I was informed on 09/29/2025 by my Chrysler dealer that a second critical component of my 2007 Caliber frame had rusted to the point that it broke. The first critical component was reported in my complaint tracking number 11459461 submitted on 04/03/2022. The component in that filing was the engine pan that supported the engine. On this latest failure, I was told the same thing by the shop manager: "If you hit a bump while driving this vehicle you could lose your back wheels". In the first incident, the engine could have fallen out of my vehicle. He was not going to let me drive it home. Then he changed his mind and told me it was "at my discretion". I did drive it home (4.5 miles) with no problem. He told me he was going to try and find a new or used part to fix the issue. He made it clear that he was not hopeful of finding one. This is twice now that my life and the lives of any drivers on the road at the same time were placed in danger from excessive rusting problems. I submitted files in the first incident showing that Chrysler was aware of the issue. A copy of the corporate service bulletin was attached. To my knowledge nothing was ever done. Is anything going to be done this time?
NHTSA complaint #11691736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severe rust to vehicle frame COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE, no accident. Rust has corroded frame despite normal use and normal care. Vehicle hasn't reached 75k miles yet, and the frame is failing. How is this not a recall?
NHTSA complaint #11619984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Due to the subframe rusting on the undercarriage of the car, the lower ball joint completely detached from the car, cause the driver side tire to fall off during operation.
NHTSA complaint #11532427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (strictly highway miles) and rear sub frame has completely rusted through causing back alignment to be drastically out, and fish tailing, which also causes hazardous steering control on dry and especially wet roads. Rapid wear and replacement of tires on rear end. I have researched and found this to be a consistent problem on multiple sites and forums.
NHTSA complaint #11468503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger side. The contact looked in the rearview mirror and saw sparks coming from the rear passenger side. The contact pulled over, and upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was inward and the cross member was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 23-012-14 Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X58 10 Years Unlimited Mileage). The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11443924 — 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.
IN THE MIDST OF ME DRIVING ACROSS THE INTERSECTION... MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY... I HAD TO GET OF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THEY ENTIRE CAR... DUE TO SEVER CORROSION, YU UNDER VEHICLE.. WHEN I SAW PHOTOS... I WAS TERRIFED!! MY LIFE WAS ON JEOPARDY.. THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE... I AM SENDING PHOTOS TO HELP SUPPORT MY CLAIMS..
NHTSA complaint #11365106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SO , THE CAR I PURCHASED ON AUG.2ND, OF THIS YEAR... HAS MANY ISSUES! FIRST OF ALL ABOUT 2 WEEKS INTO HAVING THE VEHICLE... I NEEDED EXHAUST WORK DONE... SHORTLY AFTER THAT.. I BEGAN EXPERIENCING SOME PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN I TOUCHED THE BREAK PEDAL, NOW I'M EXPERIENCING SOME WEIRD SITUATION UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHICH IN FACT IS CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE AND NOW WHEN I TAP THE BREAK TO STOP THE VEHICLE THEIRS A LOUD NOISE AND WHEN I GIVE IT GAS.. IT SHREEKS! IT'S VERY TERRIFYING TO SAY THE LEAST... I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO MY RESIDENCE... I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT ALL
NHTSA complaint #11362090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE CROSSMEMBER BAR ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CORROSION WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE CONTACT CALLED ZEIGLER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF DOWNERS GROVE LOCATED AT (2311 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515), LARRY ROESCH CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM LOCATED AT (200 W GRAND AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126), AND DUPAGE CDJR LOCATED AT (433 E NORTH AVE., GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139), WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAD EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,133.
NHTSA complaint #11319708 — 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.
I WAS TURNING IN MY VEHICLE FOR A TRADE IN AND DURING THE APPRAISAL TEST DRIVE THE AXEL BROKE AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED. THE GENTLEMEN STATED THAT IS WAS DUE TO RUST BUILD UP. OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE POWER STEERING FEELING OFF, THE CAR NOT DRIVING RIGHT, ETC AND IT HAS BEEN IN THREE PLACES WHERE THE MAINTENANCE FOLKS SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN, THESE SAME ISSUES SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT SOMEWHERE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. I MAY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BUT I AM ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND MOVE EVERY TWO YEARS TO INCLUDE DEPLOYMENTS WHERE I EASILY COULD HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE NOTICE. MY CAR VALUE WAS 1500 DOLLARS BEFORE IT WAS WRECKED, BUT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE PREVIOUS MAINTENANCE TOTALS AND THE LOST DAYS OF NOT HAVING MY CAR THE OTHER TIMES IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED. BELOW, I WILL SHOW PICTURES OF THE RUST, INSPECTIONS THAT WAS DONE IN JUNE 2018 SHOWING THAT UNDERNEATH WAS GOOD, AND PREVIOUS WORK ON MY VEHICLE WHEN I COMPLAINT OF ISSUES WITH STEERING, TIRES, SUSPENSION. NUMBER: 23-007-17 REV. C GROUP: 23 - BODY DATE: JULY 13, 2017
NHTSA complaint #11286581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD EVERY TIME I SHIFTED GEARS THE FRONT END WOULD JUST GO LIKE WOBBLE WOBBLE SO I SLOW DOWN FROM 45 TO ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR IF THAT I MADE IT HOME WITH ZAGG GOT UNDERNEATH THERE AND THE SUB FRAME IS LITERALLY BUSTED THE WAY IT SITS IT LOOKS LIKE IT DOES NOT HAVE A MOTOR IN IT ANYMORE IF I WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO DO I WOULD'VE WRECKED IF I DO NOT GET AN ANSWER SOON I AM GOING TO CHANNEL 13 NEWS I HAVE PICTURES OF WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE AND I'M GOING TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IT'S A 2008 THERE IS NO WAY THAT FRAME SHOULD'VE BUSTED LIKE IT DID NO WAY I WAS ON CITY ROADS
NHTSA complaint #11229800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS CAR HAS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS BUSHINGS SPRINGS TIE RODS HAVE SPENT MORE THEN $2000 BETWEEN PARTS AND LABOR AND WORE OUT TIRES DO TO CONTROL ARMS AND OTHER PARTS NEVER A DODGE AGAIN GOT FIXED BACK HAD BE REFIXED 2 WEEKS LATER AFTER CONTROL ARM REBROKE
NHTSA complaint #11218290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR KEEPS ON BLOWING THE REAR TIRE ABOUT EVERY 6-8 MONTHS.MY STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES/VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING OVER 55 MPH. THE TIRES ARE WEARING UNEVEN. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A REAR CROSS MEMBER RECALL FOR MY CAR WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN THIS. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR IN TO BE ALIGNED HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO GET THE RECALL HONORED BEFORE DOING SO
NHTSA complaint #11161100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 CALIBER BACK FROM COLLEGE ON ST RT 14. AS SHE WENT TO TURN RIGHT ONTO OUR ROAD,THE TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE BUCKLED UNDER. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER BROKE.THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THE METAL HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY FROM DEFECTIVE METAL. WE WERE NEVER ISSUED A NOTICE OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGEROUS DEFECT. NO RECALL WAS ISSUED ONLY AN EXTENSION OF THE CARS WARRANTY, WHICH AGAIN WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. THE DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE,TIRES WERE DESTROYED,FRONT CROSSMEMBER WAS REPLACED, FRONT AXLEAND REPLACED,LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM REPLACED,FLANGE HEAD AND SHAFT-AXLE HALF REPLACED. BECAUSE THIS WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A RECALL,WE HAD TO PAY FOR MOST OF THE DAMAGE OUT OF POCKET.WHICH HAD WE KNOWN ABOUT PROBLEM WE WOULD HAVE HAD REPAIRED. UPON THIS HAPPENING WE HAVE NOTIFIED EVERYONE WE KNOW THAT OWN THIS VEHICLE. OF THE ONES THAT HAVE HAD THERE CARS INSPECTED ALL ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME METAL RUSTING IN DIFFERENT STAGES. THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.HAD MY DAUGHTER BEEN GOING THE SPEED LIMIT [70 MPH] AND THIS HAPPENED MY DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED! I AM NOW PUTTING DODGE AND YOU ON NOTICE OF THIS DEFECT, SO THAT IF JUST ONE PERSON GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS,THEY HAVE LEGAL RECOURSE.
NHTSA complaint #11128011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.