MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Dodge Dart powertrain problems
moderate 68 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
68
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 68 powertrain 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.
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Dart we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (68).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Control Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure is the transmission shift cable bushing coming loose or detaching, leaving drivers stuck in a gear with no way to shift and often unable to remove the key from the ignition. This is the subject of NHTSA recalls 19V293000 and 25V674000, issued in 2019 and later. The critical problem: Dodge issued the recall but parts weren't available for months or years afterward. Owners waited on long dealer waiting lists while their cars sat parked. Some dealers refused service until parts arrived, charged diagnostic fees, and offered no loaner vehicles. A few owners paid out-of-pocket for independent repairs and were denied reimbursement because the work wasn't done by a dealer.
Beyond the shift cable issue, owners report engine stalling randomly while driving or stopped at lights, vehicle jerking and hesitating during acceleration (sometimes worse with the AC running), and clutch failures on manual transmissions where the pedal goes to the floor with no resistance. One owner reported a crash when the clutch pedal failed at 25 MPH. Dealerships repeatedly told owners they couldn't identify the cause of stalling or jerking, even after multiple visits and PCM reprogramming. One owner noted a known factory defect in the 6-speed manual transmission (C635 combo) but no recall was issued—the clutch assembly had been replaced at 38,000 miles by the prior owner and failed again by 75,000 miles.
Electrical issues also surfaced: battery and alternator tested normal, but battery and check engine lights continued to illuminate, and key fob and power window functions failed unexpectedly.
Same Dodge Dart powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shift Cable Bushing Failure / Detachment
The shift cable bushing separates from the shifter lever, causing loss of communication between the gear shifter and transmission. Vehicle becomes stuck in a gear or neutral, unable to shift to the desired position. In some cases, the shifter lever moves but the transmission does not respond; in others, the shifter is physically stuck. Key may not release from ignition. This is the subject of NHTSA Campaign 19V293000 and 25V674000.
When: Most failures reported between 30,000 and 160,000 miles; some as early as 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck or slow to respond to inputs; Vehicle unable to shift out of Park, Drive, Reverse, or Neutral; Shifter lever moves but transmission does not respond; Key difficult or impossible to remove from ignition; Vehicle rolls when parked if in Neutral; cannot be prevented from rolling; Vehicle stranded in a gear; Intermittent shifting failures followed by normal operation after multiple attempts
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V293000 (Power Train) - Transmission Shift Cable Bushing, NHTSA Campaign 25V674000 (Power Train)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall requires replacement of shift cable bushing. However, owners report parts were unavailable for months or years after recall notice issued. When repaired (either under recall or out-of-pocket), repairs cost $277+ for diagnostic alone at dealers. One owner reported the bushing was replaced with a defective part (yellow bushing instead of white per Mopar spec) and failed 5 months later. Some owners paid for independent repairs ($277 diagnostic alone cited) and were denied reimbursement by manufacturer because repair was not done by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V293000 issued April 2019; Campaign 25V674000 issued later. Manufacturer repeatedly stated parts not available despite recall notice. Dealers reported parts availability was limited to as few as 14 units per month to distribute across all dealers nationwide, creating months-long waiting lists. Manufacturer did not cover repairs done by independent mechanics. Some dealers refused to repair until parts became available, offered no loaner vehicles, and charged diagnostic fees despite the known recall.
Vehicle Jerking, Surging, and Hesitation During Acceleration and Gear Shifting
Vehicle jerks, surges, or hesitates unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, during stop-and-go traffic, during brake application, or while shifting gears. In some cases, jerking coincides with AC activation. Sensation described as vehicle 'bucking' or 'tugging' when attempting to shift or accelerate.
When: Reported from very low mileage (1,000 miles) to 100,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks or surges while driving at 35–45 MPH or various speeds; Jerking more prominent when AC is activated; Hesitation when braking to a stop; Vehicle tugs when attempting to shift into Park; Vehicle jerks when accelerating, especially up inclines; Automatic transmission shifts gears as if in manual mode; Vehicle hesitates while warming up in cold weather, idles at 1,500–2,000 RPM for 10–20 minutes
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated (unspecified codes in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report visits to dealers and independent mechanics who could not identify the root cause. Thermostat replacement was attempted in one case but did not resolve the jerking. One owner replaced AC cord due to liquid leak underneath vehicle, but jerking persisted. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recalls or technical service bulletins mentioned in narratives for this failure mode. Dealers unable to identify cause despite multiple visits.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving
Engine stalls or cuts off unexpectedly while driving or at stop lights, without warning. Vehicle may require restart or multiple on/off cycles to resume operation. In one case, vehicle lost power and battery light illuminated, forcing owner to coast downhill to safety.
When: Reported at various mileage points; one case mentioned after thermostat replacement and battery testing at 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine randomly shuts off or stalls while driving at various speeds; Engine stalls at stop lights and signs; Engine stalls during turns; Engine stalls after startup; Vehicle loses power suddenly; battery and check engine lights illuminate; Vehicle requires restart to resume operation
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified), Battery warning light (in one case: possibly electrical failure, not confirmed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reprogrammed TCM (Transmission Control Module) and PCM (Powertrain Control Module) in one case, providing temporary relief before stalling recurred. Owners report multiple trips to dealership with no resolution. One dealership explicitly stated they cannot identify the cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall campaigns mentioned in narratives for engine stalling. Dealership diagnostics unsuccessful.
Clutch System Failure (Manual and Dual-Clutch Transmissions)
Clutch pedal fails or travels to the floorboard without engaging the transmission, preventing vehicle from moving or responding to throttle input. Clutch components (master cylinder, slave cylinder, clutch assembly, clutch bearing) require replacement. Reported on both traditional manual transmissions and the 6-speed manual transmission.
When: One case at 45,999 miles; one case at 53,032 miles; one case at 75,000 miles (with prior replacement at 38,000 miles on same vehicle).
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal travels to floorboard with no resistance; Engine revs but vehicle fails to move or respond; Shifter cable fractures; Clutch assembly, clutch bearing, and clutch hydraulic fluid failures requiring replacement; Clutch system recurrence after previous replacement (one owner: clutch assembly replaced by prior owner at 38,000 miles; failed again by 75,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pan, clutch, clutch bearing, and clutch hydraulic fluid replacement performed in one case. One owner reports known factory defect on C635 engine/transmission combo (38,000 miles for prior replacement on same vehicle; 75,000 miles when it failed again). Clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder replacement recommended in one case but not completed due to cost. One crash into curb when clutch pedal went to floor at 25 MPH; airbags did not deploy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recalls mentioned in narratives. One owner notes vehicle was not recalled despite known defect in C635 engine/transmission combo.
Electrical System Failures (Battery, Alternator, Key Fob, Window Switches)
Battery and alternator tested but no failure found; however, battery warning light continues to illuminate intermittently. Key fob fails to lock vehicle. Power windows fail. Suggests underlying electrical system malfunction not yet identified.
When: At approximately 100,000 miles in one detailed case.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates intermittently and intermittently flashes; Check engine light illuminates; Key fob fails to lock vehicle; Power windows fail to close and open properly
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested at AutoZone and independent mechanic; no failure found. Mechanic suggested possible underlying electrical failure. No parts replaced to resolve; issue persisted despite multiple diagnostics.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Backup Software Missing
Vehicle displays diagnostic code indicating Powertrain Control Module is missing backup software. Affects vehicle operation and stored in recall database NHTSA Campaign 16V113000.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Code displayed: 'Powertrain Control Module Missing Backup Software'
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V113000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated backup software would need to be reprogrammed; customer was informed they would be charged despite recall status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V113000 issued; however, dealership attempted to charge customer for recall repair.
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Their were poisonous fumes coming out of the heater, coolant, and radio speaker systems, the vehicle burned too much gas, their was no acceleration in long distance {in ref to: a seaside university section 8 housing survey}, the dealership wouldn't offer diagnostic and warranty service; after I gave them alot of money they told me not to come back to their lot; I gave them the car back; and told…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Dodge Dart?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 68 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,000 and 70,650 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 70,650. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.