Dodge Caliber Complaints

1,939 consumer complaints on file.

#10308711February 11, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE. THE PEDAL STICKS, CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR TO RAISE THE RPMS TO ABOUT 5000 WHILE DRIVING. I NOTICED A COPPER BUSHING ON MY FLOOR MAT BUT HAD NO IDEA THAT IT CAME FROM THE PEDAL ASSY. I WILL TAKE MY VEHICLE IN TOMORROW. THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING VERY FREQUENT AND I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL CAUSE SOME SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR UPDATED 05/20/10.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10308225February 9, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I RENTED A DODGE CALIBER FROM DOLLAR RENT-A-CAR IN HARTFORD, CN ON FRIDAY. JAN 29, 2009. ON THE THIRD TRIP IN THE CAR, ON JAN 30, I PARKED IT, REMOVED THE KEY, SET THE PARKING BRAKE, AND STARTED TO WALK AWAY FROM THE CAR. TO THIS POINT, ALL WAS NORMAL. THEN, THE CAR STARTED UP ON ITS OWN, AND THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO RUN. THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN FOR 20-30 MINUTES REGARDLESS OF WHAT I DID WITH THE KEY. THE KEY DID NOT HAVE A REMOTE IGNITION SWITCH. I EVENTUALLY CONTACTED DOLLAR, AND AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING AND THE KEYS IN MY HAND, THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING, WITHOUT ANY INTERVENTION ON MY PART. WHILE NOTHING SERIOUS HAPPENED, IT IS EASY TO SPECULATE THAT IF THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN AN ENCLOSED GARAGE, IT COULD HAVE FILLED WITH FUMES. THE CAR ALSO MIGHT HAVE KEPT RUNNING TILL IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I DID NOT MAKE CAREFUL NOTE ABOUT THE SPECIFIC CAR, BUT THE RECORDS SHOULD BE HELD BY DOLLAR RENT-A-CAR. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10307323February 7, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD WITH SLIGHT WASHBOARD CONDITION AT A LITTLE ABOVE 30 MPH DOWNHILL. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL AND WENT OFF SHOULDER. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS LIGHT STAYED ON FOR A WHILE BUT LATER IT WENT OFF. *TW
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10303302January 30, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 2008 DODGE CALIBER I PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STOPPING WHEN I APPROACH A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. I HAVE GONE RIGHT THROUGH TRAFFIC SIGNALS. I WAS COMING OFF AN EXIT RAMP, AND IT HAD BEEN SNOWING. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP, AND I ALMOST SLID INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. WE BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10303250January 29, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT HIS DRIVEWAY IN SNOWY CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 3 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE IN THE SNOW AND CRASH INTO A VEHICLE IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS BY HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 35,222.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10298650January 7, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
VEHICLE: DODGE CALIBER SXT MODEL 2008 ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 3RD I WAS RETURNING FROM MEXICO STATE TO PUEBLA AROUND 3 PM, USING THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED A SLIGHT CHANGE IN THE ACCELERATION OF THE CAR, SIMILAR TO WHEN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDS CLEANING. ABOUT 2 KM PRIOR TO GETTING TO PUEBLA TOLL, THE BRAKES DID NOT ANSWERED AT ALL, THE INSTRUMENT PANELS INDICATOR DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEM. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN BY USING THE MOTOR (L), UNTIL I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER AND STOP THE CAR COMPLETELY WITH THE HAND BRAKE. FORTUNATELY I HAD A GOOD SPACE WITH CARS PRECEDING AND AVOIDED ANY COLLISION BY ALSO USING THE ALERT LIGHTS. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED AS THE MANUAL STATES, AND HAVE NEVER DETECTED ANY PROBLEM RELATED BEFORE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE FAIL WAS DUE TO A COMPUTER PROBLEM, AND THEY UPGRADED THE SOFTWARE TO A MORE RECENT VERSION, STATING THAT WILL AVOID THE PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THEY HAVE RECEIVED CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CONFIRMED TO ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SOME, BUT "NOT TOO MANY...". THEN CHECKING NHTSA WEBPAGE FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT DEALERSHIP NEVER REPORT ISSUE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10292456November 17, 2009
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I PURCHASED MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AUGUST 2007. NOTHING HAPPENED UNTIL THE WARRANTY WAS UP. HERE IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND MILEAGE. 40,000 RIGHT FRONT STRUT 45,000 LEFT FRONT STRUT 50,000 OUTER TIE RODS REPLACE L AND R 55,000 BALL BEARINGS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE TO BE REPLACED 65,000 REPLACE 2 SENSORS THAT ARE NOT COMMUNICATING SO CAR IS STALLING AND NOW HOT WATER SPRAYING ON MY FOOT WHEN GAS IS PUSHED DOWN AND BURNT MY FOOT THIS CAR SHOULD OF HAD MANY MORE RECALLS THAN IT HAS. DODGE/CHRYSLER HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP ME WITH THESE COSTS AND NOW I AM STUCK. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10289330October 22, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I BOUGHT A USED 2007 DODGE CALIBER ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO. IT HAD ABOUT 27,000 MILES ON IT. I LOVE THE CAR EXCEPT FOR ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO(CAR NOW HAS 46,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY) I GOT STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER. HE INFORMED ME THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING(THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKED OK). I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM SO THEY COULD DIAGNOSE IT. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED SOME KIND OF SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND WAS GOING TO COST ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY. I LOST MY JOB SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I COULDN\'T AFFORD TO PAY. THEY DID SOME TYPE OF RESET(FREE OF CHARGE)AND SAID IT MIGHT NOT LAST. THE OTHER DAY I GOT STOPPED AGAIN, FINDING OUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING AGAIN. I'M STILL NOT WORKING SO THINGS ARE EVEN TIGHTER THAN BEFORE. I CALLED DODGE TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT. HE SAID HE TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY WOULD HAVE TO DIAGNOSE IT. BECAUSE IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THEY MIGHT NEED THE CAR FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND THE CHARGES COULD BE QUITE HIGH. THE GUY AT DODGE SAID THE BEST HE COULD DO IS PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR. I TOLD HIM HALF WASN'T GOING TO HELP SO I GUESS MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO DRIVE IT LIKE IT WAS. MY INTENSION WAS TO KEEP THE CAR FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND BUY A NEW DODGE BUT IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY OPERATE I GUESS I'LL BUY ANOTHER BRAND. HE SAID HE WOULD KEEP ON RECORD IN CASE I CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT SPLITTING THE CHARGES. I TOLD HIM HE SHOULD KEEP IT ON RECORD SO WHEN I GET REAR ENDED I CAN SAY I TRIED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I'M STILL OUT OF WORK AND STILL DRIVING IT WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME, BUT WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10289344October 22, 2009
STEERING
I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED ON MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AT 41,500 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM A LITTLE MORE AND DISCUSSING IT WITH THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH 2007 DODGE CALIBERS AND LATE MODEL DODGES IN GENERAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT I'M LUCKY THE STEERING DIDN'T GO OUT IN MY CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY AS THERE ARE A LOT OF DODGE CALIBERS ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET SOME ACTION DONE ABOUT THIS? SOMEONE DYING IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10288893October 18, 2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC TODAY THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE AND IF THEY BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING, THEY COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT BE WORN OUT ON A CAR THAT IS 2 YEARS OLD AND ONE WITH 41,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. HE SAID THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE LIKELY DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE. THE FRONT TIRES CAN BE FREELY MOVED AND JIGGLED WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH LITTLE EFFORT. I HAVE GOTTEN NO HELP FROM MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER IN REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND AM FORCED TO RISK MY LIFE EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I CAN AFFORD THE REPAIR WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $500 AND $1,200. BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE LIKELY DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE, I SUSPECT THAT ALL OTHER DODGE CALIBERS MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PARTS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE OWNERS ARE SIMPLY UNAWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10286690October 7, 2009
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
2009 DODGE CALIBER SXT- A GUST OF WIND HIT MY DOOR AS I PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR HINGES EXPLODED, SENDING A SPRING INTO MY FACE, AND HYPER-EXTENDING THE DOOR RANGE. THE DEALER APPRAISED THE DAMAGE AT $600 DOLLARS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGES AND COSMETIC REPAIR. IT WILL BE FILED AS A WARRANTY CLAIM BUT IT WILL "MOST LIKELY BE KICKED BACK". *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10285965October 1, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE FOG LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND SINCE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED A REMEDY WAS NOT PROVIDED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,591 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,501.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10285674September 29, 2009
STEERING
TIE ROD ENDS FAILED STATE INSPECTION AT 25,000 MILES. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10284641September 20, 2009
STEERING, STRUCTURE
2007 DODGE CALIBER, WHILE DRIVING TODAY GOING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WITH SON IN THE BACK SEAT. THE KEYCHAIN HOLDER YOU ATTACH TO ANY KEY GOT CAUGHT ON THE STERRING WHEEL PART AND ACTUALLY BROKE THE KEY OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT THE GADGETS SHOULDN'T BE POSITIONED THAT WAY. ANYWAY THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE KEY IS STILL IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT ALMOST CAUSED ALOT OF CARS TO HIT THE CAR BECAUSE AFTER THEY KEY BROKE OFF AND HALF STAYED IN THE CAR IT ACTUALLY LOCKED THE WHEEL. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT I TOLD MY SPOUSE NOT TO TOUCH IT. WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED TODAY. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE AT ALL. I FEEL THE WHEEL AND THE SPACE THEY HAVE FROM WHERE THE KEY IS INSERTED AND WHERE THEY PUT OTHER THINGS IS OBVIOUSLLY UNSAFE. WE ARE FRUSTRATED AND AFRAID OF GETTING BACK IN THE CAR WHEN IT IS FIXED. ALSO WHERE DO WE GO TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE THIS IS NOT OUR FAULT? A STEERING WHEEL SHOULD NEVER BE DESIGNED WHERE THE PARTS ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER THAT A SIMPLE STRING THAT IS YOUR KEY CHAIN AND SHORT CAN GET CAUGHT ON THE GADGETS OF THE WHEEL. MY SON IS ONLY 4 PLEASE GIVE US ADVICE. WHEN TRYING TO GET THE WHEEL TO MOVE AFTER IT STOPPED OUR SON WAS JERKED AND WE ARE FRUSTRATED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#10283359September 9, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1. 2009 DODGE CALIBER SXT, WHILE DRIVING, THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WILL UNLOCK AND THEN LOCK THEMSELVES. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED, IN TOWN OR ON FREEWAYS. DEALER HAS HAD CAR 7 DIFFERENT TIMES, AND IS UNABLE TO REPAIR OR EVEN SEE THE FAULT, ALTHOUGH HE HAS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOUND FAULT CODES FOR STUCK DOOR LOCK SWITCH. DEALER CURRENTLY HAS CAR TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE FAULTS. MAIN DOOR LOCK SWITCH (DRIVERS SIDE) REPLACED BY DEALER. WIRING HARNESS REPAIRED BY DEALER DUE TO DEALER INSTALLED AFTER MARKET ALARM SYSTEM INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PROBLEM IS STILL THERE - I AM CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY, AS SHE DRIVES HOME FROM WORK AFTER DARK, AND ON OCCASION, SHE IS UNABLE TO ELECTRICALLY RE-LOCK THE DOORS - EVEN TO THE EXTENT OF HAVING TO PULL OVER, MANUALLY PUSH ALL DOOR LOCKS DOWN, ONLY TO HAVE THEM POP UP AGAIN BEFORE SHE GETS HOME. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10282281August 30, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT LEAVING ME DRIVING IN THE DARK WITH OUR BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR FUEL GAUGE, ETC. ALL OTHER INTERIOR LIGHTS CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE LIGHTS THEN CAME BACK ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND WENT OUT AGAIN. IT CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE GAUGE CLUSTER. IT STILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10279558August 6, 2009
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER SXT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HER VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND TRAVELED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURES TO HER LEGS, NECK, AND INTESTINES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND RESPONDED IN WRITING THAT THE AIR BAGS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,011. UPDATED 10/27/09.*LJ UPDATED 10/29/09.*JB
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10277567July 21, 2009
STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHEN THE CONTACT ACTIVATES THE AIR CONDITIONING OR HEATER, HIS HAND WILL TOUCH AND ACTIVATE THE FOUR WAY FLASHER. HE STATED THAT THE FLASHER WAS IN A BAD LOCATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY RECEIVED OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE POOR DESIGN OF THE FLASHER AND AIR CONDITIONER KNOBS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. UPDATED 08/20/09.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10276800July 14, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POSITIVE BATTERY POST ON ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER BATTERY CAME LOOSE FROM BODY AND RELEASED BATTERY ACID INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BATTERY ACID ATE THROUGH PROTECTIVE COATING ON WIRES TO MAIN ELECTRICAL AND CAUSED CAR TO STALL AND MALFUNCTION. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10276802July 14, 2009
SEAT BELTS
FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS RELEASE WITHOUT PUSHING RELEASE BUTTON OR WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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