2015 Dodge Dart: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WI

During a recent dealership visit for recall work and an oil change, a potential issue was identified involving improper fluid presence. On April 16, 2026, I brought my 2015 Dodge Dart to Ewald Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for recall work and an oil change. Upon pickup, I immediately noticed a strong burning smell. Service representative Austin told me this was normal due to the recall work performed. On April 17, I began hearing new clinking noises from the engine that were not present before this visit. On April 18, an independent mechanic observed red fluid consistent with automatic transmission fluid rather than normal engine oil. I have photos and video documenting this finding. I returned to the dealership, where a second oil change was performed. I also have video showing dark oil being removed only two days after the first oil change. The dealership denied wrongdoing and stated the vehicle arrived in that condition. No warning lights or similar symptoms existed before the April 16 service visit. All symptoms began immediately afterward. Incorrect or contaminated fluid can cause inadequate lubrication of engine components, overheating, engine damage, or sudden mechanical failure while driving, creating a safety risk to myself and others. The dealership has denied responsibility and refused to provide requested service records. Due to this experience, I no longer trust the dealership to further inspect or repair my vehicle. Should any engine damage arise as a direct result of incorrect fluid used during this service visit, the dealership should be held fully responsible for all repair costs

Filed Jul 15, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · AR · fire

Unknown , I was driving down the road at 50 mph and my battery light came on then I lost my a/c my lights started flickering and I then lost power steering and brakes I had to use my emergency brake to slow down then all of my check engine and brake failure lights were flickering and my fuse box on top of my battery caught fire and was smoking and my car then shut off I could have crashed and or been hit and killed

Filed Apr 5, 2022 · 140,000 miles · NC · fire

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while his son was reversing the vehicle, the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact and his son then noticed that there were flames coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact and his son were able to extinguish the fire. No police report was filed. No medical attention was received. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fire started from the power steering pump. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer would have an inspector come to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Dec 24, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · CA · fire

I turned my car off and walked into work and while I was gone and my car was off it caught on fire in the battery compartment and is now totaled.

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 114,000 miles · NC

When pulling into the store a warning came on my screen stating that my turn signals were out when they weren't. Also stated that my low beams were out, they weren't. While driving in traffic a metallic burning smell came through the air vents every couple miles.

Filed Dec 25, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 85,000 miles · AR · fire

No check engine or warning light driving on the interstate in 6th gear car blew up loud noise and caught on fire! Only 85,000 miles with regular services. Lost all power and clutch pedal dropped to the floor and coasted to shoulder with a lot of smoke coming from engine opened the hood and there were flames where transmission fluid goes. I had noticed the transmission was slipping a couple days prior but it was christmas time so thought I could have it looked at afterward.

Filed May 27, 2018 · 97,474 miles · CA · fire

I parked the car went into a store. Came out and opened the door and the car went up in flames. *dt photos attached updated 11/02/18

Filed Apr 12, 2018 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · TX

My dodge dart has been having issues for a couple weeks. It will start jerking like you're driving a standard and don't know how to drive it. The ABS light, traction control light, check engine light and a couple other lights will all come on. When it does this there are times that you can press the had pedal all the way to the floor and it does nothing. Then the car started saying to check the transmission and when you shifted into certain gears it would say the gear was unavailable and you need to shift to drive or reverse. After troubleshooting I found that my fuse box, next to my battery, looks like several of the fuses have caught on fire. I don't know how the car hasn't gone up in flames. Aren't fuses supposed to break when something like this hastens