Dodge Hornet Complaints (2024)

64 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
#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
#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
#11720238February 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY
I am a disabled veteran reporting a failed recall remedy and a dangerous safety defect in a 2024 Dodge Hornet GT. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Recall 25V246000 (Rear Visibility System), where the display module was reportedly replaced/updated. On January 17, 2026, while driving at slow speeds, the center infotainment screen suffered a total failure and went blank. This failure resulted in the immediate loss of the rearview camera and all primary safety/vehicle interfaces, which is a direct violation of FMVSS No. 111. I provided video evidence of the total screen failure to the service department at Southern Dodge Jeep Ram Alfa Romeo in Norfolk Virginia. While they confirmed the failure occurred based on my footage, they stated they could not replicate the issue during their inspection and informed me there was "nothing they could do." They refused to keep me in a safe loaner vehicle, forcing me to choose between driving a fundamentally unsafe vehicle with my young child or incurring massive personal expense for a rental. Due to the manufacturer’s inability to provide a permanent remedy for a federally recalled safety defect, I was forced to sell the vehicle at a significant loss. I am filing this to urge an investigation into the effectiveness of the current remedy for Recall 25V246000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719406February 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Since delivery, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system intermittently fails without warning while in motion. The system frequently displays an "Unavailable" message, particularly during stop-and-go traffic at speeds around 20 mph. This sudden deactivation occurs with no prior audible or visual alert, leaving the driver with dangerously limited time to manually intervene and avoid potential rear-end collisions. Attempted Repairs: The vehicle has been to the dealership service department multiple times for this specific issue. While technicians acknowledge the system failure and have documented the error, they stated there is currently no functional repair or software fix available from the manufacturer. The safety risk remains unresolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718854February 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am filing this complaint due to repeated and dangerous electrical and hybrid system failures in my 2024 Dodge Hornet, which have resulted in sudden loss of acceleration, loss of braking performance, dashboard warning lights, and system malfunctions while driving. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times at Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram with the following documented incidents: • Check engine light and loss of acceleration on highway – Vehicle would not accelerate while driving on the highway. • Repeated highway loss of power – Vehicle drops speed while driving and will not accelerate, requiring me to pull over and shut the vehicle off to regain acceleration. • Battery/Hybrid system malfunction – Vehicle experienced abnormal battery percentage drops and required multiple software flashes and reprogramming of PCM, hybrid control processor, and transmission control modules. • Grinding noise from engine with complete loss of acceleration – Vehicle had to be towed. Dealer found active hybrid generator performance code (P0A92). The motor generator unit (MGU) was found to have failed and required replacement. • All dashboard warning lights illuminated / Drive mode unavailable message – Vehicle would not accelerate and multiple control modules required flashing and updates. • Brake pedal went soft – Loss of normal brake pedal feel was reported. • Electrical communication faults – Stored codes for lost communication with AC compressor control module and cabin air heater module. • Frozen backup camera (intermittent issue not always replicated at dealer) – Rearview camera screen has frozen while reversing, creating risk of collision. The most serious safety concern is the repeated loss of acceleration while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to pull over in active traffic. Additionally, the soft brake pedal and electronic failures raise concerns about braking reliability. These failures create a serious risk of crash or injury to myself and others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714917February 2, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact stated that while the front wheels were improperly aligned during manufacturing of the vehicle, causing the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires treads to prematurely wear on the inner section of the tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 3,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712838January 23, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The Center Display Screen on about 18,800 of the above vehicles may have been built with a defect, which may result in the rearview image not displaying in a backing event. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle. A blank screen will appear in place of the rearview image. If the driver does not heed the blank screen warning and fails to otherwise make sure it is safe to operate the vehicle in reverse, a vehicle crash can occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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