2013-2016 Dodge Dart Rear Clip: A Collision Repair and Compatibility Guide

What is a Rear Clip and When Is It Needed?

A rear clip is the go-to solution for severe rear-end collisions in unibody vehicles like the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. When damage extends beyond the bolt-on bumper and into the structural quarter panels, trunk floor, or frame rails, a simple repair is no longer possible. Instead of trying to pull and patch multiple crushed panels, a body shop will replace the entire damaged section with a clean, straight clip from a donor vehicle. This is a complex structural repair that involves precise cutting, measuring, and welding to restore the vehicle's safety and alignment.

According to Dodge's official repair information, many of the high-strength steel reinforcements in the Dart's body cannot be sectioned or partially replaced. They must be replaced as a complete component, which makes using a complete rear clip the correct and often only acceptable method for extensive damage.

Symptoms of Damage Requiring a Rear Clip

The 'symptoms' for needing a rear clip are not subtle signs of failure but rather obvious signs of major structural damage from a collision. If you are evaluating a damaged Dart, look for these indicators:

• Visible Crushing or Buckling: The quarter panels, trunk floor, or rear body panel (the panel behind the bumper cover) are visibly crushed or bent.
• Poor Panel Gaps: The gaps around the trunk lid and rear doors are uneven or pinched shut. The trunk may be difficult or impossible to open and close.
• Trunk Water Leaks: After a repair, a common sign of a poorly-fitted clip is water entering the trunk, often from improperly sealed welds or seams.
• Rear Wheel Misalignment: If the rear wheels look crooked or are not centered in the wheel wells, it indicates the suspension mounting points on the unibody have been compromised.
• Frame Machine Measurements: The definitive diagnosis is made at a body shop. The vehicle is mounted to a frame machine, which uses lasers to measure critical points on the chassis. If these points are outside of factory specifications and cannot be pulled back into alignment, a clip replacement is necessary.

Buying a Used 2013-2016 Dodge Dart Rear Clip

Sourcing a used OEM rear clip is the standard procedure for this repair. There are no aftermarket 'clips' available. A used clip from a donor car provides factory-correct steel and weld integrity. However, careful inspection is critical.

Key Compatibility Checks

Not all Dart rear clips are the same. You must match the clip from the donor car to the options on the vehicle being repaired. Mismatched features will lead to significant fitment issues and extra bodywork. Verify the following with the donor car's VIN:

• Exhaust System: The rear bumper cover and lower valance are different for single-exhaust and dual-exhaust models. Part number 68081378AA, for example, is a valance specifically for dual exhaust with chrome trim.
• Rear Park Assist: Models with rear parking sensors have holes drilled in the bumper cover. Aftermarket and OEM replacements are sold specifically with or without these holes. Ensure the clip's bumper and wiring harness match.
• Sunroof: If the roof panel is included in the clip, it must match the recipient car. A sunroof-equipped car requires a roof panel with the appropriate opening.
• Model Year Changes: Be aware that quarter panel part numbers may have changed around 2015. Always use the vehicle's VIN to confirm the exact part numbers for the quarter panels and other components to ensure a perfect match.

Inspection Checklist for a Used Clip

• Donor Vehicle History: Insist on the VIN of the donor car. The ideal donor is a vehicle that was in a front-end collision, leaving the rear half undamaged. Avoid clips from cars with rear impacts, side impacts near the cut area, or flood/fire damage.
• Check for Hidden Damage: Carefully inspect the frame rails and trunk floor on the donor clip for any slight bends, kinks, or ripples. What looks like minor damage can be a sign of structural stress.
• Inspect for Rust: Check all seams, corners, and the inside of the frame rails for anything more than light surface rust. Significant corrosion or perforation makes the clip unusable.
• Confirm Cut Points: Discuss the exact cut locations with the salvage yard and your body shop. The clip needs to be cut with enough extra material for the technician to trim it to a perfect fit.

Recalls and Technical Notes

While there are no recalls for the rear body structure itself, several major safety recalls for the 2013-2016 Dart are relevant to any major repair work.

• Shifter Cable Recall (NHTSA 25V674 / A0C): This critical recall, which supersedes a previous one (19V293), involves the shifter cable detaching from the transmission. This can prevent the vehicle from shifting into Park, even if the shifter indicates it is in Park, leading to a rollaway risk. Any technician working on the vehicle should be aware of this and verify the recall has been performed.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Recall (NHTSA 15V542): Some 2013-2015 models were recalled for a faulty TCM that could cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral, resulting in a loss of power.

Installation and Repair Process

• Difficulty: 5 out of 5
• Process Overview: The repair involves precisely measuring the damaged vehicle, cutting away the compromised structure at factory-approved locations, and meticulously welding the donor clip into place. The process requires spot welders and MIG welders to replicate factory welds. After welding, all seams are sealed and corrosion-proofed before the final bodywork and paint are applied.

Cost Comparison

The cost of this repair is significant, with labor being the largest component. Buying a used clip is far more economical than purchasing all new OEM panels individually.

Frequently Asked Questions