The vehicle has experienced recurring engine drivability and electrical problems since 2019, including persistent rough idle, intermittent loss of power under load, repeated no-start conditions, check-engine light illumination, and electrical system malfunctions. In June 2019, an authorized FCA dealership diagnosed DTC P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), identified an ignition-coil boot electrical short, and replaced all four ignition-coil boots under the manufacturer’s 15-year/150,000-mile PZEV emissions warranty. The rough-idle condition never fully resolved. In January 2024, another authorized dealership replaced all four spark plugs and one ignition coil and performed PCM-related recall/service work. On August 13, 2026, the vehicle was presented to an authorized dealership with electrical and drivability complaints. The dealer replaced the battery, cleared all diagnostic trouble codes, and documented that repairs were verified. Three days later, the vehicle again failed to start, the check-engine light illuminated, and an independent scan returned U0401 (Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A). The vehicle was returned to the dealership on August 22, 2026. The dealer subsequently diagnosed P0118 and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor under the emissions warranty. However, the persistent rough idle and other reported drivability concerns were not resolved. The dealer represented that BCM, PCM, wiring, power, ground, and communication testing had been performed, but the repair documentation provided does not contain the corresponding test results. Management ultimately declined further diagnostic work. The recurring loss of power under load creates a potential traffic safety hazard. Intermittent no-start conditions also affect vehicle reliability. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The precise underlying cause remains undetermined.
Dodge Dart check engine light comes on
221 of the 2,539 owner complaints about the Dodge Dart describe check engine light, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 221
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 48,000
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 50Won't start 22Loss of power 18Jerking 18Oil consumption 13Won't shift 12Steering lock-up 10Transmission failure 9
Trouble codes mentioned
U0401 2P2096 2P0352 2P0304 2U0140 1U0101 1P2172 1P2127 1P2122 1P1ECA 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon shifting into park(P), the transmission failed to respond, and the contact used force to depress the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The air bag, brakes, check engine, and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while reversing, the transmission became stuck in reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact disconnected the battery to correct the failure. Upon research, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 19V293000 (Power Train) and 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact had not received the recall notifications. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park(P) as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The gear shifter was manually shifted into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The gear shifter was later shifted into park(P). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 161,282.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park(P) and turn off as intended. The check engine and the power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer and Farris Jeep Ram Chrysler Dodge (910 W Morris Blvd, Morristown, TN 37813) were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall letter for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle moved forward while shifted to park(P). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone to test the battery, alternator, and transmission fluid. A mechanic diagnosed that the thermostat was sticking. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic, who replaced an AC cord due to liquid leaking from underneath the vehicle. This mechanic suggested replacing the thermostat if the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While at a stop sign, the vehicle jerked before accelerating, and while driving approximately 35-45 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the mother's residence, where the vehicle remained for 3 days before being restarted. The vehicle remained parked for approximately a week before the contact drove back to the residence, and the check engine warning light and the battery light were illuminated. The vehicle remained parked while the wheel bearing, headlights, and oil change were repaired. A certified mechanic replaced the thermostat, and another inspected the vehicle but could not identify any other failures. After the repair was completed, the contact noticed that the vehicle continued to jerk while driving at various speeds, and the sensation was more prominent whenever the AC unit was activated. While driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle decelerated, the battery light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and coast downhill into their grandmother's driveway nearby. After waiting a minute, the contact started the vehicle and was able to drive to the residence, approximately 5 minutes away, at 20 MPH to avoid additional failure. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where no battery or alternator failure was found. The mechanic suggested it might b
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The gear shifter was in park(P); however, the ignition switch remained stuck in the ACC position. Several attempts were required before the key could be released. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred after the repair. The check engine warning light and the power train warning light were illuminated. The failure reoccurred over time. The manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 50 MPH on the way to the residence, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the powertrain control module. The contact stated that the key had seized in the ignition, and the vehicle was left overnight with the mechanic. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The towing company determined that the shifter cable had detached. The contact later became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The contact had no other means of transportation and was unaware of the recall when the vehicle was purchased. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,239.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Dodge Dart check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Dodge Dart?
Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, won't start and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are U0401, P2096 and P0352.
Which Dodge Dart years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (98 complaints), 2015 (53 complaints) and 2014 (27 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Dodge Dart?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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