Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Dodge Dart
The 2013 Dodge Dart has a significant number of owner complaints, particularly regarding the transmission, brakes, and electrical system. A notable recall involves the transmission shifter cable. Given the numerous complaints, careful inspection is advised if considering this model as a used purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Dodge Dart has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 1,165 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V674000 Detached Shifter Cable May Cause Vehicle Rollaway NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 524 complaints
- Service Brakes 257 complaints
- Electrical System 185 complaints
- Engine 173 complaints
- Unknown or Other 118 complaints
- Air Bags 70 complaints
Of the 1,165 complaints on file, 67 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 1,165 complaints, owners report 36 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Shifter cable detachment
How to check: Verify proper shifting and park functionality.
Service brakes issues
How to check: Examine brake response and any warning lights.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all lights, controls, and displays.
Engine-related complaints
How to check: Listen for unusual noises and check warning lights.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or strange noises.
Red flag: Persistent rough idle noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Multiple warning lights active
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Spongy brakes, high-pitched noise
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration response and stability.
Red flag: Hesitation or drifting at speed
- 06
Turning corners
What to check: Check steering response for firmness and control.
Red flag: Loose or unresponsive steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission shifter cable been replaced?
- Are there any unresolved recall repairs?
- Have brakes been serviced recently?
- Any persistent electrical issues?
- Can you provide service history records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty records, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Dodge Dart at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Dodge Dart? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.