The Dodge Hornet spans 2023–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2024, 2023, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2025, 2023. It delivers up to 29 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge Hornet is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2023 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Hornet VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Hornet carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Hornet.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Hornet, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Hornet have?
The Dodge Hornet has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2023–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Dodge Hornet recalls 2
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
What's wrong. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. 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.
2024 Dodge Hornet recalls 6
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
What's wrong. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. 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.
Back Over Prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian Alert
What's wrong. 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.
Electrical System:propulsion System: Cables:fastener/connector
What's wrong. 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.
2023 Dodge Hornet recalls 4
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. 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.
Back Over Prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian Alert
What's wrong. 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.
Electrical System:propulsion System: Cables:fastener/connector
What's wrong. 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.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Hornet
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 2024, 2023, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2025, 2023.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hornet | Forward Collision Avoidance | Avoid | |
| 2024 Hornet | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2025 Hornet | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid | |
| 2026 Hornet | — | Best |
What are the most common Dodge Hornet problems?
The most-reported Dodge Hornet problems are Tires (1 reports), Engine (11 reports) and Wheels (1 reports) — out of 90 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Hornet specifications & dimensions
The 2023 Dodge Hornet measures 178″ long on a 104″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,527 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Hornet window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 178″ | 72″ | 64″ | 104″ | 3,527 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Hornet cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Hornet holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 105 cu ft of passenger volume and 25 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge Hornet tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge Hornet get?
The Dodge Hornet returns up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2025 Dodge Hornet (2L 4-cyl) gets 24 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 372 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 6/10) — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hornet | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 372 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 Hornet | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 371 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 Hornet | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 371 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
The 2025 Dodge Hornet (1.3L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 29 MPGe and costs about $2,150/yr to fuel, emitting 120 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 9/10, smog 5/10) — that's about $3,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hornet | 29 | 29 | $2,150 | 120 | 5/10 | 1.3L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2024 Hornet | 29 | 29 | $2,150 | 120 | 6/10 | 1.3L 4-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Hornet stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Hornet's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Hornet have? Power & range
The Dodge Hornet is offered with 2 powertrains — 2L 4-cyl, 1.3L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | AWD | Regular |
| Hybrid | 1.3L · 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | AWD | Regular Gas and Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Dodge Hornet tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Dodge Hornet is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Hornet's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Dodge Hornet cost to own?
A Dodge Hornet holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Hornet loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Hornet ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Dodge Hornet to insure?
A Dodge Hornet costs about $1,600 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 11% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (111, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Hornet's HLDI loss index. See Dodge insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Dodge Hornet safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Hornet yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Hornet last?
A well-maintained Dodge Hornet typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Dodge Hornet’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Hornet’s VIN free →All Dodge Hornet model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Hornet — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hornet | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Hornet | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2024 Hornet | 6 recalls | — | |
| 2023 Hornet | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Hornet?
By owner-complaint volume, 2024, 2023, 2025 drew the most reports. 2026, 2025, 2023 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Hornet have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2023–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Hornet get?
Up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Hornet last?
A well-maintained Hornet typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Hornet reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Hornet is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Hornet warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge Hornet made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Hornet's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Hornet have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.