Is Dodge Dart expensive to repair?
Generally, no—the Dodge Dart is not inherently more expensive to repair than other compact sedans. However, because the model was discontinued in 2016, parts can be harder to find and prices can vary more widely, which may affect total repair costs for older or high-mileage cars.
What affects repair costs
Repair and maintenance costs for the Dodge Dart depend on the car’s age, mileage, engine and transmission configuration, labor rates in your area, and how readily available replacement parts are. Discontinued models can face price variability because new OEM parts may become scarce and some components are reused across other FCA/Fiat-Chrysler group vehicles.
Typical repair costs for the Dart
Below is a plain‑language guide to common repairs and rough cost ranges you might encounter at a typical shop in the United States. Prices vary by region, shop, and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts.
- Brake service (pads and rotors for one axle): roughly $250–$450
- Battery replacement: roughly $100–$220
- Tire replacement (per tire): roughly $100–$250; full set: $400–$1,000
- Alternator replacement: roughly $350–$700
- Water pump replacement: roughly $300–$600
- Starter replacement: roughly $250–$600
- Spark plugs (set for the engine): roughly $100–$250
- Transmission service (fluid change, filter): roughly $150–$300
- Transmission replacement or major repair: roughly $2,000–$4,000 (depends on model and whether remanufactured parts are used)
The above ranges reflect typical U.S. shop pricing and can be influenced by engine choice, whether you own a manual or automatic, and regional labor rates. Always get a written estimate before any major work.
Parts availability and long-term costs
Because the Dart is no longer in production, new OEM parts may be harder to source, and some items might require lead times or come from aftermarket suppliers or salvage yards. The upside is that many Dart parts are shared with other FCA/Fiat-Chrysler models, which can help keep prices in check, especially for common wear items. Independent repair shops often have better access to aftermarket parts and may offer more flexible pricing than dealer shops.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: Aftermarket parts are usually cheaper and more readily available for common items, though quality can vary—verify warranties and compatibility.
- Interchangeable components: Several Dart components are shared with other FCA platforms, which can help with availability and price.
- Used and remanufactured parts: Salvage yards and remanufactured components can lower costs for older vehicles.
- Labor and shop choice: Independent shops often offer competitive rates; dealers may have higher labor charges but can provide expertise on specific models.
- Warranty considerations: The original powertrain warranty has expired for all Dart years, so extended warranties or third-party coverage may be worth considering for older cars.
In practice, the Dart’s long-term ownership costs hinge on how well the car has been maintained, how readily parts can be sourced, and where you get service. With careful maintenance and smart sourcing of parts, repair costs stay within the range you’d expect for a compact sedan of its era.
Bottom line
For most owners, the Dodge Dart is not intrinsically expensive to repair compared with other compact cars from its generation. The key caveat is the discontinued status, which can affect parts availability and pricing for rare components. Regular maintenance, vigilant pre-purchase inspection if buying used, and shopping around for parts and labor can help manage costs over time.
Summary
The Dodge Dart remains a reasonably affordable option to repair relative to peers, provided you stay on top of maintenance and shop smart for parts. Its discontinued status means you may encounter higher variability in parts availability and pricing, especially for older, high-mileage examples. For prospective buyers or current owners, a proactive maintenance plan and a reputable, price-conscious repair shop are your best tools for keeping costs predictable.
Do Dodge Darts last long?
How long do Dodge Darts last? Typically, a Dodge Dart will last 200,000-250,000. Of course, many factors will influence the lifespan of the Dodge Dart, such as the frequency of repairs and how you drive the car.
How much does it cost to fix a Dodge Dart?
The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Dodge Dart ranges from $105 to $3170, with an average of $322.
What problems are Dodge Darts known for?
Common problems with the Dodge Dart include issues with the engine and transmission, excessive oil consumption, and a shifter cable defect that can cause a rollaway risk. Other reported problems are with the suspension system, battery failure, ignition coils, and the Bluetooth module. A significant 2013-2016 model year recall addresses the rollaway risk due to a faulty shifter cable.
This video discusses common problems and recalls for the Dodge Dart: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · Oct 3, 2022
Engine and transmission
- Engine stalling: Can be caused by faulty sensors, ignition coils, fuel system components, or battery/alternator issues.
- Excessive oil consumption: Particularly notable in the 2015 model year, some engines may consume excessive oil.
- Transmission issues: Both automatic and manual transmissions have been a source of problems, with some automatic models suffering from sluggish performance.
- Ignition coils: Failure of the ignition coils can lead to rough running and other performance issues.
Recalls and safety
- Rollaway risk: A major recall for model years 2013-2016 addresses a shifter cable defect where the car could roll away even when in park.
Other common issues
- Suspension problems: Worn-out suspension mounts can cause vibrations, especially at idle.
- Bluetooth module: The infotainment system's Bluetooth module is a frequent point of failure.
- Coolant hose fittings: Plastic T-connectors in the cooling system can fail and are best replaced with metal ones.
- Battery failure: Some owners have reported issues with the battery.
- Brake-related issues: Brakes have been cited as a problem area for some owners.
- Broken sun visor: The sun visor is a recurring complaint.
Are Dodge Darts expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Dodge Dart is $597, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
