2016 Dodge Dart Reliability
The 2016 Dodge Dart has 263 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about powertrain / transmission and engine. Compared with nearby Dart model years (2014–2016), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Dart's typical year, while the 2015 drew 532 complaints.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
263
NHTSA owner complaints
5
Recall campaigns
14
Complaints citing a crash
4
Complaints citing a fire
2016 Dodge Dart complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 model year, filed between 2015 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain / transmission | 87 | 33% |
| Engine | 67 | 25% |
| Unknown or other | 61 | 23% |
| Electrical system | 49 | 19% |
| Service brakes | 27 | 10% |
| Visibility / wipers | 14 | 5% |
| Fuel / propulsion system | 13 | 5% |
| Steering | 11 | 4% |
2016 Dodge Dart recalls
5 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2016 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V113000 | Feb 26, 2016 | Electrical system — software | 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… |
| 16V813000 | Nov 8, 2016 | Visibility / wipers — windshield wiper/washer | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail. |
| 17V824000 | Dec 21, 2017 | Equipment | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at:… |
| 19V293000 | Apr 11, 2019 | Powertrain / transmission — automatic transmission | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission. |
| 25V674000 | Oct 9, 2025 | Powertrain / transmission — automatic transmission / lever and linkage / floor shift | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles. The shifter cable may detach from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the park (P) position and causing a loss of park function. |
How the 2016 compares with nearby Dart years
Verdicts compare these Dart model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 373 | 4 | Powertrain / transmission | Caution |
| 2015 | 532 | 6 | Powertrain / transmission | Avoid |
| 2016 (this page) | 263 | 5 | Powertrain / transmission | Solid |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2016 Dodge Dart
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Brakes: check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, and look at rotor and pad wear; ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 5 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2016 Dodge Dart can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2016 Dodge Dart reliability FAQ
Is the 2016 Dodge Dart reliable?
The 2016 Dodge Dart has 263 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about powertrain / transmission and engine. Compared with nearby Dart model years (2014–2016), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Dart's typical year, while the 2015 drew 532 complaints.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Dart problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Dart are powertrain / transmission (87), engine (67), unknown or other (61), electrical system (49). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2016 Dodge Dart have recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Dart, including 16V113000 (electrical system — software) and 16V813000 (visibility / wipers — windshield wiper/washer). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2016 Dodge Dart compare with the 2015 and 2017 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2015 has 532 complaints and 6 recalls (avoid). The 2016 has 263 complaints and 5 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2016 Dodge Dart?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Dodge Dart research
Other Dodge Dart model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2016 Dart, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.