Chrysler Power Train Recall Issued for Certain Dodge Dart Vehicles Due to Rollaway Risks

Similar recall was issued by the manufacturer in 2019, impacting over 300,000 vehicles with defective transmission cables.

A recall has been issued for nearly 300,000 Dodge Dart vehicles, due to a defect that may cause the transmission shifter cable to detach, potentially preventing the vehicle from properly engaging in park.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Chrysler Dodge Dart recall on October 14, following more than 560 warranty claims related to the issue, which could result in serious injuries in a rollaway incident. 

While no injuries or accidents have been reported in relation to the recall, officials are encouraging customers to schedule their recall repairs as soon as a remedy becomes available.

The shifter cable links the gear selector inside the vehicle to the transmission, ensuring the car stays securely in park. If the cable detaches, the transmission may not engage the park position, increasing the risk of unintended movement while entering or exiting the vehicle, potentially leading to an auto accident.

The manufacturer first became aware of the concern in April 2019, when it identified a safety defect in certain vehicles where the shifter cable could detach from the transmission.

The latest recall follows a similar action in 2019, when Chrysler recalled more than 320,000 Dodge Dart vehicles over nearly identical transmission problems. In that case, the transmission-side shifter cable bushing was found to deteriorate and detach, preventing drivers from properly selecting gears and leading to rollaway hazards. 

Although repairs were made at the time, the current recall suggests the defect may have persisted or reemerged in additional vehicles.

Following additional reports of the problem, the issue was reevaluated, and a second voluntary safety recall (PDF) was announced on October 14 for 298,439 Dodge Dart vehicles from model years 2013 through 2016.

Owners will begin receiving interim notification letters on November 6, explaining the safety risks associated with the issue until a permanent solution is developed. A second notice will be sent once the solution becomes available.

Chrysler’s number for this recall is A0C. Customers can contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 or Chrysler’s contact for the recall, Emily Smith, via email at emily.c.smith@dot.gov.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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