Dodge Hornet Complaints (2024)

78 consumer complaints on file.

#11770077October 9, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V510000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe for passengers to ride in. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769621October 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's minor child was inside the vehicle during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure had occurred because the battery charge was low with 40-mile to empty. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769698October 7, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. While the contact's son was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a tree and came to a stop. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated and independently went blank. The contact's son sustained pain and bruises to the body. In addition, the contact stated that a month prior, several unknown warning lights illuminated and later went off. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The Police arrived on the scene, and a Police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,125.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11765483September 19, 2026
SEAT BELTS
My rear seat belt on the driver side has twisted and will not retract in or out anymore it is stuck out to large for my child that is in a booster seat. I have two children and am unable to use one of the seats needed for my children. The dealership will not take the vehicle or give me a loaner. They directed me to dodge customer care which they will not provide a loaner due to the unit still being in my possession. The dealership will not take the unit because there is not a remedy for the seat belt. One dealership told me the parts wasn’t available. The second told me they don’t work on Alfa Romero I had to clear up what vehicle I owned even though my vin was already provided. Which she told me they don’t have a loaner and I needed to contact dodge customer care where they told me they would not help me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764095September 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Approximately one month after purchasing this vehicle new, I began experiencing a recurring loss-of-propulsion defect. Since XXX, the vehicle has repeatedly lost the ability to accelerate ("limp mode" / "turtle mode") without warning, and later experienced a complete no-start/shutdown failure caused by a PIM/IDCM power electronics failure (repaired ~XXX at approximately 15,650 miles). The vehicle has been in for repair 6 times, totaling approximately 120 days out of service. As of late XXX new (lesser) electrical issues have recurred and have not yet caused a full failure, but I have no confidence they will not recur at highway speed or in an isolated area. I drive an hour each way to work at night through rural, isolated southeast [XXX] with little to no cell service. A sudden loss of propulsion in this environment puts me at serious risk of being stranded in an unsafe location, or of a rear-end collision if the loss of power occurs in traffic. On XXX, the servicing dealership (Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Enterprise, AL) told me the vehicle was "operating as expected" and to continue driving it until the problem occurs again — despite the documented recurring defect. I have an active NCDS arbitration claim open with Stellantis regarding this same defect (Case #Dodge XXX), and have requested repurchase/replacement under Alabama's Lemon Law. I am filing this report separately to ensure NHTSA has a record of the safety risk for other Hornet owners. 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
#11761790September 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the 7th time this has happened turtle mode out of nowhere I've took it in the shop so much for the same reason the car shut off on me with my [XXX] grand child the car completely stopped throwing my neck extremely hard so hard I'm thinking about seeking medical attention and was stranded 2 hours in a location that was not safe my grandson was [XXX] at the time the car rolled backwards at hit my grandson also my car traveled backwards 30 feet backwards down hill on the interstate ramp this is really starting to be a hazard situation and my family members and myself are getting hurt [XXX] the past years and some months something has to be done or I would have to do something about it I have 2 other adult witnesses in both occasions of this happening I've reported all the time the deal ships never have loner cars because I can't just keep leaving my car for weeks or days something has to give before someone dies in this car I also have recalls for seats belts another safety hazard this will be my last report the car has electrical problems some where 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
#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
#11748931July 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Just 5 minutes after starting the drive, the 'Limp Mode' warning light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became completely unresponsive. The vehicle decelerated rapidly and came to a sudden stop in the middle of an intersection, putting me in a highly dangerous situation. Furthermore, I pressed the emergency SOS button, but it failed to function entirely.
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
#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

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