2009 Dodge Caliber

232 complaints on file, page 1 of 12.

1. Filed Mar 31, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2023NEW Whiteland, INUnknown or other

   Under paneling under all doors and under car rusting out completely. Falling pieces fly away anytime.

   NHTSA complaint 11728203
2. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2026Cement city, MIUnknown or other

   My car will not shift. It’s saying that the part that was fixed under the recall is bad. What do I do now?

   NHTSA complaint 11717352
3. Filed Jun 13, 2024Failure Feb 1, 2024Lansdale, PAUnknown or other

   Check frame - known rot concerns Hole has started to open up center rear of engine subframe on the weld line. Subframe doesn’t appear to be in immediate failure, but will not pass inspection. Called dealer and was told parts aren’t available! No incident just getting inspected!

   NHTSA complaint 11594174
4. Filed Nov 27, 2023Failure Dec 2, 2022Salem, NHSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11556949
5. Filed Aug 21, 2023Failure Apr 1, 2023EAU Claire, WISuspension

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

   NHTSA complaint 11539822
6. Filed Jan 22, 2023Failure Jan 31, 2019Mason City, IAUnknown or other

   Rotting/rusting subframe. Not listed as a recall for this model year, but was for the previous years.

   NHTSA complaint 11503077
7. Filed Dec 16, 2022Failure Dec 16, 2022Omaha, NEUnknown or other

   The transmission doesn't shift so if I am on the interstate doing 65 to 70 miles per hr.the transmission fluid heats up .Dodges answer to this is slow down or pull off interstate @ wait till it cools down then continue on your way,so in 50 miles I had to pull over 3 times my opinion not safe..

   NHTSA complaint 11497796
8. Filed Dec 15, 2022Failure Dec 2, 2022Castleton, NYBody

   ● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ● The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as Monro Auto Service, Jiffy Lube and L&M Motors in Upstate New york regularly. ● No.

   NHTSA complaint 11497535
9. Filed Oct 28, 2022Failure Oct 14, 2022Malden, MAUnknown or other

   Brought 2009 Caliber with 34,000 original miles to have breaks checked, the owner showed me there is not a brake issue, but the Sub Frame was extremely rotted and needed to be attended to as it could cause a serious accident. I had a Lifetime Added Care Plus warranty, but of course wasn't covered. I have been the only driver since vehicle was purchased.

   NHTSA complaint 11491301
10. Filed Sep 17, 2022Failure Sep 17, 2022Rockford, ILBody

    It started as a popping noise while driving which evolved into a louder sound and I was able to feel it click with my feet as I was driving, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was causing the issue at first. After going to a mechanics and having them look at it the subframe of the car was absolutely covered in rust to the point where it was falling apart and I could see inside. The air conditioning unit was badly designed, and the residual water from that caused the entire thing to rust. They advised that it was only going to get worse and could lead to the front axle essentially just falling out and totaling the car anyways. I drive everyday to and from work so having this issue is severely affecting my daily life and quite possibly my safety if anything happens while driving it.

    NHTSA complaint 11484985
11. Filed Aug 15, 2022Failure Nov 13, 2020Seattle, WAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be able to move the vehicle to a safe distance from heavy traffic. Finally, the problem started to occur after the vehicle was supposedly repaired and not driven for 2 -3 days and when it an attempt to start the car it would idle for 3-5 seconds and sound like it was choking before dying, and this was happening 2 weeks after it had been "repaired" by the Dodge dealer. This problem has repeatedly occurred over the two years since the original incident and has been to a Dodge dealership for unsuccessful repairs 4 different times; 11/20; 04/22 &05/22 and it is still at the dealership being inoperable. Each time the car functioned for a few miles and then broke down again. The dealer informs us that the parts that would most likely repair the car are no longer made by Dodge and the car cannot be fixed. Interestingly enough this model vehicle has had a variety of recalls starting in 2007 but never for the particular control modules that are no longer available which are The Throttle control & Power Train Control modules, which the Dealer thinks might possibly be a fix but even that is not a sure thing. The Dodge dealer that worked on the vehicle presumably would have informed me about this situation at least before they had the vehicle in for now the 4th time in 3 years with the same problem with no solution. Up to the time of these breakdowns the vehicle was well maintained and taken care of and still has low mileage of just over 69,000 miles. Is the Dodge Corporation at least partially liable?

    NHTSA complaint 11479281
12. Filed Jun 29, 2022Failure Jun 22, 2022South Bend, INAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakes, Unknown or otherCrash

    The car was in park on a hill, when I turned off the engine, it rolled down the steep hill and the brakes or emergency brake would not work. I crashed through a fence across the street and into a building. The car was totaled.

    NHTSA complaint 11471526
13. Filed May 19, 2022Failure Mar 8, 2022Portland, INSuspension

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

    NHTSA complaint 11465287
14. Filed Apr 14, 2022Failure Apr 7, 2022Union Grove, WISuspension, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11460742
15. Filed Mar 16, 2022Failure Mar 16, 2022155,946 milesSylvania, OHStructure

    The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The vehicle had previously had the front subframe replaced under an unknown TSB. The contact stated that upon inspection, her son informed her that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 155,946.

    NHTSA complaint 11457010
16. Filed Mar 11, 2022Failure May 23, 2021San Antonio, TXEngine, Power train, Service brakes

    The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from AtoZ auto on gen McMullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car

    NHTSA complaint 11456269
17. Filed Feb 6, 2022Failure Feb 4, 2022Detroit, MIPower train

    My PCM failed car stopped on the highway in traffic without warning. I could have die or caused a death. My car is available . I’ve owned that vehicle for going on three months the first issue that I’ve had. After Car felt the check engine light came on I took it to be for a diagnostics test which read the PCM was the issue. My car is a 2009 Dodge caliber just recently charged 81,000 miles I pay $6000 for a car I just don’t believe that [XXX] dealer didn’t know I am fearful of dry driving it but what choice do I have. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

    NHTSA complaint 11450676
18. Filed Jan 24, 2022Failure Jan 21, 2022Springfield, MOAir bagsCrash1 injured

    Car was involved in an accident that resulted in a total loss . Air bags did not deploy. Car is currently at a towing company and can be inspected. No warning lights were on.

    NHTSA complaint 11448726
19. Filed Dec 16, 2021Failure Dec 15, 2021ELK Garden, WVAir bags, Seats, SteeringCrash

    Air bags didn't not deploy during a single car accident which ended in a head on crash into side of mountain then rolled over onto the roof. Speed about 30-35 mph. When tow truck turned car back over the driver's seat wasn't connected. Also prior to this accident problems with alignment, esp rear.

    NHTSA complaint 11444028
20. Filed Nov 18, 2021Failure Nov 18, 202164,049 milesPittsburgh, PAUnderbody shields, Suspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11440918