Own a Dodge Hornet in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Dodge Hornet for model years 2023 to 2025. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Hornet owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 55 owner complaints on file for the Hornet and 7 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (23), forward collision avoidance (14), engine (6).
Most-Reported Dodge Hornet Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Hornet (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | 41% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 | 25% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | 10% | |
| Engine | 6 | 10% | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 9% | |
| Steering | 5 | 9% | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | 7% | |
| Structure | 4 | 7% |
Electrical System
23 of the 55 complaints (41%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Forward Collision Avoidance
14 of the 55 complaints (25%) mention driver-assistance and stability systems. Driver-assistance and stability systems rely on sensors and software. We scan for stored codes and diagnose sensor and wiring faults. See our check engine light diagnostics page.
Engine
6 of the 55 complaints (10%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Dodge Hornet Complaints by Model Year
The Hornet model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2024, 2023, 2025. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 | |
| 2024 | 27 | |
| 2025 | 2 |
Dodge Hornet Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Hornet, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Dodge.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Hornet? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Dodge Hornet Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Hornet in these model years, most often involving back over prevention, equipment, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 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.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 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.
- 2024 recall, Equipment (campaign 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.
- 2024 recall, Equipment (campaign 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.
- 2024 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 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.
- 2023 recall, Electrical System (campaign 23V623000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Hornet, 3 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Hornet Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Hornet that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Hornet owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Hornet, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Hornet Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Hornet repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Dodge Hornet FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Hornet?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Hornet are electrical system (23), forward collision avoidance (14), engine (6). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Hornet model years have the most complaints?
The Hornet model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2024, 2023, 2025. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Dodge Hornet?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Dodge Hornet. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Dodge Hornet have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Dodge Hornet across model years 2023 to 2025. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Hornet in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Hornet, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Hornet?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Hornet in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.