2009 Dodge Caliber problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (47) · Power Train (35) · Structure:body (25)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Caliber model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
184 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (35)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Power Train 2021-04-07 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:throttlebody/Manifold 2020-06-24 · 9004268 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
throttle body for clarification, only use 68414676a$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
Engine 2020-06-24 · 9004268 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
throttle body for clarification, only use 68414676a$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
Power Train 2020-06-17 · 9004266 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission, 5 speed on replacing oe transmission 05106567a$/68042567a$ with reman transmission r8142074a$ replace with new hydraulic clutch tube 05273429a$ to avoid interference with shift lever
Showing the 6 most recent of 35 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-03-31 · Unknown Or Other“under paneling under all doors and under car rusting out completely. falling pieces fly away anytime.…”
2026-02-11 · Unknown 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? …”
2024-06-13 · Unknown 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!…”
2023-11-27 · Suspension“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 i…”
2023-08-21 · Suspension“rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end…”
2023-01-22 · Unknown Or Other“rotting/rusting subframe. not listed as a recall for this model year, but was for the previous years.…”
2022-12-16 · Unknown 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..…”
2022-12-15 · Structure:body“● 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 88,0…”
2022-10-28 · Unknown 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 pur…”
2022-09-17 · Structure:body“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 falli…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.