Dodge Dart Recall Issued Due to Risk of Transmission Shifting to Neutral Suddenly

More than 27,000 Dodge Dart vehicles have been recalled after the manufacturer recognized the potential for the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral, posing a potential crash and injury hazard to drivers and occupants. 

The Dodge Dart recall (PDF) was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on September 14, after several consumer complaints indicating the vehicles dual dry-clutch transmission may unexpectedly shift into neutral, resulting in a temporary loss of acceleration. To date, Fiat Chrysler has not received any injuries or accident reports.

Fiat Chrysler’s investigation identified that a mounting bracket has the potential to contact and disrupt a circuit board in the transmission control module, resulting in the vehicles transmission shifting into neutral. If this contact occurs, the engine will remain on and the airbags and other essential safety features will not be affected. A dashboard warning light may illuminate to notify the driver.

Included in the recall are roughly 27,520 model years 2013 through 2015 Dodge Darts with dual dry-clutch transmissions. Fiat Chrysler announced that there are approximately 23,688 recalled Darts in the U.S., 3,376 in Canada, five in Mexico, and another 451 that were sold outside of North America. The affected vehicles were manufactured between February 24, 2012 and June 16, 2015.

To verify whether your vehicle is a part of the recall, owners may input their Vehicle Identification Number in the search engine at Fiat Chrysler’s website http://recalls.mopar.com/.

Fiat Chrysler announced that the company has begun notifying customers of the potential defect and will provide information via mailing notice with instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer.