2024 Dodge Hornet: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, brakes, and steering. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024- Owner complaints
- 60
- Recalls
- 7
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 3
One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2024 Dodge Hornet: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Hornet is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Dodge Hornet. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD | 24 mpg |
| 1.3L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD | 360 mi range |
- The 2024 Dodge Hornet was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Hornet that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Auxiliary water pump coolant leak
1,800–3,700 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Dodge Hornet, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical171 crash
No-start and random shutdowns lead these reports, often traced to the battery. Some cars get several batteries and repeated computer reflashes. While driving, the center screen or the whole dash goes blank, which takes out the rear camera and navigation. Other reports describe low power mode, sudden loss of acceleration on the highway, and radar-obstructed warnings that switch off forward safety features. One fire report describes smoke from the vents, then flames from the engine compartment. One crash report says the car surged forward with the brake applied.
Brakes10No crashes
Most of these filings are about a brake recall notice, not a failure. Owners say dealers had no repair parts until January 2025, and several had no loaner car while they waited. Most of these owners report no brake problem. Separate reports describe a loud squeal when braking in cold or wet weather that dealers cannot reproduce. One fire report describes all four brakes catching fire after a gentle highway stop and later locking up. One driver finds the brake and gas pedals too close together.
Steering7No crashes
Sudden loss of power steering is the main pattern, and it usually comes with a wider electrical failure. Reports describe a dead battery or no-start, and after a jump the dash fills with warnings for power steering, stability control, engine, and forward collision. One owner reports five total power losses by 41,166 miles. A rental at about 48,025 miles made a loud noise and wandered at 50 to 75 mph. One fire report describes an electrical fire while the car sat in the shop.
Backup camera61 crash
Nearly all of these reports are about a rear camera recall where the repair parts are on back order. Owners describe repeated dealer visits, no set date for parts, and waits of close to a year. Most say the camera had not failed on their car. One crash report describes the backup display going black while reversing, followed by a minor collision with another vehicle.
Engine5No crashes
Coolant loss from a leaking auxiliary water pump shows up early, at 1,800 and 3,700 miles, and the check engine light comes on. Some leaks continue after the repair, and dealers sometimes cannot find them. Several owners report a full engine replacement, one at 8,496 miles, and one describes scored cylinder walls. Shop stays run a month or longer, with one owner going 180 days without a loaner. There is also a report of the engine shutting off in an intersection and not restarting.
Transmission2No crashes
Loss of control on slippery roads is the main concern. On wet snow, lifting off the gas triggers regenerative braking that skids the rear wheels in any drive mode, even under 5 mph, and the car fishtails. A separate report describes the car moving forward and backward on its own while in reverse with no throttle applied. That report also mentions electrical reboots and a battery that will not charge.
Automatic emergency braking2No crashes
Adaptive cruise control shuts off without warning, especially in stop-and-go traffic around 20 mph, and the driver has to take over with little notice. Dealers confirm the fault but say there is no repair or software fix for it. Another report describes Forward Collision Avoidance disabled and SOS call failed messages at startup, recurring at about 8,000 miles. In that case the dealer could not reproduce the fault.
Body and structure2No crashes
A front wheel rim came off while driving under normal conditions and dented the front door. The car was still under warranty, but the owner paid for the replacement rim. Latch problems also appear. One hood latch broke and the dealer did not repair it, and the secondary hood release is hard to reach. One trunk latch keeps failing, so the trunk will not fully close.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Hornet owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Not being able to scroll through the presets on the steering wheel is a safety hazard. I previously had a 2023 Compass, and it had the buttons on the back of the steering wheel that allowed you to cycle through presets, step through channels up and down one by on and change the source (Sirius, FM, AM, Phone). All without having to take your eyes off the road to swipe through screens to find what you want to listen to. This is a huge miss for the Hornet.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
The automatic cruise control will suddenly stop working and I’m not sure why. At first I thought it was only because of glare into the radar camera, but I’ve noticed even when conditions are cloudy it still happens. The dash lights up and claims the radar is obstructed and will disengage all of the forward safety features instantly… this doesn’t seem good and it can be very alarming at times.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Nothing on my personal vehicle has failed yet, but the fact that Stellantis has this recall issue with the Hornets and there is no immediate fix nor will they provide a loaner vehicle is absurd and unacceptable. The safety of many is put at risk by the brakes having the potential to fail. This issue could seriously injure or even kill people.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
my dodge Hornet is involved in this recall. The area that the bolt is to be place to satisfy the recall looks like a bolt should have been placed there and it was left out!!! According to the service bulletin there is NO drilling required to add this solution. I feel that this situation should looked into further.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
Complete electrical issues, starting with no start up, after jumping power steering went out. Was in shop for 2 months and had an electrical fire internally, while not running.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
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.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
How the 2024 compares with other Hornet years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 has the most owner complaints of the 2 Hornet years we cover, about 2.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical1710
- Brakes100
- Steering70
- Backup camera62
- Engine50
- Transmission20
Where the 2024 fits in the Hornet's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2024 is the second model year of the Hornet's first generation (2023 on).
Dodge updated the Hornet for 2025, so a 2024 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2025 (not on a 2024)
- Redesigned LED headlights
- Two new exterior color options
- Track package includes steering-wheel shift paddles
Recalls to confirm (7)
Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V623000ElectricalPark outsideSep 2023
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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and tighten the cable connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 98A.
25V846000BrakesDec 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
Risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D0C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 16, 2025. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 24V752.
25V246000Backup cameraMay 2025
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.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the software or replace the display as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 13C and 38C.
24V752000BrakesOct 2024
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.
Risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B7B.
24V209000EquipmentMar 2024
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.".
Risk: Missing rim and tire size information could lead to an incorrect wheel being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will apply a corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 32B.
24V175000EquipmentMar 2024
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.".
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will add an overlay label to the tire placard information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28B.
23V696000Backup cameraOct 2023
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.".
Risk: Failure to alert pedestrians when backing up increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear pedestrian siren connection and, if necessary, secure and/or replace the connector or siren, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is B5A.
Also looking at these instead of a Hornet?
Cars shoppers compare with the Dodge Hornet, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
- Subaru Forester26
- Volkswagen Tiguan38
- Mazda CX-553
- 2024 Dodge Hornet60
- Hyundai Tucson87
- Nissan Rogue116
- Toyota RAV4150
