2013 Dodge Dart Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Dodge Dart carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering floor shift. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shifter cable disengagement from gear.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Campaign #25V674000 · Sep 10, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, explaining the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Dodge Dart.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shifter cable disengagement from gear

POWER TRAIN

54 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-08

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact discovered that the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11758497
I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. MY SHIFT WOULD MOVE, BUT MY CAR WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. I HAD TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF THE ROAD AND SINCE IT WAS NOT IN PARK, COULD NOT COMPLETELY TURN IT OFF AND REMOVE MY KEY. I SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245276
I took the vehicle in for recall last year and it would not work within 5 months and I saw a transmission warning something about tcm or tsm. I called the dealership and the mfg and both would not pay for the tow and the car sat in my parking lot over the winter. About 4 weeks
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730569

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Transmission control module and dual-clutch actuator failure

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-04

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569902
On January 1, 2024 I was getting in my car to go to work. My car would not shift into drive, or reverse. It said "gear not available" After about 30 minutes, it finally went into drive. While driving to work, my car shifting into neutral on it's own. I took my car to a local
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585594

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Clutch pedal sticks to floor from slave cylinder failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2019-10

CLUTCH GOES STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT COME BACK UP. CAN NOT SHIFT AND/OR ACCELERATE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE. BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY - TRAFFIC STARTS TO SLOW DOWN, I GO TO SHIFT DOWN AND CLUTCH GOES OUT AND DOESN'T COME
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241981
THE CLUTCH PEDDLE GOES TO FLOOR AND WON'T RETURN IT IS STATED BY MANY OTHERS THAT THE CLUTCH PEDDLE SLAVE CYLINDERS ARE DEFECTIVE IN THESE CARS WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE TRY TO GET IN TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP THEY SAIS IT WILL BE A WEEK BEFORE THEY WILL BE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267618
IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR MY CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS DOWN AND I HQVE TO PULL IT UP USING MY FOOT/HAND. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION DARTS. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER ABIUT THE ISSUE AND THEY REFUSE TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233961

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Windshield wiper multifunction switch failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-07

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE DART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT STOP WHEN THE WIPER BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEFFER CHRYSLER DODGE (8214 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28227) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266886
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER STALK MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSING THE WIPERS TO STAY IN THE ON POSITION EVEN WHEN THE SWITCH ON THE STALK SAYS OFF. THROUGH NORMAL DRIVER USE, THE SPRING/RIBBON BEHIND THE STALK BREAKS OR SEVERS AND USE OF WIPERS AND MIST IS COMPROMISED. WITH WIPERS ONLY WORKING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246272
THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITHC ON THE VEHICLE WHICH CONTROLS THE WIPERS, HIGH BEAMS, AND TURN SIGNALS IS KNOWN TO BREAK THROUGH WEAR AND TEAR OR NORMAL USE. THE SWITCH IS RAN BY A RIBBON WHICH CONTROLS THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS OF THE SWITCH AND THROUGH NORMAL USE THIS PART IS KNOWN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241679

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Brake booster vacuum pump oil contamination

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2026-08

On June 11, 2026, I took my vehicle to a certified dealership to have safety recall R63 (NHTSA Campaign Number 15V-800) performed. The dealership inspected the vehicle, claimed no oil was found at the break booster, and only replaced the vacuum supply tube, leaving the original
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756031
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437710
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727877

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Passenger air bag and seat belt warning light activation

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2019-10

WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE SEAT BELT CONNECTED, THE VEHICLE IS ILLUMINATED A WARNING LIGHT SAYING PASSENGER SEAT U BUCKLED. THIS IS ALSO CAUSING A "SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM" TO APPEAR IN THE DASH ALONG WITH THE WARNING LIGHT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271093
MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2013 DODGE DART AND HER SERVICE AIR BAG SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SEAT BELT SHOWS THAT NOT BUCKELED WHEN SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.TALKING WITH A MECHANIC THIS MEANS THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN DUE TO THE LIFE OF MY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243719
CAR IS GIVING CODE B0052-13 AND IS TURNING OFF AIR BAG AND SHOWING SRS CODE WITH SEATBELT OFF CODE FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG. SEATBELT IS FAULTY AND NOT COVERED UNDER ANY FACTORY WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS IF MY CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED AND COULD CAUSE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253080

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Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

110 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

65

complaints mentioning a crash

14

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Dodge Dart reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.