Why is my Dodge Dart clutch pedal stuck to the floor?

Short answer: Usually it's the clutch slave cylinder, a known Dart problem. The slave sits inside the transmission, so the transmission has to come out, and the clutch is often replaced at the same time. Ask the dealer about any warranty extension on the clutch hydraulics for your VIN.

Symptom: The clutch pedal drops to the floor and stays there, feels soft or sticky, and the car won't go into gear with the engine running.

What to check first

1. Check the brake fluid reservoir level, since the clutch shares it.
2. Look for fluid leaking from the bottom of the bellhousing.
3. Pump the pedal and see if pressure comes back for a while.
4. Ask a dealer if your VIN has a warranty extension on the clutch hydraulics.
5. Stop driving if the pedal stays down.

Likely causes

1. Failed clutch slave cylinder (inside the transmission). On the Dart, the slave cylinder and release bearing are one unit inside the transmission. When its seals fail, the pedal goes to the floor.
2. Clutch master cylinder. The master cylinder is at the pedal and easier to reach. One owner tried it first.
3. Air or low fluid in the clutch line. The clutch shares the brake fluid reservoir. Low fluid usually means a leak, often from the slave.

What it usually costs

Owners reported $2,500 to $2,700 plus labor at shops. The slave cylinder part alone is about $180, but labor is high because the transmission must come out.

Is it safe to keep driving?

No. If you can't disengage the clutch you can't shift or stop smoothly, and leaking fluid comes from the brake reservoir. Get it towed.

DIY or shop?

Topping up fluid and replacing the master cylinder are DIY. The slave cylinder is a transmission-out job for most owners.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 8 recall(s) for the Dodge Dart in these years, and none is for this problem. Recalls for the Dart include shifter cable problems on automatic cars (19V293000, 25V674000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 181 keyword-matched complaints for Dodge Dart 2013–2016 (of 2346 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-05; keywords: clutch). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Manual Dart owners help! on Reddit r/dodgedart, a Dart owner's clutch pedal lost pressure and stayed on the floor, so the car wouldn't go into gear with the engine running. Replies called it a well-known Dart slave cylinder failure. One owner paid $2,700 plus labor for slave, master and clutch replacement, and another sold their 2013 after it happened twice. They said the slave part is about $180 but the transmission must come out.
• In 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4L Turbo Clutch Pedal Stick on Reddit r/Dodge, a 2013 Dart 1.4 turbo 6-speed owner said the clutch kept sticking to the floor and wouldn't change gears until they pumped it. Replies said to check the brake fluid reservoir, which the clutch shares. One owner got a letter extending warranty on the clutch hydraulics to 5 years or 100,000 km.
• In Question regarding Slave Cylinder!! on Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, a 2015 Dart owner had the slave cylinder fail three times. Replies said leaking fluid can ruin the clutch, and that holding the clutch down at lights heats the built-in release bearing.

Quick tip

Ask about the warranty extension first, then plan on a slave cylinder and clutch together.

Vehicle focus: Dodge Dart 2013-2016 with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Safety / mechanic note

The clutch shares fluid with the brakes. If the reservoir is low, check the brakes too. Verify with a mechanic.