2012 Dodge Dart: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 113 miles · CA · fire

Well my car headlight and the paneling caught on fire in my car went to car hop to advise them took the car to one of there dealers advised that they don't do electrical at the same time the recall came in advised me that a recall was needed too k it to dealership and as of now 30 days behind on the part advised carhop that the repairs have been made before I brought the car that wasn't done correctly which made me have to pay for the recall work they swear they didn't bit the state and carfax say otherwise it wasn't done by dodge in no state but by there mechanics at this time the car is dangerous to drive it's still at dodge and carhop said they will resell it to another family even though I advised them the panel caught on fire and there is a short

Filed Aug 5, 2019 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · VA

The multi-function swithc on the vehicle which controls the wipers, high beams, and turn signals is known to break through wear and tear or normal use. The switch is ran by a ribbon which controls the different functions of the switch and through normal use this part is known to break. My 2013 dodge dart rallye had this happen causing the windshield wipers to not turn off creating a safety and visibility issue for myself and my wife. There are numerous complaints on the internet about this issue yet dodge refuses to fix the issue knowing that the part is faulty. The total cost to have my vehicle repaired was over $900 for a part that shold be replaced by dodge as it is a known safety issue.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 45,000 miles · MN

I have had to take the car in every 2,000 miles or so to have it recalibrated(engine light on), the drivers headlight went out, shop where I bought it said it's the headlight assembly, bought one and had regular mechanic put in, did not work. My regular mechanic said it is probably the headlight control module, and since I need to take it in again for recalibration I am trying to find out if the module was checked and have it replaced. Sorry I bought this car, it's in the shop every 3-4 months!!!

Filed Nov 10, 2017 · Lights · 50 miles · MO

Vehicle is equipped with projector-style headlights. I have 3 major complaints about this style of headlight. 1) the performance is substandard when used in high-beam mode. The width of light beam is too narrow, I.e. Too much light is focused straight ahead and not enough is projected on shoulders & area adjacent to roadway making it difficult to see on curved roads. This is due to a design compromise resulting from using the same focusing lens on low-beam operation. 2)lighting is reduced when used in low-beam mode. The shutter that blocks upper portion of the beam reduces the quantity of light cast on roadway. 3) safety hazard is created for other vehicles when projector-style headlights approach or follow another vehicle. The intensity of the light beam is very high causing other motorists to be blinded when a projector-style headlight shines directly into the eyes of another motorist. This happens frequently when driving on hills, around curves, and when being approached or following a vehicle of a different height. (sedans being lower than suvs or light trucks) my complaints are not limited to my vehicle alone, but are directed to all vehicles using projector-style headlights. While projector-style headlights have good vertical cut-off, the advantage is lost by the other deficiencies. Plus, looking directly at a reflector-style headlight does not have the same blinding effect experienced by looking at projector-style lights. The result is no real advantage is obtained in this area. In my opinion, the older, reflector-style headlights are more effective in illuminating the roadway, and do not have the blinding glare of projector-style headlights. I would like to see projector-style headlights undergo redesign to eliminate the glare problems and improve roadway illumination. If that is not technically possible, then they should be eliminated.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Engine, Lights · TX

While driving head light just cut off by the self has carried back to a dodge center number of times on highway and city streets had a very close call one time

Filed Sep 2, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 119,000 miles · WA

I have replaced the hi/lo beam headlamps multiple times, when I went to change it this time, the receiver plug housing on the wire harness is melted to the point that it will need to be replaced, unable to attach the new bulb and the old bulb was nearly fused due to the heat when it melted, luckily it did not catch on fire

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Driver assistance, Engine · 1,045 miles · TX

I purchased this vehicle on 01/22/2013. The first of many incidents happened while driving down a major highway. I was in the fast lane changing lanes and I suddenly had full power loss. I was unable to steer the vehicle and was almost hit by several faster moving cars. The car was also quickly slowing down. I was able to get the vehicle started again and pulled off the highway. As I went to turn into a parking lot this vehicle had power loss again. Between 02/25/2012 and 11/07/2014 and 26,000 miles this vehicle has been in the shop over 10 times. It has multiple power loss issues, and gauge issues. Headlights and turn signals have gone out, and random windows roll down when pushing the buttons. This vehicle is a safety hazard and should be recalled in its entirety. Repair shops tell consecutively that they cannot repair all the issues. It has been in the shop since for 5 days this time and they cannot get the vehicle to start. Shop failed to put power loss issues on first issue on ticket, until it happened a second time on 07/02/2013 while I was in a school zone.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 25,000 miles · CO

On 4 separate occasions, the automatic transmission has disengaged accompanied by check engine light and warnings on instrument panel (service transmission, blind spot indicator disabled, and automatic high beams off). On all occasions, the car was undrivable (as if in neutral) until the engine was turned off and restarted. At that point, the shift points were completely off and vehicle would often nearly stall out. On 2 occasions, the car would not start after multiple attempts, but would inexplicably start later and drive acceptably for a short period of time. Dealer has performed flash updates and examined all connections. Other reports on dodge dart forum explain multiple similar issues and various unsuccessful dealer attempts to identify and fix the problem.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Lights · 8,900 miles · IN

The headlights on this car are extremely dim. The accident referenced above caused no damage because I was able to avoid going into a ditch at an intersection because of the slow speed. However, I cannot see anything in the side-ditches while driving at night. I reported this to my dealer and the service manager drove it both at night and in the morning darkness. When I asked him about it, he replied there was nothing wrong and "they are just not very bright, and were about like the chrysler 200. My roommate has a dodge charger 2014, and his lights are as bright as most cars lights are. As this situation in these darts could cause deaths, I feel this model car should be checked out thoroughly and brighter headlights installed, and a recall made for those already on the road.

Filed Jul 1, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 27,000 miles · TX

I have had several issues with this car. For starters when driving it will all of a sudden stop going for no reason. The car didn't die it simply doesn't go. The RPM's stopped working on one occasion and the head light blew out all in the same night. Dealer said there was no connection, so I had to replace the head light for $100. They advised the ground wire was lose so they tightened it. I had my tire blow out for no reason just driving down the road and it blew. Now on occasions my automatic door locks aren't working. And still wont go when giving it gas. It sounds like there is some kind of electrical problem with this model vehicle. I love my car would want a new one. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle at the time until it is fixed. There are no recalls on the vehicle and my warranty is almost up with problems repeating. I don't know what else to do. I just wish dodge would fix whatever problems there are.