Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Dodge Hornet
CUV · Hybrid · 2 versions · owner report
Ranked #28 of 29 used compact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (206 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, characterized by widespread criticism of its initial pricing, perceived poor quality and reliability, and its identity as a badge-engineered vehicle.
8 problems reported (4 very frequent, 4 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere electrical/system failures causing a no-start condition
Dashboard lights cycle through numerous error messages, vehicle fails to turn over, often related to faulty batteries, corroded wiring, or water intrusion into modules.
- Very frequentOverpricing at launch
Initial MSRP (noted from $31,400 to over $55,000) was universally criticized as exorbitant for the vehicle's size, features, and brand perception.
- Very frequentQuestionable long-term reliability
Broad, pervasive perception of poor Stellantis quality control, with specific fears about the powertrain and complex PHEV variant.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentRapid, severe depreciation
Immediate and deep discounts on new models indicate extremely poor resale value.
- RecurrentSoftware glitches and warning light cascades
System malfunctions trigger unrelated warning lights (e.g., parking brake, collision assist) during normal operation or simple tests.
- RecurrentPoor build quality and component failures
Plastic door latches that fail in cold weather, loose door handles, and general concerns about subpar materials and assembly.
- RecurrentLack of brand identity/character
Does not feel or drive like a traditional Dodge; perceived as a misplaced rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale.
- RecurrentCramped interior and limited cargo space
Criticized for being smaller than segment leaders like the CR-V/RAV4, offering less practicality.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim level receives consistent praise or recommendation. The GT trim with the 2.0L turbo engine is mentioned in isolated positive experiences, but this is not a recurrent trend.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport and Mazda CX-3.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, characterized by widespread criticism of its initial pricing, perceived poor quality and reliability, and its identity as a badge-engineered vehicle. The vehicle is described as a significant market flop, with very frequent mentions of deep dealer discounts (e.g., new models selling for under $25,000 versus a $43,500+ MSRP) being necessary to generate any interest. Positive remarks are isolated and focus on its acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, and feature content when heavily discounted. The dominant narrative is one of disappointment, citing overpricing for its size and segment, a lack of brand-appropriate Dodge character, and recurrent, severe electrical and software issues that render the vehicle inoperable.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an overpriced, underperforming entry in the compact/subcompact SUV segment. Directly compared to and criticized against the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross for being similarly sized but initially far more expensive while offering inferior perceived reliability. The Alfa Romeo Tonale, its platform sibling, is mentioned as a more appropriate (though also struggling) vehicle for its character. Frequently described as offering less value, space, and reliability than mainstream competitors like the Honda CR-V, and lacking the engaging dynamics or brand prestige to justify its price against sportier alternatives like the Mazda CX-5 or Kona N. Consensus places it as a poorly executed rebadge with no clear competitive advantage.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended by the community. Isolated advice suggests avoiding the vehicle entirely or only considering it at extreme discounts.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase due to widespread concerns over reliability, electrical issues, and catastrophic depreciation. If considered, only at massive dealer discounts ($8,000-$18,000 off MSRP), bringing transaction prices to the mid-$20,000s. Potential buyers are strongly advised to research extensive owner reports of no-start conditions and other electrical failures. Leasing is specifically cautioned against due to the likelihood of being stuck with an unreliable vehicle. Considered a high-risk purchase with probable long-term parts availability challenges given its short production run and market failure.
Remarks
The vehicle's market failure is attributed to a combination of catastrophic pricing strategy, severe early reliability problems, and a lack of coherent brand positioning. Owner discussions frequently reference its identity as a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale, which contributed to its rejection by the Dodge enthusiast base. The "GT" model's 2.0L turbo engine, while praised for power in isolated comments, requires premium fuel, adding to ownership costs. Production was reportedly paused in 2026 and the model was killed, with community feedback indicating it was "dead from the beginning." Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices15 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 24V752000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V246000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 26V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system: cables:fastener/connectorcampaign 23V623000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
2024 · back over prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian alertcampaign 23V696000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
2024 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V175000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2024 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V209000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The manufacturer label is missing the tire rim and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2024 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 24V752000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V246000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 26V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system: cables:fastener/connectorcampaign 23V623000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
2023 · back over prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian alertcampaign 23V696000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
2023 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V175000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V246000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 26V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
Specifications
R/T 1.3 Turbo eAWD Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid · 288 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026