2012 Dodge Dart
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1081 |
| 2013 | 263 |
| 2014 | 361 |
| 2015 | 504 |
| 2016 | 243 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: power train — 446 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
ONE MONTH OLD DODGE DART RALLYE WAS PARKED ON A STEEP DRIVEWAY THE MORNING OF 01/20/13. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHT FOR THE 'PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED' WAS LIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130122
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a gasoline odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel started flickering.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240304
23% of complaints: service brakes — 252 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE & COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALITY. WHO EVER OWNS THIS VEHICLE BE CAREFUL. ON 10/31/12 ABOUT 11:30AM MY GRANDMOTHER & I WERE HEADING OUT TO LUNCH. MY GRANDMA WANTED TO RIDE IN THE DART THAT I HAD BOUGHT ON 10/26/12.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130106
16% of complaints: electrical system — 169 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. I NOTICED MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY EXIT AND LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER FLUID SPRAYED ONTO MY WINDSHIELD FROM UNDER MY HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180226
15% of complaints: engine — 163 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH6% of complaints: air bags — 67 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS INVOLVED IN A 3 CAR COLLISION ON A CITY HIGHWAY. MY VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED PRETTY BADLY AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT!
NHTSA ODI report, 20171115
TAKATA RECALL, THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN APPROXIMATELY 5 TIMES BACK TO DEALER BECAUSE AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON 2014 THRU 2016. DEALER ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WRONG (I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM DEALER STATING SO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171029
SAFETY TIMELINE
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured on November 27, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with incorrect rear brake calipers, which c
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's reca
Campaign 13V124000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's r
Campaign 13V238000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through August 24, 2013 and equipped with the Mopar 13 trim package. In the affected
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAB installation and re-install them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-8
Campaign 13V555000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016.
Campaign 15V542000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found, the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced.
Campaign 15V800000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V293000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Dodge Dart — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (446 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (252 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (169 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V124000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V238000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V555000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V542000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V800000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V293000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Dodge Dart reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Dart?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Dart have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.