Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Dart cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 46,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 20 |
| 2014 Dart | 8 |
| 2015 Dart | 10 |
| 2016 Dart | 6 |
When does it fail?
Of the 20 cruise control complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Dart, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 20.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P000B, P050B and/or P2173. Includes Driveability/Transmission Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) have been set: P000B- Exhaust Slow Response Bank 1 P050B- Cold Start Ignition Timing Performance P2173- High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation)Driveability and Transmission Enhancements are also included with this software release. These changes include the following:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P000B, P050B and/or P2173. Includes Driveability/Transmission Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) have been set: ? P000B- Exhaust Slow Response Bank 1 ? P050B- Cold Start Ignition Timing Performance ? P2173- High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation) Driveability and Transmission Enhancements are also included with this software release. These changes include the foll
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: BCM Enhancement, Fuel Gauge Slow To Update, Decklid Will Not Open This bulletin involves updating the software in the Body Control Module (BCM). The customer may experience one or both of the following conditions. The fuel gauge is slow to update. When the vehicle is first started the fuel gauge will read empty and then slowly move to the proper fuel level position. It may take a few minutes before it will read the proper fuel level. Vehicles that doesn't have keyless entry (manual door locks) will not be able to open the decklid latch when the ignition is in the off position. Updating the BCM software will correct these conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe cruise control that works intermittently, failing to engage or dropping out at highway speeds without warning, requiring vehicle restart to resume operation. Several report the cruise button on the steering wheel becoming unresponsive until the car is stopped and restarted.
Beyond cruise control, owners report a broader pattern of powertrain problems tied to this cluster: loss of acceleration and power during highway driving and freeway merging; turbo cutting out on mountain roads and steep grades; throttle response delays when accelerating from stops; and independent acceleration events where the engine revs without driver input. One owner notes a burning smell from the engine bay. Multiple owners describe sudden dashboard warnings—check engine and throttle control lights illuminating when power loss occurs, sometimes forcing safe pull-overs. Two owners with manual transmissions report clutch sticking to the floor and inability to shift into gear.
A shifter cable bushing recall is cited by one owner; another mentions a shifter link bushing detachment causing shifter lock. One owner reports a transmission entering limp mode and refusing to exit first gear after overheating to 190 degrees, requiring a 45-minute cool-down before the car will restart.
Owners cite these failures occurring from day one of ownership through several years and thousands of miles. One dealership refused to service the vehicle; another Mopar facility told an owner a faulty replacement part would be installed during a recall repair but demanded payment. No repairs are documented in most narratives—cars sit or await diagnosis.
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control button fails to engage or disengages unexpectedly during highway driving without driver input. Requires vehicle stop and restart to restore function.
When: Throughout ownership; one owner reports issue ongoing for almost a year
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise button on steering wheel unresponsive; Cruise control drops out at highway speeds; Cruise control works intermittently; fails for days or weeks then works again
Loss of acceleration / power loss on highway
Engine loses power during acceleration from stops and while driving on highways, mountain roads, and during freeway merges. Turbo reportedly cuts out. Response delays when pressing accelerator pedal.
When: Various mileage; some at low miles (599, 2.5 weeks ownership); others intermittent across ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will only accelerate at 1 mph on highway; Power loss on steep hills; Delayed throttle response from complete stop; Turbo cuts out on mountain roads and highways; Car loses speed suddenly while driving 60–75 mph; Vehicle acts up from day one of ownership
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Throttle control light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership suspected turbocharger failure and requested pictures before judgment; car remained in shop unable to be diagnosed or repaired
Independent engine acceleration / unintended acceleration
Engine revs or vehicle accelerates without driver input. In one case, motor revved to red line while stopped at light with foot off accelerator; in another, vehicle aggressively jerked forward after delay at traffic light.
When: At various times during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to red line with foot off accelerator; Vehicle creeps forward in drive at traffic light despite no input; Aggressive forward jerk 4–10 seconds after pressing gas pedal at traffic light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to turn ignition off to stop the car; another applied brakes and pulled over safely
Clutch stuck to floor (manual transmission)
Clutch pedal sticks to floor or becomes unable to release, trapping vehicle in gear. Two owners report this; one notes it happened twice while driving, nearly causing accidents.
When: Intermittent; one owner notes issue began from day one and recurred while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch sticks to floor; Unable to shift out of gear after clutch sticks; Clutch keeps sticking and car cannot be put into gear; Clutch stuck during exit from busy highway
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports clutch master cylinder extended warranty issued by Dodge in 2016; spring 2017 replacement of clutch master, slave cylinder, and bearings performed; problem recurred at 10k miles after repair (50k on vehicle). Fluid leakage from boot observed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge issued clutch master cylinder extended warranty (2016)
Shifter cable / linkage failure (manual and automatic)
Shifter cable bushing pops off or shifter link bushing detaches from cable, causing shifter to float or become uncontrollable. One owner reports active recall on shifting cable bushing.
When: Approximately 43k miles on purchase; 5 days after acquisition for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter cable pops off; Shifter link bushing detaches from cable; Shifter floats; unable to engage gears; Car cannot be taken out of stuck gear
Repairs/costs cited: One owner with active recall was told replacement parts would not ship until end of August and dealership wanted to install faulty part and charge owner; no loaner or rental provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active recall on shifting cable bushing cited; Mopar parts shortage noted (expected end of August shipment)
Transmission limp mode / overtemp limp-down
Transmission enters limp mode and locks in first gear after reaching approximately 190 degrees, triggered by check engine and service transmission lights. Vehicle will not restart for 45 minutes to an hour even after battery disconnect.
When: After approximately 45 miles of normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature reaches 190 degrees; Service transmission message appears; Check engine light comes on; Vehicle enters limp mode; stuck in first gear; Vehicle will not start for 45 minutes to an hour; After restart, car goes 15 miles then returns to limp mode
Codes mentioned: Service transmission message, Check engine light
Accelerator pedal stuck under floor mat
Factory floor mat slides around and accelerator pedal becomes trapped underneath, causing unintended acceleration at stop sign. Dealer advised purchase of aftermarket mats; new mats also shifted.
When: One month into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Factory mat sliding around; Accelerator pedal stuck under floor mat during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owner removed all driver-side floor mats after second incident. Dodge owners help line stated it was not their problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge owners help line declined responsibility; dealer advised buying aftermarket mats
Engine revving and loss of power with dashboard warnings
RPMs surge or engine revs erratically without driver input while parked or driving; accompanied by check engine and throttle control light illumination. Occurs on mountain roads, highways, and at highway speeds. One owner reports burning smell from engine bay.
When: Various; one at low highway mileage; another after hours of highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Entire dashboard illuminates; Check engine light and throttle control light stay on; Sudden decrease in speed; RPMs going up and down as if engine is being revved without input; Burning smell (oil or wire) from engine bay
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Throttle control light
Turbo underperformance / boost issue
Turbo does not pick up speed as expected. Check engine light reads under boost for turbo. Owner notes turbo is supposed to provide performance but does not.
Symptoms owners cite: Does not pick up speed despite turbo; Check engine light always on
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (under boost)
Stalling during acceleration
Vehicle stalls periodically when accelerating before resuming forward motion.
Symptoms owners cite: Car stalls at acceleration before accelerating
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving on a highway going about 75 MPH my 2013 Dodge dart acted up out of nowhere. The car suddenly decreased in speed my entire dashboard lit up, the check engine light and the throttle control light stayed on. Luckily I was very close to an exit and put my flashers on and exited to get to safety. This car has been acting up with day one and continues to impress me with the # of repairs…
Had cruise control 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 cruise control problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 9,500 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 46,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,500; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.