85 of the
2,919 complaints filed about the Dodge Caliber
are about the braking system —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the ECU had been hacked. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the brakes applied without application, but I was able to move to the right lane. The vehicle was able to pull over safely, and it stalled. While parking with the foot on the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a small pole. There was no reported fire, airbag deployment, police report filed, or injuries. While in neutral, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver was able to shift to neutral. The vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. There was no light inside. While using the headlights, the windshield wipers turned on for five minutes. After locking the vehicle, the headlights remain on. While using the turn signal, the windshield wipers engaged without application. While driving in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. The contact stated that someone stole the key fob, made copies, hacked into the vehicle, and was controlling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, which confirmed the vehicle was working as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11713355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had my 2007 Dodge Caliber rear brakes replaced today, at 83,487 miles. The service professional noted on the receipt that the “rear subframe is rotting out.” He suggested that I contact Dodge, to find out if there has been a recall regarding this issue. Please advise as to how this problem may be resolved, with no additional, out-of-pocket cost to me, the consumer. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11497082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car was in park on a hill, when I turned off the engine, it rolled down the steep hill and the brakes or emergency brake would not work. I crashed through a fence across the street and into a building. The car was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11471526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VERY BAD DESIGN OF MUFFLER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE ON TOP. THAT HEAT EFFECT THE BATTOM TRUNCK, THE HOOD GET MELTED, HEAT SHEILD GET BURNED AND THE ROAD ASSISTANT TIRE GET MELTED AS WELL. I WAS LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO SMELL IT. ALSO ALL BODY GET VERY RUSTED AND LOOK HOURRIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #11465937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from AtoZ auto on gen McMullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car
NHTSA complaint #11456269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the vehicle reaches 3,000 RPMs the temperature light comes on and the vehicle seems like it wants to go into neutral The engine light comes on the antilock brake system light comes on.
NHTSA complaint #11421138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FRONT CALIPERS WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL SINKS TO THE FLOOR AND HAS NO STOPPING POWER. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND CALIPERS ARE NEW REPLACEMENTS. AFTER REPLACING THESE PARTS IT NOW SMELL OF BURNT BRAKE FLUID BUT THERE IS NO LEAK AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO WORSEN. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DOING 45-50 ON A COUNTY RD WHEN A ANOTHER CAR PULLED OUT 20 FEET AWAY AND I WAS TRYING TO SLOW DOWN WHEN I LOST THE FRONT BRAKES AS PISHED IN ON THE PUSHED IN ON THE BRAKES THE PEDAL SANK AND THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE. I THEN BOUGHT THE NEW CALIPERS AND IT WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE SECOND TIME I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY CITY STREET WHEN THE ABS BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN ME RUNNING A RED LIGHT AND ALMOST GETTING HIT. IT HAS CORRODED AND TOOK HUNKS OFF ALUMINUM FROM MY FRONT DRIVER RIM. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM AND KEEP REPLACING PARTS FOR IT TO TEAR UP NEW ONES
NHTSA complaint #11386118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STARTING JANUARY 2019, I HAD SPENT $5K OF UNDERBODY REPLACEMENT: BENT/RUSTY AXLE-F, 2 F-TIRES; FRONT BRAKES & SHOCKS, REAR ROTORS, BRAKES & SHOCKS, FRONT & REAR ARMS. THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS LOCKED & I WAS DRIVING THAT WAY WITH BOTH OF MY YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN 3 MONTHS AFTER I HAD TIRES REPLACED. I KEPT BEING TOLD BY A FRIEND & MY SON, 'HAVE YOU HAD YOUR CAR FIXED YET?' THE SUSPENSION SUCKED; I FELT EVERY BUMP & POTHOLE! THE NOISE IN THE FRONT TO RIGHT TOOK OVER A YEAR TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11319563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS CAR HAS HAD THE DRIVER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON IN THE DASH FOR MORE THAN 20,000 MILES.I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY ARE "TAKATA AIR BAGS OR NOT. ALSO, THE DRIVER REAR TAILLIGHT HAS FILLED WITH WATER. I HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS CAR. NOW THE DASH LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING OFF & ON WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. THE CALIBER NOW HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ANSWERS.
NHTSA complaint #11242928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE TO FRACTURE. ALSO, THE TOP OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS TILTED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE AXLE, SUBFRAME, ONE OF THE BRAKES, AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,850.
NHTSA complaint #11223181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN WHEN MY ABS AND ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THIS ANNOYING DINGING STARTED I MADE A LEFT TURN AND MY TIRES WOULD BE OUT OF CONTROL MAKING ME THINK I WAS HAVING A STEERING PROBLEM ,JUST PARKING WOULD BE A PROBLEM AND THIS ANNOYING SOUND WOULD STAY ON UNTIL U PARK THE CAR THIS WAS DONE ON A HIGHWAY I WAS TOLD BY A DODGE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS MY ABS MODULE AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SO I CHECK FOR A RECALL AND FIND OUT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR ON A LOT OF OTHER CARS BUT NOT MY VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #11204108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I CAME TO VISIT MY SON FOR A SPRING BREAK IN WEST VIRGINIA AND I HAVE NOTICED/HEATED A VERY LOUD NOISE. I ASKED MY SON WHAT IS THAT LOUD NOISE? I MADE AN OCULAR INSPECTION UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND VERY ROTTEN CONDITION SUB-FRAMES. I IMMEDIATELY VERY WORRIED AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST CAR SERVICE REPAIR TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ROTTEN SUB-FRAMES. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS VERY UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING TO THE SHOP EVEN AT A LOW SPEED. THE MECHANIC EMMEDIATELY CONCLUDED THAT THE SUB-FRAMED IS SO ROTTEN AND WORRIED IT WOULD COLLAPSE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUB/FRAMES BE REPLACED. THE MECHANICS CALLED PART SUPPLIER TO ORDER NEEDED SUB-FRAME PARTS. THE MECHANIC WAS TOLD MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR SUB-FRAMES AND SUGGESTED TO BRING MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DODGE SERVICE CENTER IN MORGANTOWN WEST VIRGINIA. AGAIN IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING DRIVING THE CAR TO URSE FIDGE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. I DISCOVERED THAT MY CAR HAS TWO RECALLS: S60 AND X69. I LEFT MY CAR ST DODGE SERVICE FOR NECESSARY REPAIR. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE CAR IS THE ENGINE LOSING POWER WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING TO WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY. I WAS DRIVING AND FOLLOWING MY SON'S AND SUDDENLY HE DROVE HIS CAR ALONG THE SIDE ROAD. I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST RESTING BUT FOUND LATER WHEN ARRIVED ST THE UNIVERSITY THAT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ALONG I-68. THIS REALLY CONVENED ME ALSO BECAUSE IT IS LIFE THREATENING. THE THIRD ISSUE I EXPRIENCED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, IS THE BRAKE. BREAK BOUNCED BACK AND DOESN'T STOPPED INSTANTLY. THIS REALLY CONCERNED ME SI MUCH ALSO. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER EXPERIENCING THE SAFETY CONCERN OF THIS CAR WHICH CAN CAUSE LIVES. I'M REALLY AFRAID DRIVING THIS CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THAT DODGE COMPANY MUST NEED TO BUY-OUT THE CARS THAT ARE OUT THERE TO PREVENT INJURIES AND PRESERVE LIVES.
NHTSA complaint #11187200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE RADIO AND DOME LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURNED ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED EXTREMELY HARD FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP AND MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM GREENSBORO (3710 W WENDOVER AVE, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, (336) 790-9850), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11115596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 0 RECALLS ON THE 2008 DODGE CALIBER 2.0. HOWEVER, A SIMPLE YOUTUBE SEARCH WILL BRING UP COMMON ISSUES WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, WHICH CAUSE EXTREME TIRE WEAR AND EVEN SEVERE PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH VERY LITTLE CONTROL. THE ANTI-LOCK BREAKING SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE THROTTLE BODY ARE HUGE ISSUES AS WELL. HOWEVER, IT WASN'T A YOUTUBE SEARCH THAT BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION BUT INSTEAD DRIVING ONE AND LOOKING INTO IT. TO MY SURPRISE THERE ARE ZERO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10991328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE HAD THE ARM BAR AND BALL JOINT REPLACED TWICE IN A YEAR'S TIME, WHICH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. I'VE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED THREE TIMES ALONG WITH RATTLE CLIPS, IN THE LAST YEAR, WITH NO PREVAIL IN CHANGING THE NOISE NOR HIGH SPEED-BRAKING OSCILLATING. A CALIPER HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. WHILE SITTING AT STOP LIGHTS, THE CAR UNPREDICTABLY STALLS-- I'VE TRIED TO REPRODUCE THE SETTING TO HAVE THE ISSUE HAPPEN WHEN A TECHNICIAN TESTS IT, BUT IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN UNPREDICTABLY. THE CAR HAS LEAKED FROM SOME ENTRY POINT TO CAUSE THE FLOOR BOARDS TO BE WET, AND IN THE LAST YEAR, THE SUN ROOF SEEMS TO BE LEAKING AS I HAVE WATER POURING ONTO ME FROM THE FRONT DOME LIGHTT. THE WATER IS CAUSING MOLD, WHICH IS NOT BENEFICIAL TO THE FAMILY I DRIVE WITH. BASED ON THE NHTSA SITE AND THE THOUSANDS OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS, THESE ARE PRETTY WILDLY KNOWN ISSUES BY DODGE, DESPITE THE LACK OF COMPLAINTS ON THESE SITES.
NHTSA complaint #10980481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. AFTER THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TUNE UP, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MORE THAN ONCE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING OVER UN-LEVELED LAND, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE DEALER WOULD PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10906195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE BRAKE DOES NOT TOTALLY ENGAGE IN PARK. OFTEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UNTIL THE GEAR HANDLE IS WIGGLED AND PLAYED WITH TO GET IT ALL THE AWAY ENGAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10875441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON MAY 7TH, 2016 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY CAR STALLED AND NO MATTER WHAT I DID, PRESSING, PUMPING, OR MASHING, MY BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW OR STOP THE CAR. NOW, MY CAR HAS DONE THIS IN THE PAST USUALLY RIGHT AS I AM COMING TO A FULL STOP. THE FIRST MONTH I OWNED THE CAR, I CASUALLY TOLD THE SERVICE WRITER AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID NOT TO USE CHEAP GAS. I TOLD THEM THAT I USE GAS FROM SHELL, NOT CHEAP GAS. THEN IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, I WOULD MENTION IT AGAIN, BEING TOLD ABOUT USING CHEAP GAS. WHICH AGAIN, I TOLD THEM I DON'T USE CHEAP GAS IN MY CAR. I BELIEVE MY ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE ISSUE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V528000.
NHTSA complaint #10874440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2009, RAN GREAT AT FIRST UNTIL I HIT OVER 100 THOUSAND MILES. I WAS ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN TO SEE A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOSPITAL. IT WAS 80 DEGREES OUT AND MY CAR JUST SLOWED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A STOP. I THOUGHT IT OVERHEATED SO I WAITED ABOUT 30 MINS AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN. TODAY I WAS AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT, TO FIND OUT WHY THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS MAKING A NOISE(LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL OFF). THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE CONTROLL ARM AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. APPARENTLY I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THESE ISSUES. WHERE'S THE RECALL DODGE?
NHTSA complaint #10839592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.