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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-DODGE-DARTNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Dodge
2016 Dodge Dart problems
The 2016 Dodge Dart has 247 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Dodge Dart has 247 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 71 complaints, typically surfacing around 61,584 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Dart?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,000–70,000 mi
Engine: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,000–63,000 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Dodge Dart 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Dodge Dart? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 71 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,584 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 36 owner reports
· tends to show around 46,963 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 33 owner reports
· tends to show around 46,072 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
brakes — 14 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,945 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 46,963 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Dart· lighting
Regarding the rear back up camera, the camera is a vital tool for us, the vehicle was literally one month out of manufacturer warranty and it went out. Then we went to our local dealership for a service and asked the service writer if they could repair the camera under warranty…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Dodge dart. The contact stated that while driving the windshield wipers were turned on but failed to operate. The contact also stated that the washer fluid low warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA…
Vehicle has had issues from about 1300 miles . The car will randomly shut off while driving with no warning signs and has a hard time restarting , if it will restart. The car has been back to the dealer several times and diagnosed and they can not find the anything in the…
On December 13, 2021 my 2016 Dodge Dart shut down while driving and would not start back up. Had it towed to a repair shop, they could not duplicate the problem. I contacted Chrysler and the agent who helped me said there is no known issues with this particular vehicle. I…
Had a problem with your 2016 Dodge Dart?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles
A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, explaining the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions
If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016
Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S83.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Dodge Dart has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Dodge Dart?
The 2016 Dodge Dart is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,000–70,000 mi; Engine: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,000–63,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Dodge Dart?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 71 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,584 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Dodge Dart a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 247 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 61,584 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Dodge Dart?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 71 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,584 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 61,584 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Dart has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Dodge Dart?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 247 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Dodge/Dart.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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