2009 Dodge Caliber suspension problems

SUSPENSION

My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.

NHTSA complaint #11556949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end

NHTSA complaint #11539822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through

NHTSA complaint #11465287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and H Frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and A Arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! Only have 68,000 on vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11460742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.

NHTSA complaint #11440918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11427425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11427425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

2009 Dodge Caliper developed a split sub-frame suspension component due to heavy rust and the rear sub-frame has developed a severe rust and is also in danger of failure. This vehicle has less than 62,000 miles and is currently not operable. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was being driven at the time of failure and had to be towed to a nearby repair shop. Contacted dealer service manager who stated that vehicle has no recalls or extended warranty’s. This incident occurred without any warnings. Please advise!

NHTSA complaint #11419633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

DURING AN INSPECTION BY MY DEALER IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO NOTE DURING PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS. ALLOWING THE FAILURE TO BE PUSHED OUT PAST THE TIME OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CORRODED SUBFRAMES ALLOWED MORE FLEXURE IN THE SUB FRAMES ADD STRESS TO THE BUSHINGS AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES CAUSES THE REPAIR COST TO MULTIPLY. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #11402994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

SPEED SENSORS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, HUB ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, INTAKE VALVE, TIRES WERE DIFFERENT SIZES, MORE PROBLEMS AROSE.

NHTSA complaint #11378373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE HOME AND EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND MORE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS REPAIRED OR REPLACED. MINOT AUTOMOTIVE CENTER (3615 S BROADWAY, MINOT, ND 58701, (701) 401-1019) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,005. *LN

NHTSA complaint #11362207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

FRONT SUBFRAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND BROKEN

NHTSA complaint #11280963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER WAS CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,795.

NHTSA complaint #11265468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

SUBFRAME ROTTED AWAY. CAUSING THE DRIVERS SIDE A-ARM TO RIP OUT. THE WHEEL WAS AT AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE ANGLE FROM NORMAL POSITION. CAUSED THE DRIVESHAFT TO PULL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR TO IMMEDIATELY STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11150325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TRANSMISSION OVER HEATING ON HIGHWAY.. FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION KEEP NEEDS REPAIRED. NOISE IN FRONT WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11144934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS QUICKLY AND CAR LOSES POWER. AAMCO HAS REPLACED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. ADDED EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLER. PROBLEM PERSISTS. SUSPENSION IS INSUFFICIENT FOR THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11128809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

GOT OIL CHANGE & WAS TOLD MY FRAME WAS RUSTING BAD. TOOK TO MY MECHANIC TO PUT UP ON RACKS AND I LOOKED AT IT. HE SAID IT WAS GETTING VERY RUSTED, HAD HOLES, INCLUDING THE "ARMS" THAT CONNECTED TO WHEELS.

NHTSA complaint #11091664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

SUBFRAME RUSTED CRACKS VERY DANGEROUS FREQUENT NOISES!

NHTSA complaint #11089296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND STOPPING, GOT HOME THINKING THE STRUT WAS BROKEN AND FOUND THAT THE SUB-FRAME FOR ENGINE, SWAY BAR AND TIRE ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY ROTTED AND CRACKED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE READY TO BREAK IN TWO. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MILEAGE 91K.

NHTSA complaint #11083862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE UNUSUAL SOUNDS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DODGE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. TOLD THAT THE FRONT CROSS-MEMBER WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CUSTOMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM CHRYSLER. WAS THEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY COULD NOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER AUTHORIZED IT. THE REASON GIVEN WAS THAT THERE WAS ADDITIONAL RUST FOUND THAT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. INFORMED THAT THIS DECISION COULD BE EXPECTED IN 2 TO 3 WEEKS. WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT OFFER AND TRANSPORTATION WHILE THEY WAITED FOR A DECISION. STILL WAITING.

NHTSA complaint #11083448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. A LOSS OF CONTROL AND LOUD NOISE FELT AND HEARD WHILE DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR WHILE TURNING . AFTER DOING MY OWN UNDER VEHICLE INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THIS WAS MY FRIENDS SON'S CAR AND I RECOMMEND TO HIM NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT WAS VERY UNSAFE AND THAT HE COULD LOOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11083449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I TOOK MY WIFE'S 2009 CALIBER TO OUR MECHANIC BECAUSE SHE HEARD CLUNKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT END. WE WERE INFORMED BY OUR MECHANIC THAT A PIECE OF FRAME STRETCHING ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE STEERING RACK AND SWAY BARS ATTACH TO THIS FRAME WORK. ALSO FRONT END COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE MAKES LOUD PLUNKING NOICES WHEN GOING OVER SMALL AND LARGE BUMPS AND MUCH WORSE WHEN HITTING POT HOLES. NO OTHER RUST IS APPARENT ON ANY FRAM WORK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY NINE YEARS OLD. I THINK THAT'S EXTREMELY ODD FOR SUCH A YOUNG VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS MAY BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE VERY SOON AND THINK THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A RECALL THAT I AM UNAWARE OF.

NHTSA complaint #11074388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

ENTIRE SUB FRAME IN FRONT IS ROTTED TO THE POINT VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE, DO OTHER RUSET IS VISIBLE IN FRONT. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SQUEAL WHEN DRIVING AND FRONT LEFT TIRE CLOSE TO FELL OFF

NHTSA complaint #11041116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WE HAD TO HAVE A CONTROL ARM AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PUT IN OUR CAR AND OUR MECHANIC INFORMS US THAT THE SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED OUT PRETTY BAD AND WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND IT'S ONLY 8 YRS OLD I DON'T THINK IT'S OUR PLACE TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY NEITHER WE GOT THE CAR AT BOB SWOPE FORD IN ELIZABETHTOWN KENTUCKY WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THEM BUT THEY DO NOT RESPOND COULD YOU PLEASE HELP US GET THIS PROBLEM SOLVED IT WAS CHECKED BY SWOPE ON OR AROUND THE FIRST OF OCTOBER AND THEY DIDN'T SAY A WORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM

NHTSA complaint #11039594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

MY HUSBAND FILED A COMPLAINT THIS MORNING ON OUR 2009 DODGE CALIBER AND HE ALSO WENT TO TALK TO PEOPLE AT BOB SWOPE FORD IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY AND THEY INFORMED HIM THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME ON OUR CAR WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR YEARS AND WE STILL ARE IN DEBT ON IT UBIQUITOUS FRAME IS SO RUSTY IT IS ABOUT TO BUST OPEN AND IT IS TO DANGEROUS FOR US TO DRIVE HIM & I BOTH ARE ON DISABILITY AND WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AN WE ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THERE IS NO WAY THIS COULD HAVE RUSTED THAT BAD IN 2 YEARS SO THERE FOR IT HAD TO BE LIKE THIS WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING BUT I JUST FEEL THAT THIS IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY GO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THERE IS NO WAY OTHER WISE THAT WE CAN DRIVE THIS CAR AND IT IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION BACK ; FORTH TO THE DR. AND I AM ALSO ON HOME OXYGEN SO I NEED THIS VEHICLE TO GET TO AND FRO I CAN'T TRADE THIS ONE IN BECAUSE WE OWE TO MUCH ON IT THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11039789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE K FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED FROM RUST.

NHTSA complaint #10992094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND I HAVE ORDERED A NEW ONE TO REPLACE THE OLD ONE.

NHTSA complaint #10991550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TWO DAYS AGO I REALIZED WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, IF I TURNED RIGHT MY STEERING WHEEL FELT AS THOUGH I HAD NO POWER STEERING. ROTATING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER WAY, WAS CAUSING A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. WHEN TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC, WE CAME TO FIND THE ENTIRE RACK SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED/RUSTED. THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING THE CAR, BECAUSE IT COULD BREAK AT ANY MINUTE. THE 07 CALIBER HAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. AT ANY MOMENT IT COULD HAVE BROKE, AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE/INJURY. I'M ALSO PREGNANT SO CANNOT FEAR MY CAR ISN'T SAFER

NHTSA complaint #10990461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS THE 2007 AND 2008 CALIBERS IN THAT THE MAIN CROSSMEMBER IN THE FRONT STEERING/SUSPENSION HAS ROTTED THROUGH. THE REST OF THE CAR IS RUST FREE BUT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR MEMBERS HAVE ROTTED OUT. THIS CAR WAS IN COLORADO SPRINGS FOR THE FIRST 4 YEARS OF ITS LIFE WHERE THEY DO NOT USE SALT AND MOVED TO VERMONT AFTER THAT. AT 59K MILES DODGE WILL NOT COVER THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE REPLACED THEM ON 2007 MODELS EXTENSIVELY. THERE ARE STORIES OF ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES BUT DODGE IS STILL NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POOR QUALITY AND PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE INFERIOR STEEL PARTS. I HAVE BEEN A TECH IN THE AUTO AND TRUCK INDUSTRY FOR 40 YEARS AND AM DISGUSTED THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF STORIES ONLINE ABOUT THESE AND MILLIONS OF CARS IN THE 2007-2009 YEARS THAT ARE FAILING. CAN WE ASK THAT NHTSA CALL THEM OUT ON THIS BEFORE THERE ARE MORE ACCIDENTS. I AM AFRAID THAT I AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR SAFETY ISSUES THAT IS CLEARLY A FAILURE ON DODGE THAT THEY ARE SO FAR SUCESSFULY HIDING FROM. ISSUES ALSO INCLUDE 2007 JEEPS AND STX VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #10924864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.