"2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Dodge Dart engine problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Dodge Dart have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 44,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dart | 42 |
| 2014 Dart | 36 |
| 2015 Dart | 55 |
| 2016 Dart (this page) | 33 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 33 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Dodge Dart, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 33 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Emissions Recall U90 - Catalyst Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Emission Recall U90 Catalyst Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Dodge Darts describe a pattern: the engine shuts off without warning while driving at normal speeds, then becomes difficult to restart. Most trace the problem to rapid oil loss. Shortly after an oil change, drivers find the dipstick bone dry or the oil level down 1–3 quarts. The dealer tells them the 2.4L engine burning 1 quart per 500 miles is normal—even though the owner's manual claims acceptable consumption is 1 quart per 1,000 miles.
When the oil gets low, the engine simply dies in traffic, at stoplights, or on the highway. There is no oil warning light to alert the driver first. Loss of power steering follows immediately, making the vehicle dangerous to maneuver. One owner reported the engine caught fire; others were nearly struck by other vehicles.
Dealers have requested oil consumption tests, mentioned PVC valve replacement, and advised software updates, but no permanent fix emerges. Chrysler/FCA has refused warranty claims in some cases and denied knowledge of the defect. Owners also report recurring check engine lights tied to ignition coils and one case of thermostat failure causing limp mode. The consistency across nearly three dozen complaints and the early onset (sometimes under 15,000 miles) distinguish this from typical wear.
Same Dodge Dart engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling—low oil pressure/oil depletion
Engine shuts off without warning during normal driving at various speeds (10–55 mph), often after oil level drops due to excessive oil consumption. Owners report checking oil shortly after an oil change and finding it significantly low (1–3 quarts low) with no warning light. Vehicle is difficult to restart; may take 5–10 seconds or multiple attempts. Loss of power steering and electrical functions occur while stalled.
When: Onset varies: as early as 1,300 miles through 88,784 miles. Most commonly reported between 15,000–72,000 miles. Instances increase as oil life percentage drops (below 25%).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Difficulty restarting engine; may require waiting minutes or multiple start attempts; Battery light illuminates during stall; Loss of power steering while stalled; Oil level 1–3 quarts low shortly after oil change; No oil low-level warning light despite low oil; Occurs more frequently in hot weather (Florida sun noted) or when engine is cold
Codes mentioned: U0415
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers advise adding oil and performing oil consumption tests. Some mention PVC valve replacement; one case noted PCM software update. One owner told dealer said engine replacement needed. No successful permanent repairs reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/FCA dealers state 1 quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable consumption. Three dealerships refused to repair; extended problem past warranty. FCA denied claim in one case, advised to add oil and check owner's manual. Service bulletins on oil consumption issued.
Excessive oil consumption (burning)
2.4L TigerShark engine burns oil at a rate exceeding manufacturer claim. Owners report needing to add oil every 500–700 miles, or up to 1 quart per 500 miles (double the stated acceptable rate). No visible leaks detected by dealers. Cause attributed by one owner's mechanic to scarring of cylinder walls from pistons; PVC valve replacement attempted but failed to resolve.
When: Reported across vehicle lifespan, 1,300–88,784 miles. Most frequent complaints 40,000–72,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil level loss between oil changes; No visible oil leaks under vehicle; No oil smell reported; Dipstick bone dry within weeks of oil change; Owners must add oil every 500–700 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Compression tests performed (negative for mechanical failure). PVC valve replaced in one case but problem recurred. Dealers unable to locate leak source.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA states consumption up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles is 'acceptable' and 'normal.' Dealers request oil consumption tests but refuse direct repair. One manufacturer agent claimed no known issues; later described as a lie. No recall or formal remedy offered.
Ignition coil failure—check engine light and misfire
Check engine light illuminates intermittently. Vehicle hesitates, loses power, and acts as though it will stall. Dealer diagnoses failed ignition coil. Problem recurs after replacement.
When: As early as two years into ownership (around 40,000–44,000 miles reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on intermittently; Engine hesitation and loss of power; Misfire while driving at various speeds; Vehicle acts as if it will stall out; Pulling effect at regular speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and engine inspected; coils replaced. Original Chrysler part on back order for several months, making repairs expensive. Problem recurs multiple times despite repair.
Thermostat failure—limp mode
Engine temperature warning light and throttle warning light illuminate while driving at low speed, causing vehicle to enter limp mode and lose motive power.
When: Approximately 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature warning light illuminates; Throttle warning light illuminates; Vehicle enters limp mode; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement performed at Advance Auto; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised vehicle needed diagnosis by authorized dealer.
Engine fire—fuel leak or ignition
Engine ignited while vehicle parked after short drive (2 miles). Unknown liquid poured from under vehicle before flames erupted. Vehicle totaled.
When: At 65,000 miles (one case) and while parked after brief operation (another case).
Symptoms owners cite: Unknown liquid pouring from under vehicle; Engine burst into flames
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; no repair attempted. Cause not determined.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 computer system or figure out whats wrong . I was told be the dealer that it is acceptable for the car to consume up to 1…
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 found at that was a lie with a little google search. Picked my vehicle up and immediately took it to the Dodge dealership.…
2.4-liter tigershark engine Chrysler Dodge automotives routinely overconsume oil, causing costly maintenance. The oil overconsumption also leads to low oil pressure, triggering a defect in the affected Dodge dart vehicle to spontaneously shut off while in operation. This can occur in the middle of intersections or even on the freeway. Vehicle has no indicator to show actual remaining oil life to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Dodge dart. In october of 2016, while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (napleton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 1460 e osceola pkwy, kissimmee, fl 34744) where it was diagnosed that there was inadequate oil in the vehicle during production, which caused the sensor to shut the vehicle down. The vehicle was repaired,…
Multiple times 4 to be exact my vehicle has shut down while driving with no warning. This seems to be an issue with many of these from my research. Once I was getting on an expressway and was almost hit another time was turning on a busy street almost being hit luckily I was not. The first time this happened I had the car about 3 months after purchasing new. The last time it happened was this…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 engine problem on the 2016 Dodge Dart?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,000 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2016/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.