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2016 Dodge Dart

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Dodge Dart
Pictured: Dodge Dart 2.0 Rallye 2014 (14217526095). Photo: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
Length
184.3 in
Curb weight
3,186 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Dodge Dart is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 22% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 262 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Dart — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Dart →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan184.3 in72 in57.9 in106.7 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,186 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Dart Aero1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+22%$2,550280
Dart Aero1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+22%$2,550279
Dart1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 38 / 31+18%$2,650285
Dart1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+15%$2,750292
Dart2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+11%$2,300309
Dart2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 34 / 27+3%$2,500328
Dart2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 34 / 27+3%$2,500334
Dart FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 33 / 27+3%$2,500327
Dart GT2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26-1%$2,600336
Dart GT2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-5%$2,700350
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Dodge Dart.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Dodge Dart (this car)32 MPGNot rated5
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPGNot rated5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1
2016 Toyota Prius56 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (5)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Oct 9, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V674000 · 298,439 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles. The shifter cable may detach from the transmission, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the park (P) position and causing a loss of park function.
Risk
A loss of park function may allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V293 will need to have the new remedy completed. Dealers will replace the shifter cable assembly and install a cap, free of charge. Interim notification letters, explaining the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Apr 11, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V293000 · 298,439 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
Risk
If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer · Nov 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V813000 · 53,155 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
Risk
Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S83.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V113000 · 1,122 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software.
Risk
Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S10.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Dodge Dart is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

262Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
49,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train80
Engine67
Unknown Or Other60
Electrical System49
Service Brakes26
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Visibility/Wiper12
Steering11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 223/11: 223/12: 124/01: 124/06: 125/01: 225/03: 125/06: 125/07: 225/08: 225/09: 125/10: 625/11: 125/12: 326/01: 726/02: 426/03: 426/04: 426/05: 526/06: 126/07: 426/08: 926/09: 126/10: 523/1024/0125/0325/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Dodge Dart buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 80 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 67 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 49 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 49,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Dart. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Dart years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2015 Dart32184.3 inNot rated6530
2014 Dart32184.3 inNot rated4364
2013 Dart32184.3 inNot rated1286

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →