What are common problems with 2013 Dodge Darts?
The most commonly reported issues for the 2013 Dodge Dart include transmission rough shifting, electrical and infotainment glitches, and occasional engine-related concerns, along with steering and brake-related worries. It’s important to check each car’s maintenance history and VIN-specific recall notices to understand which problems may apply to a given vehicle.
Below is a detailed look at what owners and reviewers have most often highlighted, followed by notes on engine variants and maintenance considerations, safety recalls to verify, and practical tips for prospective buyers.
Most Frequently Reported Mechanical and Electrical Issues
These items reflect patterns seen in owner feedback and service department reports. Not every Dart will experience all of these, but they represent the types of trouble reported most commonly for the 2013 model year.
- Transmission concerns: automatic transmissions sometimes exhibit rough or delayed shifts, low-speed jerkiness, or shudder during acceleration, especially as mileage increases.
- Electrical and infotainment glitches: Uconnect/infotainment systems can experience freezes, Bluetooth dropouts, touchscreen unresponsiveness, or occasional radio resets, sometimes accompanied by nuisance battery draws.
- Engine performance and oil behavior: some 2013 Darts show hesitation, misfires, or rough idle, and a subset of engines may consume oil more quickly than expected or develop minor leaks around gaskets and seals.
- Power steering and EPS issues: electric power steering (EPS) systems can occasionally lose or reduce assist, triggering warning lights or harder steering at certain speeds.
- Brakes and suspension wear: premature brake wear, rotor pulsation, or noisy suspension components (struts, bushings) have been reported, along with occasional steering rack noises.
These observations come from a mix of owner feedback, service data, and consumer-reported trends. As with any used car, mileage, prior maintenance, and driving style play large roles in whether these problems appear.
Engine Options and Maintenance Considerations
This section highlights the engine variants used in the 2013 Dart and practical maintenance notes that buyers and owners often rely on to prevent common problems.
- 2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark engines: The Dart offered two four-cylinders in this year, and oil consumption with the 2.4L variant has been noted by some owners. Regular oil checks and timely changes are advised, along with watching for leaks around valve covers and seals.
- Ignition and fuel delivery components: Over time, wear on spark plugs and ignition coils can contribute to misfires or rough running. Periodic inspection and replacement per maintenance schedules help prevent symptoms from worsening.
- Turbocharged variant considerations (where equipped): Some trims offered a smaller turbo engine; turbo systems can introduce additional maintenance needs and potential for lag or boost-related issues if not maintained properly.
- General wear parts and maintenance costs: Like many compact cars, routine items such as brakes, tires, and suspension components tend to wear with mileage; proactive replacement helps maintain reliability and handling.
Engine-specific concerns vary by which powertrain the car uses, its mileage, and how well it has been maintained. Consumers are advised to review service records and have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine bay for oil leaks, worn belts, and signs of overdue maintenance.
Safety Recalls and VIN-Specific Verification
Evidence from recall campaigns over the years shows that certain safety-related components require attention on affected vehicles. Because recalls are VIN-specific, checking the exact Dart’s status is essential before purchase or ownership.
- Airbag inflator recalls: Takata-related airbag recalls affected many vehicles from this era, including some 2013 Dodge Darts. Verify through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database with the vehicle’s VIN.
- Steering and electrical safety recalls: Some Dart units were subject to recalls involving power steering/electrical systems or related control modules. VIN checks will confirm whether a fix has been applied.
- Fuel and braking system recalls: There have been campaigns affecting fuel delivery components and certain braking-related parts on select Darts. Always confirm with the VIN that all open campaigns are completed.
Because recall coverage depends on the exact VIN, potential buyers should pull a current recall history from official sources and ensure any open campaigns are addressed before purchase.
Buying and Maintenance Checklist
Pre-purchase inspection focuses
Before buying a used 2013 Dodge Dart, use this checklist to guide a diagnostic inspection and a test drive. The aim is to identify the most common trouble areas early and avoid costly surprises later.
- Test drive for transmission behavior: observe for smooth shifts, no abrupt clunks, and consistent engagement in all gears if the car uses an automatic. Manual transmissions should show easy clutch pedal operation and clean gear engagement.
- Inspect the electrical system: test the Uconnect system, radios, navigation, Bluetooth, and instrument cluster for any freezes, resets, or warning lights. Check battery health and charging system as a baseline.
- Check engine health: monitor for any misfires, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration. Look for oil leaks around the engine and valve covers; check oil level and condition regularly.
- Assess steering and braking: ensure power steering assist is consistent and that the brakes feel firm with no pulling or pulsation. Listen for any unusual noises in the suspension.
- Review maintenance history and recalls: obtain a full maintenance log, verify that fluids and wear items were replaced on time, and confirm all open recalls have been completed via VIN lookup.
By focusing on these areas, buyers can better judge whether a 2013 Dodge Dart is meeting expectations for reliability and ownership costs, and whether preventive maintenance has been kept up to date.
Summary
The 2013 Dodge Dart offers a stylish package and solid fuel economy but carries a set of reliability considerations that buyers should weigh carefully. Transmission behavior, electrical and infotainment reliability, engine performance and oil management, and steering/brake robustness are the core areas where problems have been most commonly reported. Engine options differ in maintenance needs, with oil consumption concerns more frequently noted on certain variants. Recalls and VIN-specific safety campaigns require verification before purchase or continued ownership. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a review of service history can help prospective owners avoid surprises and ensure the Dart delivers the intended value and driving experience.
