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 the vehicle was at an intersection, the vehicle shook violently when the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact managed to steer the vehicle home while it shook. The contact looked under the vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,321. Consumer stated front subframe rusted and corrosion, VIN is xxxx. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving, the contact heard a loud noise. The contact later discovered that the subframe was rusted through and caused the front driver's side axle to fracture. Also, the top of the driver's side wheel was tilted inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the axle, subframe, one of the brakes, and the transmission fluid line were replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was transferred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 112,850.
Let me start by saying that I love driving my 2008 Dodge Caliber and wish that it was worth repairing all of the issues that I am researching are common problems among fellow owners of this year, make and model of vehicle. As a person who pays close attention to my vehicle, repair costs have been adding up over the past couple of years. Starting with a complete repair related to the suspension including the control arms/ bushings, sway bar, ball joints, and tie rods, which has caused my 4 new tires to experience a shortened lifespan due to uneven wearing. Recently, I had my car in the shop to address a loud noise I was hearing while the vehicle was in motion. The mechanic diagnosed a long list of issues, including rusting/corrosion to the engine cradle and further problems with the suspension that in their professional opinion determined the vehicle unsafe to operate. At this point, the mechanic informed me that there had been recalls and an extended warranty implemented to address the rusting/corrosion of the sub frame, as I was unaware and did not receive any notices for any of the listed recalls. Today, I find myself researching the list of problems that the mechanic indicated with the suspension and rotting engine cradle and will unfortunately not be worth putting thousands of dollars into to make it safe, an issue that should be honoured by the manufacturer. I would like to take the proper steps to address this extreme safety concern that has been an obvious issue for many owners like myself. I wonder how many others did not receive the recall notice for the rotting engine cradle and have spent thousands in repairs on that and/or suspension malfunctions? these problems are not minor and need to be addressed, as I am sure there are many owners who have not been made aware of the recall and safety concerns this poses to operators or others in the vehicle presence.
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
Dash warning lights all come on, interior light comes on when using right turn signal, loses power only up to 40mph, sometimes won't start, odometer gauge flapping around, which are current problems, have replaced suspension three times, and replaced computer! will never purchase a Dodge again!
- Westville, IN, USA
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Motor cradle is rusting out! that's very dangerous and there should be a recall on call Calibers. I can not afford to bay over $1,000 to fix my car. And the maker should use poor quality parts knowing how serious it can get. Recall recall recall !!
I purchased the 2008 Dodge Caliber 2 weeks ago Nov 15th 2008 and inspected before purchase. Drove car 1 week and crossmember support beam broke due to poor part from mopar, Dodge. They had a 120month unlimited warrenty on part, knowing it was a bad part. I have tried all areas of getting bad part replaced to no avail. They say warrenty "expired" on defective part installed on car. I need car repaired as it is a danger!! any help is greatly appreciated! I was turning into my driveway at normal speeds when crossmember support beam broke at drivers wheel area.
I bought a 2008 Dodge Caliber in November 2018, noticed crossmember was rotted away and started causing problems 2 weeks after I purchased from private party. I called Dodge, they said sure bring to nearest dealer and have it fixed under extended warrenty.. I did this only to be informed that the extended warrenty expired in May 2018.. I am so disappointed in Dodge for telling me its covered when it infact had expired in May 2018. Now I am out cost of car and now cost of repair.. can you help"? now car is making popping noice at normal driving at driver wheel from cracks in crossmember support.. dealership said do not drive long distance.. what does that mean" dealer is taylor Dodge in bourbonaiss, Illinois. I need support, help here please!!
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 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.
Subframe rusted through. Diagnosed this past Saturday. I've owned the car for 8 years and have never seen such a serious safety issue on a vehicle. Picture attached.
The problem deal with the front crossmember subframe. This part is total junk. It is completed rusted out. It was just a miracle it did not cause an accident prior to our finding it needed replaced. After checking online and finding the 2007 Caliber's were handled under a "recall" but nothing has been done on subsequent years. After just leaving home the right front wheel pulled badly to the right, while making screaking noises. The car was limped back into the drive and the problem found. I believe this is a very poorly made part, probably with inferior steel. I have attached two (2) pictures of the old subframe. The car is registered to my daughter [xxx], I am her father [xxx]. I contacted a local dealer and expressed my concerns and they informed me to contact Dodge/Chrysler which I did. They informed there was no assistance for this issue. They did take my complaint. I believe this to be a serious safely issue with any vehicle that has this type of crossmember subframe. Please contact me if you need any other information. [xxx]or by cell phone [xxx]. I would appreciated any type of reply. Sincerely [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I took car in to have ball joints replacedplus the steering and struts looked at. Mechanic showed that the frame is totally rusted through. No other work can be done on the car with this huge issue.
Vehicle arrived at our shop for a standard oil change and on inspection we discovered that the sub frame had rotted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. We contacted the dealer for the customer and found that the extended warranty had expired. This is a road hazard and should have no expiration date. Photo is available if there is an investigation.
Took our Dodge Caliber 2008 (manufacturer date: 11/2007) to a mechanic for repairs thought to be struts and was told the front cradle was rusted out and need to be replaced to continue any safe driving. This was a 2007 recall but was never included in any titled 2008 cars that were manufactured in 2007. This is a very dangerous issue and seems to be reported more often now at the 10 year mark. This is something that is not a traditional problem on most vehicles and seems to be a manufacturers defect. I would like to see it recalled, because the replacement cost on this is in the thousands and it is a severe safety hazard.
Rusted sub-frame, paper thin many complaints listed all over the web, driving in a lot hit a speed bump front right tire came almost all the way off the car. Called Chrysler they dont care if my car could have killed me and my child, they have no recall so its my issue not theirs.
Premature failure (38560 miles) of left lower control arm found during annual state inspection. Cost $349 to replace lower control arm and $80 for front end alignment.
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- Swanton, OH, USA