed starting troubles along with the battery warning light flashing. A faulty alternator and low charging voltages are also pretty common on the Dart sedan, which pretty much required an alternator replacement.
Structural complaints
- Suspension noise- The2016 Dodge Dart is known for its shoddy suspension mounts and bushed. These components do wear out pretty quickly resulting in a rough ride, noise, and a compromise in steering control. Failures are noted at mileages as low as 35,000-miles.
Safety Complaints
- Airbags- Airbag lights do randomly illuminate in the 2016 Dodge Dart with a “service airbag system” warning. This issue is mostly traced to a faulty passenger seatbelt sensor being open circuit. Though no physical damages to the wiring harness are seen, a sensor replacement is required quite often to rectify this problem.
2016 Dodge Dart Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
11th April 2019 |
19V293000 |
Shifter cable bushings may detach from the transmission |
The shifter cable bushing may fail to allow the shift cable to detach from the transmission, causing the vehicle unintendedly move or not remain stationary in park mode, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began on September 5, 2019. |
|
2 |
21st December 2017 |
17V824000 |
The fire extinguisher may be clogged or inoperable. |
A clogged fire extinguisher prevents it from discharging as expected or requires excessive force to activate the extinguisher, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a fire. |
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. |
|
3 |
8th November 2016 |
16V813000 |
Windshield wiper circuit failure. |
Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. |
|
4 |
26th February 2016 |
16V113000 |
Powertrain control module missing backup software. |
The powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software, which fails to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. |
Should you buy a used 2016 Dodge Dart?
Recommending a car that has been out of sale for a while does not make any sense, more so when it has had a shaky history when it comes to powertrain and drivetrain reliability. Most people who probe this segment would probably lookout for something that would cause them the least trouble and sadly the Dodge Dart sedan is not one of those cars. Even if you get one for a nice deal, chances are that you would have a hard time finding spares for a car that has been phased out, especially after the pandemic taking a toll on production and part distribution. As it stands, the 2016 Dodge Dart has our least recommendations and we would suggest that you get a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic in place for a better overall experience.
