2016 Dodge Dart Safety Report
2016 Dodge Dart Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Dodge Dart
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Dodge Dart. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (232) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 18 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Dodge Dart with 483 complaints and 6 recalls. |
Dodge Dart Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Dart years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Dodge Dart | 483 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Dodge Dart Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Dodge Dart, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
44 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
35 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyEngine
29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Dodge onlyElectrical System
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyService Brakes
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Dodge onlyVisibility/Wiper
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Dart
Reliability Score
The 2016 Dodge Dart receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Dodge Dart
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Dart
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Dart:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Shift Cable Failure Recalled for automatic transmission shift cable failures, causing the vehicle to be stuck in gear and unable to shift. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Software Problems Recalled for software issues affecting the electrical system, potentially leading to vehicle malfunction. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Problems Engine issues are less frequent but still a concern, with recalls for various engine-related problems. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brake Issues Service brake problems are common, with recalls for issues that can affect the vehicle's braking system. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Dodge Dart:
Issues with the transmission shift cable are the most common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Electrical system software problems are a frequent issue, affecting 15% of vehicles.
Engine problems are a significant concern, affecting 29% of vehicles.
Service brake issues are a common problem, affecting 12% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2016 Dodge Dart
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Dodge Dart by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 A0...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 ...
Summary: 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 v...
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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 i...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Dodge Dart
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Dodge Dart with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made awar...
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while scheduling an oil change appointment on the dealer website, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the vehicle jerked ...
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone to test the battery, alternator, ...
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2016 Dodge Dart GT (VIN: [XXX] ). The selling dealership represented the vehicle as accident‑free and undamaged, but after delivery I discovered significant, undisclosed front‑end and structural issues. The affected components include the front bumper, radiator support area, subframe, suspension, brakes, and cooling system. These components are a...
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.
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 veh...
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 refusi...
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 ...
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...
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 repair...
Car was wrecked at 85 miles a hour and rolled 7 times and not a single air bag deployed
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.
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.
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 experie...
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/NH...
The backup camera constantly fails. The possibility of a blackout screen due to the poor connection to the camera keep increasing.
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 wa...
The shifter cable on my car has completely worn out so the gear box no longer shifts correctly. I took it to my local dealership, Watsonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, in Watsonville California and they said the remedy is not yet available. They also are trying to charge me $800 something dollars for a “temporary fix” and I can maybe apply for reimbursement
My shifter cable snapped while driving home from work. Found out about the recall trying to get it fixed.
UNKNOWN. When trying to switch gears from reverse to drive, the gear got stuck in neutral. My gear shift is able to move when pressing on the brake as it is intended to do. However, the actual gear does not change and on the dashboard and the light display from the gear shift still shows "N" for neutral. My brake lights are still working and the solenoid still clicks when pressing on brake. I was ...
Showing 20 of 232 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Dodge Dart
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift
Opened 2025-06-30 · Closed 2025-12-12
On June 30, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ25002 to investigate and review the effectiveness of Recall 19V-293. This recall was intended to address deterioration and detachment of shifter cable bushings by replacing them with an improved bushing that is less susceptible to deterioration from chemicals, oils, and solvents in MY2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automotive US LLC (FCA US). If the shifter ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Dart
Has the 2016 DODGE DART been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 DODGE DART has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 DODGE DART have?
The 2016 DODGE DART has 232 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 14 involved crashes. 9 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 DODGE DART?
The 2016 DODGE DART received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 DODGE DART?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 DODGE DART involve power train (44 complaints), unknown or other (35 complaints), engine (29 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, service brakes, visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2016 DODGE DART have?
There are 14 crash reports associated with the 2016 DODGE DART out of 232 total complaints (6.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 DODGE DART have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2016 DODGE DART out of 232 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 DODGE DART?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE DART.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 DODGE DART?
9 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE DART. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 DODGE DART?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 DODGE DART is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 232 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 DODGE DART?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 DODGE DART are: 1. POWER TRAIN (44 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (35 complaints), 3. ENGINE (29 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 44 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 DODGE DART?
Be aware of potential transmission and electrical system issues, and ensure regular maintenance to address these problems promptly. The 2016 DODGE DART has 232 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 DODGE DART?
The 2016 DODGE DART receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 232 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 18 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Transmission Shift Cable Failure and Electrical System Software Problems.
What are the known issues with the 2016 DODGE DART?
Known issues with the 2016 DODGE DART include: Transmission Shift Cable Failure, Electrical System Software Problems, Engine Problems, Service Brake Issues. These are based on patterns found across 232 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 Dodge Dart?
The most common issues are transmission shift cable failures and electrical system software problems.
Are there recalls for the 2016 Dodge Dart?
Yes, there are recalls for transmission shift cable failures and electrical system software problems.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues in my 2016 Dodge Dart?
Contact your dealership for a recall check and repair, as transmission shift cable failures are a known issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential transmission and electrical system issues, and ensure regular maintenance to address these problems promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Dodge Dart
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Dodge Dart. The data includes 232 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Dodge Dart an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14