The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) of reports of brake problems with 2013 Dodge Darts.

PE 15-024 could involve up to 121,000 Darts built in the 2013 model year. Power disc brakes are standard on all Darts.

Dodge-Dart-NHTSA

NHTSA says its Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 18 reports from Dart owners alleging that the brake pedal suddenly becomes hard to press and the car’s braking braking is degraded. Some drivers claim they had to use the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

No reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue have been received by the ODI.

In their complaints, several drivers said they heard a "pop" noise followed by a sound like air hissing when the brake pedal is depressed. After that, the pedal became hard to press and the brake effectiveness was reduced. Some Dart owners reported that their cars had the brake booster and/or the master cylinder replaced, most likely under warranty.

The Preliminary Evaluation will be used to asses the scope of the alleged problem, how often it occurs and identify the safety-related risks. Fiat Chrysler has not commented on the investigation.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Office of Defect Investigations.