This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving 20 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move and the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a muffler shop where it was diagnosed that the cross member bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 56,500. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired the same day at the tune of $1,100 at owners expense for a recalled part. The consumer provided photos of the defect.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle made unusual noises while driving at any speed. The contact noticed that the frame, including the engine cradle, was completely rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While the contact's son was driving 30 mph, the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe and the crossmember were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving various speeds, a dragging noise was heard coming from under the front driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (wilmington auto, 1780 rombach ave, wilmington, oh) where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side control arm was fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel shook without warning. The contact stated that the failure started approximately six months ago and was becoming worse. The vehicle was taken to spitzer Dodge Jeep Ram (13001 brook park road, brook park, oh 44142) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,860.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving various speeds, a clunking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear cross member had separated due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (haley of farmville, 1906 S. main St., farmville, va) were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the sub frame was completely corroded and rusted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70, 000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While operating the vehicle, the contact heard a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered that the front cross member separated from the vehicle due to rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While the vehicle was undergoing routine inspection, the technician noticed that the entire subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving 45 mph, the cross member caused the front driver side wheel to turn inward. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while having unrelated repairs performed, the technician diagnosed that there were holes in the sub frame and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
After purchasing my Dodge Caliber in February or 2008 I noticed the gas gauge was not consistently accurate. It took a total of 6 months for schaefer and strohminger to "fix" it. I called them afterwards to tell them it was better but not completely correct and they put me off several times. They said they would call the engineer and follow up with me. That never happened even after the CEO of the vehicle maintenance department told me I met the lemon law requirements. During this time the car began to hesitate from time to time when starting. I also asked them about that problem. They could not figure out the problem after having it in the shop twice. About a year later the car wouldn't start and left me stranded at work. It was towed to the nearest dealership. I called ahead to talk to the mechanic who knew exactly what my problem was because he'd had several others need to be replaced already in the Caliber. It was the wireless control module. While still under warranty they replaced it. It's been a few months now and the car has hesitated while starting 4 times already. Obviously there is a fault in the wireless control module unit they are using. Finally, I'm taking it back to have them check the water in the driver's side tail light and wet carpet behind the driver's side seat. I'm very dissatisfied with this car and do not plan on buying from Dodge or schaefer and strohminger again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mt Clemens, MI, USA