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2013 Dodge Dart

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2013 Dodge Dart was an attempt by Dodge to re-enter the compact car market. It offered a stylish exterior and a spacious interior, which were generally well-received. However, the Dart was plagued with reliability issues that ultimately hindered its success. Three engine options were available: a 2.0L Tigershark inline-4 producing 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged inline-4 producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L Tigershark inline-4 producing 184 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) which was paired with the 1.4L turbo engine. While some owners appreciated the Dart’s styling and interior space, common complaints revolved around the car’s performance, reliability, and the sometimes-clunky operation of the DCT.

Engine

2.0L Tigershark I4

  • Engine Stalling
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls at idle or low speeds, especially after coming to a stop. Can be intermittent.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the root cause can involve checking for vacuum leaks, cleaning the throttle body, and inspecting the mass airflow sensor. The fix often involves replacing a faulty sensor or component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

1.4L MultiAir Turbo I4

  • MultiAir Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, rough running engine, check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the MultiAir system are present.
    • Solution: Replacement of the MultiAir actuator unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light illuminated.
    • Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger for leaks or damage. May require turbocharger replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak areas include the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Tigershark I4

  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level despite regular oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, engine knocking noises.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing excessive oil consumption can be complex. In some cases, piston rings may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially between certain gears. The transmission may hesitate or jerk during acceleration.
    • Solution: Begin by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. A fluid flush and filter change might help. If the problem persists, valve body issues or internal damage may require more extensive repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid/filter) up to $1500 - $3500+ (valve body or rebuild).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, especially when accelerating or going uphill. The transmission may also slip.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic (DCT) - 1.4L Turbo Only

  • Clunky Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or delayed shifts, especially at low speeds or during stop-and-go traffic. The transmission may hesitate when accelerating from a stop.
    • Solution: Software updates may improve the shifting behavior, but in many cases, clutch replacement or transmission replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (Software Update) up to $2500 - $5000+ (Clutch or Transmission Replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of drive, inability to shift gears, loud noises coming from the transmission.
    • Solution: Transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Premature Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Poor handling and wandering steering.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per bushing depending on location and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Radio/Uconnect Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Radio freezing, screen going blank, Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation not working, system rebooting on its own.
    • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the radio unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) up to $300 - $1000+ (Radio Replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, clicking noise from the door.
    • Solution: Replacing the power window motor or regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or attempting to seal the existing housing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or using a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (Cover) up to $500 - $1500+ (Dashboard Replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Center Console Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Cupholder breaking
    • Solution: Replacing the center console
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Dodge Dart is known to have several issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The MultiAir turbo engine and DCT transmission seem to be particularly problematic, with failures often leading to costly repairs. Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L engine can be a recurring issue. While some problems are minor, others can be quite severe and expensive to address. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and thoroughly inspect any used Dart before purchasing.

Dodge, Dart
Dodge Dart 2013
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