2012 Dodge Dart Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Owners filed 454 transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2012 Dodge Dart, 42% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 48,000. NHTSA lists three related recalls covering the shift cable, transmission control module, and dual dry clutch transmission.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 454
- 42% of 1,081
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 48,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles roll away or roll down driveways even with the parking brake engaged or the transmission left in gear.
- The clutch pedal drops to the floor without warning, sometimes causing the car to lunge forward or lose the ability to shift.
- The shift cable or shifter mechanism fails, leaving the car stuck in reverse or unable to change gears in the middle of the road.
- The transmission control module fails, producing gear hunting, a burning smell, illuminated check engine and transmission lights, and in one case a fire.
- An axle broke away from the transmission at low speed during normal driving, damaging the CV joint and tie rod.
- Owners report the transmission failure warning light coming on before a stall, in one case followed by flames from the engine bay.
When 2012 Dodge Dart transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 25, 2012, latest Mar 4, 2024.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Dodge Dart
- 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 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.
- NHTSA 13V238000Jun 4, 2013Transmission & Powertrain12,872 vehicles
Power train
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. These vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N32.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Dart model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2012 Dodge Dart transmission complaints does NHTSA have on file?
- NHTSA lists 454 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Dodge Dart, which is 42% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Dart transmission problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 48,000 miles.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Dodge Dart transmission?
- There are three related recalls covering 2013-2016 Darts: campaign 19V293000 for a shift cable bushing that can detach from the transmission, 15V542000 for transmission control module failure, and 13V238000 for the dual dry clutch transmission on the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine.
- Did the 2012 Dodge Dart transmission issues cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2012 Dart lists 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 3 injuries.
- How does the 2012 Dart compare to other model years for transmission complaints?
- The 2012 Dart's 42% share of complaints tied to transmission and powertrain issues is lower than the 2013 Dart's 55% but higher than the 2014 (36%), 2015 (34%), and 2016 (32%) model years.