Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Dart electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 119 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 38,201 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
119
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 119 |
| 2014 Dart | 55 |
| 2015 Dart | 81 |
| 2016 Dart | 36 |
2crashes
6fires
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Dart we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 119.
Owners have filed 119 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Radio Display Screen Goes Blank During ABS Activation, HVAC Controls And Blind Spot System Operate Intermittently, Cluster Warning Chime Goes Off
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Dart's electrical and powertrain systems are a persistent failure point across 119 complaints. Owners describe stalling without warning at speeds from 5 mph to 70 mph on highways—sometimes at stoplights, sometimes entering neutral mid-drive. Multiple brake failures have occurred, with at least one resulting in a crash and airbag non-deployment. Two engine fires—one reaching 10–20 feet high—originated from the battery, PCM, and BCM area after months of prior electrical trouble.
Charging system faults recur relentlessly: owners replace batteries and alternators three to four times each with no root cause found. Battery warning lights come on intermittently; alternators test fine but voltage fluctuates (6V when light on, 13–14V when off). Transmission shifting is rough or absent; "Gear Not Available" and "Service Transmission" errors trap vehicles mid-drive until the engine restarts. Instrument clusters reset randomly from potholes, weather changes, or turns; touchscreens black out; radio systems fail repeatedly.
Cold-weather starting fails despite recall service. Brakes lock up or won't depress; parking brakes don't hold. Engine consumes oil at abnormal rates without warning lights firing before shutdown. Horn switches don't respond to quick double-taps. Dealership diagnostics consistently return "unable to duplicate" or inconclusive findings. Extended warranties and settlement buybacks have been offered in lemon-law cases, but most owners report the vehicle unsafe to drive and repairs expensive yet ineffective.
Same Dodge Dart electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Electrical system partial or complete loss of power/resets
Dashboard, instrument cluster, touchscreen, and overall electrical system lose power intermittently or reset unexpectedly while driving or at startup. Gauges flicker, go dark, or become unresponsive. System reboots on its own.
When: Throughout ownership; some at low mileage (150-12,000 miles), others after several years; often triggered by weather changes, potholes, or turns
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster/gauge needles go to zero or flicker rapidly; Touchscreen/radio blackout for seconds to minutes, then resets; Clock/audio settings reset randomly; All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Interior lighting flickers; Dashboard goes completely dark while driving
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Electrical System warning, All warning lights simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: PCM/BCM replaced (multiple times in some cases); wiring harness replaced; software updates/reflashes performed; dash modules replaced; some customers incurred $400–$500 diagnostic/repair costs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty offered in lemon-law cases; recalls for related airbag wiring (Narrative #1); no clear TSB pattern across all failures; some cases denied buyback
Engine fire/underhood electrical fire
Electrical fire initiated in engine bay, originating from battery/BCM/PCM area. Fluid sprayed from under hood, followed by smoke and flames. One fire reached 10–20 feet high and melted hood and engine bay components.
When: After extended electrical issues (months of other faults), at highway speeds; one example at ~70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated 1 mile before fire; Fluid sprayed onto windshield; Smoke from engine bay; Flames erupted (in at least one case)
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; third-party fire report identified electrical fire origin near BCM/PCM/battery; dealership replaced PCM, BCM (3 times), and battery before fire but could not resolve root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Engineering consulted but unable to determine cause; Chrysler denied fault after fire despite third-party report
Stalling while driving
Vehicle cuts out engine while in motion at various speeds—from 5 mph to highway speeds (65–70 mph). No warning; some cases involve loss of steering and braking assist. Vehicle may restart immediately or require multiple attempts.
When: Intermittent; low mileage to higher mileage; one case at 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Steering wheel locks; Transmission won't shift after stall; Check Engine Light or transmission warning lights may appear; No error code when dealer checks
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Transmission error, Gear Not Available error
Repairs/costs cited: No clear fix identified; dealership diagnostics often inconclusive; some owners cite low oil or sensor issues; TCM replacement attempted in some cases; multiple shop visits without resolution reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (15V800000 for brakes, airbag wiring); some cases result in extended warranty; lemon-law claims partially successful (some buybacks denied)
Intermittent battery light / charging system malfunction
Battery warning light illuminates intermittently while driving. Battery depletes rapidly despite new battery and alternator replacements. Alternator voltage fluctuates between 6V (when light on) and 13–14V (when light off). Power steering, AC, and other systems lose function when light activates.
When: Recurring; multiple replacements required (customers report 3–4 battery/alternator combinations)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light on/off intermittently; Power steering loss; AC/climate control shuts off; ABS warning lights illuminate; Relay clicking sound when light activates; Alternator voltage unstable (6V vs. 13–14V)
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Service Power Steering warning, Service ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements ($100–$200 each); multiple alternator replacements (customers report 2–4 alternators); diagnostics inconclusive despite testing battery and alternator separately (both pass)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specific to this issue; Dodge states multiple occurrences indicate design flaw, not individual failures
Brake failure / lock-up
Brakes fail to respond, lock up unexpectedly, or become stiff and difficult to depress. Parking brake ineffective. In one critical case, brake pedal would not depress at all and airbags did not deploy after crash.
When: Shortly after purchase; one case at 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal slow to respond or won't depress; Brakes lock up while driving; Parking brake does not hold; Brake pedal becomes very stiff; Whooshing sound from braking system; Vehicle rolls despite parking brake engaged
Codes mentioned: Brake warning light, Service Brakes warning
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads/rotors replaced; vacuum check valve replaced; one case required brake parts unavailable for recall repair (NHTSA 15V800000); some repairs unsuccessful with recurring failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued but parts unavailable in at least one case; extended warranty coverage in some lemon-law settlements
Transmission issues (shifting, slipping, hesitation)
Transmission behaves erratically: won't shift into gears, shifts roughly, slips, or causes jerking. Vehicle loses power during acceleration or enters neutral unexpectedly while driving. 'Gear Not Available' and 'Service Transmission' errors appear.
When: Throughout ownership; after transmission reflash updates in some cases; low to moderate mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty shifting into gears (especially 1st and 2nd); Shifts into neutral without driver input; Rough/jerky shifting; Loss of power during acceleration; Hesitation when accelerating; Transmission slipping sensation; 'Service Transmission' and 'Gear Not Available' warning lights
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission error, Gear Not Available error, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Control Module (TCM) replaced (multiple times in some cases); transmission reflash/software update performed; some repairs unsuccessful; one case involved TCM replacement after alleged loss of communication with module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA recalls issued for transmission reflash; extended warranty in some lemon-law cases; no universal fix identified
Horn failure / unresponsive switch
Horn switch does not respond reliably. Double-tap honks fail to activate horn or produce single long honks instead. Root cause identified as slow databus controller cycling preventing rapid horn switch presses from registering correctly.
When: Intermittent; occurs when rapid horn activation attempted
Symptoms owners cite: Horn fails to sound on quick switch presses; Single horn blast when double-tap intended; Prolonged horn sound when quick tap intended; Inconsistent horn response
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified in narratives; customer describes design flaw in horn control circuit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; customer claims issue across Dodge fleet
Dashboard / center console display malfunction
Center stack display, touchscreen, or instrument cluster becomes unresponsive, goes blank, or behaves erratically. Display may fail after left turns, during cold starts, or randomly. Uconnect system non-functional.
When: Recurring; some failures after specific actions (left turns, cold starts); some intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen/center display goes blank; Display flickers or reboots; Uconnect system non-responsive (no phone, Bluetooth, or GPS); Display dims excessively or turns off; Audio settings/presets reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dash module replaced ($400–$500); integrated stack installed; software updates applied; multiple visits often ineffective; one case replaced twice with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear TSB or recall for display issues; extended warranty/MOPAR warranty deductible ($100) applied in some cases
Cold weather start failure / remote start malfunction
Vehicle fails to start reliably in cold weather (20°F or lower). Remote start does not function. Push-start fails. Engine stalls after starting in cold. Main touchscreen does not activate, locking out climate control and other functions.
When: Winter conditions (20°F and below); persistent issue despite recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Remote start fails to activate engine; Push-button start fails; Engine stalls after cold start; Main dash/touchscreen will not power on in cold; Climate control/radio/rear camera inaccessible until screen responds; Clicking noises when attempting start
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; diagnostic inconclusive; remote start stopped working, owner ceased troubleshooting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for cold-start issues but some persist despite service; no effective remedy documented
Ignition/key fob stuck or won't release
Key fob gets stuck in ignition cylinder and cannot be removed. Requires shifting through gears or forcibly turning wheel to release. Ignition cylinder replaced but problem recurs shortly after.
When: Shortly after purchase; recurring within a month of ignition replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob stuck in ignition, won't release; Must shift gears to free key; Electrical system not recognizing 'Park' position; Burrs found in ignition cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition cylinder replaced; kept 5 days for repair; problem returned within 4 weeks; service advisor suggests solenoid issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear manufacturer response; dealership diagnostics inconclusive
Power loss during acceleration / turbo surging
Engine loses significant power (2/3 loss reported) during acceleration, especially on highway ramps. Cruise control disengages. Turbo surges and over-revs at stoplights and during shifts. RPM does not drop properly when shifting.
When: Intermittent; started in February in one case; 6+ occurrences by time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power loss during hard acceleration; Cruise control turns off unexpectedly; Turbo surge/surging at low speeds; Engine over-revving at stoplights; RPMs not dropping during shift until clutch released; Check Engine Light may stay on after repeated events
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate problem on 3 visits (2 overnight); no repairs made
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge opened case but closed it due to inability to duplicate; no fix offered
Electrical harness failure / fire hazard
Wiring harness fails, creating electrical faults and fire hazard. One case involved dashboard and glove box wiring harness igniting (customer extinguished manually). Harness replacement attempted but failures recurred.
When: Low to moderate mileage; one fire at 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent starting issues; Burning odor from vehicle; Dashboard/glove box fire (customer-extinguished); Multiple electrical faults after harness failure; Check Engine Light, transmission warnings
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Transmission error
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replaced (multiple times in some cases); carpet and dashboard replaced after fire; connections repaired; TCM/BCM also replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for airbag wiring; no specific TSB for harness fire prevention
Excessive oil consumption / oil sensor malfunction
Engine consumes oil at abnormally high rate (1 quart per 1,000 miles reported), causing engine to stall or lose power due to low oil. Oil pressure sensor fails to illuminate warning light before engine shuts down. Dealership claims consumption normal but no warning system functions.
When: Starting around 35,000–42,000 miles; continues without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between services; Engine stalls due to low oil without warning light; No oil pressure warning light activation; Engine loses power while driving; Oil pressure monitor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Oil replaced at normal intervals; dealership claims normal consumption rate for model; no repair offered; owner must check oil manually at each fuel stop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states consumption normal before 50,000 miles (up to 1 qt/1,000 mi) and after (up to 1 qt/750 mi); no design change or TSB issued
Radio / audio system failure
Radio/audio system blacks out, reboots, or becomes unresponsive. Bluetooth and phone connectivity non-functional. Multiple radio replacements ineffective.
When: Throughout ownership; recurring after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Radio blackout for 10+ minutes, then resets; Bluetooth/phone system inoperative; Audio cuts out randomly; No phone connectivity or music streaming
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced up to 3 times; one replacement ineffective; no permanent fix achieved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall specific to audio system
Backup camera / rear view system failure
Backup camera non-functional or intermittent. Rear view display does not activate or loses function.
When: Intermittent; one case noted on initial purchase inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera completely non-functional; Rear-view camera intermittent; Camera not visible in display
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replaced; one case cost $300+; intermittent failures persist in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented
Airbag system malfunction / non-deployment
Airbag warning light comes on intermittently without cause, especially in warm weather. In at least one crash, airbags failed to deploy despite collision.
When: Intermittent in warm weather (above 85°F); non-deployment in crash at 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently (temperature-dependent); No airbag deployment in crash despite impact; Check Engine Light accompanied by airbag warning
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states nothing wrong when light illuminates; no repair made; one crash case not diagnosed due to lack of brake parts availability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V800000 covers service brakes and related airbag wiring; some cases covered under extended warranty
Window / door lock / miscellaneous control failures
Power windows do not operate reliably. Door locks (automatic and manual) malfunction. Passenger door handle breaks off repeatedly. Sunroof fails to open/close. Miscellaneous electronic controls unresponsive.
When: Throughout ownership; door handle came off 3+ times in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Power windows won't raise or lower; Automatic door locks inoperative; Passenger door handle comes off repeatedly; Sunroof stuck or inoperative; Blinker activation triggers windshield wipers instead
Repairs/costs cited: Door handle replaced 3+ times; no permanent fix; one owner gave up and left door without handle; window/lock repairs not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall for these mechanical/electrical failures
Idle quality issues / rough engine running
Vehicle exhibits persistent rough idle. Engine sounds like it will stall. No clear diagnostic cause found. Ground point nuts allegedly painted over, preventing proper grounding.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, unstable idle; Engine sounds like it will stall; Feels unsafe at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment, tires, spark plugs replaced; independent mechanic stumped; suspected ground points painted over but owner cannot access/replace
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall; dealership unable to diagnose
Multiple battery/alternator failures
Vehicle requires repeated battery and alternator replacements (3–4 of each in some cases) within short timeframe. No underlying electrical fault found despite testing.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; replacements often fail within weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies suddenly; Alternator appears to fail repeatedly; Power steering becomes stiff when battery/alternator fails; Starting difficulties after replacements
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacements ($100–$200 each); alternator replacements; all components test fine individually; parts fail shortly after installation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance; extended warranty may cover under lemon law
Instrument panel / gauge malfunction (temperature gauge, speedometer, RPM gauge)
Temperature gauge missing or non-functional. Speedometer and tachometer stop working or flicker. One engine rebuilt due to temperature gauge issue.
When: Low to moderate mileage; one case at 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer and tachometer non-functional; Temperature gauge missing from engine bay; Gauges flicker or display incorrect readings
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuilt in one case due to missing/non-functional temperature gauge; dealership replaced engine entirely
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB identified for gauge failures
Synthesized from 119 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a meaningful issue. 119 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 99 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 19,000 and 61,000 miles, with the median around 38,201. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,000; a quarter make it past 61,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.