Dodge Hornet reliability: common problems by model year

Across 3 model years, the Dodge Hornet has 103 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. 2024 drew the most complaints (75), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (26).

3
Model years tracked
103
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
26
Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Dodge Hornet vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $24,987–$29,676.

Which Hornet years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

YearComplaints
20252
202475
202326

Highest: 2024 (75 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (26).

Where owners report problems

electrical system41
service brakes23
forward collision avoidance20
engine15
steering9

What owners say

Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, characterized by widespread criticism of its initial pricing, perceived poor quality and reliability, and its identity as a badge-engineered vehicle.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Hornet. Individual model years are broken down above.

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