Owners have filed 271 complaints
about the 2011 Dodge Caliber with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Dodge Caliber. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1350.0%
Engine
519.2%
Underbody Shields
27.7%
Frame AND Members
27.7%
Hatchback/Liftgate
13.8%
Tail Lights
13.8%
Control ARM
13.8%
Automatic Transmission
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1911.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
159.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
63.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2917.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2716.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2716.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3018.4%
150,000+ miles
106.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Dodge Caliber 5 HB FWD
15.5% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2011peak 13Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Dodge Caliber
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
Recalls on the 2011 Dodge Caliber
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016448139,513 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles in certain types of crashes, airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment capability may be lost due to a short in the front impact sensor wiring affecting Occupant Restraint Controller function. Failure of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Controller module.
Recall 20112242,270 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. A steering column with a miss-installed rivet may not perform as intended in the event of a crash, which may increase the risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect for steering column rivet presence and alignment, and repair as required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Houston, TX1 injured
SEATS
I've got a 2011 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet and during my drive home from work around 3:30am my headrest out of nowhere popped, hitting me in the back of the head and neck. There are 0 warning lights/codes present. I did not make any harsh accelerations or break, nor did I turn wildly. I was already settled into a lane on the highway and had already come to posted speed (60 mph) I was on I-610 West heading home and thankfully there were very few vehicles on the highway. Otherwise I probably would have caused an accident when I swerved out of my lane after being hit rather violently in the back of my head. The sound AND impact startled me not to mention hurt pretty bad and left a pretty good sized goose egg on the back of my head. I managed to make it back home be it the trip between my home and work is only 13 mi. Due to the fact that it was so early in the morning and still dark outside I chose to wait until daylight before I got ready for my next shift to take a look into what could have been the cause as well as checking to see what was needed to remedy the situation. I'm a personal driver for Alto so I know all about harsh events while driving a vehicle and none of which were the case in this instance. This happened completely out of nowhere for no apparent reason and with no warning whatsoever. I honestly wasn't even aware that there was anything in my headrest that could do anything like this. This is very dangerous and upon searching the internet I realize that I'm not the only person that has had this issue. So here I am now making a formal complaint. So far I'm not able to fix the headrest myself and am not sure if it needs to be replaced or can just be put back together. Looking into what to do next. I've made a short video showing my vehicle and the damage that occurred during this incident but it will not let me upload it onto the system. If it's needed please let me know and I will gladly send it your way.
NHTSA complaint #11531234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWeston, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND JUMPED A DITCH AND STRUCK A POLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS PUSHED UP TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BEND THE STEERING WHEEL BY IMPACT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ANY POINT DURING THIS.*DT*JB THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11383597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNorth Pekin, IL1 injured
SUSPENSION
SO I'VE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICAL IN MY PASSION AFTER MY STEP FATHER DIED IK BOUT IT WITH 160,000 IN IT AND 6 MONTHS LATER IT BREAKS COME TO FIND OUT IT'S THE X69 NO I'M OUT A VEHICAL IT'S STILL IN MY POSSESSION AND SOMEONE ELSE GOT PAID ON IT AND FOR IT TO GET FIXED.CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS . THE CTOSSFRAME BROKE ON ME AND I DONT HAVE ANY MONEY FOR THE OTHER PARTS THAT TOTALED OUT TO BE 2,200 THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED AS IT'S ONLY BEEN IN MY POSSESSION FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTH AND AT 160,00 AND I HAVE TOWING BILLS AND MANY OTHER EXPENSES WELL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT BROKE AND COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD SO ME BEING THE DEFENSIVE DRIVER I AM I USED CAUTION NOW TO FIND THIS OUT. CAN I GET A DECENT AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR PEOPLE PASSING THE BUCKET AS THEY DAY ITS BOT THEIR PROBLEM.THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
NHTSA complaint #11355128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesNEW Haven, CTCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE (FRONT AND BACK SEAT) ARE WET. CARPETING AND FLOOR MATS ARE SOAKED THROUGH CONSISTENTLY. SEEMS TO GET WORSE DURING RAINY WEATHER, BUT IS CONSISTENT.
NHTSA complaint #11297207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AS USUAL, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FLASH A BUNCH OF LIGHTS. THEN SHUT OFF. MY RPM WENT UP AND THEN DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER FOR SAFELY THIS TIME. BUT IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I'VE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER HAS SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TO SEVERAL HOURS. SOMETIME I CAN START IT BACK UP IN JUST A FEW MINUTES AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES HOURS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF IT. MISSED SEVERAL DAYS OF WORK AND WHEN I DO GET RIDES I'M ALWAYS LATE. ON THE EDGE OF GETTING FIRED BECAUSE I NOT RELIABLE ANYMORE SINCE I CANT CONTROL WHEN I GET THERE. GOT IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP THE BRAIN WASNT WORKING FOR AWHILE ONCE THE BRAIN CONNECTED TO THERE COMPUTER HE,FIXED WHAT THEY WAS WRONG WIRES AND CLEANED UP THE ENGINE. IT STARTED SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS FIXED. BUT I DIDNT EVEN HAVE IT FOR MORE THEN A DAY AND IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. BUT THIS TIME LIGHTNING BOLT CAME ON. DID RESEARCH FOUND OUT IT WAS ETC ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. ALSO JUST LOOKING IT UP THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM VARIOUS SIGHTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I'VE SEEN ABOUT 1000 PLUS COMPLAINS. THIS DEFIANTLY IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR. RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. ALREADY PUT IN A LOT OF MONEY INTO IT FOR THE ISSUE NOT EVEN BEING FIXED. I'M NOT SURE WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL YET. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR THAT MATTER MY RESEARCH HAS SAID NOT TO DRIVE AT ALL STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT BEING TOWED TO A SHOP. VERY DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND OTHER DRIVERS. SINCE FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM CAR HASNT BEEN JUST SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HIGHLY RECOMMEND INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL TO COME OUT SOONER THEN LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11132224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, ORCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AS USUAL, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FLASH A BUNCH OF LIGHTS. THEN SHUT OFF. MY RPM WENT UP AND THEN DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER FOR SAFELY THIS TIME. BUT IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I'VE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER HAS SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TO SEVERAL HOURS. SOMETIME I CAN START IT BACK UP IN JUST A FEW MINUTES AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES HOURS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF IT. MISSED SEVERAL DAYS OF WORK AND WHEN I DO GET RIDES I'M ALWAYS LATE. ON THE EDGE OF GETTING FIRED BECAUSE I NOT RELIABLE ANYMORE SINCE I CANT CONTROL WHEN I GET THERE. GOT IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP THE BRAIN WASNT WORKING FOR AWHILE ONCE THE BRAIN CONNECTED TO THERE COMPUTER HE,FIXED WHAT THEY WAS WRONG WIRES AND CLEANED UP THE ENGINE. IT STARTED SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS FIXED. BUT I DIDNT EVEN HAVE IT FOR MORE THEN A DAY AND IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. BUT THIS TIME LIGHTNING BOLT CAME ON. DID RESEARCH FOUND OUT IT WAS ETC ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. ALSO JUST LOOKING IT UP THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM VARIOUS SIGHTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I'VE SEEN ABOUT 1000 PLUS COMPLAINS. THIS DEFIANTLY IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR. RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. ALREADY PUT IN A LOT OF MONEY INTO IT FOR THE ISSUE NOT EVEN BEING FIXED. I'M NOT SURE WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL YET. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR THAT MATTER MY RESEARCH HAS SAID NOT TO DRIVE AT ALL STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT BEING TOWED TO A SHOP. VERY DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND OTHER DRIVERS. SINCE FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM CAR HASNT BEEN JUST SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HIGHLY RECOMMEND INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL TO COME OUT SOONER THEN LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11132224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Richland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
** From Dealer - diagnosis says - Primary Line B: D1 C/S Multiple warning lights came on in dash (like a X-mas tree) and vehicle will not want to drive after that. C/S has to turn off and turn back on to get to move. C/A TIPM – Total integrated power module – verified customer concern found vehicle with loss of comm dts with tipm no vin mis match dtc present and more than one module aginst tipm recommend replacement of tipm and retesting at this time. The TIPM module controls most if not all of the body functions of the car or truck. Everything from wipers and headlights, starting system and so on. It accepts signals from many diff switches and modules in the car and translates them to the connected systems. $2128.00 is total cost of repair at Dodge Lithia – this should be a recall. There are only about 63,000 miles on her vehicle. ** Safety of driver (my mother in law who is [XXX] or niece) put at risk because car just slows down and stops WHILE driving. She pulls over, stops car, then when she starts car again it's okay for a while until it does this again. ** Safety of those on the road, if her car dies while she's driving it and she has to pull off, if car won't drive, she is stopped on the road or highway with other cars behind hopefully stopping to let her pull off the road. ** Yes it was inspected and reproduced by dealer. Dealer (Dodge Lithia in Kennewick, WA) gave us this information above primary line B, etc lights all come on dash looking like a Christmas tree.... ** No warning lights for this specific issues, only that ALL dash lights come on like a Christmas tree, we paid $300 for one mechanic who couldn't diagnose. Now Dodge has said it's a $2000+ fix - and hopefully this will fix the issue??? ** The only symptom is dashboard lights up, car slows down (de-celerates) and then won't go. Car is turned off, then turned back on and it drives again, then it happens again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
ENGINE
** From Dealer - diagnosis says - Primary Line B: D1 C/S Multiple warning lights came on in dash (like a X-mas tree) and vehicle will not want to drive after that. C/S has to turn off and turn back on to get to move. C/A TIPM – Total integrated power module – verified customer concern found vehicle with loss of comm dts with tipm no vin mis match dtc present and more than one module aginst tipm recommend replacement of tipm and retesting at this time. The TIPM module controls most if not all of the body functions of the car or truck. Everything from wipers and headlights, starting system and so on. It accepts signals from many diff switches and modules in the car and translates them to the connected systems. $2128.00 is total cost of repair at Dodge Lithia – this should be a recall. There are only about 63,000 miles on her vehicle. ** Safety of driver (my mother in law who is [XXX] or niece) put at risk because car just slows down and stops WHILE driving. She pulls over, stops car, then when she starts car again it's okay for a while until it does this again. ** Safety of those on the road, if her car dies while she's driving it and she has to pull off, if car won't drive, she is stopped on the road or highway with other cars behind hopefully stopping to let her pull off the road. ** Yes it was inspected and reproduced by dealer. Dealer (Dodge Lithia in Kennewick, WA) gave us this information above primary line B, etc lights all come on dash looking like a Christmas tree.... ** No warning lights for this specific issues, only that ALL dash lights come on like a Christmas tree, we paid $300 for one mechanic who couldn't diagnose. Now Dodge has said it's a $2000+ fix - and hopefully this will fix the issue??? ** The only symptom is dashboard lights up, car slows down (de-celerates) and then won't go. Car is turned off, then turned back on and it drives again, then it happens again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
AIR BAGS
Active headrest in drivers seat deployed with no apparent cause and air bag light has been on since I bought the car August 29, 2023
NHTSA complaint #11614739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn started honking on its own
NHTSA complaint #11614741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carman, IL
SEATS
seat headrest deployed while car was sitting in the driveway...would have been a problem if driver had been driving pass.side deployed on 1 30 24....driver side deployed 1 30 24
NHTSA complaint #11569080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds coming from the undercarriage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the undercarriage needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11564852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Hts, MI
SUSPENSION
I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was OK, and then Belle tire, which I tried to get a Alignment for him because it’s so bad and separating. I can’t get an alignment it hydroplanes and back in bounces up and down and it’s not for me to drive. I’m [XXX] and I need a good safe vehicle and I need something done with this or someone to take it back so that I can get a different car that is safe for me to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11561653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Hts, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was OK, and then Belle tire, which I tried to get a Alignment for him because it’s so bad and separating. I can’t get an alignment it hydroplanes and back in bounces up and down and it’s not for me to drive. I’m [XXX] and I need a good safe vehicle and I need something done with this or someone to take it back so that I can get a different car that is safe for me to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11561653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Hts, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This Vehicle was sold to me July 28,2023. It was said to be safe to sell to me by H&I, Auto Repair Shop in Sterling Hts , they let Grimaldi's Auto Sales, in Warren, Mi , on Mound sell me the vehicle I am an [XXX] woman. The repair man there said it was SAFE to drive. I took it for an alignment. Which at Belle Tire they could not be due to the fact how bad it is! now I have a vehicle that is not safe to Drive because the Rear Suspension Crossmember is rusted out and other parts in back plus struts and other parts. I need this vehicle fixed or replaced as I live on Social Security. FOR FREE I can't afford to PAY for something that was sold to me that it is junk. It was Hydroplaning, had the tires checked out! Then the back end was bosing up and down. Thats when I found out more problems. I NEED HELP WITH THIS VEHICLE NOW < I NEED TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD PLEASE [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Hts, MI
SUSPENSION
This Vehicle was sold to me July 28,2023. It was said to be safe to sell to me by H&I, Auto Repair Shop in Sterling Hts , they let Grimaldi's Auto Sales, in Warren, Mi , on Mound sell me the vehicle I am an [XXX] woman. The repair man there said it was SAFE to drive. I took it for an alignment. Which at Belle Tire they could not be due to the fact how bad it is! now I have a vehicle that is not safe to Drive because the Rear Suspension Crossmember is rusted out and other parts in back plus struts and other parts. I need this vehicle fixed or replaced as I live on Social Security. FOR FREE I can't afford to PAY for something that was sold to me that it is junk. It was Hydroplaning, had the tires checked out! Then the back end was bosing up and down. Thats when I found out more problems. I NEED HELP WITH THIS VEHICLE NOW < I NEED TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD PLEASE [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnebago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At 140000 miles I noticed that my entire subframe was ready to completely collapse and no auto shop would work on it whatsoever. I reached out and found out that there was nothing I could do about it It I had the car for 2 years and it’s had this issue the whole time Not cool safety should be first.
NHTSA complaint #11544217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnebago, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
At 140000 miles I noticed that my entire subframe was ready to completely collapse and no auto shop would work on it whatsoever. I reached out and found out that there was nothing I could do about it It I had the car for 2 years and it’s had this issue the whole time Not cool safety should be first.
NHTSA complaint #11544217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX1 injured
SEATS
I've got a 2011 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet and during my drive home from work around 3:30am my headrest out of nowhere popped, hitting me in the back of the head and neck. There are 0 warning lights/codes present. I did not make any harsh accelerations or break, nor did I turn wildly. I was already settled into a lane on the highway and had already come to posted speed (60 mph) I was on I-610 West heading home and thankfully there were very few vehicles on the highway. Otherwise I probably would have caused an accident when I swerved out of my lane after being hit rather violently in the back of my head. The sound AND impact startled me not to mention hurt pretty bad and left a pretty good sized goose egg on the back of my head. I managed to make it back home be it the trip between my home and work is only 13 mi. Due to the fact that it was so early in the morning and still dark outside I chose to wait until daylight before I got ready for my next shift to take a look into what could have been the cause as well as checking to see what was needed to remedy the situation. I'm a personal driver for Alto so I know all about harsh events while driving a vehicle and none of which were the case in this instance. This happened completely out of nowhere for no apparent reason and with no warning whatsoever. I honestly wasn't even aware that there was anything in my headrest that could do anything like this. This is very dangerous and upon searching the internet I realize that I'm not the only person that has had this issue. So here I am now making a formal complaint. So far I'm not able to fix the headrest myself and am not sure if it needs to be replaced or can just be put back together. Looking into what to do next. I've made a short video showing my vehicle and the damage that occurred during this incident but it will not let me upload it onto the system. If it's needed please let me know and I will gladly send it your way.
NHTSA complaint #11531234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,102 milesAurora, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the driver's side front wheel well while turning left or driving over bumps in the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front frame members were rusted, and the driver’s side front steering arm had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic was aware of a known manufacturer failure about the severe rusting of the frame. The failure mileage was 111,102.
NHTSA complaint #11512879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,102 milesAurora, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the driver's side front wheel well while turning left or driving over bumps in the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front frame members were rusted, and the driver’s side front steering arm had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic was aware of a known manufacturer failure about the severe rusting of the frame. The failure mileage was 111,102.
NHTSA complaint #11512879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazlet Township, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
2011 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet - Subframe is completely rotted and broke away from the sensor control. Mileage - 121,000. $2,500 to repair, in the shop for 9 days, $800 for a rental. Never again with a Dodge. They are garbage. And from research, I see that many other people are having the same issue, yet no recall and Dodge refuses to acknowledge!
NHTSA complaint #11501241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
SUSPENSION
Upon bringing our Caliber into a service shop to install shocks because we thought the severe vibration was from worn shocks, we were told the entire rear suspension subframe was rotted and rusted to the point of the driver-side rear was almost split in half. Had it been driven much farther, the left rear wheel would have been separated from the subframe. The shop did not want the car driven any further because of the safety risk to ourselves and others on the road and we had to fix this issue immediately. This is a grave issue of safety being this is a major frame component, that was clearly faulty and known about by Dodge, which could lead to a serious or fatal incident. The car has 139,000 miles on it and has been a good car mechanically thus far, prompting us to remedy the problem. Upon researching this issue, it seems as if this is a known issue by Dodge and many other Calibers are also affected. Had we known about the bulletin, we would have addressed this issue earlier.The shop costs were around $2000, which included us purchasing parts to save more money on labor.
NHTSA complaint #11482593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galloway, OH
SUSPENSION
The passenger side rear lower control are rusted off of the back frame crossmember which shows a significant amount of rust! This almost caused an accident while driving. It broke loose while driving down the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11481783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Onalaska, WI
WHEELS
Rotted Subframe on Dodge Caliber I was driving home after picking my kids up from school and my front tires would not steer and were wobbling while driving, losing control of my vehicle. I had to pull over on the side of the road so I did not crash with my children in the car. I called a tow company and had it towed to the closest independent service center. Yes, the problem was reproduced by a local mechanic ASE certified that the car is not driveable because the subframe was completely rotted out and needed to be replaced. No, the car is still at the garage and not inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no issues driving to school and driving home it began to be hard to steer and then starting losing control over the vehicle and keeping it on the road. I slowed and pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow truck immediately. I was not going to take the chance of driving any further with my children and crash.
NHTSA complaint #11468433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Onalaska, WI
SUSPENSION
Rotted Subframe on Dodge Caliber I was driving home after picking my kids up from school and my front tires would not steer and were wobbling while driving, losing control of my vehicle. I had to pull over on the side of the road so I did not crash with my children in the car. I called a tow company and had it towed to the closest independent service center. Yes, the problem was reproduced by a local mechanic ASE certified that the car is not driveable because the subframe was completely rotted out and needed to be replaced. No, the car is still at the garage and not inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no issues driving to school and driving home it began to be hard to steer and then starting losing control over the vehicle and keeping it on the road. I slowed and pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow truck immediately. I was not going to take the chance of driving any further with my children and crash.
NHTSA complaint #11468433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Onalaska, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rotted Subframe on Dodge Caliber I was driving home after picking my kids up from school and my front tires would not steer and were wobbling while driving, losing control of my vehicle. I had to pull over on the side of the road so I did not crash with my children in the car. I called a tow company and had it towed to the closest independent service center. Yes, the problem was reproduced by a local mechanic ASE certified that the car is not driveable because the subframe was completely rotted out and needed to be replaced. No, the car is still at the garage and not inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no issues driving to school and driving home it began to be hard to steer and then starting losing control over the vehicle and keeping it on the road. I slowed and pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow truck immediately. I was not going to take the chance of driving any further with my children and crash.
NHTSA complaint #11468433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumee, OH
SUSPENSION
Cradle connected to front suspension is corroded and cracked. Causing wobble in steering wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11465786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saco, ME
STEERING
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn’t come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern specially where my car itself isn’t even rusted only the cross members. I hope you can help me and my family so we can be safe . Thank you Richard
NHTSA complaint #11458072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saco, ME
SUSPENSION
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn’t come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern specially where my car itself isn’t even rusted only the cross members. I hope you can help me and my family so we can be safe . Thank you Richard
NHTSA complaint #11458072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saco, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn’t come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern specially where my car itself isn’t even rusted only the cross members. I hope you can help me and my family so we can be safe . Thank you Richard
NHTSA complaint #11458072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
