Dodge Caliber reliability: common problems by model year
Across 2 model years, the Dodge Caliber has 1,335 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and electrical system. 2007 drew the most complaints (958), 2008 the fewest (377).
2
Model years tracked
1,335
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
958
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Dodge Caliber vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $3,999–$6,848.
Which Caliber years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
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 fro
CVT 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. Frequency: very frequent.
Major 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.). Frequency: very frequent.
General mechanical unreliability: Serpentine belt failures, premature failure of water pumps, alternators, and other accessory components. Engine noises suggesting internal valvetrain problems. Frequency: very frequent.
Clutch and manual transmission problems: Difficulty shifting into gear, inability to engage any gear, slave or master cylinder failure, dramatically changing clutch engagement point. Frequency: recurrent.
Poor 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. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Caliber. Individual model years are broken down above.