How many miles will a Dodge Dart last?

With proper maintenance, a Dodge Dart can realistically reach about 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and in exceptional cases beyond that. The exact figure depends on upkeep, driving habits, and how well the car is cared for over its life.

The Dodge Dart, produced from 2013 through 2016, aimed to offer efficient compact-sedan transport but carried a mixed reliability record and a relatively limited dealer network. This piece examines what influences its longevity, what typical mileage looks like for the model, and concrete steps you can take to maximize the Dart’s lifespan.

Lifespan benchmarks: miles you might expect

These ranges reflect what many well-maintained Darts experience on the road, acknowledging that individual results vary based on maintenance and usage.

• 150,000–200,000 miles for vehicles with consistent maintenance, timely oil changes, and proper care of major systems.


• 100,000–150,000 miles for cars with irregular maintenance, harsher driving conditions, or a history of short trips and heavy use.


• Some Darts exceed 200,000 miles, and a few have reached 250,000 miles or more with meticulous upkeep and careful driving.

Ultimately, longevity depends on how the car is cared for and the types of stresses it endures day to day.

Key factors that influence longevity

Several variables play a decisive role in how long a Dodge Dart will remain reliable and safe on the road. The most important ones are listed below.

• Maintenance schedule adherence: sticking to recommended oil change intervals, filter replacements, coolant checks, and transmission service helps engines run longer.


• Oil and fuel quality: using the right grade of oil and high-quality fuel can reduce wear and deposits that wear engines faster.


• Driving conditions and habits: highway cruising tends to be gentler on components than frequent stop-and-go city driving; short trips can prevent complete engine warm-up and cause moisture buildup.


• Engine and transmission wear: certain Dart engines and transmissions may exhibit wear sooner if neglected; addressing issues early prevents cascading damage.


• Recall and service history: ensuring all official recalls and service campaigns are completed reduces latent risk factors that could affect longevity.


• Rust prevention and undercarriage care: vehicles in snowy or salted environments benefit from rust protection and regular underbody inspections.

To maximize life, follow the maintenance schedule, use quality parts, address problems promptly, and drive in a way that minimizes unnecessary stress on the powertrain and suspension.

Used Dodge Dart: what to check before buying

When shopping for a used Dart, a careful pre-purchase assessment can help you estimate potential longevity and avoid costly surprises.

• Verify maintenance records and recent service work, including any recall repairs.


• Inspect for oil consumption signs, leaks, and smooth engine idle; listen for unusual noises during acceleration and deceleration.


• Check the transmission for smooth shifts and no slipping; have a professional test-drive if possible.


• Look for rust on the underbody, wheel wells, and door bottoms, especially in regions with road salt use.


• Review the condition of tires, brakes, and suspension components, which can be costly to replace and affect long-term reliability.

Prospective buyers should consider obtaining a trusted mechanic’s inspection and a vehicle history report to gauge overall condition and potential longevity.

Bottom line

The Dodge Dart can deliver solid mileage if properly cared for, with realistic expectations of 150,000 to 200,000 miles and occasional cases pushing beyond that. Longevity hinges on preventive maintenance, prudent driving, and timely repairs, particularly given the model’s shorter production run and varied reliability history. For owners, the key is proactive upkeep and a vigilant approach to diagnostics to maximize the car’s usable life.

Summary

In short, a well-maintained Dodge Dart can reasonably last into the 150,000–200,000 mile range, and possibly more for a tiny minority. The most reliable path to a long life is disciplined maintenance, careful driving, prompt attention to issues, and thorough checks when buying a used Dart. Given the model’s cessation in 2016, owners should lean on documented service history and proactive care to maximize longevity.

What's the life expectancy of a Dodge Dart?

If you look at repairs from the perspective of operating cost and continue with proper maintenance, it'll likely last 300k-400k. That's how I've always viewed repairs on my vehicles, I typically sell them in decent running condition at around 300k.

How long do darts usually last?

A set of darts can last for several years for casual players, but the flights and shafts will need more frequent replacement (every few months) for regular players. The barrels themselves can last for years, though some professional players may replace them more frequently depending on how quickly the grip erodes. The lifespan of your darts depends on material quality, frequency of use, and maintenance, so replacing parts like flights and shafts when they get worn will extend the life of the entire set. 
Casual players

• Lifespan: A good set can last for several years with occasional use and proper maintenance. 
• Parts: You will likely only need to replace parts if they are damaged or you want an upgrade. 

Regular and professional players

• Lifespan: The barrels themselves can last for years, but flights and shafts will need to be replaced more frequently, potentially every few months. 
• Parts: Even professional players may use the same barrel for years, even if it shows wear, because they are still happy with its feel and performance. 

How to make your darts last longer

• Maintenance: Store your darts properly and replace worn parts like flights and shafts when they become damaged. 
• Quality: Invest in durable equipment. 
• Grip: Be aware that more aggressive grips may wear down faster than other types of grips. 

What year to avoid Dodge Dart?

The years to most avoid are 2013 and 2014 Dodge Darts, with the 2013 model year being the worst due to widespread issues with the engine, transmission, and various other components. While later models (2015-2016) generally saw fewer problems, they still fall under the umbrella of the 5th generation (2013-2016) that experienced numerous recalls and complaints, so they should also be approached with caution. 
Years to most avoid

• 2013: This model year is notorious for the most issues. Problems include: 
  • Engine troubles (often around 40,000 miles). 
  • Transmission problems with both the six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. 
  • Brake issues, including a recall for faulty rear calipers. 
  • Electrical problems, such as sudden battery failure and steering/braking glitches. 
  • Interior component failures, like broken sun visors. 
• 2014: While slightly better than the 2013, many of the same problems persisted, including those with the engine and transmission. 

Other years to be cautious of

• 2015 and 2016: These models had fewer issues than the earlier years and sales were better, but they are still part of the 5th generation that had a reputation for problems and multiple recalls.
  • Owners reported issues like excessive oil consumption, electrical problems, and certain transmission issues.
  • A large recall in 2019 covered the 2013-2016 automatic transmission models due to a defective part that could cause the vehicle to roll away. 

What to look for if you still want a Dart

• Manual transmission: Some owners report fewer problems with manual transmission models, especially if they are the 2.4L engine.
• 2.4L engine: The 2.4L engine is less likely to have issues than the 1.4L turbo or the 2.0L engine.
• Avoid the 2.0L with CVT: Avoid 2.0L models with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), as this combination is reported to be particularly problematic. 

Was the Dodge Dart a reliable car?

The Dodge Dart has a mixed reliability record, with a 4.0 out of 5.0 overall reliability rating from RepairPal, but with common issues reported by owners, particularly with the transmission and engine. Specific problems frequently mentioned include the 2013 model's issues, problems with certain engine variants, transmission problems (both automatic and manual), and various electrical and suspension issues. 
This video discusses the pros, cons, and common issues of the Dodge Dart: 49sUsed Car GuideYouTube · Oct 30, 2024
Overall reliability

• The Dodge Dart is ranked 28th out of 36 compact cars for reliability by RepairPal. 
• The average annual repair cost is around $597$ 597$597, which is considered average. 
• Major issues are not as frequent as with some other vehicles, but specific model years and components have known weaknesses. 

Common problems and concerns

• Engine: Some engine variants have high oil consumption, leading to potential engine failure. Engine performance issues like rough idling and stalling have also been reported. 
• Transmission: Both automatic and manual transmissions have had issues. The 2013 model, in particular, had complaints about its six-speed automatic transmission and a class-action lawsuit was filed for manual transmission models from 2013–2015. 
• Electrical and HVAC: Problems with the infotainment system, climate control (AC/heat switch), and other electrical components have been reported. 
• Suspension: Some model years have reported issues with suspension mounts and bushings degrading relatively quickly, leading to a rough ride and steering problems. 

This video talks about the issues found in Dodge Darts from 2013-2016: 59sAlphaSharkYouTube · Nov 15, 2022
What to consider if buying

• Maintenance is key: Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate potential problems and extend the vehicle's life. 
• Be wary of certain model years: The 2013 model year is often cited as having the most issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. 
• Inspect before buying: Thoroughly check the vehicle for any signs of the common issues listed above, especially if buying a used model.