CarComplaints.com Notes: The first year of the new Dodge Dart had a rough start, with owners reporting a disproportionate number of engine and transmission problems.
For transmission, the main complaints are transmission failure & rough shifting. So far, average mileage for transmission failure is 25,000 miles. Not good.
For engine problems, it usually starts with the engine light coming on for any number of reasons: bad sensors, ignition coil replacement, bad wiring, faulty gas cap ... dealers are replacing various components with varying degrees of success, or telling owners they can't duplicate the issue.
The car running and transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of power. The engine would lose power and because of lose of power it would cause loss of motion. Its like the car almost stops when this happen sand then I would put it back into drive and continue on.
But this is actually a problem. The dealer(service manager) act like you did something, rather than acknowledging that there is a warranty in place to fix these issues.
I've owned this car for about a year. I go to crank my car and it starts rough idling and it threw a blinking check engine light. Had a mechanic run the code and it was for the VVT Solenoid. I called a local Dodge dealership and ask for the part and location. I was told that there isn't a VVT Solenoid it was actually the MultiAir Actuator. The cost of that part is $960 without labor and tax. That's ridiculous when you can buy a motor at or around the same price.
At 30,000 mile the spark plug heated up and the tip of the plug damaged the valve, the same problem occured at 75,000. I am amazed at the issues I had. I am now looking for a new car, because this has been a big inconvenience for me since I need my car for work and travel. I use higher grade oil then recommended and change my oil every 5,000 mile to prevent issues and the car still has issues. Dodge has done nothing to help resolve the issue that repeat themselves.
The engine has no power due to lack of torque. The electrical system remote trunk goes off. The remote key fob sometimes won't open the doors or trunk.
Vehicle began running rough. After a few additional miles it stalled at a light and the check engine light came on. Drove it directly to the dealer who after telling us to just restart it decided the problem was more significant. After one week the dealer told us that Chrysler Group instructed them to replace the 3rd cylinder spark plug. They did that twice and both times the plug came up with oil on it. The dealer still has the car and now Chrysler Group has told them to replace the head. The dealer has stated that they are not allowed to make any repairs without Chrysler Group direction. At this time we don't know if that will solve the problem and we don't have a date for when to expect the car to be repaired and drivable.
- randy,
Yorba Linda, CA, US
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Dodge replies to Maintenance this is normal: Saying the reason for backfire is d/t.....An engine sag/surge or hesitation may be felt during medium/heavy acceleration load (roughly 85 percent throttle.) The customer may experience a slight "Bump" or "Surge" or "Hesitation" though the 2700-3000 RPM range.
Verification: Bring vehicle up to operating temp. While driving in 3rd gear, just prior to shift point, vehicle may experience a one time "bump" feel at approximately the 2700-3000 RPM range. During hot weather conditions, particularly if the vehicle is using regular fuel, there may be some ongoing "Surge" events following the "Bump."
This condition is considered normal characteristic of the Multi-air function of this engine. Do not attempt to repair at this time. If continues, use Premium fuel
Got the new Dart with the 1.4 multi air turbo in it with the 6 speed manuel trans. It was fun at first then went down hill real fast with in the first week had to take in the garage for chugging and radio not working correctly. Engine still is chugging after being in the shop 3 times and still no fix or the issue. Ready to get rid of this car and find one where you have problems they get fixed, not told there nothing that can be done.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The car running and transmission shifts into neutral, it can cause loss of power. The engine would lose power and because of lose of power it would cause loss of motion. Its like the car almost stops when this happen sand then I would put it back into drive and continue on.
But this is actually a problem. The dealer(service manager) act like you did something, rather than acknowledging that there is a warranty in place to fix these issues.
- rickeypace, Detroit, US