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Dodge Dart key fob problems

24 of the 2,541 owner complaints about the Dodge Dart describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
24
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
45,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key fob from the ignition, the key fob was stuck. The contact shifted the gear shifter in and out of park until being able to turn off the vehicle and remove the key fob. 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 63,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Electrical · OH

​(FIX INFO BELOW) The Issue: The ignition intermittently fails to rotate to the "OFF" position, locking the key fob in the column despite the vehicle being in "Park." This is a known flaw in the Dart’s sensitive electrical/shifter interface that can lead to total battery drain and theft risk. ​ ​<>Quick Fixes to Release the Fob<> ​I. The "Re-Park" Movement: Simply shifting gears is often not enough. Restart the engine, physically reverse the vehicle a short distance, then drive forward back into your space before shifting into park. The physical movement of the car is often required to reset the transmission sensor. ​II. The Twist: When you first park, try a quick, sharp twist to the "OFF" position immediately. Catching the system quickly sometimes prevents it from locking the fob. ​III. The Inward Firm Method: If already stuck, push the fob firmly inward toward the steering column (as if you are inserting your fob) while simultaneously twisting hard to the left. Repeat a few times before doing the re-park method to see if this will work for you first. Run/Acc>Off (be firm but if it doesn't work you're not trying to force/break it). ​<>Emergency Security<> ​If the tricks above do not work and you must leave your vehicle, you can still lock it and get back in. Make sure you apply your handbrake first just incase. - ​Physical Key Extraction: Locate the small release slide on the back of your key fob. You can slide the metal emergency key out even while the fob is stuck in the ignition. ​- Manual Locking: Use the door button, physical door locks or this metal key/a backup spare to manually lock the door/driver’s door from the in/outside. This prevents vehicle theft while the fob remains trapped. !!! Safety Conclusion!!! ​This issue highlights the volatile nature of the Dodge Dart's electrical system. While these workarounds are effective, the underlying sensor or shifter cable failure poses a recurring safety risk to owners.

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · SC

As I read the above comments/complaints on the 2014 Dodge Dart, I have realized that we all are having the same issues with the recall, the car not engaging in park, and the Keyfob not working properly where it takes from 5-30 minutes to turn the car off because it is still in the acc mode. Now the car has started yet ANOTHER problem that it doesn’t want to start. I paid for a tow to the repair shop and they checked everything out and could find absolutely nothing wrong, no codes showing up, nothing. I had bought a new battery, was about to replace the ignition switch and/or starter but the shop had experience with Dodge 2014 before and the same issues with no apparent issues?? I did pay for another key and fob which wasted $200 because even afterwards the fob wouldn’t release due to the car not going into the park position 100% and I’m still having all these problems. It is definitely a safety issue and we all are left here driving this piece of junk that the manufacturer doesn’t seem to have any answer or as they say “remedy” for the issue. And that’s another thing- we are having ISSUES not an issue. This problem has more involved than the recall and for the amount of people that have submitted a complaint should be an eye opener for the manufacturer - because most people don’t even report it because they don’t know to and the service department is going to get the money! There is and has been something going on with the entire braking, parking, transmission, cable, the last recall my car I was told wasn’t affected however the brakes went out totally without any warning or problem before hand. Said there was fluid or something that messed it up and it cost me $2000 to repair it when the exact issue was going on with the dodge dart 2013-2014 but of course MY CAR was not in that recall even though it had the same problem as the cats which were affected by the recall. I’ll never never purchase another Dodge and would advise anyone else not to purchase one.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Brakes · SC

After parking, I try to put the car into park and it will not go all the way to park. The key fob will not come out of the ignition, so the battery is still being used with the dashboard lights on. No alert or alarm lights show an issue. This has occurred MANY times. Finally, after waiting from 5-45 minutes, you can hear a click in the front area (gear area) and then I can turn the switch completely to off and remove the Key fob. I went to a repair shop and they scanned for problems/codes on the reader. But nothing shows up. Thinking it may be the fob itself, I had the locksmith come and replace the fob and program it. It still continues to be an issue. Not every time I drive, but enough that it has been a safety concern as well if I’m away from home. There have also been many times that after cranking the car, disengaging the emergency brake and then placing it in reverse, the car tries to go into reverse direction like the gas pedal is being pressed and if my foot isn’t on the brake, it will quickly back up without even touching the gas pedal.?? But I do have my foot applied to the brake pedal. I’m unsure if this is related to the recall for the brake cable thing that’s in effect now (without a remedy and awaiting notification from Dodge for repair). I do however feel that it is a safety issue. As it is an ongoing problem.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · WI

The vehicle’s gear shifter intermittently locks in the Park position, preventing the key fob from being removed from the ignition. When this occurs, the shifter must be manually wiggled back and forth to release the key. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk, as the driver may be delayed in exiting or securing the vehicle in certain situations. The issue occurs intermittently and has not yet been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the malfunction.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that the key fob became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was shut off and the contact was not able to remove the key fob from the ignition. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Electrical · FL

I’ve noticed a few times where the key fob would get stuck in the ignition of the car when I turn it off, I would have to turn the car back on and sit it in for at least 5 minutes before the fob would come out. Then the bushing cable got disconnected, the key fob stopped working I had a buy a new one and I’m still having the same issue of the fob getting stuck in the ignition. The first this issue happened was in 2023 and it’s still happening, just found out that I can file a complaint about it

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Electrical · MD

Key fob gets stuck in the ignition. I have to set in the car for about 10 minutes before it will release. I did take to have looked at and the ignition switch and fob was replaced. However, still doing the same thing. As I look on You Tube, I am not the only one having this problem with this car. I have been dealing with this issue and just finding out I can put in a complaint. I have attached copy of the receipt.

Filed Oct 26, 2023 · Electrical · TX

Ongoing issue of the key fob getting stuck in the ignition. You have to take the cover of the gear shift off and push the relay to release the lock in the ignition. This has been on multiple dodge darts that I have found. The key gets stuck and cannot get it out

Filed Jul 7, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Message warm engine before start. Car won’t start message key fob damaged when it’s not. Engine clicks but no engine turn over.

Related recalls

Electrical system: softwareReported February 26, 2016 · 1,122 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 16V113000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Dart key fob

Which Dodge Dart years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (9 complaints), 2013 (5 complaints) and 2012 (4 complaints).

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