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.
Heard a loud noise that sounded like a broken spring on my car and took it to my mechanic, where I found out my engine cradle is completely rotted and broken in several places. I drive 30 miles to work on a major freeway, doing 70 - 80 mph 5-7 days a week. If this engine cradle had broke completely during my commute, I would have crashed or flipped my car!! this is beyond a safety concern. I recently got rid of a 1998 vehicle that didnt have even 1/10th this amound of rust on its frame. I undercarriage flush-carwash my car every week minimum during the winter months to avoid longterm salt exposure. And my car is garage parked all the time at home. I Transport my small children in this car, and am seriously considering finding a lawyer for a class action suit on this matter. There are a ton of complaints online regarding this issue. A 6 year old car should not be this rotted!!!! I
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while parked and servicing the vehicle, there was severe corrosion noticed on the front and rear sub frame. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front and rear sub frame was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. When the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for service, the technician noticed that the entire frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. There was no warning indicator. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to cover the cost of the part only. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle made a creaking sound. A mechanic diagnosed that the main cross member was corroded. The contact notified the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving 20 mph and making a turn, the front passenger wheel detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knocker failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
- Oak Park, MI, USA
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The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. When attempting to drive above approximately 20 mph, the transmission failed and the vehicle was not able to move from first gear. The check engine light illuminated. The contact stated that the K- frame was rusted. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who advised that the contact needed to locate a dealer to have the vehicle repaired. The certified mechanic cleared all the codes for the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,180.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving at 60 mph, the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a part of the suspension had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was extreme corrosion underneath the vehicle and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000......updated 04/15/16
Took my 2009 Dodge Caliber in for inspection. Front sub-frame / cross member is rotting away and almost rusted. Rest of the car has very little rust. Called Chrysler customer care. Dodge is aware of the problem and extended the warranty for the 07 but not the 09 knowing the issue was not resolved. Have an appointment at the dealership (who are awesome) to inspect the problem further.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that an independent mechanic noticed that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
Took my 2009 Dodge Caliber in for annual state inspection, failed because of a cracked K member (sub frame) on the left side and loose left tie rod. Shop does not do repairs. Took to another repair shop in Vermont for a second look. He found that the K member corroded with holes near the mounting bolt on the K member and corrosion on the lower control arms. He ordered parts to replace the K member and lower control arms. He also replaced the outer tie rod which I had purchased after the failed inspection. Steering quicker to left than to the right before taking the car in for the failed inspection
For the last 3 years I have had trouble with the car loosing acceleration after driving it for a period of time. At first it would go several hours but now I can't go for a 30 minute drive and over 70mph before it looses acceleration on the highway. I will be driving and then the RPM's race all the way to the maximum, the temp. Gauge comes on and it looses power. I can put the pedal to the floor and it won't go anywhere. I have to sit and wait for it to 'cool' off which is crazy since it's not over heated. This can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour each time. When I try to start out again after it's set, I can go another mile before it happens again and I start all over. I have had it to several mechanics and they can't find anything wrong. They don't have the time to take it out on a drive like that to have it happen to them. It's a hazzard and I've been almost rear ended a few times by semi's and other cars. This car is very unsafe but it's all I have. I now have a piece of something hanging from the undercarriage and the front end is very loose. This is a death trap yet when I call the company, nothing is done. So glad they stand by their product. At the bottom of this complaint it asks when it happened, it happens every time I get on the highway so there's no specific date, all the time.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
Extreme rust on front subframe. Part is weakened and integrity is doubtful. Mounts lower control arm. Failure would affect suspension, drive train, brakes and result in loss of steering, brakes and power to drive wheels.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the front driver's door failed and would not close. The contact stated that the spring in the door was defective and separated from the door hinge. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- West Bloomfield, MI, USA