CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Dodge›
  4. Dart›
  5. 2013

2013 Dodge Dart Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller
2013 Dodge Dart Report

Overall Score

7.6/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Significant concerns exist regarding the powertrain, particularly transmission and shifter issues, which are the most frequent complaints.
  • Electrical system problems are also common, affecting various vehicle functions.
  • A recall for the shifter cable detaching and causing loss of park function is a critical safety and reliability issue.
  • Despite powertrain woes, the Dart boasts excellent NHTSA safety ratings, scoring 5 stars overall.
See the 5 checks before you buyFree • Takes 20s • Saves Thousands $
OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2013 Dodge Dart

The 2013 Dodge Dart aimed for a compact car segment with a European-inspired design. While it offers a comfortable ride and good safety ratings, its long-term reliability is a notable concern for used car shoppers. The vehicle has a significant number of complaints related to its powertrain and electrical systems, including a critical recall for loss of park function. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, and it achieved a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

Critical Failure Risk

A significant number of complaints and a recall focus on the automatic transmission and shifter linkage. Failures include loss of park function, unexpected shifting into neutral, and general transmission malfunctions. This points to potential issues with the shifter cable, transmission control module, or internal transmission components.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$2,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls1
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

375
Power Train108
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
30
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.8/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing safety ratings and fuel economy over long-term dependability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience or a vehicle with a strong reliability record.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2013 Dodge Dart Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2013 Dodge Dart.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
24

CarFocal account required

See the full 2013 Dodge Dart buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 108 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 53 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes

Est. shop cost: $100 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
1 recall campaign details & remedy notes
Create free account

Free • Takes 20 seconds • Saves Thousands $

Already have an account? Log in

FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2013 Dodge Dart reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 Dodge Dart is 7.8/10. Reliability score is 7.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 1. Owner complaints: 375.

How practical is the 2013 Dodge Dart for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 Dodge Dart is 7.6/10. Overall score is 7.6/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.8/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Automatic Transmission (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $3,000+).

What engine is in the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.

What transmission does the 2013 Dodge Dart use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Dodge Dart, transmission is Automatic 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Dodge Dart, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2013 Dodge Dart use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Dodge Dart, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 6-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

Top complaint category: power train (108 reports, 28.8% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

This model year has 1 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2013 Dodge Dart?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2013 Honda Civic and 2013 Toyota Corolla.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.