CarComplaints.com Notes: The first year of the new Dodge Dart had a rough start, with owners reporting a disproportionate number of engine and transmission problems.

For transmission, the main complaints are transmission failure & rough shifting. So far, average mileage for transmission failure is 25,000 miles. Not good.

For engine problems, it usually starts with the engine light coming on for any number of reasons: bad sensors, ignition coil replacement, bad wiring, faulty gas cap ... dealers are replacing various components with varying degrees of success, or telling owners they can't duplicate the issue.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$90
Average Mileage:
34,000 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. replace battery (1 reports)
  3. replace transmission control module...again (1 reports)
  4. update system (1 reports)
2013 Dodge Dart electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Dodge Dart:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Dodge Dart Owner Comments

problem #14

Oct 232017

Dart Limited 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,413 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Four mornings in a row, I've gone out to start the car and fuel pump will run and then the screen goes dark and then a relay will click and then it will let me try it again. Later when I come home from work put the key in and it fires right up like there is no problem. The mornings have not been colder than 60 degrees, and I tried jumping in, no change. Brand new battery and the alternator charges perfectly after it starts. Any help would be great.

- J D., Bradley, US

problem #13

May 152017

Dart Limited 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,995 miles

At first this seemed like a major issue, because you go to crank your car and it just won't start. Turns out there's some issue with the battery not being able to withstand the powering up the electronics and the car at the same time. Everytime I get in the car I have to turn the key over once to just let battery start up the electronics and then I can crank the car on. So far so good...until the battery died.

- splody, Asheville, US

problem #12

Jan 082017

Dart SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

About to leave for work, tried to use remote start to let my car warm up in the cold and it didn't Start, I get in my car try to crank it and it will not start. I tried turning the key multiple times with nothing happening except for the dash gauges flicker, the windshield wipers mysteriously turn on for a couple wipes, the starter clicks but doesn't turn over. I tried messing with the heat, and after i turned the heat on and off it wouldn't turn back off. Tried having the car jumped but wouldn't start up, Haven't had luck getting it started yet, working on getting it looked at now. From having this car for almost 3 years, I will never buy a new car again, and I will never own a Dodge ever again.

- disappointeddartowner, Kenosha, WI, USA

Update from Jan 9, 2017: Replaced the battery seemed to work so far. Bought the car brand new, already had to replace all 4 tires, and a Battery in 46000 miles in under 3 years.

- Brian C., Kenosha, WI, US

problem #11

Oct 182016

Dart SXT 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Stopped at my mom's house for a visit, upon leaving nothing happened when I turned the key. Gauges danced and a short click, indicating battery went out. It went out before after only two years and was within the warranty so it got replaced free of charge. But to have it go out again is frustrating. Got a jump and it started right up, now the car won't go into gear, the shifter moves but the gear light says in park. Come to find out, the plastic grommet connecting the shift cable to the shifter arm broke. After rigging it with zip ties to get it to change gears, went to replace the battery at my nearest auto parts store. After replacing the battery as the car is no longer in warranty, it wouldn't start again, not even with a jump. Then the anti-theft message appears in my radio screen. Called my mechanic and had it towed there, then was told that the on board computer may be out that it needs to go to the dealership. It took them six days to get to it to diagnose the issue, only to be told that it would cost me $850 to do the diagnostic out of pocket. They would need to remove the dash to get the radio out to see what the problem was with that and the ECM was not communicating with the rest of the car. So as of right now, I'm waiting for them to tell me what the issue is and what it will cost to get it back on the road. The shifter repair is another $486. This car has been in and out of the dealer 10 or more times since I bought it, the last being a recall on the brake system last month. This is indeed a lemon in my opinion!!!

- Edward L., Austin, TX, US

problem #10

Oct 012016

Dart STX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,051 miles

On the morning of 1 Oct, I went outside to start my car to go to work, only to find that it wouldn't start. I lifted the hood to check the battery connections and tried starting it again, NOTHING. The dashboard gauges were dancing and I had no idea what the problem was. I grabbed my battery charger, hooked up, and bam the damn thing started. Not thinking, I unplugged the charger and placed it in the backseat and rush off to work. Finished my day and were very much ready to go home, got into the car, dammit, it wouldn't start. Thinking that I'm screwed, and it hit me that my charger was in the backseat. Got it out, hooked it up, and bam! The damn thing started again! Excited, hit the highway and right as I got to my exit, the car went dead on me. I couldn't steer and brake. Tried the charger again, car started, but went dead as soon as I put it in gear. I had it towed to my house and the guy to me that that alternator was working properly because to battery was hitting around 13.9 and 14 volts. DODGE, YOU GUYS NEED TO CALL ME, A.S.A.P. Especially, after reading ALL these reviews! STANDING BY DODGE, you got my VIN #, therefore, you have my phone, can't wait to hear from you!!!

- kkeyes76, Hattiesburg, MS, US

problem #9

May 062016

Dart SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Today I left work and went to Walmart to do some shopping. It was raining out. When I returned to my car it would not start. Lights on the dash would come on, indicator arrows bounced like they were possessed, but the car would not start. I had to have my car towed to my local Dodge dealership, who when I called them believes there is an electrical or computer issue. They did not believe it was the battery. I am not happy. This car is 3 years old and purchased brand new. My Hyundai had never left me stranded like this Dodge has. So far I have spent $100.00 to be towed. I am afraid to find out what the repairs will cost. Still waiting to find out when it can be repaired due to the brake recall issue. If Dodge wants return buyers they need to honor the crap they make and repair the poor quality manufacturing free of charge.

Update from May 10, 2016: So far my car has been in the shop three days. I was told my battery died. They will check for other issues, but I cannot believe the battery died on a car that is three years old. That is crazy. And of course it is not under warranty. Oh and by the way...........so far the cost to repair my car (check it and install the battery) is $270.00. I am not happy about all of this. Especially since it cost me $100.00 to have my car towed to the shop, which Dodge recommended. Oh and the battery they are installing has a 3 year warranty..........with free replacement if it dies in 3 years. So I asked...........if you are replacing it with what it had.......then why is my current battery not replaced free of charge as it is 3 years old. The guy at the counter said you would think it should be, but it is not covered. My Hyundai never had a battery replacement in the ten years I owned it. I still do not have my car, but am hoping to get it back today.

- kszilaj, Westernport, MD, US

problem #8

Mar 042016

Dart Aero Turbo 1.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 31,128 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well nice to know that my 2013 Dart Aero Turbo 1.4L 6-speed is considered one of the worst years for mfg. Rolled off the line in May of 2013, purchased new July 17, 2013. Dart in the shop staring 12/17/2013 and eleven (11) times since then (problems started off as minor and are becoming progressively worse.) First problem was a flash needing to be updated, broken seal and oil leak, more flash problems. Three times for the slave and dry clutch. Replaced twice beginning in April of 2015; first one defective, second defective, third time (July 28, 2015) so far the charm, but it took over 30 calendar days to get resolution while the engineers at Chrysler tried to figure out what went wrong. Very dangerous problem as the clutch pedal would depress to the floor and stay there while in the midst of driving. Replaced right front bushing and clamps two weeks ago. Now March of 2016 and we have not one, but two problems: Dart won't start intermittently with clicking sound/flashing panel - yet battery reads a normal charge, and a second oil leak of unknown origin. Dart in shop since last Friday - still no answers. I can tell the new dealership in Texas is just thrilled. I'm waiting for a diagnosis then I'm going to file a Lemon. Dart was purchased in California and still under warranty. No 2.5 year old car should have this many problems. Disgusted and afraid for my safety in this car. DO NOT buy anything that Fiat has anything to do with!

- Lisa D., Abilene, TX, US

problem #7

Nov 012014

Dart Rallye 1.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,808 miles

Pulled over to park car and turned it off. Car would not restart. Tried several times. Remote start would not start it either. Finally after several attempts it started. Check engine light was on but was not flashing. Took it to dealership and they said they could not replicate problem after going at it for a few days. They retrieved my vehicle and pulled it into service bay for me to take home. Jumped in it and guess what?? It would not start!

They later told me it needed a proxy alignment, aka aligns all modules inline with each other. I call BS on that and I told them so. Read next reported incident with same problem.....

- csperry, El Dorado, KS, US

problem #6

Jan 282015

Dart Rallye 1.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,195 miles

Car won't start or even turn over. This is the second time I have had this issue with it. After several attempts finally got it to start but the check engine light is now on. This is the second time I have had this issue. Last time they told me it needed Proxy Alignment, aka aligns all modules inline with each other. I called BS on this. I knew this issue was going to happen again! Will be calling the dealership in morning to come get it.

- csperry, El Dorado, KS, US

problem #5

Oct 022014

Dart Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

BUYERS BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In May of 2013 I went to a dealership in Massillon, OH. Really liked the look and features of the Dodge Dart so I traded my already paid off with low mileage 2007 Ford Focus in on the Dart and began leasing. Having being a single mother of a soon to be driving teen, I wanted something newer and dependable. Even though the payments were going to be a little higher than I wanted to go, I decided that it would probably be a good idea to go for it.

This car is the absolute worst car I have EVER driven!!!!! At approximately 5000 miles the service transmission light came on! I had it to the dealership on 3 different occasions because the first 2 times they said that they couldn't find the problem. Finally on the 3rd visit they found that the transmission control module was bad so they replaced it since it was under warranty. I also asked them about it shifting rough and it sounding as the engine is missing and revving up to high...they said it was nothing to worry about.

I have had to replace the front window (due to a stone chip that ran, I thought). However, I then found out that a friend of mine (also a Dodge Dart owner) had to replace his windshield because it just started running one day for no apparent reason.

I then had to replace the 2 front tires because I noticed "bubbles" on them. I thought it was just from the winter months and possibly pot holes. I was then reading on this site about Dodge Darts and notice that others have had the same things happen to them....interesting!!!

Then...at approximately 12,000 miles I was at Family Video (just long enough to return a movie), came back out to start the car and it wouldn't start. Tried 3-4 more times...still wouldn't start. I made a few calls (my parents included to come pick me up) then tried again. Finally after about 15 minutes it started up, but there was a maintenance light on which I found out that when blinking can mean that the car is hazardous to drive. I drove it home (parents following me), pulled into my driveway and showed my parents so they could back me up (also took a picture). I shut the car off, dad got in and tried to start it up again and of course it wouldn't start. I called the dealership and told them to come get the POS out of my driveway...I have had enough with this car!!!!!

The next day I received a phone call from the dealership telling me that it was the transmission control module...AGAIN!!!!!!!! Really????? So again...they replaced it for me.

I have also been experiencing some issues with the Bluetooth! My phone can't "find" it, yet I never have any trouble locating and linking to other Bluetooth devices.

Now...my goal was to lease then work on purchasing the car when the lease was up (not doing that now) and unfortunately when I return the car at the end of my lease...I will have NOTHING to put down on a new car because they took my car as a trade in (approximately $5300) for this POS!!!!! Not happy at all! I now will have to start over with no down payment, trade in, and I'm sure will have a fairly high car payment to have something descent and dependable.

And to make matters worse...Dodge/Chrysler, at this point, is only willing to settle with a very low amount which most of that amount will be paid to the attorneys so I will walk away with hardly anything that will help. They aren't even coming close to the amount I initially paid to them to begin leasing...doesn't seem fair at all when they are the ones that manufactured the POS car plus they make tons of money each and every day compared to the pennies I make each year.

- kmf, Massillon, OH, US

problem #4

Jul 212014

Dart

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This problem has occurred 3 times now all within the past 2 months. The first time I had left work, went to the doctor, came out tried my remote start (because it was extremely hot out), that didn't work, I get in my car try to crank it and it will not start. Took multiple times of trying to crank for the car to start. Happened again when I stopped at a gas station on the way to Pittsburgh, PA (600 miles away from home). Car was completely shut off, had filled up gas tank, walked inside, upon returning to my car and trying to crank it, again nothing. All lights and radio appears fine; however, car will not start. This was on 7/12/2014.

Take car to dealership on 7/18/2014, to have radio replaced (another issue) as well as have the engine not starting looked at. Following Monday 7/21/14, I go to leave work and try to start my car and nothing happens. I tried turning the key multiple times with nothing happening except for the dash lights and radio coming on. For some reason I happened to think to turn off the a/c and try it again. This time it starts up. I turn car back off and turn a/c on, try it again and at first it hesitates but starts. I am taking it back to the dealership on Friday 8/1/14. I have had my car a year now, bought it with only 12 miles on it. Very, very frustrating.

- dsappnteddartowner, Beulaville, NC, US

problem #3

Jul 052014

Dart Limited 1.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,500 miles

Having had the Transmission warning light on earlier in the day...and the check engine light on, the car wouldn't start after driving for 2 hours. Engine wouldn't turn over. Everything else worked fine...lights, radio, etc. Tried 2nd key fob... no help. let the car sit for 4 hours while taking a boat ride (on vacation). When we returned the engine started and there were no warning lights of any variety. That was 5 days ago and there have been no further problems.

Called local dealer when we got home. They confirmed an electrical problem between TCM and engine control module most likely cause. Due to the loss of communication between control modules the starter couldn't tell if the transmission was in neutral/park or not, so wouldn't engage the starter. By letting the car sit the control modules reset themselves and "fixed" the problem. Made an appointment for 7/23 (the 1st avail appointment). For now my family will have to drive the car not knowing if it will leave them stranded somewhere or not by not starting. very frustrating.

I'm NOT happy with Chrysler dealer service either on the road or at home. Dealers wouldn't even check the engine codes (a 5 minute process)...had to take it to AutoZone to get that done free. The dealer in Cleveland that was 1st call wanted $100 to check the codes. WHAT A RIP OFF! I'll update this after the service appointment on 7/23 with what was done, if anything. Car is still under warranty so this should be a no-charge repair.

- John N., Lebanon, OH, US

problem #2

Nov 212012

Dart Ralley 1.4L Turbo

  • Manual transmission
  • 8,000 miles

Several times car would not start, completely dead. After several tries, it would eventually start. Electrical updated and it has not done it since. Maybe this was also d/t being so cold out since it was very cold and I just read other c/o re same when temp under 20 degrees.

- agarber, West Lafayette, OH, US

problem #1

Jun 142013

Dart 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,800 miles

Car won't start all the time, usually takes between 15-35min to get it to start. When I turn the key on all the dash lights come on like normal, but turn the key to the start position nothing happens and this has happened 4 times last 2 and half months, the latest was today. Called the dealer, they said because it was now running most likely they would get a could not duplicate. I'm thinking it may be in the anti theft system. but what do I know I'm only guessing and I really don't have a clue, they make cars so complicated now days.. Has anyone else had this problem???

Update from Jul 5, 2013: The dealer changed the electronic security system to a newer version and that seems to have fixed the problem.

- David B., Hemet, CA, US

Not what you are looking for?