LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Dart suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Dodge Dart have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart (this page) | 10 |
| 2014 Dart | 9 |
| 2015 Dart | 10 |
| 2016 Dart | 5 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system. Replace only the part deemed failed by the diagnostics performed. Individual parts include: - Compressor - Valve block - Individual hoses - Temp sensor - Shield - Air line clips NOTE: in most situations when a new compressor is needed, the compressor as a separate part is the correct repair, and the assembly would not be required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Cold Temperature Squeak/Creak Noise While Turning The Steering Wheel This bulletin involves applying Nye® lubricant to the front strut mounts. Customer may describe a creak or squeak noise while turning the steering wheel. Noise is typically more noticeable during cold temperatures below 4°C (40°F), noise may go away when temperature warms up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Cold Temperature Squeak/Creak Noise While Turning The Steering Wheel This bulletin involves applying Nye® lubricant to the front strut mounts. Customer may describe a creak or squeak noise while turning the steering wheel. Noise is typically more noticeable during cold temperatures below 4°C (40°F), noise may go away when temperature warms up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Steering Wheel Vibration At Highway Speeds On Smooth Road This bulletin involves road testing and updating the software in the Electric Power Steering (EPS). If required road force balancing and match mounting the tires and wheels. NOT be mistaken for a normal tire vibration felt in the seat and steering wheel or at low speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ten complaints describe suspension issues across 2013 Dodge Darts. The most alarming involves an axle bolt falling out at just 851 miles, causing tire separation at 25 mph—the dealer couldn't explain why. Multiple owners report struts and shocks that wear out early, with squeaking and thumping over bumps starting as low as 35,000 miles. One owner needed several front-end alignments at their own expense because the vehicle wouldn't stay aligned; another shop said they couldn't complete an alignment at all. A CV joint was noisy when turning at 40,000 miles, but the dealership dismissed it as cold-related even though the vehicle was under warranty. Owners describe loud popping from the front end and rear noises over bumps. One complaint mentions road-hazard damage (a deep pothole) that harmed struts, but the overall pattern suggests component weakness independent of road conditions. The alignment problem is particularly frustrating because it keeps recurring despite repeated shop visits.
Same Dodge Dart suspension reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Struts/Shocks Premature Wear
Owners report squeaking, thumping, and popping noises from front end when going over bumps or speed bumps, with symptoms suggesting struts/shocks wearing out early. One complaint notes the noise started around 35,000 miles.
When: 35,000 miles and beyond; some complaints within first 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: squeaking in front end over bumps; loud thump when going over bumps; loud thump when turning wheel right; popping noise from front end; noise coming from rear over bumps
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite struts/shocks damage from road hazard in one case; tire struts or shocks damaged from deep pothole
Axle Bolt Detachment
Bolt securing axle fell out at low speed (25 mph), causing tires to separate from the axle. Failure occurred very early in vehicle life at 851 miles. Dealer did not determine root cause.
When: 851 miles
Symptoms owners cite: bolt fell out of axle; tires separated from axle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted and complaint filed; no cause determined by dealer
Alignment Issues
Vehicle loses alignment repeatedly and does not stay aligned, requiring multiple front-end alignments at owner expense. One owner reported shop could not complete alignment.
When: Multiple occurrences within first 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle will not stay aligned; alignment keeps failing; shop unable to complete alignment
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple front-end alignments at owner cost
CV Joint Noise
CV joints making noise when vehicle is turning. Reported while under warranty but owner was told it was due to cold weather.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: CV joint noise when turning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim dismissed; owner told issue was cold-related
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 32,760 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.