Can a Dodge Dart run on E85?
In most cases, the Dodge Dart sold in the United States is not a flex-fuel vehicle and is not designed to run on E85. Only Dart variants specifically marketed as FFV would be capable. If you own a Dart and want to use E85, check your exact model first.
This article explains what E85 is, whether the Dart you own is FFV-capable, how to verify your car’s fuel compatibility, and potential consequences of using non-approved fuels.
Understanding E85 and flex-fuel capability
E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing up to 85% ethanol, depending on climate and season. Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed with engines, fuel systems, and engine-control software that can handle such ethanol-rich fuels. Most non-FFV engines are calibrated for gasoline blends up to E10 or E15 in some regions and are not guaranteed to run reliably on higher ethanol content.
Before relying on this information, consult your owner’s manual or dealer. The Dart's US-market engines are not advertised as FFV, so using E85 is not supported unless you have a documented FFV variant.
Is the Dodge Dart FFV?
Chrysler's official materials for the Dodge Dart in the United States did not list a flex-fuel option. The common Dart engines—the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo and the 2.4L Tigershark—were not marketed as FFV in the U.S. market. Some non-U.S. or special-market variants may have different fuel-system configurations, but these are not typical for the American consumer Dart.
What this means: for the vast majority of Dart buyers, E85 is not a recommended fuel.
How to verify your Dart's fuel compatibility
To confirm whether your Dart can use E85, check the following indicators:
- Owner's manual or documentation explicitly labeling the engine as Flex Fuel or FFV.
- Fuel filler door label or placard indicating E85, Flex Fuel, or FFV capability.
- Window sticker or build sheet showing FFV/E85 compatibility.
- Engine bay or under-hood labels indicating flexible-fuel components.
- Consulting your dealer with the VIN to confirm FFV status.
Bottom line: if none of these indicators appear, the vehicle is not designed to use E85.
What happens if you run E85 in a non-FFV Dart?
If you accidentally fill a non-FFV Dodge Dart with E85, you may experience drivability issues such as reduced limp, hesitation, or stalling as the engine management tries to adjust to a fuel it isn’t calibrated for. You might also see a check engine light or fuel-system sensor codes. Repeated use of high-ethanol fuel in a non-FFV can lead to poor performance, lower fuel economy, and potential warranty concerns. To avoid risk, revert to gasoline and avoid E85 unless the vehicle is confirmed to be FFV.
How to proceed if you suspect your Dart is FFV
If you need to be certain, follow these steps:
- Review the owner's manual for fuel compatibility information.
- Look for an FFV badge or E85/Flex Fuel labeling on the fuel door or near the fuel cap.
- Check the vehicle's build sheet, window sticker, or VIN through the dealer for FFV status.
- Contact a Mopar/Chrysler service center with your VIN to confirm exact fuel compatibility.
Bottom line: only if the car is FFV will E85 be a safe, supported option.
Summary
Most Dodge Dart models are not flex-fuel vehicles and are not designed to run on E85. The only Dart capable of using E85 would be a documented FFV variant, which is not common in US-market Darts. To determine compatibility, check the owner's manual, labeling near the fuel filler, the window sticker, and with your dealer using the VIN. If there is no FFV indication, avoid E85 and stick with recommended gasoline blends for your engine.
How do I know if my vehicle is E85 compatible?
You can tell if your car can use E85 by checking for a "Flex Fuel" or "FFV" badge, a yellow gas cap, or an "E85" label inside the fuel door. Other indicators include the owner's manual, a VIN lookup, or using online search tools from official sources. It is crucial to only use E85 in a vehicle explicitly designed for it, as using it in a regular gasoline car can cause engine damage.
Visual and physical checks
- Gas cap: Look for a yellow gas cap, which is a common sign. It may also have a label indicating "E85" or "Flex Fuel".
- Fuel door: Check the inside of the fuel filler door for labels that mention "Flex Fuel" or "E85".
- Vehicle badging: Look for badges on the rear of the vehicle that say "Flex Fuel," "FFV," or "E85".
Document and information checks
- Owner's manual: The easiest and most reliable method is to check your vehicle's owner's manual. It will list the approved fuel types.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You can use your VIN to look up your car's specifications online. Many manufacturer websites have tools to check VINs for flex-fuel compatibility.
- Online tools: Use online search tools like the ones provided by the Fuel Freedom Foundation or FuelEconomy.gov and enter your car's make, model, and year to check for compatibility.
Important considerations
- Engine damage: Never put E85 in a car that is not flex-fuel compatible. Doing so can cause significant engine damage and may void your warranty.
- Fuel economy: Even in flex-fuel vehicles, using E85 typically results in lower fuel economy compared to gasoline.
What vehicles can run on E85 fuel?
Many Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles can run on E85, including popular models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra. Other brands with E85-compatible vehicles include Chrysler, Dodge, Buick, and Jeep, with models like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler 200, and Jeep Cherokee. To confirm if a specific car is E85 compatible, check for a yellow gas cap or yellow fuel filler neck decal, or consult the owner's manual.
Examples of E85 compatible vehicles
Ford
- F-150
- Super Duty (F250, F350, F450)
- Transit
- Fusion (late models)
Chevrolet
Silverado, Equinox, Tahoe, Impala, Trailblazer, and Trax.
GMC
Sierra and Savana.
Other brands
- Chrysler: 200, Town & Country, 300
- Dodge: Grand Caravan, Charger
- Jeep: Cherokee
- Buick: LaCrosse, Envista, Encore GX
- Land Rover: Range Rover
- Nissan: Armada, Titan (older models)
How to check for E85 compatibility
- Check the fuel door: The most reliable way to tell is to look inside the fuel filler door. Many flex-fuel vehicles have a yellow gas cap or a yellow decal indicating E85 compatibility.
- Consult the owner's manual: The owner's manual will explicitly state if the vehicle is a flex-fuel vehicle and can use E85.
What gas does a Dodge Dart take?
2015 Dodge Dart Specs, Features & Options
| Drivetrain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Fuel | ||
| Regular | Regular | Regular |
| Stability Control | ||
| Standard | Standard | Standard |
Can a regular engine run on E85?
Conclusion. While E85 offers several benefits, it's crucial to use it only in vehicles designed or retrofitted for its use. Running E85 in a normal gasoline car can lead to engine damage from improper fuel management.
