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2016 Dodge Dart Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Dodge Dart carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and equipment. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shift cable failure and loss of Park.” 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #19V293000 · Nov 4, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: 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 may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Campaign #16V813000 · Aug 11, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S83.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16V113000 · Feb 26, 2016

Issue: 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 between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software.

Risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S10.

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 2016 Dodge Dart.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shift cable failure and loss of Park

POWER TRAIN

57 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-08

“The transmission shift cable on the vehicle may fail to maintain its connection to the transmission. According to the manufacturer’s safety notice, this defect results in an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of PARK function”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737242
“after starting my car and putting it in reverse the gear stopped shifting. after lifting up the cover for the knob i found that the shifter cable snapped. i called the dealership and was told about the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737494
“MY 2016 DODGE DART HAS BEEN SITTING AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP SINCE VERY BEGINNING OF JUNE 2019- DUE TO V34 NHTSA 19V293 TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE BUSHING RECALL!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244618

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake booster failure from oil contamination

SERVICE BRAKES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-04

“Oil contamination was found it then take booster and check valve causing low brake pedal and the brake pedal to fall to the floor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524272
“Was stopped, with foot on brake dropping kids off at school Heard a pop and hiss. Brake pedal became rock hard, and car rolled into kids crossing road for the school”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535053
“PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE AS I WAS BACKING OUT BRAKES FELT STIFF AND HARD TOOK TIME TO SLOW DOWN. I HAD TO USE THE HAND BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper motor failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2025-01

“My windshield wipers stopped working. I have tested the motor and the multi switch. They’re all functioning. There is a recall for windshield wipers just not for my VIN number same make and model”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634453
“My wipers randomly go off or don’t want to work. I seen a recall for this on 2016 cars but it says mine is not one of them”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428153
“WAS DRIVING CAR DOWN THE HIGHWAY WENT TO SPRAY WINDOW WITH WASHER FLUID AND THE FLUID CAME OUT BUT THE WIPER USUALLY MOVE 3 TIMES AND THEY DID NOT WORK SO I MANUALLY TURNED THEY WIPER ON AND THEY WOULD NOT MOVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11186288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall from excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2021-12

“2.4-LITER TIGERSHARK ENGINE CHRYSLER DODGE AUTOMOTIVES ROUTINELY OVERCONSUME OIL, CAUSING COSTLY MAINTENANCE. THE OIL OVERCONSUMPTION ALSO LEADS TO LOW OIL PRESSURE, TRIGGERING A DEFECT IN THE AFFECTED DODGE DART VEHICLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT OFF WHILE IN OPERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383144
“WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND CUT OFF W/O WARNING IN TRAFFIC DUE TO LOW OIL PRESSURE. 2.4L ENGINE CONSUMING OIL DUE TO SCARRING OF THE CYLINDER WALLS FROM THE PISTONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361535
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DART. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BEEPING NOISE. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTICED THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS BONE DRY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230764

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment and gauge cluster display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2023-03

“EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN, THE SCREEN, BLACKS OUT AND THE RADIO SHUTS OFF. IT THEN "REBOOTS" AND WORKS FOR A LITTLE BIT BEFORE THE SCREEN GOES WHITE AND "REBOOTS"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375213
“WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE TOUCHSCREEN WENT COMPLETELY BLACK. AFTER FINISHING BACKING UP GOT INTO THE MAIN ROAD, THE SCREEN STAYED BLACK FOR A MINUTE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319726
“THE VEHICLES GAUGES MAKE A NOISY CLICKING SOUND AFTER YOU TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH AND THE LIGHTS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TOGGLE ON AND OFF WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11153583

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clutch and clutch hydraulic system failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2023-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF WALLA WALLA (2695 E ISAACS AVE, WALLA WALLA, WA 99362), AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360723
“I JUST BROUGHT MY DODGE GT AND THE CLUTCH WENT OUT ON IT AT 48,000 MILES. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT MASTER CYLINDER AND MANY OTHER PARTS WERE MALFUNCTIONING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208646
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE DART. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CLUTCH PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB AND DAMAGED THE BUMPER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11190311

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

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)

62 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.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2016 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.

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