Dodge Dart just rolls off again: When “P” doesn’t really mean “P”

In 2019, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) recalled nearly 300,000 Dodge Dart models from 2013 to 2016. The problem: Shift cable bushings on the transmission could become loose – with potentially dangerous consequences. Even if the selector lever was in "P," for example, the transmission would remain in another gear, allowing the vehicle to roll unnoticed. The repair involved replacing the bushings with ones made of a more durable material that would be more resistant to heat and chemical influences.

But now it's clear that the replacement apparently wasn't permanently successful. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 reports of recurrences of the problem have been received so far. In all cases, the manufacturer had previously replaced the bushings in question. In several cases, the bushings came loose again or the shift cable was incorrectly adjusted – again resulting in vehicles being able to move unnoticed.

The NHTSA has therefore launched a so-called "Recall Query" – a follow-up investigation to examine the effectiveness of the recall and identify other causes. If it turns out that the recall did not provide a permanent solution to the problem, a new nationwide recall could follow.

While the Dodge Dart played a minor role in Europe, over 300,000 vehicles were sold to customers in the USA. Most of them have probably disappeared from the streets by now – but not from the databases of the security authorities.

What affected owners should do now

Owners of a 2013 to 2016 Dodge Dart with a 6-speed automatic transmission should check whether their vehicle was affected by the recall 19V-293 – and whether the repair was documented. Anyone who notices repeated shifting difficulties after the procedure or receives warning messages such as "vehicle not in PARK" should visit a repair shop immediately. The NHTSA encourages people to report all suspicious incidents directly via nhtsa.gov . If a new recall is issued, affected owners will be notified by mail.