DODGE DART · model year

2016 DODGE DART

333 NHTSA complaints, 21 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016DODGEDART carries 333 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 21 crashes, 9 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 DART is engine with 66 filings, followed by power train (60) and unknown or other (56). 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 5 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 2016 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.

333
Complaints
21
Crashes
9
Fires
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 DODGE DART — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 DODGE DART. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

333 filings

Crashes Reported

21 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE66
POWER TRAIN60
UNKNOWN OR OTHER56
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM46
SERVICE BRAKES24
VISIBILITY/WIPER12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
STEERING10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
AIR BAGS8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
WHEELS4
SUSPENSION3
STRUCTURE:BODY2

Recalls (5)

16V11300026/02/2016

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. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service

17V82400021/12/2017

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. These extinguishers ma

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.

25V67400009/10/2025

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.

16V81300008/11/2016

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.

Recent Complaints

20260218POWER TRAIN

The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.

20260218ENGINE

The transmission shift cable does not work on the vehicle and will not shift out of gear, Unable to use vehicle due to the break in the cable.

20260213POWER TRAIN

Transmission shift cable failure occurred on our 2016 Doge Dart. The vehicle was stuck in Drive and we were unable to shift the transmission to Park or Neutral, or to completely turn off or start the vehicle. I had to disconnect a battery to shut off the vehicle. This is part of an unrepaired Manufacturer recall A0C. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for repair; however, the dealer is refusing to repair the issue or replace any parts. The tow truck driver managed to re-attach the transmission cable to force the car into neutral during towing, and the dealer is stating that everything is fine and they will let us know when a remedy will be available. This is unacceptable. There needs to be a difference between a "vehicle may experience a transmission shift cable failure" vs. the vehicle that has already experienced the failure. On top of it the dealer is charging me a fee because they evaluated the vehicle. I contacted Stelantis customer service about the recall and they are

20260213SERVICE BRAKES

My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .

20260213ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .

20260213FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2016 dodge dart is losing all fluids after putting fluids in the car . My back calipers keep coming off the system , my hose keep detaching or blowing off. Losing power and it's not shifting . I have called dodge and ford where I purchased the car , I also made reports with corporate office of dealership I bought it from . No one told me there was any problems with the make and model of the vehicle I have figured it out by getting it fix multiple times in a short period of time .

20260129SERVICE BRAKES

I received a safety recall on my vehicle in October, and it is now almost february and there is still no remedy. This safety recall is the Transmission Shift Cable A0C. The recall states: "This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle." This is putting myself and others at risk. The dealership has confirmed the issue and has no remedy. They informed me to wait for the remedy. My vehicle has been developing the symptoms of this recall for about 3 years. The key gets stuck in the ignition, the car does not go into or out of PARK easily, it sticks. After I park my car rolls backwards. My vehicle does not feel like its in park. The shifter has become stiff and does not want to move. The form says " do not drive" on mopars official recall. I do not feel safe driving this car.

20260129ENGINE

I received a safety recall on my vehicle in October, and it is now almost february and there is still no remedy. This safety recall is the Transmission Shift Cable A0C. The recall states: "This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle." This is putting myself and others at risk. The dealership has confirmed the issue and has no remedy. They informed me to wait for the remedy. My vehicle has been developing the symptoms of this recall for about 3 years. The key gets stuck in the ignition, the car does not go into or out of PARK easily, it sticks. After I park my car rolls backwards. My vehicle does not feel like its in park. The shifter has become stiff and does not want to move. The form says " do not drive" on mopars official recall. I do not feel safe driving this car.

20260129UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received a safety recall on my vehicle in October, and it is now almost february and there is still no remedy. This safety recall is the Transmission Shift Cable A0C. The recall states: "This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle." This is putting myself and others at risk. The dealership has confirmed the issue and has no remedy. They informed me to wait for the remedy. My vehicle has been developing the symptoms of this recall for about 3 years. The key gets stuck in the ignition, the car does not go into or out of PARK easily, it sticks. After I park my car rolls backwards. My vehicle does not feel like its in park. The shifter has become stiff and does not want to move. The form says " do not drive" on mopars official recall. I do not feel safe driving this car.

20260128FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20260128FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20260128FireENGINE

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.

20260120CrashAIR BAGS

Car was wrecked at 85 miles a hour and rolled 7 times and not a single air bag deployed

20260120POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission shifter cable failure. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The contact inquired about reimbursement for the out-of-pocket repair. The contact was informed that the reimbursement request was denied because the repair was not performed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 54,079.

Mileage: 54,079

20260119VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I've noticed a decrease in power. My car won't go over 40 miles an hour; 3,000 Rpms. There had been no warnings prior or any engine codes that had popped up. I'm not sure why it started happening.

20260106UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Open recall for transmission shift cable failure since October 9, 2025 with no available fix/parts yet. This is my 20 year old's vehicle and we feel this is extremely unsafe and are requesting a manufacturer buy-back immediately.

20260102POWER TRAIN

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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Mileage: 65,000

20251227UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The shifter cable. It is not available for inspection at no cost through any dealership I have contacted through the FCA. This can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of park function and/or vehicle movement in an unintended direction which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle. I received a letter notification of this recall A0C/NHTSA 25v-674, which applies to my vehicle. Dodge stated that the remedy for this condition is not currently available. The vehicle has not been inspected after the recall was issued. There were no warnings, messages or any symptoms.

20251203UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The backup camera constantly fails. The possibility of a blackout screen due to the poor connection to the camera keep increasing.

20251202POWER TRAIN

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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was ap

Mileage: 160,000

Compare 2016DODGEDART to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 DODGE DART have?
The 2016 DODGE DART has 333 NHTSA complaints, 21 crashes, 9 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 DODGE DART?
The 2016 DODGE DART received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 DODGE DART?
Yes, the 2016 DODGE DART has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 DODGE DART?
The most-complained component for the 2016 DODGE DART is ENGINE with 66 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2016 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. The 2016 DODGE DART has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. 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.