YearToAvoid

2016 Dodge Dart Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 52 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dodge Dart, 20% of that year's 257 total complaints. Reports include 1 crash, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 49,000 miles. One related recall (16V113000) covers engine control module software.

Electrical System complaints
52
20% of 257
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
49,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Instrument cluster loses power and speedometer/tachometer drop to zero while emergency lights on the dash illuminate.
  • Headlights and windshield wipers turn on and off intermittently or fail without warning, sometimes in rainy conditions.
  • Body connectors and wiring corrode repeatedly, leading to repeated service visits and telematics/Uconnect module replacement.
  • Engine rpm surges or hops erratically at idle and during acceleration, sometimes paired with overheating and warning lights.
  • One owner reported white smoke and a flame from under the hood after hearing an electrical motor noise following a short drive.
  • An owner noted an electrical arcing sound near the headlamps that began after recall work was performed.

When 2016 Dodge Dart electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 9, 2015, latest Aug 27, 2026.

2016 Dodge Dart electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Dec 2015Aug 2017Oct 2018Jul 2019May 2020Aug 2021Jan 2024Feb 2026
52 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2015 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2017 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Dodge Dart

  1. NHTSA 16V113000Feb 26, 2016Electrical System1,122 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software.

    Risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S10.

Electrical System complaints by Dart model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2012181 (17%)
  2. 201359 (21%)
  3. 201476 (20%)
  4. 2015123 (23%)
  5. 201652 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Dodge Dart?
NHTSA lists 52 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Dart, which is 20% of the 257 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Dodge Dart's electrical system?
Yes. Recall 16V113000, reported February 26, 2016, covers certain 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles with a 2.0L engine and manual transmission; the fix updates the Engine Control Module software.
Did the electrical problems cause any injuries or fires?
NHTSA data for this component and year shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 3 injuries among the reported complaints.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically appear on the 2016 Dart?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 49,000 miles.
How does 2016 compare to other Dart years for electrical complaints?
The share of electrical complaints was 20% in 2016, compared to 23% in 2015, 20% in 2014, 21% in 2013, and 17% in 2012.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.