Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (245 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2012
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports.
6 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT transmission failure
Complete loss of power, failure to engage gears, overheating, whining noise at highway speeds, throwing P0700 diagnostic codes. Described as a very common point of catastrophic failure.
- Very frequentMajor electrical system failures
Erratic dashboard behavior (lights illuminating, gauges spinning), vehicle entering limp mode, repeated failure of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), numerous communication error codes (U0100, U0141, etc.).
- Very frequentGeneral mechanical unreliability
Serpentine belt failures, premature failure of water pumps, alternators, and other accessory components. Engine noises suggesting internal valvetrain problems.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentClutch and manual transmission problems
Difficulty shifting into gear, inability to engage any gear, slave or master cylinder failure, dramatically changing clutch engagement point.
- RecurrentPoor build quality and materials
Interior described as cramped with poor ergonomics (knee room, pedal placement), extremely thick pillars creating major blind spots, low-quality interior materials.
- IsolatedEngine cooling system problems
Owners installing manual override switches for radiator fans due to perceived common failures.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended. The manual transmission is mentioned in the context of having its own clutch-related problems, but no version receives consistent praise.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Cobalt, Suzuki Forenza and Kia Rio.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is widely characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a poor value proposition, even at very low purchase prices. Positive feedback is extremely rare and isolated, typically from owners who report no issues with diligent, frequent maintenance. The dominant narrative describes a vehicle prone to major mechanical failures: particularly with the CVT transmission and electrical systems: often before reaching 100,000 miles (161,000 km). The build quality, driving dynamics, and interior are frequently criticized as subpar even for its era and price point. The consensus is that most examples have been scrapped due to the cost of repairs exceeding the vehicle's value.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned at the absolute bottom of the compact segment during its production run. Owner discussions consistently rank it below contemporary competitors from Honda, Toyota, and even other mainstream brands like Chevrolet, Suzuki, and Kia in terms of reliability, build quality, and driving experience. It is described as making competitors like the Suzuki Forenza and Kia Rio "look like a Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS in comparison." The SRT4 performance variant is noted as inferior to the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, which is considered the true successor to the Neon SRT-4. The vehicle is used as a benchmark for poor quality in broader automotive discussions.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No recommended configurations are identified. The data suggests avoiding the vehicle entirely.
General recommendations
Strongly not recommended for purchase under almost any circumstance. Described as a vehicle to actively avoid, especially in the used market under $7,000 USD. If considering one due to extremely low price (e.g., $1,500-$3,000 USD), buyers must be prepared for immediate and significant repair costs. It is not suitable as a primary commuter vehicle due to high likelihood of breakdowns. Not recommended for new drivers or those learning manual transmission. Prospective buyers are advised to prioritize competitors from Toyota, Honda, or Mazda, even if at a higher initial cost or mileage. A pre-purchase inspection is considered mandatory but may not reveal all impending failures.
Remarks
The Dodge Caliber is repeatedly cited as a quintessential example of poor automotive engineering and planned obsolescence from its era. Owner discussions indicate a stark disparity in survival rates compared to Japanese competitors from the same period, with most Calibers having been scrapped. The pervasive negative sentiment extends beyond specific faults to an overall perception of the vehicle as a "piece of junk" and "hot garbage." Positive anecdotes are exceptionally rare and typically involve owners who performed fluid changes far more frequently than standard intervals (e.g., every 4,000-5,000 miles for oil, biannual changes of all other fluids). Analysis based on approximately 30 substantive owner discussions and numerous comparative references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Dodge Caliber years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 165 | 2 | air bags |
| 2010 | 157 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 232 | 1 | power train |
| 2008 | 377 | 0 | suspension |
| 2007 | 958 | 4 | suspension |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices9 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2011 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
2011 · steering:columncampaign 11V315000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
2010 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
2010 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 10V197000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.
2009 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 08V528000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
2007 · equipmentcampaign 17V824000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
2007 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 10V234000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.
2007 · wheels:hubcampaign 07V196000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.
2007 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 06V493000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Specifications
SRT4 2.4 16V
2.4L 4-cylinder · 303 hp · FWD · manual
Built 2007