Owners describe a vehicle plagued by electrical system failures that defy dealer diagnosis. The instrument cluster loses power intermittently, leaving drivers without speedometer or tachometer readings and relying on GPS for speed estimates. Engine stalling happens without warning at city and highway speeds with no stored fault codes, forcing multiple dealer visits that end without resolution. Battery keeps dying despite being new, and jump starts become routine—some owners needed daily jump starts to start the vehicle.
Infotainment systems black out and reboot repeatedly while driving; radios cut out, screens go white, and gauge clusters dim until barely visible. Key fob systems fail to recognize the fob even when present. Body connectors corrode excessively, and one vehicle needed 13 service visits in a few months with corrosion replaced twice. Wipers fail to work or won't stop, door locks won't engage at highway speed, sunroofs open and won't close, and transmissions shift into wrong gears or get stuck. One owner's vehicle caught fire electrically after normal driving, causing $4,000+ damage. Throughout complaints, dealers say "no code, no problem," leaving owners stranded or making repairs that don't stick. The most serious issue: stalling or power loss events that kill braking and steering, creating immediate accident risk.
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument cluster power loss / communication failure
Instrument cluster loses power intermittently, speedometer and tachometer read zero, all emergency warning lights illuminate. Caused by communication error between PCM and instrument cluster. Turning ignition off and on temporarily clears the fault. Associated with burning rubber smell and popping sound in one case.
When: Intermittent, lasting 5–50 miles per occurrence; one case at 7 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads zero; Tachometer reads zero; All dashboard warning lights illuminated; Communication error logged in computer; Popping sound from engine bay; Burning rubber smell; Error clears temporarily with ignition cycle
Codes mentioned: PCM–instrument cluster communication error
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted ground wire repairs and cleanings; dealer unable to replicate issue on multiple visits despite reading error codes with data logger. FCA STAR Service consulted without resolution.
Electrical system power loss with stalling
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, engine dies, and fails to restart. In some cases requires battery reset and replacement. Issue recurs despite repairs. Creates dangerous situation with loss of steering and braking.
When: Intermittent during driving at various speeds; one case at 65,815 miles; one case recurred multiple times despite diagnosis and repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle goes dark / complete electrical power loss; Loud abnormal banging sound before power loss; Engine stalls; Vehicle will not restart; Loss of braking power; Loss of steering; Dashboard lights flashing wildly; Windshield wipers activate on their own
Codes mentioned: Battery fault, PCM reset required
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced battery and reset onboard computer. Issue recurred post-repair.
Intermittent engine stalling during driving
Engine stalls without warning while driving at city and highway speeds. No fault codes stored, making diagnosis difficult. Multiple service visits unable to resolve. Associated with loss of braking and steering control in some cases.
When: Intermittent; occurs on city streets and highways; one case mentioned after one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; No fault codes present; Vehicle restarts after stalling; Loss of braking capability when stall occurs; Hazard flashers required; Engine check light may or may not illuminate
Codes mentioned: No codes found
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits unable to replicate or repair. One owner noted issue resolved after oil change.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer module software recall mentioned in one case, but recall not found in dealer system
Tachometer erratic behavior and redline incidents
Tachometer reads excessively high (5500–6500+ RPM) while driving at normal speeds with no corresponding throttle input. Includes instances of redlining at low speeds (13 MPH idle down on highway, 46 MPH cruising) and while on cruise control.
When: Intermittent; occurred as early as 500 miles in one case; multiple instances across different speed ranges
Symptoms owners cite: Tachometer redlines at 6500+ RPM while cruising 46 MPH; Tachometer revs to 5500 RPM while on cruise control on downhill; Severe jerking at highway speeds (70 MPH); Unintended speed surge without gas pedal input; Speed idle down from 45 MPH to 13 MPH in traffic without pedal input; Engine check light and lightning bolt symbol illuminate
Codes mentioned: Engine check light, Limp mode / reduced power
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer module software recall identified in one case; dealer unable to locate recall in system
Windshield wiper control failure
Wipers fail to work or fail to stop without warning. Body Control Module replacement required to resolve in one documented case. Multiple recurrences after repair.
When: Early in ownership (one case at 5,000 miles); recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers fail to operate in rain; Wipers will not stop and run continuously; Wipers operate erratically (on/off cycling)
Codes mentioned: Body Control Module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Body Control Module replaced. Issue recurred after repair.
Infotainment and gauge cluster display dropout
Radio, screen, and instrument cluster display black out or go white and reboot repeatedly during driving. Gauge cluster dims to barely visible. Associated with other electrical system symptoms.
When: Intermittent, occurring every few minutes to once per commute; chronic issue
Symptoms owners cite: Radio screen blacks out; Display reboots; Radio shuts off; GPS navigation fails to load; Gauge cluster dims; Center display goes out at random times; Clock and odometer flashing; Radio and clock cut out together
Codes mentioned: Telematics module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Telematics module replaced and tested at 20% functionality pre-replacement. ECM and TCM reprogrammed multiple times without resolution in one case. Radio and clock issue persisted for up to two weeks.
Keyless entry and key fob system failure
Wireless keyless start system fails to detect key fob despite fob being present. Wireless receiver replaced without resolving issue. Creates unsafe condition if fob not detected while driving.
When: Chronic issue; occurred across multiple service attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob not detected during engine start; Cannot use keyless start even with fob present; Wireless receiver malfunction
Codes mentioned: Wireless receiver fault
Repairs/costs cited: Wireless receiver replaced; issue recurred immediately. 14th service visit required.
Idle and engine vibration issues
Engine shakes or vibrates abnormally at idle, worsened when air conditioning is on. Vehicle shakes severely at low speeds. Associated with stalling and rough cold shifts.
When: Chronic at idle; present across multiple driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive shaking at idle; Shaking worsens with AC on; Rough shifting in cold weather; Stalling during takeoff; Cylinder misfires (2 different cylinders in one case); Engine sputtering; Vehicle nearly stalls at idle
Codes mentioned: Misfire cylinder 1, Misfire cylinder (other)
Repairs/costs cited: Coil pack replaced for one misfire; loose connection found for another. Dealer unable or unwilling to investigate without check engine light. ECM reprogrammed multiple times.
Corrosion of body connectors and wiring harness
Body connectors and associated wiring corroded multiple times, requiring replacement. Excessive corrosion for vehicle age and service history. Underlying cause of many electrical faults.
When: One vehicle documented 13 service visits since March purchase; corrosion replaced twice
Symptoms owners cite: Body connector corrosion; Corroded wires requiring replacement; Intermittent electrical system faults
Codes mentioned: Body connector corrosion
Repairs/costs cited: Body connectors replaced twice; several corroded wires replaced.
Starting system failure
Vehicle will not start in cold conditions or intermittently regardless of temperature. Lights and accessories work normally. Shift lever manipulation required to start in one case. Jump starting temporarily fixes issue.
When: Cold mornings; intermittent throughout ownership; one case required daily jump starts
Symptoms owners cite: No cranking or clicking when turning key; Dashboard lights work normally; Radio and AC operational; Gauges go crazy; Will not start until shift lever moved through gears; Requires jump start; Multiple failed start attempts
Codes mentioned: Battery fault (tested and replaced, issue persists)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced in multiple cases; starting system tested but issue persists. Jump starting provides temporary fix.
Battery drain / persistent discharge
Battery dies despite being new. Alternator tested and not at fault. Multiple blown fuses related to starting circuit suggest electrical parasitic drain or short circuit.
When: Chronic; some cases required daily jump starts
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies despite new battery installed; Alternator functioning normally; Multiple blown fuses in starting circuit; Odometer blinking when battery issue active; Bluetooth connection lost simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Blown fuses in starting circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; alternator tested good. Fuses repeatedly blown. Root cause of parasitic drain not identified.
Climate control malfunction
Heating and air conditioning system inoperative or unresponsive to control inputs. Defrost function inoperable creating visibility hazard in rain. Long delay (5 minutes) for fan to engage after selection.
When: Intermittent; one case at 14,000 miles; heater works intermittently in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to adjust heat to defrost windshield; 5-minute delay for fan to engage after selection; Air system completely non-functional; Heater works intermittently only
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one owner advised to take to dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case number provided: 71380634
Automatic headlight and wiper control intermittent operation
Automatic headlights and automatic wipers toggle on and off randomly. Manual control required after malfunction. Issue resolves temporarily with ignition cycle.
When: Intermittent, chronic issue
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic headlights activate and deactivate randomly; Manual headlight control required; Automatic wipers cycle on and off unexpectedly; Manual wiper control required; Requires ignition cycle to resolve
Repairs/costs cited: Light switch replaced but faults persist.
Door lock and access control failure
Auto door locks fail to engage properly at speed (40 MPH), creating security risk. Passenger door will not lock from outside even when vehicle is locked, allowing unauthorized access.
When: Passenger door issue present since vehicle was new; auto lock failure at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Auto door locks fail to engage at 40 MPH; Passenger door locks cannot engage from outside; Door can be opened from outside when vehicle is locked; All dash lights flash when key fob used to unlock doors
Transmission shift control failure
Transmission will not shift into gears or shifts unexpectedly into neutral or reverse while driving. Shifter moves but transmission does not engage selected gear.
When: Intermittent; one case of neutral engagement during highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in park despite shifter movement; Will not shift into any gear; Gear shifts into neutral without driver input while driving; Gear shifts into reverse while driving and gets stuck; Transmission loses power during shifts
Sunroof autonomous operation
Sunroof opens on its own and will not close, creating security and weather exposure hazard.
When: Chronic issue
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof opens without driver input; Sunroof will not close when commanded
Engine fire from electrical fault
Electrical fire ignited under hood on passenger side after normal driving. White smoke and flames emerged from engine bay. Fire burned for 4 minutes before extinguished. Extensive damage; estimate $4,000+ in repairs.
When: After 18-mile drive from work; vehicle had been owned 10 years with no prior issues
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical motor spinning sound under hood; White smoke from engine bay; Flame emission from hood; Multiple parts melted and damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department called; extensive damage from fire. Estimate $4,000+ for repairs.
Windshield wiper voltage spike and replacement part noise
Following recall service (S83 / NHTSA 16V-813 voltage spike in windshield washer pump), replacement part emits loud electrical arc sound when flashing headlights. Sound never occurred before recall. Dealer claims normal behavior but owner reports never hearing such sound in 55 years of driving. Safety of replacement part questioned.
When: Immediately after recall repair on 3/8/17
Symptoms owners cite: Loud electrical arc sound when flashing headlights; Bumping sound from under hood near headlamps; Sound emits during flash headlights feature only
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement part installed per recall S83 / NHTSA 16V-813. Dealer tested three other Darts on lot that exhibited same noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S83 / NHTSA 16V-813 (voltage spike in windshield washer pump) performed; replacement part concerns raised about safety and potential fire risk
Gauge cluster noise and electrical cycling
Gauges emit noisy clicking sound after vehicle is turned off. Dashboard and steering wheel lights toggle on and off during this period. Noise and electrical activity continues 30–60 minutes even with key removed, preventing rest stops and creating safety hazard by preventing driver sleep.
When: Chronic issue; complaint filed with vehicle purchased used
Symptoms owners cite: Noisy clicking from gauges after engine off; Dashboard lights flash on and off; Steering wheel lights cycle on and off; Activity continues 30–60 minutes post-shutdown; Activity persists with key removed; Prevents driver rest stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to repair.
Blind spot detection sensor intermittent operation
Blind spot detection displays 'unavailable' intermittently. Associated with radio, heater, and all electrical systems flashing on and off. Turn signal socket showed high resistance when hot. Issue recurs after month of normal operation.
When: Intermittent, recurring; recurred in June 2022 after working normally for one month
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot detection unavailable message; Radio turns off and on randomly; Heater turns off and on randomly; All electrical systems flash off and on every few seconds; High electrical resistance in turn signal circuit when hot
Repairs/costs cited: Turn signal socket found to have high resistance when hot.
Acceleration inhibition at traffic lights
Vehicle will not accelerate at traffic lights despite brake being on. Creates hazard when driver attempts left turn in oncoming traffic.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate at traffic light with brake on; Acceleration failure during turning maneuvers
Oil pressure warning light false activation
Oil pressure warning light illuminates despite oil level verified at 100%. No actual oil pressure fault identified. Related to broader electrical system issues.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure light illuminates; Oil level verified full; No actual oil pressure problem found
Airbag system warning light failure
Airbag warning light fails to illuminate during vehicle startup, creating uncertainty about airbag system status. Associated with radio display and Bluetooth blinking off and on. Safety concern regarding airbag deployment reliability.
When: Chronic issue
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light does not illuminate at startup; Radio display blinks off and on; Bluetooth connection blinks off and on; No visibility into airbag system status
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair attempted, costing approximately $3,500. Only symptom improvement noted was reduction in dashboard display flashing.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.