"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 engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 36,201 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 42 |
| 2014 Dart | 36 |
| 2015 Dart | 55 |
| 2016 Dart | 33 |
2crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 42 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Dart, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 42 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 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 engine 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.
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or they need to add oil between oil change intervals and no visible signs of oil leaking from the engine. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report stalling at idle, low speeds, and during acceleration—sometimes repeatedly over weeks or months. Many stall at traffic lights or stop signs without warning; some lose power on the highway. A few restarts fail or require multiple attempts. Check engine lights and low oil pressure warnings appear in several cases; some describe burning oil smells, smoke from under the hood, or even engine fire at relatively low mileage (37,000 to 249 miles).
Turbocharger underboost faults (P0299 code) trigger limp mode and stalling on some 1.4L turbocharged models; owners report this as a known design flaw that Dodge corrected on 2014+ model years. One owner needed a turbo replacement at cost of around $1,500 without warranty coverage.
Motor mounts are wearing out prematurely—one owner had three replacement sets in 15 months and 12,000 miles. Excessive vibration when running suggests internal issues damaging other parts.
Oil filter installation defects cause catastrophic leaks at multiple shops, draining the engine and potentially causing seizure on the highway. Cooling system overheating at idle (reaching three-quarter gauge) combined with electrical odors concerns owners despite dealer assurances.
Clutch engagement fails intermittently in cold weather; clutch master cylinders have been replaced multiple times, as have slave cylinders. One owner lists replacements of two ignition coils, three turbos, and a catalytic converter over ownership.
Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose these faults or simply reset computer codes without fixing root causes. Chrysler has declined warranty assistance on multiple complaints. A few owners describe internal engine failures—cracked pistons, broken timing chains, valve damage—requiring complete engine replacement.
Same Dodge Dart engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling at idle and low speed
Vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning while stopped at traffic lights, in traffic, or idling in parking lots. Restart may fail or take multiple attempts. Owners report this happening repeatedly over weeks or months.
When: Occurs at traffic lights, stop signs, parking lots, and while idling; some instances in early ownership (within first 1,000 miles), others at 29,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power without warning; Vehicle shuts off at idle or low speed; Difficulty or delay restarting; Starter grinding on restart; No warning lights in some cases; check engine light in others
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific code not stated in most narratives), Transmission error light (reported in complaint #1), Low oil pressure warning (reported in complaints #1, #4, #8)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to diagnose in most cases; some reset computer; one owner reports clutch master and slave cylinder replacements for similar symptoms
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler declined assistance stating no recall available (complaint #1); dealer unable to diagnose in complaint #4; technician unable to diagnose in complaint #19
Turbocharger underboost and limp mode (1.4L MultiAir Turbo)
1.4L turbocharged engine enters limp mode due to turbocharger underboost fault, reducing power output and triggering check engine light. Symptom corrected on 2014+ model years, suggesting design flaw in 2013 generation.
When: Occurs during acceleration or highway driving; owners report 2014+ models do not exhibit this issue
Symptoms owners cite: Turbo underboost condition; Check engine light and limp mode; Lack of power/inability to accelerate to highway speed; Rough idle or stalling at idle; Problem temporarily resolved by restart
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Turbocharger Under Boost)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement; one owner quoted ~$1,500 out of pocket; North America-wide back-order for corrected turbo units mentioned by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owner notes FCA was aware of design flaw given 2014+ fix; no warranty coverage offered for one owner
Motor mount premature wear and failure
Motor mounts fail repeatedly in short timeframes. One owner had three complete sets of mounts replaced in 15 months and 12,000 miles. Excessive vibration and noise suggest internal engine stress from mounts allowing engine movement damage.
When: First replacement August 2023, second April 2024 (8 months later), third October-November 2024 (6 months later); 12,169 miles total over 1.5 years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loud/rattling as if about to fall apart; Excessive engine vibration; Visual damage to other parts from vibration stress; Dealer concern about engine falling out during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacement sets (4–5 mounts per replacement) by Laird Noller Ford and Briggs Dodge; one owner found similar complaints on Dodge forums from 2013–2016 model years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer recommended filing recall report; no official recall issued; OEM parts continue to fail
Oil filter seal defect and catastrophic leaks
Oil filter seal fails or filter comes loose during installation at multiple shops, spraying oil and causing complete oil drainage. Occurs across five different service locations and multiple oil change intervals.
When: During or immediately after oil changes; owner was about to enter freeway each time but caught leaks at stop signs
Symptoms owners cite: Oil filter comes off in hand; Gap/leak in filter seal; Oil spraying throughout engine compartment; Complete oil loss on ground; Low/no oil reaching engine
Repairs/costs cited: Filter replaced/resealed at point of service; no root cause identified or corrected; owner avoided freeway entry each time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Excess heat and inadequate cooling at idle
Temperature gauge climbs to three-quarter mark regularly when stopped in drive without moving (e.g., drive-through). Dealership dismisses concern citing thermostat flaps, but independent technicians warn prolonged elevated temps damage engine longevity.
When: When vehicle stopped in drive (not park) in traffic or drive-throughs
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge climbing to 3/4 mark; Smell of hot electrical parts; Does not reach full 'H' (hot) mark but regularly near 3/4; Occurs at idle/no movement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed normal operation; independent technicians consulted by owner indicate long-term engine damage risk
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer states operation is normal due to thermostat flap design
Clutch engagement failure and master/slave cylinder leaks
Clutch loses resistance intermittently, particularly when engine cold, preventing gear engagement. Clutch master cylinder replaced twice (8 months apart); slave cylinder found leaking.
When: Cold starts and at various times; owner reports 1.5 years of recurring issues
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of clutch resistance; Unable to put vehicle into gear; Happens at cold start and during traffic; Intermittent nature—works fine other times
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch master cylinder replaced approximately 8 months after first replacement; slave cylinder found leaking on second visit; owner also reports 2 ignition coils, 3 turbos, and catalytic converter replaced over ownership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially denied problem until leak found; no broader warranty assistance mentioned
Smoke/fire and oil pressure loss at low mileage
Vehicle emits smoke from under hood, low oil pressure warning illuminates, and engine shuts off. One owner experienced actual engine fire at 37,000 miles. AAA visual inspection found no obvious cause. Mileage at failure ranges from 1,600 to 5,555 miles on new vehicles.
When: At 1,600–5,555 miles (one case at 37,000); while idling in parking lot or after short drive
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emitting from under hood or through vents; Low oil pressure warning light; Engine shutdown; Burning oil smell; Fire (one case)
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose in multiple cases; fire department response in one case (police report #JA125391); AAA confirmed fluid levels acceptable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but declined assistance; vehicle not repaired
Catastrophic internal engine failure and timing chain breakage
Complete engine failure requiring replacement. One owner reports broken timing chain, hole in block, and 8 of 16 valves stuck after hearing a pop and stalling at 45,900 miles. Another owner's engine seized requiring replacement at 49,821 miles.
When: At 45,900 miles; at 49,821 miles; one case at 77,000 miles (attributed by dealer to aftermarket CBV valve)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden shutdown with pop or noise; Unable to restart; Engine failure diagnosed on inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required in both cases; one owner in shop since 11/14/2015 waiting for replacement engine; parts availability delayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined assistance in aftermarket CBV case (#11); no response documented in other cases
Exhaust fumes in cabin (recirculation failure and improper welds)
Strong exhaust and fuel odors leak into cabin. Owner diagnosed with migraines after purchasing vehicle; migraines resolved when not driving car. Recirculation repair failed twice; later diagnosed as improper weld on clamp.
When: Early ownership (owner diagnosed with migraines in December 2014 shortly after purchase); recirculation system failed after dealership repair
Symptoms owners cite: Strong exhaust/fuel odor in cabin; Migraine headaches (owner); Daughter coughed immediately upon riding after repair; Fumes described as severe enough to burn eyes and cause illness
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially blamed 'new car burn-off'; second dealership service failed to fix (recirculation failed again immediately); friend's mechanic identified improperly welded clamp; clamp was fixed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge customer service requested owner return to dealership despite fume severity; case manager review initiated but owner surrendered vehicle to lienholder on 3/5/2015
Transmission fluid loss (clutch slave/master system)
Transmission-related issues with multiple complaints of transmission not shifting, rough gear engagement, and inability to find gears.
When: Early ownership (within 2 months of purchase in one case); recurring issues lasting years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission error light; Vehicle won't shift into gear; Rough jerking when shifting; Loud noise on gear engagement; Slamming into gear
Codes mentioned: Transmission error light / 'Gear not found' message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership ordered transmission part in complaint #1; complaint #23 lists ongoing issues over 1.5 years with lemon law contacted; complaint #34 describes rough shifting and loud engagement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No explicit manufacturer response in most complaints; lemon law involvement mentioned in one case
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have had 5 different places change my oil and at every one the filter has either come off in my hand or create a gap in the filter seal which is caused oil to start spraying all over the car and leaking all over the ground. All five times this is happened the filter is either going off in my hand or had the seal of the filter start leaking oil. Spraying oil all over in the engine…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge dart. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that there was an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,900.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 13,000 and 66,100 miles, with the median around 36,201. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 66,100. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.