Fiat C-635 Dual Dry Clutch (DDCT) Automatic Transmission Fluid Fill The Fiat C-635 DDCT and C-633 DDCT are shipped without fluid. Fill per DealerConnect procedure: "draining, filling and level check"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Dart powertrain problems
critical Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 486 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 51,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
486
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 486 |
| 2014 Dart | 119 |
| 2015 Dart | 159 |
| 2016 Dart | 71 |
11crashes
4fires
3injuries
2fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 486 powertrain 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 powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 486.
Powertrain accounts for 42% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Control Module.
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 ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of catastrophic powertrain failures across the 2013 Dart. The transmission shifter cable frequently detaches or breaks, leaving cars stuck in park or unable to shift—a problem that persists even after a recall repair in 2019 and a second recall issued in October 2025 with no available fix. The dual dry clutch transmission routinely loses all gears or enters neutral unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, with some owners experiencing three major failures in less than three weeks.
The manual transmission clutch system is equally troubled. Clutches fail at low mileage (19,426 miles in one case), sometimes burning out within days of dealer replacement. Owners report the clutch sinking to the floor, grinding during parking, or requiring manual pumping to build hydraulic pressure.
Engine control modules malfunction repeatedly—one owner had four transmission control modules and two engine control modules replaced, yet failures recurred within months. The 1.4-liter turbo engine surges violently between 2,700–3,300 RPM in early gears and during acceleration, making highway merging unsafe. Two owners reported engine fires, one at 17,000 miles requiring complete engine rebuild.
Parking brakes fail to hold vehicles on inclines, and electronic transmission locks fail, allowing parked cars to roll. One vehicle rolled down a driveway with a two-year-old inside. Dealers repeatedly cite parts unavailable, warranty denials for recalls, or claim they "cannot replicate" problems that occur consistently.
Same Dodge Dart powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shifter Cable Detachment / Failure
The cable connecting the gear shifter to the transmission detaches, stretches, or breaks, preventing the vehicle from shifting into or out of park or drive. Multiple owners report the cable coming loose from the transmission linkage, sometimes despite prior recall repairs. Some cables are cited as 'too short' from the factory.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; occurs at variable mileages from 26,000 to 88,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into or out of park; Unable to shift into drive or reverse; Shifter moves freely with no mechanical connection to transmission; Vehicle stuck in gear and unable to turn off; No warning lights for initial cable failure
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission message, Gear Not Available message
Repairs/costs cited: Cable reattachment or replacement; owners cite $800 for cable replacement with installation. Recall repair (19V293000) provided temporary fix or standard cable replacement, not upgraded part. Second recall (25V674000) issued October 2025 with 'remedy not yet available' status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V293000 (Power Train); NHTSA Campaign 25V674000 (Power Train) issued 10/9/2025 with no remedy available. Dealers cite part shortages, offer temporary fixes, or deny warranty coverage claiming cable is not part of recall.
Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDC) Failure
Complete or partial loss of transmission function in the 6-speed dual dry clutch manual transmission. The transmission loses all gears, enters neutral unexpectedly, or refuses to engage any gear. Often occurs after the vehicle has already been serviced for transmission issues.
When: Between 19,000 and 140,000 miles; multiple failures on same vehicle possible
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters neutral without driver input during turns or while driving; Vehicle refuses to shift into any gear while parked; Service Transmission warning message appears; Gear Not Available message on display; Car revs engine in neutral while driver selected a gear; Multiple warning lights flash on dash; Transmission Control Module (TCM) loses communication; Loss of power or inability to accelerate
Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), U0101 (TCM Communication Lost), Service Transmission light, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: TCM reprogramming, TCM replacement ($600+ out of pocket if out of warranty), transmission fluid top-up, software updates, or full transmission replacement ($11,000 reported in one case). One owner paid for complete transmission replacement at 140,000 km after warranty expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for TCM updates; owners cite multiple dealership visits with same problem recurring within days or weeks. No manufacturer recall or extended warranty offered for recurring failures.
Turbo Engine Surging / Hesitation / Power Loss
1.4L turbo engine exhibits violent surging and hesitation, especially during gear transitions between 2,700–3,300 RPM range. Vehicle loses power during acceleration, cannot merge into traffic safely, or surges unexpectedly. Dealers initially claim 'normal function' and recommend premium fuel; issue persists or worsens.
When: Early ownership; one owner reported surging from 200 miles onward; persists over 6,000+ miles despite fuel grade changes
Symptoms owners cite: Violent surging when shifting through 2nd–6th gear; Engine hesitation during acceleration; Cannot accelerate to merge onto highway safely; RPM surge at 45 MPH or higher speeds causing driver to pull over; Decreased fuel economy after attempting premium fuel; Loss of boost/turbo lag
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (underboost codes), P0299 (Underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service managers attributed to 'normal MultiAir turbo function' and advised premium fuel switch. No parts replacement documented; issue unresolved in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge service managers told owners 'switch to premium fuel' and 'it is normal function.' No recall or TSB cited in complaints.
Clutch System Failure (Manual Transmission Models)
Hydraulic clutch sticks to floor, loses pressure, or fails to engage/disengage properly. Master cylinder, slave cylinder, pressure plate, flywheel, and actuator failures reported. Some owners experience clutch failure immediately after dealer replacement.
When: Between 1,555 and 34,747 miles; clutch replaced at 19,426 miles failed again at 34,747 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sinks to floor and does not return; Clutch goes to floor before driving, requires manual pumping to build pressure; Inability to shift gears; Loud pop/clunk sound when clutch pedal depressed; Burning smell from clutch area; Clutch sticks and prevents gear engagement; Grinding noise during turns in 1st gear or reverse; Vehicle jerks or dies at stops due to improper engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement (5,905 miles), full clutch/pressure plate/flywheel replacement (19,426 miles), repeat replacement with slave cylinder at 34,747 miles. One owner replaced clutch at dealership; failed again within 2 days. Dealership blamed owner for 'riding clutch' despite owner's experience with manual transmissions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs covered under warranty initially; dealership blamed customer for abuse despite owner's 40 years of manual transmission experience.
Engine Control Module (ECM) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure
ECM, PCM, or TCM malfunction or complete failure causing loss of engine power, inability to restart, or erratic engine behavior. Multiple module replacements on same vehicle.
When: Between 13,300 and 63,861 miles; one vehicle had 2 PCMs and 4 TCMs replaced
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start or cranks but does not turn over; Loss of power while driving at highway speeds; Stalling without warning; Tachometer and speedometer stop working; Engine check light flashing; All lights flickering on and off; Dashboard display becomes unreadable
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, U0101 (TCM Lost Communication)
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reprogramming/flashing, complete PCM or TCM replacement. One owner reported $600+ per TCM replacement and eventual $11,000 transmission replacement due to TCM-related clutch actuator failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for PCM/TCM updates; owners report same failures recurring within weeks or months after 'fix.'
Engine Fire / Overheating
Vehicle catches fire, overheats severely, or emits heavy smoke from engine bay. Two catastrophic fires reported, one while driving on highway and one while parked.
When: One incident at approximately 17,000 miles; another reported involving engine oil burning inside turbo and leaking up hose
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy smoke pouring from hood while driving; Smoky/burnt smell from air vents; Vehicle overheating; Fire visible from engine compartment; Dashboard and touch screen shutting off before fire; All power and controls lost
Repairs/costs cited: One fire required complete engine rebuild (crankshaft, engine block, all bottom-end components) after less than 1 year of ownership. Another fire caused insurance-covered damage. One owner noted oil in turbo and up the hose post-incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied assistance when vehicle was uninsured. No recall cited for fire incidents.
Transmission Stalling / Loss of Power While Driving
Transmission abruptly loses power or goes into neutral while driving at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle coasting without power. RPMs spike but car does not move. Multiple occurrences on same vehicle.
When: Between 13,300 miles and 65+ MPH highway driving; one owner reported 3 major failures over 2.5 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs shot up, transmission went out instantly while at highway speed; Vehicle loses all power and coasts; Transmission will not engage any gear; Service Transmission warning message; Check Engine light comes on; Car appears to shift to neutral despite being in drive
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control System codes, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reprogrammed (found 'flashed PCM'), transmission range sensor replaced, TCM replaced. One owner had transmission fail at 65 MPH, again at 65 MPH one week later, stranded over 70 miles from home.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service found 'flashed PCM' or range sensor; repairs attempted multiple times with same failure recurring.
Parking Brake / Electronic Brake Failure
Parking brake fails to hold vehicle on incline or while parked, allowing unattended vehicle to roll. Vehicle rolls backward or down driveway when brake engaged and park selected.
When: Between 2 and 4 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward down driveway with parking brake engaged; Parking brake fails to hold on hills; Vehicle pops out of park and rolls; No braking force when emergency brake applied
Repairs/costs cited: Brake caliper replacements (multiple), rotor replacement due to stuck caliper. One child's safety incident reported where 2-year-old was in vehicle as it rolled across road and jumped curb.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some brake caliper failures cited as recall (separate from powertrain), but owner was denied coverage due to VIN not being in affected group.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) / Dual Dry Clutch Interlock Failure
Hill Start Assist feature fails to hold vehicle on incline, and simultaneously the dual dry clutch fails to engage. Vehicle rolls backward and revs in neutral when driver moves foot from brake to throttle on uphill.
When: Multiple occurrences while driving on hills
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward up incline when foot moved from brake to gas; Engine revs high in neutral with no gear engagement; No control over clutch engagement timing or gear selection; Car coasts through turns after coming out of gear spontaneously
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or successful in narratives; owner refused to drive vehicle further.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this combined failure mode.
Ignition Coil Failure
Ignition coils blow out, causing engine misfiring, backfiring, sputtering, and check engine lights. Multiple coil replacements, with one owner unable to source replacement coils due to backorder status.
When: Between 20,000 and 40,000 miles; multiple failures on same vehicle 8 months apart
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering and backfiring; Check Engine light comes on; Misfiring on specific cylinders; Rough idle; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes on specific cylinders, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil replacement; owner reported coils on backorder and unavailable from Dodge for exact vehicle model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; aftermarket mechanic reported multiple computers in car 'not talking to each other.'
Reverse Gear Selector Cable Failure
Reverse lever selector cable detaches or fails, allowing shifter to enter reverse gear without pulling the selector lever. Dangerous because reverse can be accidentally engaged at any speed.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter can move to reverse without pulling selector lever; Reverse engaged accidentally when attempting to select 1st gear; Cable hanging free from shifter mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: Cable observed hanging free; shifter cable replacement recommended at dealer for under $800.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; identified as manufacturing defect, not wear and tear.
Check Engine Light / Miscellaneous Electrical Faults
Recurring check engine lights for various causes (spark plugs, coils, fuel cap, underboost, etc.) that persist despite multiple repairs or clear and return frequently.
When: Throughout ownership; one owner reported light coming on every time fuel cap is replaced
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on and goes off intermittently; Service Engine light flashing; Flashing/flickering dashboard lights
Codes mentioned: Various codes; P0299 (underboost) mentioned, P0101 (fuel system)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug and coil replacements (warranty covered initially), fuel cap replacement (no effect), control module resets and computer updates. One owner had 3 computers 'not talking to each other.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered initial spark plug/coil replacement; later issues denied or attributed to normal function.
Synthesized from 486 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
When parked on an incline, the car experiences failure in shifting from park to other gears. The gear lever will physically move to other gear positions, however the car will not switch from park to other gears. We have had to manually push the car forward to get it to switch out of park. It seems to be some kind of failure between the sensors sending information to the transmission control…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v542000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
On October 16, 2025, while I was working and driving my vehicle, I experienced a sudden failure after stopping to complete a delivery. When I returned to my car and attempted to shift into drive, the vehicle would not shift gears. I was fortunate this occurred while I was pulled over on the side of the road. The problem was determined to be a failure of the shift cable connecting the shifter to…
My vehicle is completely unreliable. Any time the speed reaches 40 MPH or more it gives a transmission service message and shuts off. Additionally if it is idle for any length of time (as in a drive-thru) it will shut off then as well. There has been a recall on this car but the parts are not even available. I have a piece of junk in my driveway that I am currently making payments on as well as…
I have been having the same issue and a burning smell happening. In october the dealer replaced the TCM at 33,000 miles and stated I was lucky to be under warranty since it would cost $600+ out of pocket. Now on christmas morning I had the check engine light, service transmission message, and autostick not available message display. I was able to limp home to have r, n, d show gear not available.…
2013 Dodge dart with 2 liter motor auto transmission. The car won't start. On the shifter all letters on gear indicator shows red (p,r,n,d) engine light on. Car will. It start in any gear. This is the third shifter assembly I had to purchase to fix the problem . Vehical was stationary when it wouldn't start , when it was running the gear indicator light went red car shifted hard. Also…
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the transmission seized in neutral(N). The contact had experienced the failure four times. The contact stated that once the transmission had seized, the transmission overheated. The contact had to wait for the transmission to cool down. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was…
Came up to a stop sign, drove off and went to shift into 2nd (standard transmission) and my shifter was loose. Gear is stuck in first.
Was driving the car down the freeway when all the warning lights on the dash lit up. The car lost power steering and started to shut down. I had to fight to get it off the road since the power steering was gone. All the lights remained lit up. I believe it's the PCM do to other recall but my car is a manual and the recall is for automatics only.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v542000 (power train) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to do the recall repair. While driving at various speeds, the gear shift malfunctioned. The dealer stated that the transmission fluid was not due…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a serious issue. 486 complaints have been filed, including 11 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 361 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 29,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.