Recall 13V238 affects 12,872 2012 Dodge Dart vehicles for cold-weather engine stalling. Powertrain-control-module reprogramming is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 12,872 2012 Dart vehicles equipped with the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission because the engine can stall in temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. A stall while driving increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power train on the 2012 Dodge Dart is the set of parts that makes power and sends it to the wheels. On this recall, the affected setup is the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine paired with a dual dry clutch transmission. The engine keeps the vehicle running, and the transmission manages how that power reaches the drive wheels.
In affected Dart vehicles, the engine can stall when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. A stall means the engine stops running while the vehicle is in use or at a stop, instead of continuing to idle or respond to the accelerator. Recall 13V238 identifies the cold-weather stall condition, but the filing does not give a deeper root-cause explanation for why this engine and transmission combination quits in that condition.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner-facing sign is the stall itself, especially during cold-weather operation at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Dodge Dart | powertrain |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 12,872 |
Not every 2012 Dodge Dart sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall while driving can cut power and increase the risk of a crash. If the engine loses power, steer to a safe place, stop, and call a dealer before driving again. Repair will be free at any franchised Dodge dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Dodge Dart is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to confirm scheduling for the free powertrain control module reprogramming that addresses cold-weather engine stalling.
- Reference recall number 13V238 when you call, and bring the Dodge owner notice if you have it.
- Avoid driving in 20 degree Fahrenheit or colder temperatures until the reprogramming is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician reprograms the powertrain control module so the engine and transmission control software use the corrected recall calibration. No parts are listed for replacement unless the dealer identifies a related service need during the visit. The dealer repair will be free once available. Before the appointment, give the service desk recall 13V238 or Chrysler campaign N32 so they can confirm the correct software update for the Dart.
Timeline
| June 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V238?
Recall 13V238 covers 12,872 2012 Dodge Dart vehicles with a 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission. In temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, the engine can stall while driving, increasing crash risk. Dodge dealers reprogram the powertrain control module for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Dodge Dart is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Dart is included in recall 13V238. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer and ask for the powertrain control module reprogramming. Reference recall 13V238 or Chrysler campaign N32 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V238, Dodge dealers reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge, including parts and labor, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
Is it safe to drive my Dodge Dart in cold weather?
The risk is an engine stall while driving in temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, which increases crash risk. Check your VIN before relying on the vehicle in cold weather. If your Dart is included, schedule the free dealer repair before normal use.
What if I bought my Dodge Dart used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Dart is included, then call a franchised Dodge dealer with recall 13V238 or Chrysler campaign N32.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V238000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V238 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V238000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →