The Lemon Index2016 Dodge Dart.
The 2016 Dodge Dart is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 132 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 247, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 25 to 32 mpg combined. The best Dodge Dart year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 259 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Dart year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 31K to 70K miles on the car (155 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 40K–85K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 15K–62K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 6K–68K miles
Recalls 5
- transmission & drivetrain 2025
The shifter cable may detach from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the park (P) position and causing a loss of park function.
- transmission & drivetrain 2019
The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Show all 5 recalls
- visibility 2016
Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
- electrical 2016
Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 193 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "2.0l or 2.4l engine replacement this bulletin involves replacing the long block due to a…
- A/C Compressor This applies to 2015 and 2016 KL, UF and PF
- Pentastar Oil Filter Adapter All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L engine; If replacing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRecall 19v-293 post remedy failures2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Dart 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2650 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Thermostat failed at 47k miles on a 2016 Dart. This should have been covered under engine warranty but wasn't. The 2.4l has a history of thermostat failings and our dealership replaces them constantly.
2016 Dodge Dart owner · NHTSA complaint 11062386
More owner reports
Engine randomly turns off while driving. Car must be pulled over, and transmission put in park or neutral in order to restart the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11115766
When my oil life goes below 35% the engine will shut of while I am driving. It mostly happens when making a turn. It does restart after about 2 minutes and cranking the engine.
NHTSA complaint 11203787
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Dodge Dart reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 247; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Dart year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Dart problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Dart have?
5 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Dodge Dart get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Dodge Dart safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Dart problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 31,400 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 49,000 miles, from 155 complaints.
Does the 2016 Dodge Dart have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Dodge Dart cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2650 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Dodge Dart have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Dodge Dart year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works