2012 Dodge Dart problems & reliability
1,081 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Dart, alongside 6 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
29 complaints report injuries (36 injured, 2 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 454 | 42% |
| Service Brakes | 252 | 23% |
| Electrical System | 175 | 16% |
| Engine | 163 | 15% |
| Unknown OR Other | 103 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 68 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 41 | 4% |
| Steering | 37 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 31 | 3% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 29 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 44,500 miles (middle 50% between 23,000 and 67,775 miles), based on 832 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had…”
Air Bags · filed Apr 10, 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a gasoline odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel started flickering. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to shut off…”
Power Train · filed Mar 4, 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse with a message stating that the gear was not available. The service transmission warning light was…”
Power Train · filed Feb 5, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
152 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Dart. The 10 most recent:
RADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or…
9003220 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 7, 2019
Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction…
18-022-17 REV. A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 23, 2017
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached. If valve is found out of place please call Bob Jackson (248) 944-0466…
9003694 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 15, 2017
Restraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003687 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 8, 2017
Restraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2017
(X62) Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder / Reservoir Hose - 2013-2015 Dodge Dart and 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee (Rev. A) To announce an extended warranty on the Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder/ Reservoir Hose on the…
D-160-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 27, 2016
Clutch Pedal Operation X62 Extended Warranty This bulletin involves the replacement of the hydraulic clutch master cylinder and reservoir hose. Some customers may experience a reduction in clutch pedal stroke.
06-001-16 REV. A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 27, 2016
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) For PF, KL or UF Vehicles ONLY:~ Prior to replacing ORC part numbers, please contact FCA engineering if ANY of the following Diagnostic trouble codes are Stored or Active in the ORC…
68264880A$ · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 24, 2016
Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a…
18-023-16 REV. D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2016
Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a…
18-023-16 REV. C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2012 Dodge Dart has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2012 Dodge Dart?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 44,500 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.