DODGE DART · model year

2012 DODGE DART

1533 NHTSA complaints, 96 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012DODGEDART carries 1533 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 96 crashes, 29 fires, 51 injuries, and 4 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 DART is power train with 446 filings, followed by service brakes (252) and electrical system (169). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2012 DART, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1533
Complaints
96
Crashes
29
Fires
51
Injuries
4
Deaths

Total Complaints

1533 filings

Crashes Reported

96 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN446
SERVICE BRAKES252
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM169
ENGINE163
UNKNOWN OR OTHER103
AIR BAGS67
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL41
STEERING36
VISIBILITY/WIPER31
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)29
WHEELS25
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC23
TIRES21
SEAT BELTS21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM18

Recalls (6)

15V80000025/11/2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component

15V54200025/08/2015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

19V29300011/04/2019

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

13V55500006/11/2013

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through August 24, 2013 and equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected vehicles, the front seat mounted side airbags (SAB) may not have been properly installed into the se

13V23800004/06/2013

POWER TRAIN

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. These vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20 degr

13V12400003/04/2013

PARKING BRAKE

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured on November 27, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with incorrect rear brake calipers, which could result in an inoperable parking brake.

Recent Complaints

20240410AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had continued intermittently over the years; however, the warning light had remained illuminated while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20240304POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a gasoline odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel started flickering. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to shut off the vehicle, after which the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the alternator and the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

20240205POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse with a message stating that the gear was not available. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local transmission and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the dual clutch was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that after further diagnostic testing, it was determined that the Transmission Control Module and actuator had failed. The contact stated that as per the Mopar website, the vehicles was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train). The contact informed the dealer of the failure and was instructed to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notifi

Mileage: 117,000

20230802VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the front windshield trim was missing and that the adhesive around the front windshield was cracking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,945.

Mileage: 97,945

20230718POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and RPM's decreased briefly before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure with the HVAC system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the contact was advised that the infotainment unit might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20230718ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and RPM's decreased briefly before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure with the HVAC system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the contact was advised that the infotainment unit might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20230718VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and RPM's decreased briefly before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure with the HVAC system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the contact was advised that the infotainment unit might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20230424POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the service transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20230301SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that he had heard the cable brake and noticed while depressing the brake pedal that the vehicle was not decelerating. The contact stated that the flywheel had detached from the vehicle and the clutch was damaged. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake booster was leaking and that the brake cable linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20230301POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that he had heard the cable brake and noticed while depressing the brake pedal that the vehicle was not decelerating. The contact stated that the flywheel had detached from the vehicle and the clutch was damaged. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake booster was leaking and that the brake cable linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20221028POWER TRAIN

The contact's son owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while his son was pulling out of a parking lot, the RPM started fluctuating. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle surged. The transmission was slipping significantly while driving to his residence. The message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was associated with an unknown transmission recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

Mileage: 172,000

20220728POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics who diagnosed that the transmission shifter cable bushing had detached from the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V293000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

20211217POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a loud abnormal pop sound coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the clutch was all the way to the floor and that the gear shifter was loose and would not shift out of gear. In addition, there was an abnormal burning from the clutch. The contact had to slowly coast and veered to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence; then towed to a local dealer who diagnosed that the shifter cable and pressure plate were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,420.

Mileage: 82,420

20211217POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a loud abnormal pop sound coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the clutch was all the way to the floor and that the gear shifter was loose and would not shift out of gear. In addition, there was an abnormal burning from the clutch. The contact had to slowly coast and veered to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence; then towed to a local dealer who diagnosed that the shifter cable and pressure plate were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,420.

Mileage: 82,420

20211021SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V293000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while depressed and hesitated to respond while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with her once the parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Parts distribution disconnect

Mileage: 65,000

20211021POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 19V293000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while depressed and hesitated to respond while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with her once the parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Parts distribution disconnect

Mileage: 65,000

20210928POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the auto shift was not available message was displayed. The vehicle then downshifted to 1st gear. The contact was able to pull over and waited approximately 30 minutes before restarting the vehicle and was able to drive home. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

20210910CrashPOWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended it rolled down the driveway into the neighbor's property and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries, fire or police report filed. The vehicle is at the contact's residents. The contact called the local dealer who informed her about NHTSA Campaign number 19V293000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

20210713POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and loss motive power with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle is not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor dealer was notified of the failure. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train), 13V238000 (Power Train) as possible solutions to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 77,286.

Mileage: 77,286

20210713ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and loss motive power with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle is not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor dealer was notified of the failure. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V542000 (Power Train), 13V238000 (Power Train) as possible solutions to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 77,286.

Mileage: 77,286

Compare 2012DODGEDART to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 DODGE DART have?
The 2012 DODGE DART has 1533 NHTSA complaints, 96 crashes, 29 fires, 51 injuries, and 4 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 DODGE DART?
Yes, the 2012 DODGE DART has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 DODGE DART?
The most-complained component for the 2012 DODGE DART is POWER TRAIN with 446 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2012 DODGE DART safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.