My partner and I were at Firestone to have a oil change for our car done. One of the repair guys came out to tell us our tie rods on our car were lose and would need to be replaced soon. Our car has only a little over 61,000 miles on it. Tie rods on a car are usually replaced at 120,000 to 170,000 miles. We bought this car used at a Toyota dealership with only one previous owner. The carfax were provided and the previous owner babied the car. There were no previous car wrecks and we have had no car wrecks either. We are at a disbelief, as this serious of an issue on a car should not have to be replaced until it is expected. We take very good care of our car. We change the oil before it is due and regularly schedule check ups to make sure there are no major issues. Now we are taking our car in this weekend to get the tie rods done and to see if also control arms and ball joints need to be replaced. For tie rods to go out while driving is a serious issue. We could lose control of the car and hurt ourselves or someone else. This is a serious safety issue and Dodge has a responsibility to replace malfunctioning parts of the cars this is happening to. A tie rod should not go out on a car at 61,000 miles when the car is taken care of. I do not understand why a recall has not been in place and why Dodge has not come forward to be accountable for the issues. The tie rods will be costing us $400 dollars alone to replace and if ball joints and control arms need to be replaced well over $1,000 dollars for parts that are wearing out prematurely. If our mechanic had not caught the faulty parts my new wife and I might be lying in a hospital somewhere hurt or worse. As responsible owners we are having the parts replaced as soon as possible. If Dodge would have taken responsibility to have the parts replaced we wouldn't have to worry about our safety and others safety.

- Springfield, MO, USA

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber and the sub frame is so rusted through that it cracked while my son was driving it. Thankfully he was coming home and it happened couple minutes from home. I cannot believe a car, that is only 7 years old, can rust so severely in such a short period of time. I cannot believe Dodge has not issued a recall on this. What are they waiting for" are they waiting for enough people to get into accidents and possibly kill somebody, before the recall this manufacture defect" they must have some really good bean counters. When I started looking on the internet, I was shocked to see so many complaints from people with the exact same problem as I am having, and their cars were younger then mine. I was shocked to find out that there have not been any recalls issued for this.

- Macedonia, OH, USA

I've had numerous issues with the vehicle suspension since I purchased this vehicle brand new (a 2007( around thanksgiving 2006. The first issue involved the steering and was told that both front struts, control arms and outer tie rod ends would require replacement - at 6K miles! this repair also involved replacing the rear brake shoes. The steering was making a grinding noise when parking or parallel parking at very low speeds. I had this repair performed using parts I purchased myself and a local mechanic I found on craigslist who was willing to do the labor for about $300 including the necessary 4 wheel alignment. The parts cost about $500 or so. Another issue that has been present since I brought the car home has been this rattle and clunk in the rear suspension. It seems that nobody has been able to pinpoint what the exact problem may be. I replaced the rear shocks myself thinking that might be the problem, but it still makes this annoying noise. The car has no rear sway bar. I was told it's not a control issue and have "lived with it" as annoying as it is all these years. It seems it has not affected the vehicle control, but it's a nuissance. I'm getting ready to fix this problem myself as it must be the rear control arms or toe links. This always occurs while driving over an uneven surface like a gravel driveway or a very bumpy road. It also seems that the front tie rods appear to be in need of replacement yet again as I inpsected these myself and noted theres no boot on them and getting some steering noises again, including a clunk while steering or braking at very low speeds. Might need another set of control arms (not sure yet) really feel as if Dodge should address and acknowledge this as a defect and pay for these repairs - as I've been reading here and on plenty of Caliber forums I'm definitely not the only one who's had these exact problems.

- Hopatcong, NJ, USA

Bought car new in 2007, since that time have had to have left tie rod replaced 5 times, most recent being this month (6th time), previous 3 months prior. This is an ongoing problem, but there has been no recall on this car, I have called Chrysler and reported it. They did reimburse me a couple years ago for parts for the previous three times it had to be replaced. There is no warning when the tie rod goes, it has been found on my yearly inspections. I am worried that the steering will go someday when I am driving and there will be an accident, which keeps me on edge whenever I drive it; there is 80,256 miles on it, I don't abuse it by any means.

- Malone, NY, USA

The car would not start (lights worked, but engine would not turn over). After replacing the throttle cable and box, as well as some broken wiring, the car still would not start. The mechanic then towed the vehicle to a Dodge dealership, where the computer was reset. The car ran for another week after it was first "fixed, " and then again did not start (same problem as before). Additionally, the light to indicate that the air bags were not functioning turned on prior to the vehicle not starting. This is more frustrating because we have had extensive issues with this car (replaced all tie rods, bushings, control arms, have a broken door from the hinge breaking, and had multiple tires wearing unevenly due to the car's suspension problems) already, and have sunk well over $6000 in repairs this year alone.

- Stony Creek, NY, USA

Have had sporadic electrical issues for the last few years, chalked it up to normal wear & tear. After looking at other testimonies online, beginning to realize the issues I've had are similar to those of other Caliber owners. Just replaced the alternator in June 2014 and now car is shutting off while driving down the road. Check engine light has been on for 3 weeks and will randomly not be on for a series of drives only to come back on again. Dashboard lights do not come on all the time, I'd say more often than not night driving is done with no dashboard lights. I change headlights & taillights frequently. About to head to autozone now to have it hooked up to diagnostic machine to see if any codes come up for check engine light. Chrysler needs to do a recall asap or there will be several peoples lives at risk, including my entire family seeing as how this is our main vehicle.

- Rockton, IL, USA

The vehicle has had the ignition switch slip from "on" to "accessory" twice in the last few years. The first time was on I-95 just North of richmond, va. I was driving, shifted my knee (with a long keychain), and the switch slipped. I was unable to control the car at that point. I hit the emergency lights button and tried to re-start the car. I was able to re-start the car and continue driving without accident or injury. The second time was on edwards mill road in raleigh, nc. At that point, I was not driving with the longer keychain, but a shorter one with only four keys, and the switch slipped again. Because it had happened before, I knew what I needed to do was to re-start the car, and I was able to do so successfully without accident or injury. Because at the time, I didn't think much of it, and because I had no concept that it could have been a bigger issue, and because there was no accident, I did not stop to write down or remember the dates/times of these incidents. I know that the first incident was at night; the second incident was during the day. I remember where I was because I have a photographic memory; however, because I didn't stop to look at the date or time then or later, I don't recall exact dates and times. My best guess, based on my travel schedule through richmond, va, is that it took place within the last three years, and then the second incident sometime after that. I thought nothing of these incidents even when the GM recalls started happening, because it wasn't a GM vehicle. However, the other day, I read that Chrysler vehicles were being recalled for this issue, and something triggered my memory with the switch slips. I wanted to provide this information and notice so that a decision could be made about investigating other Chrysler models, as well as to provide notice to the company of an issue.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

Drove home from work parked my car next morning it wouldn't start. Had battery power and cranked when I turned the key but would not kick over to start. Towed to mechanic. He said there wasn't anything wrong with it, he cleaned the spark plugs, weather warmed up and car worked again. This happened twice, he stated I needed to take it to Dodge dealership to have the computer reprogrammed (that this was a common problem for my car type) two days later, driving to work all the lights went on and the steering froze, not able to turn left or right. I was able to exit and park car without incident now having it towed to dealership.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

The first signs of a problem were a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. It did not happen every time, and I did nothing about it until December, when a portion of a strap with electrical wire embedded began to protrude from the upper steering column. It soon began to be a nuisance as the portion grew longer and would catch on the steering position adjustment knob. I grew alarmed when the airbag light came on, and took it to the dealership. They said it was a broken clockspring, and they had to order the part. It cost me over $300 to get this repaired, and now I see Toyota is doing a recall for this exact same thing, a spiral cable assembly that becomes damaged from turning the steering wheel. It is a poor design. Toyota is replacing this with a better part, but I do not think Dodge did that, and I had to pay to get this replaced. I am concerned it could happen again, and believe there should be a recall by Dodge also.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

March 12, 2014 my mileage was 56700 miles I had to have my lower ball joints replaced because they had both failed. The last issue I had with steering & suspension was in March 2012. My mileage at the time of the diagnosis by the Dodge dealership was 34,898 and I needed to have the passenger side tie rod replaced. There have been numerous reports to the NHTSA/ federal government regarding both the tie rods and ball joints of the 2007 Dodge Caliber. I have done research and have found that the tie rods and ball joints are known to Dodge to be common failing parts on the 2007 Dodge Caliber. When I replaced the tie rod on 2012 I did notify Dodge directly, my vehicle warranty had expired at that time and Dodge closed my case and I was brushed off. Dodge stopped replying to my emails and would not return my voicemails. I have found no fatalities in my research so far, but it is only a matter of time with this vehicle design. How many reports are required before an investigation is launched. Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

- Juneau, AK, USA

Upon hitting a small pothole, the subframe broke causing a loss of steering into oncoming traffic. Luckily there were no accidents. The tires now go two separate directions. After getting the vehicle towed to a repair shop, they discovered the subframe had rusted through due to the air compressor leaking directly onto the subframe. When having our insurance adjuster from state farm out to assess the damage it was determined it was manufacturer's defect and would not be covered. I then contacted Dodge who stated that the perforation for rusting was 100,000 miles. Although the incident on the vehicle we are still paying for through an authorized Dodge dealer happened on a vehicle that has exceeding the 100,000 miles by only 10,000 miles - we are now stuck with a car that's going to cost over $1,100 to fix due to a manufacturer's defect. This incident could've resulted in a fatality. Dodge needs to be held liable for this issue.

- Cortland, OH, USA

My 2007 Dodge Caliber was taken to my mechanic where it was found that the main subframe had rusted through in multiple places. The car is only 6 years old and has approximately 76,150 miles. I called Chrysler and mentioned it. Customer service stated that they would only provide cost assistance if I had the work done at a Chrysler dealership. The car was taken apart and on the lift at my preferred mechanic. I had my mechanic provide the service. I did receive a quote from a local Chrysler dealership it would have cost me $ $850. My mechanic did the service for $ $650. Chrysler has refused payment. This subframe components is rusted through in three locations. After only 6 years, this doesn't seem acceptable on a major front end component.

- Lebanon, ME, USA

I was slowing down to stop at an intersection and heard a thump on the bottom of the car. As I started to pull forward the steering was very difficult and the I heard a whining sound from the right front tire. I was about a mile from my repair shop so I had my brother follow me with his emergency flashers and drove slowly to the shop where I found out that the subframe was completely rotted through. In the last year, I have had to replace upper and lower control arms and the alternator.

- Pinckney, MI, USA

Started to hear squeaking and clanging noises in the front passenger side of my car. It would make the noises with every bump and especially could hear it going down hills. Then the steering wheel would wobble and it felt like I was driving on a flat tire, but tire pressure was fine. When it started to be all over the road, like I was constantly hydro-planning, I researched on line and found that this particular year and model of car has major problems with the control arms, ball bearings and tie rods. I made an appointment with my mechanic and told him I thought it was the passenger side control arm. He checked it out and it was both control arms with connected ball bearing, both tie rods and both sway bar end links needing replaced. He also discovered that the tires that had been put on not even 9 months ago where showing threads. Cost of repair not including the new tires and alignment was $887. Will be up over $1000 after tires are replaced and alignment is complete. I was afraid to drive on wet pavement, had very little control of the car. Was always correcting the steering while driving, it just pulled and when I hit a bump it would jerk to the side where the bump was.

- St. Clairsville, OH, USA

Car is hard to start cranks very slow and there is a tapping sound like a bad lifter upon starting but goes away when the car warms up. The wheel bearings had to be replaced. Alignment was way off and tires had to be replaced. Brakes have to be replaced. There is a hollow noise from the rear of the vehicle. After jacking the car up to check that sound out the rear passenger wheel would not come off the ground. After replacing the front wheel bearings and new tires the car now shakes and vibrates in the front end. The car has been at the repair center for 10 days on and off. This last time it has been there for 6 days and counting. These vehicles are unsafe for the road and should be recalled and taken off the road permanently. There are way too many problems with these vehicles and the manufacturer will not do anything about it. NHTSA needs to step up and hold the manufacturer accountable before someone gets seriously injured or killed. Do not wait until there is a fatality! action needs to be taken now!

- Putnam, CT, USA

My 2007 Dodge Caliber, which only has 56,000 miles driven, had to have its left front tie rod end replaced at 25,000, and now the lower control arms, right tie rod end and left strut need to be replaced. After some research, I found that many 2007 Dodge Caliber owners are experiencing the same problems. I think that the suspension on these vehicles, specifically the lower control arms, which contain the ball joints, are defective and need to be recalled, before someone gets killed, when their tires fall off the car.

- Kearney, NE, USA

Vehicle taken in for tire rotation.located excessive wear in lower ball joints, tierod ends and control arm bushings.many entries on internet of others with same vintage Calibers finding same prob with premature wear. Failure of any of the above components.

- Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA

I had to have the whole front end of the vehicle replaced at about 36,000 miles, tie rod ends, ball joints, and lower control arms. Now only 1.5 years later (at 53,000 miles) one of the control arms is bad again. I'm not sure why all of these parts have such a high failure rate but from doing research on the internet and talking to other Caliber owners this seems to be a very widespread problem that is happening at very low mileage. Eventually somebody is going to get hurt driving one of these things when the steering goes out. I have talked to Chrysler people about the problem but they of course don't want to admit any fault and instead imply that you may have caused the problem yourself due to your driving habits.

- New Lenox, IL, USA

The vehicle had a failure of the front end parts, tie rod ends, ball joints. Paid to have it repaired last year and now it has happened again, only this time both sides. I now have 85,000 miles on the vehicle. This is just ridiculous. There should be a recall on this product.

- Woodridge, NY, USA

My sisters 2007 Dodge Caliber only has only 32236 miles on it and the ball joints need replaced already, it cost 800 dollars to replace them, I looked on line and everybody that has a 2007 Caliber is having the same problem there should be a recall on the ball joints, just look on line and U will see how many people are having trouble with the ball joints, how many complaints does it take to have a recall done, thank you for your time, please just E mail me back thank you.

- Harmony, PA, USA