Is the Dodge Dart high maintenance?

No—taken as a whole, the Dodge Dart tends to fall in the middle of the pack for maintenance among compact sedans. It isn’t notorious for exorbitant upkeep, but costs can vary based on model year, engine choice, and how well the car is cared for. Regular service and a careful pre-purchase check are the best ways to keep ownership affordable.

Overview of maintenance costs

Maintaining a Dodge Dart mirrors other late-model compact sedans: routine service, parts wear, and occasional repairs all contribute to annual costs. Overall, Dart maintenance sits somewhere in the middle of its class, with variations tied to the engine and miles driven.

Common maintenance tasks you should budget for include the items below:

• Oil and filter changes at the interval recommended in the owner's manual (usually every 5,000–7,500 miles for many models).


• Brake pad and rotor service, which varies with driving style and conditions (roughly every 20,000–60,000 miles or as needed).


• Tire replacement and rotation based on wear and alignment needs (often every 25,000–60,000 miles).


• Replacement of common wear items such as air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs, and fluids (coolant, transmission fluid if applicable) at specified intervals.


• Periodic inspections of cooling, ignition, and electrical systems to catch develop­ing issues early.

Bottom line: keeping up with the routine service schedule helps keep costs predictable and reduces the risk of unexpected, higher-priced repairs.

Reliability and model-year notes

The Dodge Dart’s reliability profile is mixed across its 2013–2016 run. Some owners report electronics quirks and memory‑related gremlins, while others enjoy dependable operation with regular maintenance. Because the Dart shares technology with other Chrysler products, maintenance practices and part availability are generally in line with peers in its class.

As with any used car, conditions vary by individual vehicle, mileage, and maintenance history. The most reliable way to gauge future maintenance risk is to review service records, look for a history of timely recalls addressed, and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.

General reliability themes (high level):

• Owner experiences range from solid reliability to intermittent electrical or drivetrain concerns on higher-mileage examples.


• Maintenance and parts availability are typically reasonable, given the Dart’s shared components with other Chrysler products.

Bottom line: a Dart that has been regularly serviced and well maintained is more likely to deliver predictable ownership costs than one with a spotty history.

Used-Dart buying considerations

Since production ended in 2016, most buyers look at used examples. The decision hinges on price, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. A well-documented service history and completed recalls can make a used Dart a cost-effective choice in the compact segment.

Recalls and service history

Before buying a Dart, check the VIN for open recalls and review the complete service history. Updated recall work and regular maintenance are good indicators of care and can reduce future risk.

• Use official recall databases (such as NHTSA) and the dealer to verify recall status and completion.


• Ask for receipts showing routine maintenance, including oil changes, filter changes, brake work, tires, and any transmission or coolant services.


• Inspect for signs of wear and potential issues common to aging vehicles, such as electrical gremlins or worn suspension components.

Bottom line: thorough vetting with documentation helps you predict ownership costs more accurately.

Tips to minimize maintenance costs

Being proactive with maintenance can keep Dart ownership affordable and reduce the chance of major repairs down the road.

• Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and use quality parts and fluids.


• Address recalls promptly and keep a centralized record of services and repairs.


• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to minimize uneven wear and extend tire life.


• Follow a regular inspection routine to catch small issues before they become expensive problems.

With attentive care and timely service, the Dart can offer predictable maintenance costs comparable to other modern compact sedans.

Summary

The Dodge Dart is not inherently high-maintenance; its maintenance costs typically sit in the average range for compact cars. The key is choosing a well-maintained example, staying on schedule with service and recalls, and being prepared for standard wear items as the car ages. For prospective buyers, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and complete maintenance history are essential to understanding future costs and reliability.

Is the Dodge Dart reliable?

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.

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.

Why are Dodge Darts so cheap?

Dodge Darts are cheap due to poor sales and discontinuation, reliability concerns, and a lack of consumer enthusiasm. The modern version, produced from 2013 to 2016, was built on an Italian platform (the Fiat Viaggio), shared the competition's weaknesses in terms of fuel economy and performance, and was eventually phased out after disappointing sales figures.
 
Reasons for low prices

• Discontinuation and low demand: The modern Dart was not a sales success and was discontinued after only a four-year run (2013-2016). A low-demand vehicle will always have a low resale value. 
• Reliability and common issues: Some specific issues were cited by consumers as major problems, including those with the 2.0L engine, transmission, and the use of 5W40 oil in certain engines. 
• Competition: In the compact sedan market, the Dart was outclassed by competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. 
• Italian origin: The car's Italian roots and platform (shared with the Fiat Viaggio) were seen by some as a negative, despite being a compact and efficient design. 
• Lack of enthusiast appeal: The Dart's front-wheel-drive layout and lack of significant power in some configurations prevented it from gaining traction with car enthusiasts, who might otherwise have helped drive up demand. 
• Build quality and interior: Some consumers found the interior quality to be poor, contributing to a perception of low value. 

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.