Dodge Hornet Complaints

92 consumer complaints on file.

#11759037August 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was no power to my Dodge hornet, and I needed to open the rear lift gate. The only way to do that, was to pull the emergency trunk release handle. When I went to look for the handle by the liftgate, I found that there was no handle. I took the rear tailgate panel off, and found that not only was the handle not present, but the entire cable assembly was missing. My vehicle has never been in an accident, and this panel had never been removed before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759007August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical will randomly glitch out on start and will not populate properly in the dash and tablet. Error messages will get stuck in sequence and necessitate bringing the vehicle into a dealership to reset everything. It’s very scary to drive when you car is telling you your power steering is off, your airbags are off, check transmission, check engine all at the same time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758166August 20, 2026
SEAT BELTS, BACK OVER PREVENTION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and then rolled forward and backwards. The contact stated that the brake pedal was loose. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently purchased from a dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact researched and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V246000 (Back Over Prevention), 25V846000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 26V510000 (Seat Belts). However, the recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V510000 (Seat Belts); however, indicated parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748869July 7, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I have contacted mopar dodge customer care because i have tried 3 dealerships one including the one i bought my car from to get this recalled and go nowhere ! Dodge had a claim filed for my car and they have not called me in 3 weeks on how to get this issue fixed and when it was at a dealership and hour away they set up the appointment they denied me a rental for a week to get to and from and they found out it was broken when the part was ordered and they informed me they don't now how to fix it and if the screen goes black i can still drive it's safe i informed them i don't feel comfortable in doing so can someone please help me
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748865July 7, 2026
TIRES
235/40ZR20
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746183June 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact rented a 2024 Dodge Hornet from Avis Car Rental. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "URGENT SAFETY RECALL - Your vehicle has an urgent safety recall: NHTSA Recall Number 24V752000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), Collapsed Brake Pedal - Call Customer Care or the Dealer to Schedule Repair" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact emailed Avis Car Rental about the recall and the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744798June 17, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Tail light bar fractured spontaneously without any external physical impact due to structural over-tightening at the factory, creating a risk of water intrusion that can short out required FMVSS rear lighting. What the data shows is that this isn't a random occurrence — it's a known manufacturing and installation defect. If you look at the accounts from dozens of owners on places like Reddit and Hornet forums, they describe identical failures across the board. Here is the breakdown of why so many people are running into this exact problem: 1. The Real Cause: "Over-Torque" From the Factory The most eye-opening discovery from owners who have dealt with this multiple times is that the cracks are usually mechanical, not environmental. When the "racetrack" light bar is installed at the factory, the securing bolts are often tightened too far down. This leaves virtually zero gap between the plastic light assembly and the metal car body. As you drive, hit bumps, or slam the rear liftgate, the light bar literally smashes against the vehicle's body panels, causing the plastic to buckle and fracture under the stress. 2. Spontaneous Hairline Fractures Many owners report walking out to their driveway to find massive spiderweb cracks along the top edge of the light bar, despite swearing they never backed into anything. The tension on the plastic is so high that temperature changes (like going through a cold car wash on a hot day) are enough to spontaneously trigger the fracture. 3. The Secondary Nightmare: Water Traps Once the plastic casing gets that hairline crack along the top edge, rain and car wash water seep right into the lens. Because the assembly is sealed tightly, the water gets trapped inside, causing: Condensation that can short out the racetrack LED segments. Delamination, where the water forces the internal tint film to separate from the plastic, making the crack look much wider and worse over time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743599June 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX] the electrical system on the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T malfunctioned and all warning lights were simultaneously flashing on the screen and all driver safety warnings malfunctioned. There was loss of Power Steering Assist while driving the car as well as an Electronic Parking Brake malfunction.. It is unknown what other specific electronic safety functions failed as well but the complete system was severely malfunctioning and all warning lights displayed simultaneously. The car was brought in for service May 30, 2026, at Westbury Chrysler Jeep Dodge Service Center located at 111 Bond Street, Westbury, NY 11590 to repair the electrical system. On June 10, 2026, the car was ready for us to pick up. It was driven back to our house (a 30 minute drive) with no incident and was used by my wife this morning, on. June 11, for her short commute to work. [XXX], my wife started the Hornet and the same electrical problem occurred with the same safety issues. This electrical failure occured within 24 hours of receiving the car back from the service center. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743040June 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My car has had an issue ever since they replaced the recall for my radio. I have been getting the A arrow symbol and it says start stop restart. I was in the middle of traffic and I have to make sure I keep inching up without fully stopping bc my car will shut itself down in gear. With traffic around me I have to put it in park and try to start it 3-4 times for the error to go away I almost got rear ended a few times. This has been an on going dangerous issue. They want me to drop my car off for the day and pay fees. This is awful and not safe! And then my radio screen turns off and then it won’t connect to my phone or it says it’s over heating when it’s 70-80 outside my entire dash will shut off where I can’t see the speed etc no gauges.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736790May 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
At approximately 11:00PM on April 24, 2026 I received a phone call from a neighbor telling me that my car was on fire. I went outside and the car, which was parked in the driveway, was pouring out smoke and making popping noises. We called the fire department and watch from a safe distance. The smoke and popping got worse another were large flares or jets of flame visible. The fire department attempted to contain the fire but the priority was our house. After multiple attempts to put out the fire the fire fighters used a specially manufactured blanket to aid in keeping the fire from spreading. The fire burned for roughly 3-4 hours before burning itself out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734973April 30, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Unresolved Safety Defects & Request for Buyback/Replacement - 2024 Dodge Hornet GT Dear NHTSA I am writing to formally demand a resolution regarding a persistent and life-threatening safety defect in my vehicle, purchased from Gary Barbera Autoland. Since the time of purchase, this vehicle has experienced repeated electrical malfunctions causing a total loss of power, including the failure of steering and braking systems while in motion. To date, the vehicle has been returned for service seven times over the past 2.5 years for this identical issue. The dealership has failed to rectify the defect and is now citing an expired mileage warranty. However, the records clearly indicate that this safety defect was reported and remained unresolved while the vehicle was well within the warranty period. Under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer is required to repair a vehicle within a reasonable number of attempts (typically three). This vehicle is currently unsafe for myself, my disabled mother, and the public. I am requesting that Stellantis the Manufacturer initiate a buyback or replacement of this vehicle immediately. Please provide a written response within [5-7] business days outlining your intent to resolve this matter. Thank you Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734020April 27, 2026
STEERING
This involves a rental from AVIS at Orlando International Airport that I picked up on the 24th of March. I drove up to Palm Coast, as that journey progressed I began to notice that turning the steering wheel, either right or left the beginning of that motion had no effect on the direction of the car, which meant you had to turn the wheel further than you would normally that gave the driver a lack of confidence in the steering. This got progressively worse over the next couple of days, so I investigated to see what was wrong. It took me a little over one minute to find the pinch bolt in the knuckle joint, where the steering column joins to the steering rack, was completely missing. Realising how dangerous this was, I contacted AVIS, who asked me to drive the car some 30 miles to their nearest depot/office, which I declined to do, telling the vehicle was dangerous in it's current condition. They brought a replacement car on a recovery lorry and took the first car away. I told the driver that the car he was taking should not be put on rental until the issue was sorted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733890April 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On April 22rd after leaving work and accelerating to pass a vehicle upon lifting my foot from the throttle the vehicle continued to accelerated, turbos engaged and braking caused a service electronic throttle control system message on the dash. After stopping at a red light once the light turned green the vehicle accelerated on its own with no driver input and continued to accelerate until I was able to stop the vehicle. Despite heavy brake pressure the vehicle was still trying to accelerate at a stop. This was the third incident of this type of issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729354April 6, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2023 Dodge Hornet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V246000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the recall repair was completed; however, the NHTSA website indicated that the VIN was still under recall. The contact informed the manufacturer, and an appointment was scheduled, but the contact was informed by the dealer that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729352April 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle accelerated on its own as if the throttle was depressed full throttle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728771April 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
I am having continual failures of the electronic door lock/linkage that causes the door to no open from either the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The door latch has been replaced twice on the driver door, once on the rear driver side, the passenger rear is going to be replaced this week, and the passenger front is starting to make a similar noise that the others have made before failing. In an attempt to fix before the cable was also replaced on the latch. The vehicle will not lock the doors allowing for them to be opened while the alarm is armed and will set it off from the exterior of the vehicle. This does not appear to be related to cold weather that has caused issues with the door closing in the past. All repairs have been completed under warranty, but I am considering this to be a safety risk, it does not throw warning messages or errors on the EVIC, and a general scanner does not show any faults with the door. I consider this to be a major safety risk due to the fact that if it fails on the interior of the vehicle, you cannot get out in an emergency without climbing over the door. If it fails from the exterior and an emergency happens you would need to access from another way and crawl over the seats. I do not slam the doors, and the driver side are the most used on this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728565April 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Date: April 1, 2026 Subject: FINAL NOTICE: Repeated Safety Failures and Demand for Buyback – 2024 Dodge Hornet (VIN: [XXX] ) To [XXX] Autoland, Management and Stellantis Customer Care, I am writing to formally document a persistent and life-threatening safety defect regarding my 2024 Dodge Hornet GT, purchased on December 21, 2023. As of today, this vehicle has become a liability to my physical safety and a significant financial burden. Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2024 Dodge Hornet GT Purchase Date: 12/21/2023 Current Mileage: 41,166 History of Failure: The vehicle has experienced five distinct instances of total power loss, resulting in the immediate loss of power steering and braking assistance while in motion. These incidents occurred on the following dates: January 10, 2024 May 2024 October 19, 2024 – November 21, 2024 (Out of service for 33 days) November 24, 2024 (Out of service for an additional 7 days) March 29, 2026 – Present (Currently in shop; no status update or loaner provided) Safety Concern: These malfunctions are not minor mechanical inconveniences; they represent a "Nonconformity" that substantially impairs the safety and use of the vehicle. Operating a vehicle that may lose steering and braking power at any moment places me at imminent risk of bodily injury or death. Demand: Despite my exhaustive documentation—including photos, email history, and towing records—both the dealership and the manufacturer have failed to provide a permanent repair or adequate support. I am formally requesting a Repurchase (Buyback) of this vehicle under the provisions of state Lemon Law and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This vehicle has been out of service for over 40 cumulative days for the same recurring safety issue, which far exceeds the threshold for a "reasonable number of repair attempts." Please provide a written response regarding the status of my vehicle and a decision on this buyback request within 3 days INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726448March 23, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Have been, unsuccessfully, attempting to get my vehicle repaired under Safety Recall Notice 25V-246 for almost 1 year. Today was my fourth attempt. I do not believe the manufacturer is making a good faith attempt to rectify a built in defect with my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724928March 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STEERING
The contact rented a 2024 Dodge Hornet. While driving 50-75 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the steering wheel was not turning as intended. Additionally, the steering wheel and the front axle were not responding as intended, and constant adjustments were needed; the contact had to grip the steering wheel tightly. The contact stated that the failure increased while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven back to the rental agency. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 48,025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720974February 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
While commuting to work, my vehicle’s dashboard illuminated with the indicators for both the engine and hybrid electric systems. Subsequently, the vehicle began to hydroplane across lanes into the median, rendering it impossible to regain control. prior to the incident, my electrical system on my dash been flickering and blacking out Random occasions for the past weeks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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