Why did Dodge stop making Darts?
The Dodge Dart was discontinued after the 2016 model year, primarily because sales were weak and FCA shifted focus to more profitable vehicles like SUVs and trucks. The broader market trend toward crossovers in the United States reduced demand for compact sedans, and Dodge ultimately chose not to invest further in the Dart platform.
Context: what the Dart was trying to be
The Dodge Dart was introduced for the 2013 model year as a modern compact sedan intended to refresh Dodge’s car lineup. It was developed on a platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and offered engine options such as a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.4-liter. The goal was to provide a petrol-efficient, affordable option in a market that still valued practical family sedans, while giving Dodge a compact-car presence in its range. Despite a mid-cycle refresh and updates, the Dart failed to gain the market traction Dodge needed to justify ongoing production.
Why the Dart ended: the main factors
The decision to discontinue the Dart was the result of several converging factors. The following list summarizes the primary pressures that affected its future.
- Weak sales and market demand for compact sedans in the U.S., as buyers increasingly shifted toward crossovers and SUVs.
- A broader industry shift that favored higher-margin SUVs and trucks over small cars, pressuring automakers to prioritize those segments.
- FCA’s strategic refocusing on profitable vehicles, which led to pruning slower-selling cars from the lineup and reallocating resources to core profitable models.
- Cost and competitive pressures: keeping the Dart up to date in terms of safety standards, tech features, and powertrain options proved costly relative to the sales volume the model could sustain.
- Product portfolio gaps: Dodge did not introduce a strong, compelling substitute in the compact sedan space, limiting the Dart’s long-term viability within the brand’s evolving strategy.
Together, these factors made the Dart increasingly indefensible from a business standpoint, and production ceased in 2016 as part of FCA’s broader restructuring and product spacing decisions. Since then, Dodge has focused on performance and utility vehicles rather than compact sedans, with no direct replacement in the lineup.
What happened after the Dart
Following the Dart’s exit, Dodge redirected its focus toward the Challenger, Charger, and Durango, while the overall market in the United States continued shifting toward crossovers. As of the mid-2020s, there is no Dodge-branded compact sedan in the lineup, and the brand’s strategy emphasizes sportier and larger vehicles rather than entry-level cars.
In practice, the Dart’s decline reflects a combination of consumer trends, corporate strategy, and the economics of maintaining a niche model in a rapidly changing market.
Summary
The Dodge Dart was discontinued after the 2016 model year due to weak sales, a market tilt toward crossovers, and FCA’s decision to prioritize more profitable vehicles. The compact sedan segment shrank as Dodge and other automakers shifted resources to SUVs and trucks, leaving no direct replacement in the Dodge lineup. Today, Dodge emphasizes performance cars and larger utility vehicles rather than compact passenger cars.
Are Dodge Darts still being made?
No, Dodge Darts are no longer being made and were discontinued in 2016. While production stopped, a few "new" Darts have been sold in recent years from old dealer stock, a phenomenon sometimes called "zombie cars".
- Discontinued model: The Dodge Dart officially went out of production in 2016.
- "New" sales: Some dealerships have sold a small number of new, old-stock Darts, sometimes years after production ended. For example, six were sold in the third quarter of 2025.
- For sale: You may be able to find a used Dodge Dart at a dealer, but stock is limited.
What is the main problem with Dodge Darts?
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.
Why did Dodge get rid of the Dart?
The Dart struggled to keep pace with new regulatory requirements, and its aging design began to feel out of step with the evolving automotive market. In 1976, Dodge announced that it would discontinue the Dart, and production officially ended in 1977.
Why did the Dodge Dart get discontinued?
A Car That Outlived Expectations –
Reviving a name once used on beloved Mopar muscle, the Dart was intended to replace the Neon and offer Dodge buyers an economical option. Unfortunately, sales never really took off like Dodge had hoped, and Fiat Chrysler eventually decided to phase it out.
