10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,632 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2009 Dodge Caliber suspension problems

suspension problem

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2009 Dodge Caliber Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #58

Dec 022022

Caliber

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.

- Salem, NH, USA

problem #57

Apr 012023

Caliber

  • miles
Rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #56

Mar 082022

Caliber

  • miles
I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through

- Portland, IN, USA

problem #55

Apr 072022

Caliber

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and H Frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and A Arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! Only have 68,000 on vehicle.

- Union Grove, WI, USA

problem #54

Nov 182021

Caliber

  • 64,049 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #53

Oct 062021

Caliber

  • miles
The front sub frame rusted out and almost killed everyone in the car the wheels turned out and lost all steering was really scary is there any way we can get this fixed by dodge this should be a recall I-??ve looked at 6 calibers and all of them are rusted out

- Bentonville , OH, USA

problem #52

Jun 032021

Caliber

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2009 Dodge Caliper developed a split sub-frame suspension component due to heavy rust and the rear sub-frame has developed a severe rust and is also in danger of failure. This vehicle has less than 62,000 miles and is currently not operable. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was being driven at the time of failure and had to be towed to a nearby repair shop. Contacted dealer service manager who stated that vehicle has no recalls or extended warranty-??s. This incident occurred without any warnings. Please advise!

- Steubenville, OH, USA

problem #51

Mar 012021

Caliber

  • 145,000 miles
During an inspection by my dealer it was noted that the front subframe was rusted through. The car was taken to a different repair shop where it was determined that the rear subframe was also rusted through. It was determined that this was an ongoing issue that the dealership failed to note during previous inspections. Allowing the failure to be pushed out past the time of an extended warranty repair. The corroded subframes allowed more flexure in the sub frames add stress to the bushings and support structures causes the repair cost to multiply. These component failures could lead to a catastrophic failure of the car while driving and should be corrected by the manufacturer.

- Columbia, PA, USA

problem #50

Feb 042020

Caliber

  • miles
Speed sensors, inner/outer tie rods, hub assembly, radiator, intake valve, tires were different sizes, more problems arose.

- Ocklawaha, FL, USA

problem #49

Sep 282020

Caliber 4-cyl

  • 64,005 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that she heard an abnormal sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the struts needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the undercarriage including the engine cradle was severely rusted through. The contact to the vehicle home and experienced the failure while turning. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who found more damages to the vehicle. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not be driven until the undercarriage was repaired or replaced. Minot automotive center (3615 S broadway, minot, nd 58701, (701) 401-1019) was contacted and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 64,005.

- Velva, ND, USA

problem #48

Nov 072019

Caliber

  • 135,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front subframe severely rusted and broken

- Masontown, PA, USA

problem #47

Sep 282019

Caliber

  • 100,795 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the rear suspension crossmember was cracked. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100,795.

- Grafton, OH, USA

problem #46

Nov 082018

Caliber

  • 127,000 miles
Subframe rotted away. Causing the drivers side A-arm to rip out. The wheel was at an approximate 90 degree angle from normal position. Caused the driveshaft to pull out of the transmission and the car to immediately stop.

- New Philadelphia, OH, USA

problem #45

Mar 022016

Caliber

  • 25 miles
Transmission over heating on highway.. front steering and suspension keep needs repaired. Noise in front when turning to the right.

- Morrisdale, PA, USA

problem #44

Sep 112018

Caliber

  • 80,000 miles
Transmission overheats quickly and car loses power. Aamco has replaced it numerous times. Added external transmission cooler. Problem persists. Suspension is insufficient for this car.

- Chino, CA, USA

problem #43

May 032018

Caliber

  • miles
Got oil change & was told my frame was rusting bad. Took to my mechanic to put up on racks and I looked at it. He said it was getting very rusted, had holes, including the "arms" that connected to wheels.

- Charleston, WV, USA

problem #42

Feb 152018

Caliber

  • 117,075 miles
Subframe rusted cracks very dangerous frequent noises!

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #41

Apr 082018

Caliber

  • 91,000 miles
Heard a clunking noise when turning and stopping, got home thinking the strut was broken and found that the sub-frame for engine, sway bar and tire assembly completely rotted and cracked on the drivers side ready to break in two. Car is unsafe to drive. Mileage 91K.

- Sunbury, OH, USA

problem #40

Apr 012018

Caliber

  • 129,000 miles
The car is difficult to keep on the road while driving at any speed. A loss of control and loud noise felt and heard while driving over small bumps or while turning. After doing my own under vehicle inspection I noticed that the subframe where the lower control arm mounts was completely rusted through. This was my friends son's car and I recommend to him not to drive it because it was very unsafe and that he could loose complete control of the car.

- Roc2, MI, USA

problem #39

Apr 032018

Caliber

  • 135,000 miles
When driving the vehicle started to make unusual sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for inspection. Told that the front cross-member was severely corroded and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Customer was informed by the dealer that this was covered under an extended warranty from Chrysler. Was then told by the dealer that they could not work on the vehicle until the district service manager authorized it. The reason given was that there was additional rust found that would not be covered by the warranty. Informed that this decision could be expected in 2 to 3 weeks. Was then informed that the dealer could not offer and transportation while they waited for a decision. Still waiting.

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

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