2012 Dodge Dart Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 5 Dart years
The 2012 Dodge Dart has 1,081 complaints and 6 recalls, giving it a complaint index of 100, the worst of the 5 model years with data. Transmission & Powertrain problems lead with 454 complaints, followed by Brakes at 309, making 2012 the year to avoid.
- Complaints
- 1,081
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 63 / 14
- Injuries / deaths
- 36 / 2
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2012 Dodge Dart problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain454 (42%)
- Brakes309 (29%)
- Engine194 (18%)
- Electrical System181 (17%)
- Other105 (10%)
- Airbags68 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires47 (4%)
- Steering37 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers34 (3%)
- Fuel System22 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling away or crashing while the parking brake was reportedly engaged, sometimes on a sloped driveway.
- Some describe brakes going to the floor with no stopping power while maneuvering at low speed, resulting in a crash.
- Several report smoke or fire coming from the engine bay along with an illuminated oil pressure or check engine light.
- Owners describe the clutch pedal sticking to the floor, making it hard to shift and causing the car to lunge forward.
- One owner reports the front end of the vehicle burning completely while parked.
2012 Dodge Dart recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V293000Apr 11, 2019Transmission & Powertrain298,439 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
Risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.
- NHTSA 15V800000Nov 25, 2015Brakes105,425 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 27, 2012 to January 23, 2014 and equipped with either a 2.0L or 2.4L engine. In affected vehicles, engine oil from the vacuum pump may seep into the brake booster, damaging a component within the brake booster.
Risk: Internal damage to brake booster could result in a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster grommet for the presence of oil. If no oil is found, the vacuum tube assembly will be replaced. If oil is found, the vacuum pump, vacuum tube assembly, brake booster and master cylinder will be replaced. The recall began on May 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R63.
- NHTSA 15V542000Aug 25, 2015Transmission & Powertrain23,564 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured February 24, 2012, to June 16, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience failure of the transmission control module (TCM), causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Risk: If the transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM and bracket, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on October 14, 2015. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R42.
2012 compared with other Dart years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Dart reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2012 Dart ranks worst among the 5 Dart model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 1,081 complaints. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Dart years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Dart?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 42% of complaints (454 complaints), followed by Brakes at 29% (309 complaints) and Engine at 18% (194 complaints).
- Does the 2012 Dodge Dart have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls tied to this model, covering areas including Transmission & Powertrain, Brakes, and Airbags. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do Dart transmission problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints is 48,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Which Dart model year is better than 2012?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 2013 has a complaint index of 0 and a Best verdict, while 2016 has an index of 25 and a Good verdict, both better than 2012's index of 100.