2013 Dodge Dart Problems: Some Causes For Concern

by Conner Mckay

When you hear the name Dodge Dart, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it affordability? Fuel efficiency perhaps? But, what about reliability? Well, the 2013 Dodge Dart has a troubled past. So, in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the most common 2013 Dodge Dart problems.

If you are the owner of a Dodge Dart, you will find this article very helpful. You might not be faced with any of these issues at the moment. But, how can you be sure that an issue won’t creep up in the future? It’s always good to know the most common issues of a car model.

Reliability is one of the main factors that owners should be concerned with when purchasing a vehicle. Here, we will discuss some of the main issues that are common among Dodge Darts. So, without waiting any longer, let’s begin our look into the reliability of the Dart, shall we?

Dodge Dart

Before discussing the most common 2013 Dodge Dart problems, let’s a brief glimpse at the history of this vehicle. The Dart name first appeared on a Chrysler vehicle in 1962. At first, the Dart wasn’t a compact sedan as we know it today. In fact, it was a full-sized sedan at first.

1960 was the first model year of the Dodge Dart. It originally came with 3 engine options. These were two V8 engines and the well-known 225 cubic inch slant six engine. The Dart was downsized in 1962. A convertible option was first made available halfway through the 1964 model year.

In 1965, the Dart got a significant power upgrade. Now, it was powered by the same 273 cubic-inch V8 engine that originally came with the Charger. Dodge Darts participated in the Trans American racing series as well. Chrysler kept adding more and more powerful engines to the Dart as the years went on.

In 1970, this sports sedan received a facelift. A two-door version called the Dart Demon went on sale between 1971-1972. However, the first run of the Dart came to an end in 1976, as the Dart was replaced by the Dodge Aspen.

At the 2006 Geneva motor show, Dodge showed off a new concept car. Although this concept used the name Hornet at the time, it would eventually come to the market as the new Dodge Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart

The Dart name returned to the car market in 2013. It was released as the replacement for the Dodge Caliber as well as the Dodge Neon. There were several features of the Dodge Dart that set it apart from the competition. It had a sporty appearance and a set of fuel-efficient powertrain choices. Not only that, the roomy cabin and comfortable ride made the Dart a popular choice in the American car market when it was first introduced.

The Dodge Dart was built on a front-wheel-drive platform. 5 people could be seated in the roomy interior, and the vehicle was capable of getting 27 miles per gallon. Not only that, the responsive PowerTech automatic transmission, refined suspension, body motion control, and quiet interior are some of the best features of the 2013 Dodge Dart. This compact sedan came with 5 trim levels. The Base model of the dart started at around $16,000. SE, SXT, Limited, and GT were the other trim levels on offer.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT

The highest volume model of the 2013 Dodge Dart was the SXT. The starting price of this model was about $2000 higher than the base, at $17,995. Keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a stereo system with six speakers are some of the features that come as standard with the SXT model. The interior of the Dodge Dart SXT is covered with premium cloth material. Air conditioning and a center console are the other standard features of this trim level.

Some optional features are offered with the 2013 Dodge Dart SXT as well. Most of these are interior options. The 8.4-inch touchscreen display with the Uconnect infotainment system is one of the options that are sure to add a lot of functionality. A sunroof, a 9-speaker audio system, and a denim interior are the other interior options available. On the performance front, a 1.4-liter turbo engine is offered as an optional add-on for the Dart SXT.

Although there are many great features of the Dodge Dart, it is generally regarded as an unreliable vehicle. This is due to a large number of issues that are common with this compact sedan. So, in the next section, we will tell you about some of the most common 2013 dodge Dart problems.

2013 Dodge Dart Common Problems

The 2013 Dodge Dart is a vehicle with a tarnished record on reliability. There are a number of common failures that occur with these vehicles. Some of these issues are,

  • High Oil Consumption
  • Engine Issues
  • Suspension Problems
  • Bad Interior Quality
  • Brake Problems
  • Issues With The Battery

Now, we’ll take a deep dive into each of these issues individually. This will help you diagnose these problems in your vehicle before they become severe.

1. High Oil Consumption

Oil is an essential component in order for a vehicle to function. However, it has been documented that the Dodge Dart consumes more oil than other vehicles in its class. On average, the engine of the Dart had to be filled up with oil every 1000 miles. This is an indication of high oil consumption.

2013 dodge dart problems

Abnormal consumption of oil costs the owner both time and money. However, an exact cause for this issue has not been identified. Sometimes, replacing the oil rings can fix the excessive oil consumption of the 2013 Dodge Dart. But, in more severe cases, the whole engine jas to be replaced to fix this problem.

2. Engine Issues

Engine issues are some of the most common 2013 Dodge Dart Problems. Faulty sensors, wiring issues, bad gas caps as well as issues with the ignition coils can cause the check engine light of the Dodge Dart to turn on at random.

Not only that, the engine of the Dart has a reputation for sudden stalls. Jumpstarting the engine is the easiest way to fix these stalls. However, this can be annoying if it happens frequently. On the other hand, the low oil pressure of the engine can cause some issues in the Dart as well. These include stiffness in the steering as well as brake issues. Some of these engine issues were later fixed through a software update.

3. Suspension Problems

Most complaints received about the 2013 Dodge Dart problems were about the suspension system of the vehicle. These issues often reared their head around 15,000 miles. Suspension issues are some of the most dangerous problems you can encounter on the road. We say that because these problems can make you lose control of the vehicle.

Other common suspension issues with the 2013 Dodge Dart include snapping of the axle on the front passenger side. Noise from the suspension due to faulty struts (aka bad struts on a car) and mounts are also common. On most occasions, the faulty suspension components should be replaced to completely solve the issue. This includes replacing the control arms, axels as well as suspension knuckles. Fixing the 2013 Dodge Dart suspension problems typically costs about $7000.

4. Bad Interior Quality

American economy cars of this time period are well known for their bad interior quality. This is also applicable to the 2013 Dodge Dart as well.  Many interior quality issues of this vehicle have been reported throughout the years.

One of the most common Dart interior components that fail is the sun visor. Especially, the passenger side sun visor can snap even with limited use. This happens mainly because the plastic tube holding the visor not being strong enough. However, the faulty sun visor can be easily replaced by yourself at home.

5. Brake Problems

Parking brake malfunctions were common in 2013 Dodge Darts. The reason for this issue was rather embarrassing for the Chrysler Corporation. You see, some Darts were fitted with rear brake calipers which were incorrect. However, this issue was later fixed with a recall.

Abnormal sounds coming from the brake system are another common 2013 Dodge Dart problem. Premature wear of the brakes, a heavy brake pedal, and issues with the ABS system are some other issues related to the brakes system of the Dodge Dart.

6. Issues With The Battery

Battery failure is another common issue with the 2013 model year of the Dodge Dart. The battery can die without warning while the vehicle is on the road. To fix this issue, the battery or the alternator of the vehicle has to be replaced. This can be costly as well as time-consuming.

2013 Dodge Dart Error Codes

One of the easiest ways of diagnosing 2013 Dodge Dart problems is by reading the error codes. This can be done with the use of an OBD scanning tool. Here, we have listed some of the most common Dodge Dart error codes you may encounter.

2013 dodge dart problems

Doing the necessary repairs according to the error codes ensures that your Dodge Dart always remains in perfect running order. For more insight, check out our guide on the P0128 Jeep code.

2013 Dodge Dart Turbo Problems

Some 2013 Dodge Dart models come equipped with a turbocharged engine. However, these turbos are known to fail on this vehicle. White smoke or noise coming from the turbocharger indicates issues with the system. Replacing a turbocharger on a Dodge Dart is really expensive. However, carrying out regular maintenance of the engine can be helpful in extending the life of the turbocharger.

2013 Dodge Dart Transmission Problems

The Dodge Dart’s transmission system is plagued with many issues. On average, transmission issues begin to occur once the vehicle completes around 37,000 miles. Several transmission systems were offered with the Dodge Dart in 2013. The choices were a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic as well as a direct-shift automatic manual transmission. Out of these 3, the latter is the one with the most issues.

These cars have a tendency to jump out of gears randomly, which becomes very irritating after a while. Grinding noises coming from the transmission are another issue with the 2013 Darts. Not only that, the vehicle can get stuck in neutral as well. This can of course leaves your vehicle immoveable. The gear linkage can also break without warning.

2013 dodge dart problems

The most feasible fix for the 2013 Dodge Dart transmission problems is replacing the whole system. This is a difficult job to undertake. Not only that, it will cost you around $700 to get this done through a certified mechanic. However, simple repairs like replacing transmission cables can also fix some minor issues with this system.

2013 Dodge Dart Clutch Problems

The clutch is an essential component of the transmission system of any vehicle. This is especially true when it comes to a manual transmission. But, as we told you earlier, the Dodge Dart suffers from many transmission problems. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when we tell you that the Dart suffers from clutch problems as well.

Clutch problems were some of the most widespread 2013 Dodge Dart problems. In fact, this even resulted in a class-action lawsuit against Dodge as well. You see, the clutch pedal of these vehicles had a tendency to lose pressure. This resulted in the clutch pedal being stuck to the floor of the Dart. Due to this reason, drivers were unable to shift gears. In fact, engaging and disengaging gears was impossible when this occurred.

Contaminated hydraulic fluid and worn clutch reservoir hose were the main cause of this issue. The clutch issue can be mended by replacing these hoses and flushing out the old hydraulic fluid.

2013 Dodge Dart Air Conditioning Problems

The air conditioning system is one of the most crucial elements of a car’s interior. Imagine being without air conditioning on a hot summer day. Scary, right? Well, this was the grim reality for some 2013 Dodge Dart owners whose vehicles were affected by air conditioning problems.

The most common 2013 Dodge Dart air conditioning problem is the system blowing warm air instead of a cold breeze. Weak airflow is the second most common AC-related issue with the Dodge Dart. This can happen due to one of many reasons. Old ventilation fans, faulty seals and hoses, as well as mold buildup in the system, are some of these causes.

Clogged expansion valves, fuse blowouts, leaks in the system, or a faulty compressor clutch can cause the system to first blow cold air, and then for it to turn warm. Another 2013 Dodge Dart air conditioning problem is different odors coming from the A/C. To fix this issue, you may have to replace the cabin air filter. However, a moldy evaporator case can also cause odors to come from the air conditioning.

Dodge Dart Reliability

Overall, the reliability of the Dodge Dart is not that great. There are many well-documented issues with the Dodge Dart. As a result, this vehicle ranked near the bottom of many reliability charts. Issues with the engine, the transmission system as well as build quality have affected the reliability of the Dodge Dart. Ultimately, the Dart was made to be an economy car. As a result, not much attention has been paid to reliability.

Although the Dart is affordable, the maintenance cost of the vehicle is a bit high. The high maintenance cost is another factor that lowers the reliability score of the vehicle. On average, the Dart costs around $600 per year to maintain. In comparison, most competitors of the Dart have maintenance costs well below $500. Expensive repairs, high oil consumption as well as time-consuming repairs contribute to the high annual maintenance cost of the 2013 Dodge Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart Recalls

As we discussed earlier, the 2013 Dodge Dart is well known for its unreliability. It shouldn’t surprise you when I say that this vehicle was recalled a few times because of said issues. Most of these recalls were issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as a response to customer complaints.

At the beginning of 2013 alone, there were 1220 complaints made to NHTSA about Dodge Dart reliability issues. The Dodge Dart was first recalled in June 2013. This was due to the engines stalling because of cold temperatures.

The engine in question was the 1.4L MultiAir, and the issue was quickly fixed by a reprogramming of the ECU. In total, 12500 vehicles were recalled due to this issue. Soon after, 23,000 Darts were recalled to fix a faulty transmission. The problem in question was the vehicle randomly shifting into neutral, which had severe consequences.

Over 105,000 Dode Darts were affected in the next recall which happened in the November of 2015. The purpose of the recall was to fix an oil leak. If ignored, this leak could result in a power brake malfunction.

The most recent Dodge Dart recall happened in April 2019. This recall was for all Darts equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission could easily fail, causing the owners many headaches.

As you can clearly see, the Dodge Dart has a long history of recalls. However, if you are the current owner of a Dodge Dart, it is a good idea to find out whether your vehicle has gone through all these recalls. If not, you may be waiting on a ticking timebomb.

Fate Of The Dodge Dart

Chrysler revived the Dart name with the noble goal of building an affordable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable compact sedan. However, to say that they failed is an understatement. The production of the Dart was rushed, and as a result, the reliability of the vehicle was greatly overlooked.

The transmission system that was intended to be on the vehicle was never developed. As a result, the transmission that came with the vehicle was suboptimal. Not only that, engine issues and less-than-ideal fuel economy made the Dart an unpopular vehicle. A series of recalls also followed, and by 2016, the Dodge Dart was canceled. The segment once occupied by the Dart has been taken over by dozens of compact and midsize SUVs.

Facts about Common Issues with Dodge Darts

  • The Dodge Dart received an above-average reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, but only ranked 28th out of 36 compact cars.
  • Following the recommended maintenance schedule and replacing faulty components immediately can help prolong a Dodge Dart’s service life.
  • Excessive oil consumption is a common issue in 2015 Dodge Darts, with some owners needing to top up their engine oil every 1,000 miles or having their car consume 1-2 quarts of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles.
  • Engine stalling is another issue with the 2014 Dodge Dart, with no issues found with the car’s battery in most cases.
  • Stiff steering and braking issues are linked to low oil pressure, malfunctioning sensors, and faulty wiring in some Dodge Darts.
  • Suspension system problems are common in 2013 Dodge Darts, with some owners reporting that their front passenger side axles snapped without warning, and faulty components can be easily replaced.
  • Several 2013 Dodge Dart owners reported transmission-related issues, with cars jumping out of gear or making grinding noises, which required replacing the whole transmission in most cases.
  • Broken sun visors are a problem in some 2013 Dodge Darts, with the plastic tube holding the visor in place being the possible cause.
  • Battery failure is a common problem with the 2013 Dodge Dart, with some owners having to replace the battery twice in two years.
  • The 2013 Dodge Dart was subject to a recall due to brake problems caused by incorrect rear brake calipers, which may cause the parking brake to malfunction. Unusual noises coming from the brakes were also reported by some owners.

Conclusion For 2013 Dodge Dart Problems

Once, the Dodge Dart was a popular, affordable compact sedan that was popular among American car buyers. However, a plethora of problems and reliability issues caused this vehicle to meet its untimely demise in 2016. Our goal with this article was to tell you everything you need to know about the many 2013 Dodge Dart problems.

fixing car

We started off by looking into the historical significance of the Dodge Dart name. Then, we discussed the 2013 Dodge Dart and its SXT trim level. After that, some common issues with this vehicle were discussed. These issues included the likes of engine issues, interior issues as well as faulty batteries.

In the final sections of the article, we looked at the most problematic systems of the 2013 Dodge Dart. Finally, we told you about the reliability and past recalls of this vehicle.

FAQS On 2013 Dodge Dart Problems

Here are some popular FAQs:

Is Dodge Dart A Good Car

The Dodge Dart is a compact sedan produced by the Chrysler Corporation. It is affordable, has a roomy interior, and can deliver decent fuel economy. However, there are many reliability issues associated with this vehicle, and the cost of maintenance is high compared to its competitors. Overall, the Dodge Dart can be categorized as an average vehicle in this price range, and you can find better options out on the market.

Are Dodges Reliable

Older Dodge vehicles were known to be unreliable and to have bad build quality. However, this has changed in recent years. Modern Dodge vehicles perform well in the aspect of reliability. With proper maintenance, Dodge vehicles can serve you reliably for years to come.

Are Dodge Darts Reliable

The reliability of the Dodge Dart is low when compared to the other vehicles in its segment. The maintenance cost of the Dart is high as well.

Is A Dodge Dart A Sports Car

The Dodge Dart is an affordable compact car. However, there is a sporty option as well. It is called the Dodge Dart GT. This trim level comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out a respectable power out[ut of 184 horsepower. The engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission for maximum driver engagement.

Why Are Dodge Darts So Cheap

The Dodge Dart was made to be a cheap mode of transportation. As a result, inexpensive materials were used to keep the manufacturing costs down.

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