2013 Dodge Dart tires problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $150 · see tires across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Factory Kumho Solus KH25 tires on 2013 Dodge Darts are failing prematurely across multiple failure modes. The most common complaint is sidewall bubbles or bulges appearing between 200 and 24,000 miles—often affecting multiple tires on the same vehicle. Owners describe finding quarter-sized to large deformities on tire sidewalls; tire shops regularly refuse to reinstall affected tires.
More severe are sudden sidewall blowouts occurring at low speeds (20–65 mph) or from minor impacts like potholes or slight bumps. Some blowouts destroy the rim as well. These failures cluster in the first few months of ownership and after replacement-tire installation. One owner experienced three tire failures (bulges on two fronts, one rear) within days after routine low-speed driving.
Sidewall cracks and rapid air loss represent a third failure pattern, with multiple tires on the same vehicle leaking air within months. Owners report excessive tire noise correlating with belt failure visible as bulges extending from sidewall to tread.
One owner with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires reported chunking—flaking and tearing of rubber from the tread—reaching wear indicators at 60,000 miles, well short of the 45,000-mile warranty. A separate complaint noted a tire pressure sensor reading incorrectly low.
Many owners cite NHTSA recalls (campaigns 13T004000 and 12T020000) for the Kumho KH25, but Kumho USA denied coverage for tires outside specified date ranges. Dealerships typically refused warranty assistance, sometimes citing impact damage. Replacement costs ranged from $130 to $700+.
Failure modes owners describe
Sidewall bulges and bubbles
Kumho Solus KH25 factory tires develop outward bulges or bubbles on the sidewall, typically on one or more tires. Owners report finding these during routine checks or when shops refuse to reinstall the tire due to visible deformity.
When: 200 miles to 24,000 miles; cluster of failures concentrated between 2,000–22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible bulge or bubble on sidewall; Sidewall deformation quarter-sized or larger; Tire appears structurally compromised
Codes mentioned: DOT K2X5YAL8 (multiple date codes: 3411, 4812, 0313, 0913, 4912, 3612, 3712, 3812, 1113)
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement required; not covered under dealer warranty if deemed impact-related. Owners report $132–$700+ costs to replace affected tire(s). One owner reported dealership replaced at no cost at ~2,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kumho stated tires outside recall date range (NHTSA campaign 13T004000 and 12T020000) did not qualify. Chrysler dealership offered no assistance. Some dealers refused to address under warranty, citing impact damage.
Sidewall blowouts and explosions
Kumho Solus KH25 tires suffer sudden, catastrophic failure at low speeds or light impact (minor bumps, potholes). Sidewall ruptures violently, sometimes destroying the rim as well.
When: At low mileage: 200 miles, 1,200 miles, 4,400 miles; also reported after 3–4 months of replacement tire use
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise or explosion while driving at 20–65 mph; Tire goes flat or explodes, sometimes destroying rim; Sidewall split or rupture; Sidewall failure after hitting pothole or slight bump
Codes mentioned: DOT K2X5YAL8 (date codes 4812, 0313, 0913); related to NHTSA campaigns 13T004000 and 12T020000
Repairs/costs cited: Tire and rim replacement required. Owner reported $700 spent on new tires after three failures within 4,400 miles. Dealership replaced rim and tire at no cost in one case; in others, owner absorbed cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kumho USA stated they could not assist and that certain DOT date codes did not fall within recall range. No coverage offered. Chrysler/dealership offered no additional support beyond warranty claim denial.
Sidewall cracks and air leaks
Kumho Solus KH25 tires develop cracks in the sidewall or belt structure, allowing rapid air loss. Owners report multiple tires on same vehicle exhibiting this simultaneously or in succession.
When: 3–4 months after initial replacement; 14,000–24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sidewall cracks visible upon inspection; Rapid air loss / tire loses pressure quickly; Belt failure with noticeable bulge extending to tread; Excessive tire noise while driving
Codes mentioned: DOT K2X5YAL8 (date codes 4212, 4912, 0313, 3612, 3712, 3812)
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement necessary. One owner replaced one tire for $132.42 and later had to replace additional tires; another owner had to buy two new tires when shop refused to reinstall damaged tire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kumho advised taking vehicle to dealer. No recall coverage or warranty support provided for tires outside specified date ranges.
Premature wear and chunking
One owner reported Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires (not Kumho) with chunking—flaking, tearing, and loss of rubber bits throughout tread—reaching tread-wear indicators well before warranty mileage.
When: At ~60,000 miles (warranty was 45,000 miles starting at 29,000 miles purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Chunking—flaking and tearing of rubber from tread surface; Rapid tread wear; Tread-wear indicators reached with tread wire showing
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement required before warranty mileage expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Michelin manufacturer notified; advised to take vehicle to dealer. No details on outcome provided.
Tire pressure sensor malfunction
One owner reported a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor reading incorrect PSI—showing 11–13 PSI on a tire actually at 32 PSI, matching other vehicle tires.
When: Time of report unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning on dash displaying incorrect pressure; Sensor reading discrepancy (~20 PSI lower than actual)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inflated tires with nitrogen and attributed issue to cold weather; no sensor replacement mentioned or confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership response attributed to cold weather; no further action documented.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the tires problem on the 2013 Dodge Dart?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $150 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the tires typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most tires failures cluster between 6,000 and 23,013 miles, with the median around 15,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 23,013. 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 $150 for tires 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 tires?
No active recalls currently cover tires 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.