2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Dart brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 224 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 35,550 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
224
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 224 |
| 2014 Dart | 46 |
| 2015 Dart | 46 |
| 2016 Dart | 14 |
17crashes
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 224 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Dart, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Dart we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 224.
Owners have filed 224 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination or one or more of the following conditions. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory: 2015 UF Vehicles with (Sales Codes ED6, ED8) · P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle. · P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. · P1607 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. · P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. · P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. · P0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Contro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination or one or more of the following conditions. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory: 2015 UF Vehicles with (Sales Codes ED6, ED8) · P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle. · P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. · P1607 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. · P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. · P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. · P0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Contro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination or one or more of the following conditions. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory: 2015 UF Vehicles with (Sales Codes ED6, ED8) · P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle. · P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. · P1607 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. · P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. · P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. · P0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Contro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination or one or more of the following conditions. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory: 2015 UF Vehicles with (Sales Codes ED6, ED8) · P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle. · P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. · P1607 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. · P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. · P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. · P0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Contro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Dodge Darts report brake and parking brake failures across multiple failure modes. The most common complaint is sudden loss of brake assist while driving—pedal becomes stiff or unresponsive, often accompanied by a popping or hissing sound from the brake assembly. Several owners experienced complete brake failure at highway speeds and low-speed city driving, forcing them to rely on the emergency brake or crash. Dealership diagnostics typically point to brake booster failure, often with engine oil contamination of the booster diaphragm via failed vacuum pump check valves. Multiple owners report the brake booster was replaced under recall 15V800000 but the problem returned.
A secondary issue involves parking brake failure on manual-transmission models. Owners report the parking brake handle becomes loose or provides no holding force on inclined driveways, with at least two cases of vehicles rolling downhill after being parked with the parking brake engaged and transmission in gear. Independent mechanics identified galvanic corrosion on the rear caliper release spring as the cause; owners note that revised calipers with a protective coating appear in later repairs, suggesting Dodge became aware of the defect without issuing a recall.
A third mode involves brake pedal hardness and extended stopping distances. Owners describe the pedal requiring excessive force to depress and brakes not catching properly, with braking distance extending significantly at highway speeds. The ABS system also reports activating unexpectedly while driving, overriding driver attempts to disable it.
Recall 15V800000 parts remained unavailable for extended periods, leaving affected owners unable to have repairs completed and forced to drive unsafe vehicles or park them indefinitely.
Same Dodge Dart brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Brake booster failure with oil contamination
Engine oil enters the brake booster diaphragm via the vacuum pump circuit, degrading the diaphragm seal and eliminating brake assist. Produces popping or hissing sounds when brake pedal is depressed. Pedal becomes stiff or unresponsive; stopping distance increases significantly.
When: Typically between 2,600 and 86,000 miles; failures reported from nearly new vehicles to higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Popping or hissing sound when brake pedal depressed; Brake pedal becomes stiff and hard to depress; Complete loss of brake assist; pedal may travel to floor without stopping power; Extended stopping distance at highway speeds; Air whooshing or hissing from brake pedal area; Burning smell from brakes after extended highway driving; Check Engine or Service Brakes warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: 15V800000 (NHTSA Service Brakes, Hydraulic recall), 25V674000 (Power Train recall, mentioned in one report)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cite brake booster replacement as primary fix; some also replace master cylinder, vacuum pump, vacuum lines, and/or brake pump. Estimated cost cited as $800–$1,200. Warranty coverage varies; some repairs covered, others require owner payment. Multiple owners report failure recurred after initial repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V800000 issued but parts remained unavailable for extended periods (months to over a year in many cases). Dealers informed owners at time of recall notification that no permanent fix was available. Some owners report recall was performed but failure recurred. One owner reports manufacturer stated no assistance would be provided if failure was not related to the recall.
Parking brake failure—manual transmission vehicles
Emergency brake caliper release spring seizes due to galvanic corrosion, rendering the parking brake inoperable. Vehicle rolls on inclined surfaces despite engagement of parking brake and transmission in gear. Affects rear calipers, typically on one side first, then the opposite side months or years later.
When: After 1+ years of ownership; one failure reported at 33,062 miles; second failure typically 1–2 years after first
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake handle becomes loose or provides no resistance when pulled; Vehicle rolls downhill despite parking brake engagement and transmission in gear; Rear wheel smoking and rotor red hot after driving with seized rear caliper; Rear wheels lock and resist acceleration after using parking brake; Loud clunking noise from rear wheel area; Vehicle pulls to one side with rear brakes resisting acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake caliper, rotor, and pads must be replaced on affected side. Owner reports revised calipers include protective coating on release spring in newer parts, indicating design change. Replacement typically $500–$1,500 depending on shop rates. No recall issued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state no recall exists and refuse to address under warranty. Manufacturer has not issued recall despite design revision evident in replacement parts and multiple owner complaints spanning years.
Brake pedal hardness and extended stopping distance
Brake pedal requires excessive force to depress; stopping distance increases significantly, especially during highway driving. Pedal may travel to floor before brakes engage. Owners describe feeling brakes are not catching or grabbing properly.
When: Various mileages from 32,000 to 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely hard to depress; Pedal travels to floorboard when depressed; Extended stopping distance at highway speeds (45–70 mph); Vehicle shakes when brakes applied at highway speeds; Abnormal jerking sensation when brakes applied; Feeling of brakes not catching or grabbing; Check Engine light illuminates when braking
Codes mentioned: 15V800000 (NHTSA Service Brakes, Hydraulic recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attribute to brake booster or master cylinder issues but repair status varies. One owner reports brake rotors and pads replaced without resolving issue. Another cites vacuum tube replacement that failed; subsequent booster replacement successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V800000 applies; parts unavailability prevented many repairs. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts distribution.
ABS system unintended activation
ABS system activates unprompted while vehicle is in motion, causing the vehicle to shudder and brake attempt to engage. System cannot be manually disabled once activated; engine computer overrides driver's safety switch and reactivates ABS.
When: Reported at various speeds (20–70 mph); timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders when Check Engine light comes on; ABS system activates without driver input; Feeling of braking being applied by ABS while driving normally; Cannot disable ABS using driver controls; computer overrides switch; ABS reactivates after engine restart; Occurs at all speeds, from city traffic to highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted repair by replacing ignition coil power pack without resolution. Issue sometimes corrects itself briefly before recurring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership contacted Chrysler for guidance; advised ignition coil power pack replacement, which did not resolve issue. No recall issued.
Parking brake failure—vehicle rolling after engagement
Parking brake fails to hold vehicle on inclined driveways or slopes. Vehicle rolls downhill seconds to minutes after parking brake is engaged, transmission in gear, and engine running or off. Occurs on early production vehicles (2013 model).
When: Reported within first weeks of ownership (one case at 10 miles); another case after 4-week parking period
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake appears engaged but vehicle begins rolling after 30–45 seconds; Vehicle rolls downhill on inclined driveway despite multiple e-brake engagements; Parking brake handle in correct position but provides no holding force; Vehicle cannot be safely parked on any sloped surface
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; Chrysler inspected vehicles twice and reported nothing wrong with brakes or transmission. Dealership unwilling to provide inspection report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated nothing is wrong with the vehicle after inspection; refused to provide copy of inspection report.
Brake booster fluid contamination and leak
Fluid (engine oil or brake fluid) leaks into the brake booster, contaminating the diaphragm. Fluid may also leak from master cylinder into booster. Creates burning smell from brakes and smoking during braking.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise from under dash followed by stiff pedal; Burning smell from brakes after extended driving; Smoke from wheel area during or after braking; Brake fluid or oil smell inside vehicle cabin via A/C; Brake pedal becomes hard after initial popping sound
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement recommended; some cases also require vacuum pump, vacuum lines, and master cylinder replacement. One owner reports brake booster failed again shortly after initial replacement; master cylinder also replaced on second service visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers cite engine oil contamination in brake booster as known condition and recommend replacement of multiple components if contamination is detected on initial inspection.
Synthesized from 224 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge dart. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal was stiff and required excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Vehicle had sudden and total brake failure. The power brake booster and master cylinder failed suddenly without warning while driving on a residential street
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Dodge Dart?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a meaningful issue. 224 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 143 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 21,000 and 54,000 miles, with the median around 35,550. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 54,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Dodge/Dart.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.