Dodge Caliber Complaints

1,939 consumer complaints on file.

#11520801May 7, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows to continue to be able to roll up & down as intended. It's not just one door, it is literally every single door in this vehicle that has this issue. When I decided to try & save a little bit of money & get some used window regulators, I go to a salvage yard that had another dodge caliber (different model, how ever, same window regulators) just to find upon inspection, that every single door has a spoon in between the window & the rubber guard piece. Took the door panel off to further inspect & that vehicle had the same issue I have at this very moment... Cable wires completely tangled up and completely non salvageable. Removed the spoon & the window fell down. Now I understand that it doesn't sound like a safety issue but when you are driving down the highway, doing the speed limit, and your window falls down, it's very startling and honestly a distraction while driving. Not only is that a distraction but have you ever had a bird fly into your car, from the hole that was once a window? Talk about a distraction. It's like a bee flying into your helmet while riding a motorcycle or 4wheeler. Ah! Main focus is that flying object to come out, so you try to roll down the other windows only to remember after pushing the buttons that, oh wait, they won't roll down. Ever since the window fell, Not only is that a safety issue for the ones in my car, now it's a safety issue for those driving onside of me till I can get onto the shoulder, if there is one. And hopefully the weather is nice Yes, it has been confirmed & inspected by an independent service center, & yes it is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11513652March 24, 2023
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512879March 20, 2023
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511323March 11, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Massive amount of shaking and vibrating when vehicle is at idle. Subframe is rotting and rusting away and causing rust holes in the subframe. Vehicle is currently in operation daily. Unsafe to operate in its current condition. Will need fixed via recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507522February 15, 2023
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rotted out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503077January 22, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rotting/rusting subframe. Not listed as a recall for this model year, but was for the previous years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502388January 18, 2023
ENGINE, STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the mechanics has not found a resolution to the problem yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501990January 16, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car shuts down while driving These cars recalled July10 2008 Mine was made April18 2008 but has the same issue It could cost lives
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501241January 11, 2023
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!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497796December 16, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission doesn't shift so if I am on the interstate doing 65 to 70 miles per hr.the transmission fluid heats up .Dodges answer to this is slow down or pull off interstate @ wait till it cools down then continue on your way,so in 50 miles I had to pull over 3 times my opinion not safe..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497535December 15, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ● The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as Monro Auto Service, Jiffy Lube and L&M Motors in Upstate New york regularly. ● No.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497082December 12, 2022
SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496934December 11, 2022
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe rusted right through control rods snapped rear end of car dropped down. Upon researching they know that this is bad and unsafe even gave a 10 year extended warranty for front and rear subframe so how long will and how many complaints before this is an actual recall. I see here in your complaints that there is a large number of complaints on this issue. How are they getting away with this and nothing being done. I will have photos also police had said if this happened while it was on interstate would have crashed and could have been fatal. The tire would have ripped right off. So not only was my safety but the safety of the others being jeopardized cause everyone just keeps looking away at this issue. I would love to know how many of these subframes have had to be replaced I bet if you do research there is not one of them out there that either should be replaced have been replaced or will need to be replaced. Stop allowing these car companies to use sub standard parts. I am sure this will fall to the wayside along with the other 100 complaints. I will try my hardest to make sure everyone knows this is a problem that the car company is fully aware of and nobody has done anything about and keep researching on how many more this has happened to and try to get everyone to file a complaint. There was NO WARNING SIGN just broke loose passenger side of car was practically on the ground the broken control arm is what held everything up. Please can we really check into this if there is a recall at least people will know the problem exist.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496552December 8, 2022
SUSPENSION, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
I’ve only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the wheel became loose ,and started pulling ALOT. I was on my way to get an alignment this morning and the whole front end began to buckle not even a minute down the road. I tmade it in back the driveway before the front end collapsed completely
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495890December 3, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
Car has been garage kept entire time of owning. Sub Frame still rotted out causing so much damage to the car, the struts, the tire(s); etc, causing car to shake and tire to bow out. Car has been at a repair shop for over 7 months now trying to get a replacement part to repair it with no luck as of yet. This should NOT be the responsibility of the customer. This has been a known issue for many of these vehicles for years now with nothings done or any warnings sent out regarding this issue being a possible hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494825November 24, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as I’m driving! The sunroof leaks when it rains and half the time the electricity doesn’t work on the sunroof button. My doors have completely stopped auto locking and my hazards will randomly start flashing without pushing the button. Steering is absolutely terrible, it feels like you’re skidding on ice or hydroplaning the entire drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493580November 15, 2022
SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
Started hearing a loud banging noise whenever i would hit a bump or turn left coming from drivers side tire. after getting home, i checked and the entire subframe is rusted out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493282November 12, 2022
SUSPENSION
Rear crossmember/ subframe rusted thru and broke. Replaced front several years ago. Car has always been garaged.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491301October 28, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Brought 2009 Caliber with 34,000 original miles to have breaks checked, the owner showed me there is not a brake issue, but the Sub Frame was extremely rotted and needed to be attended to as it could cause a serious accident. I had a Lifetime Added Care Plus warranty, but of course wasn't covered. I have been the only driver since vehicle was purchased.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490374October 21, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently only had my 2012 dodge caliber for a year now and out of that year it’s been giving me problems since I had it! The car had completely shut down on me for weeks while I was in the process of burying my father in law who gave me Covid after he passed. Weeks later we ended up figuring out what the issue was which was the tipm. I remember having to tap the battery with a wire for it to start and it didn’t matter what the weather looked like. Well that didn’t last long because it broke down on me again after I’ve replaced almost everything there was under the hood; the battery, the alternator, the fuses to the tipm and relay, the brake light switch, the ignition switch and all the fuses. Now here it is I’m making a car payment and still paying insurance for a vehicle I haven’t driven in months. I ended up researching this car and I see these cars are not reliable and I wish I would have known especially with two small children I already have! I recently read that this vehicle was in a dealer auction but never was told why; not once but twice actually. I despise these cars if I knew what I know now I would of never got this vehicle. I still owe 5grand on this car at that so I’m right back at square one but this go round got two extra bills that I waste money in
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Dodge Caliber