Recall 15V542 affects 23,564 2012, 2014, 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles for TCM failure that shifts into neutral. Free repair at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 23,564 2012, 2014, 2015 Dart vehicles because the transmission control module can fail and shift the transmission into neutral. If that happens, the vehicle loses motive power and crash risk increases; Dodge dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module on the 2012, 2014, 2015 Dodge Dart is the electronic unit that tells the automatic transmission when and how to shift. It reads vehicle speed, engine load, and driver input, then commands the transmission to stay in gear or change gears. The Dart depends on that module to keep power moving from the engine to the wheels.
In affected Dart vehicles, the module can fail because of cracked solder joints inside the unit. Solder joints are tiny electrical connections on the circuit board. When one cracks, the module loses the clean electrical path it needs to control the transmission. The transmission can then shift into neutral without the driver selecting neutral, which removes drive power from the wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be the vehicle suddenly losing acceleration because the transmission has gone into neutral.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2012, 2014, and 2015 Dart model years tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2012 Dodge Dart | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 Dodge Dart | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Dodge Dart | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 23,564 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission that shifts into neutral can take away motive power while you are driving, which increases crash risk. If your Dart loses power or will not stay in gear, move out of traffic when safe and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012, 2014, 2015 Dodge Dart is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the free TCM and bracket replacement that fixes the transmission control module failure that can shift the Dart into neutral.
- Bring any recall notice Dodge sent you. If you do not have it, reference recall number 15V542 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the repair is complete. If the transmission shifts into neutral or the Dart loses power, move out of traffic and contact the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician replaces the transmission control module (TCM) and its bracket. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Owners who already paid out of pocket for this TCM related repair can use the manufacturer's reimbursement process. The owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Keep copies of any repair paperwork before sending documents in.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 25, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 6, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| October 24, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 5, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V542?
Recall 15V542 covers 23,564 2012, 2014, and 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles with a transmission control module defect. The TCM can fail and shift the transmission into neutral, causing loss of motive power and increasing crash risk. Dodge dealers replace the TCM and bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2012, 2014, 2015 Dodge Dart is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Dodge Dart is included in recall 15V542. If it is, call a franchised Dodge dealer and schedule the TCM and bracket replacement. Reference recall number R42 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, and the filed remedy says dealers will replace the TCM and bracket free of charge. Use a franchised Dodge dealer for the covered recall repair.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V542?
The safety risk is loss of motive power while driving. If the transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral, the Dodge Dart can stop accelerating, which increases crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the transmission control module and bracket named in the recall.
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 see whether your specific Dart is included, then call a franchised Dodge dealer and reference recall number R42.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V542000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V542000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →