Body problems of the 2007 Dodge Caliber - part 1

The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows to continue to be able to roll up & down as intended. It's not just one door, it is literally every single door in this vehicle that has this issue. When I decided to try & save a little bit of money & get some used window regulators, I go to a salvage yard that had another Dodge Caliber (different model, how ever, same window regulators) just to find upon inspection, that every single door has a spoon in between the window & the rubber guard piece. Took the door panel off to further inspect & that vehicle had the same issue I have at this very moment. . . Cable wires completely tangled up and completely non salvageable. Removed the spoon & the window fell down. Now I understand that it doesn't sound like a safety issue but when you are driving down the highway, doing the speed limit, and your window falls down, it's very startling and honestly a distraction while driving. Not only is that a distraction but have you ever had a bird fly into your car, from the hole that was once a window? talk about a distraction. It's like a bee flying into your helmet while riding a motorcycle or 4wheeler. Ah! main focus is that flying object to come out, so you try to roll down the other windows only to remember after pushing the buttons that, OH wait, they won't roll down. Ever since the window fell, not only is that a safety issue for the ones in my car, now it's a safety issue for those driving onside of me till I can get onto the shoulder, if there is one. And hopefully the weather is nice yes, it has been confirmed & inspected by an independent service center, & yes it is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps.

Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control.

Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (strictly highway miles) and rear sub frame has completely rusted through causing back alignment to be drastically out, and fish tailing, which also causes hazardous steering control on dry and especially wet roads. Rapid wear and replacement of tires on rear end. I have researched and found this to be a consistent problem on multiple sites and forums.

Very bad design of muffler. It is very dangerous. The muffler has a hole on top. That heat effect the battom trunck, the hood get melted, heat sheild get burned and the road assistant tire get melted as well. I was lucky I was able to smell it. Also all body get very rusted and look hourrible.

Car has been garage kept entire time of owning. Sub frame still rotted out causing so much damage to the car, the struts, the tire(s); etc, causing car to shake and tire to bow out. Car has been at a repair shop for over 7 months now trying to get a replacement part to repair it with no luck as of yet. This should not be the responsibility of the customer. This has been a known issue for many of these vehicles for years now with nothings done or any warnings sent out regarding this issue being a possible hazard.

This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original repair invoice with notations for magna plant manager; page 10 notice of having received complaint; page 11 defective lug nut issue; page 12 complaint #11591104; page 13 service invoice noting replacement of two defective lug nuts. Second pdf file: pages 1-2 copy of original complaint #11459461; page 3 copy of towing receipt due to defective lug nut. Third pdf file: picture of three of four defective lug nut covers that I had to remove due to flat tires. First one not shown due to being damaged while attempting to remove beyond recognition. Upper left lug nut cover came off just in handling of removed lug nuts.

Front subframe failure due to premature corrosion caused loss of control of vehicle which could have led to an accident involving serious injury or death a sit happened while turning left onto the highway and subsequently the failure cause damage to the front axle.

My front carriage that holds up the engine and tire alignment outside shell rusting out on the back side.

The vehicles subframe was all rotted and drivers side tire practically fell off while it was being driven. Contacted Dodge and they said because there wasn't an open recall there was nothing they could do about it. My question is was there a recall on my particular vehicle if so when/where was it fixed. We bought this used and have no prior information on it. If this vehicle wasn't included on previous recalls it should have been and they should fix it now.

I I have changed multiple times the sway bar links and had to put on new struts twice. There was supposed to be a recall on the cross member bar and when I took it to be fixed the dealer would not honor the recall on the bar. It is now making once again a popping sound in the front drivers side and I am wanting to once again get the recall on the car that was supposed to be fixed before.

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, there was an abnormal ticking noise. In addition, while exiting the highway the front axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame and front of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was towed to midway Dodge (4747 s pulaski rd, chicago, IL 60632, (773) 376-8060) where the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Common subframe corrosion on low mileage 2007 vehicles causing extreme safety issues while driving. Was warned by auto shop that this is common and renders safety issues to driver as entire engine could drop when driving or wheel separation, that could cause severe injury or death. No recall or warranty issued to me. This should be a safety recall as common as it is.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle had major corrosion underneath. The contact stated that while her dad was driving there was a vibration with the vehicle and the rear wheel felt as if was about to detached, the driver noticed underneath the vehicle both cross member are corroded through with holes. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not part of a recall and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. Aw.

Have a 2007 Dodge Caliber with 90k miles. My wife recently went to get it inspected and come to find out the front and rear crossmembers and subframe components were terribly corroded. Needless to say it was not passed. It's started shaking while driving, alignment is off according to tire wear. I've read tons of complaints and see they issues not a recall but a 10 year extended warranty on this issue. Curious as to when this was issued and if my car falls into that.

While in for routine annual inspecton was informed by mechanic that front subframe on vehicle was rusted to the point that it would not pass inspection. Was informed that this was a common problem with these and other Chrysler vehicles. Was also told that the problem was common enough that Chrysler had extended the warranty for this repair. Contacted local dealership and was told warranty had expired and would not be honored, even though safety was a factor. Given that this is a common problem it should be corrected with a recall.

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 mph, the contact went over a bump in the road and there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stopped to inspect the vehicle and saw no physical damage at the time. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to a siblings home to do further inspection. The contact stated that the engine cradle was severely rusted which caused the front wheels to almost separate from the sub frame of the vehicle. Sawyer motors, 166 ulster Ave, saugerties, NY 12477, (845) 247-5027, was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and no assistance would be offered. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure, case number: 64699050. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88000. Ah.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that during a routine check up, it was noticed that the rear sub frame of the vehicle was rusted, inside out. The contact also stated that the engine made a lot of noise. The contact called the shottenkirk Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer (888-344-9954, located at 2301 e washington st, mount pleasant, IA 52641) and was referred to the manufacturer (Chrysler) the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000. Fe.

While driving my son heard an abnormal noise (squeaking and clunking) was coming from under the car by the driver side wheel. Upon investigating when we grabbed the stabilizer arm on the right side it had significant movement. We grabbed the left side for comparison and it did not move. We followed the stabilizer bar and found that the point where the bushing attaches to the subframe had cracked off. While looking at the subframe closer it has significant corrosion/rust (a lot more than a vehicle with 120k miles should have). We contacted Chrysler and they were willing to "warranty" (even though it is outside the warranty period) the front and back subframe however they would not cover any parts that attached to the subframe. We were told that if any bolts/parts that broke were our responsibility which could cost up to $2000 which is half the value of the car. So with Chrysler covering the subframe pieces and labor (estimated $1000) technically the vehicle is totaled (combined total repair costs $3000 on a car worth $4000). . . . And now an 18 year old kid no longer has a car. The rest of the car is in great shape and should have easily gone another 80k miles at a minimum. Such a shame to scrap/part out a vehicle at 120k miles for a manufacturing/quality deficiency.

My husband was driving home from work and the k member just broke as he approached an intersection. It is now on a trailer unable to be driven.

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that there was excessive rust on the rear subframe. The maintenance work could not be safely completed due to the rust. Jim shorkey Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram fiat (located at 13230 us-30, irwin, PA 15642, (412) 872-2400) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 279,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that during routine maintenance they were informed by the independent mechanic that the sub frame had corroded and it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The engine warning light had illuminated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,978. Nd.

Front and rear cross members as per x58 and revision x59 rusted notice sent July 14th 2014 to have inspected for rust dealership inspected and found no rust reinspected August 23 2018 rust found dealership stated out of extended warranty x58 no goodwill assistance available cause of extended warranty expiration.

I started hearing a metal clanking noise in the front of my car. It progressed and got worse as I drove more. I brought it into a repair shop only to find out the subframe - both front and rear- is completely rusted and rotted out. They could put their finger through the frame it was so frail. It only has 120k miles on it. It is completely unsafe to drive so now I am out of work, etc until I replace it or fix it. The noise occurs whenever turning, hitting bumps, and occasionally while just driving straight. It does not occur while on a highway.

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 35mph the contact notice the vehicle started to shake. The rear of the vehicle drop and there was an abnormal noise. No lights illumianted. The contact stopped the vehicle and towed it to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed that the frame was broken. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer hancock county Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram 845 washington, newell, wv 26050 (304)-387-3100 where it was determined that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further action were taken. The failure mileage was 70,000. Ck.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected they failed due to severe corrosion on the frame. Central Ave Chrysler Jeep Dodge ram located 1839 central park Ave, yonkers, NY where they were they confirmed the failure and informed the contact of a warranty extension on the frame; however they informed the contact that the extension was expired. The manufacturer was notified however the contact was informed that their VIN had no applicable recalls or warranties so no further assistance would be offered. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. Kh.

I was changing the oil of my wife 2007 Dodge Caliber when I looked over and saw that the lower control arm was completely almost completely cracked through the middle portion of it. A day prior my wife mentioned that the car was driving a little weird. This could have been extremely dangerous for my wife and other motorist if it failed on the public roads.

My daughter bought a used 2007 Dodge Caliber with 83,493 miles on it in 2016. In 2018 the car became very unstable and found the cross structure in the rear was so corroded and rusted it cracked in half. She, I, and others could have been killed. And I see now 100's of others that has the same problem. What do we do about this? eat $5,000. 00 ? this needs to be taken care of. . She was driving and I was with her at night and raining, on the freeway when it started to shake so bad I thought it was going to fall apart. We creeped it home and friends looked underneath and said omg. . So again,, how do we replace this? and what is being done? there were no notifications on this at all period. I don't care if it was 1 car. This needs to be recalled. . It could be a family with children, a head on crash, who knows. . It's dangerous. . Mad mother. . It happened on or around may 14, 2018 and I don't know exactly what the miles were at that time, gave a estimate. . This is as bad as having a drunk driver coming at you. . Please recall. .

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While operating the vehicle, the front suspension and steering wheel suddenly shook and vibrated. In addition, the steering column made a popping noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front section of the subframe experienced severe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, the technician diagnosed that the sub frame under the engine rusted completely, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. There was no warning. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,500. Fe.

I am contacting you refer to Dodge service bulletin 23-012-14. The vehicle has failed inspection. The extended warranty that covers the repair expired . I contacted Chrysler to ask for cost assistance in covering this existing problem. The dealership and corporation denied my claim. Case id 33139538. I think it's reasonable for the manufacture to provide assistance in keeping the car road worthy. The vehicle has 161k, the lack of repair would make the vehicle unsafe to drive inevitably ending the useful existence of it.

The vehicle became hard to control. Took it to get looked at to see why. It was found to have a rusted out engine cradle. The mechanic said that the sway bar mount was rusted and gone. The cradle should not have rusted and should have a recall on it. If not to call the manufacturer and see why and if they would replace it. It has also happen to other models of Dodge cars and jeeps that use this same part. It is unsafe and may cause an accident. The dealer said they extended the warranty but unfortunately it had expired for our car. They have sent me no notification that it had this warranty or we would have had it fixed before we found out on our own. This warranty should not expire as they had used faulty material and know all about it.

Got the car and bought it used there were really back in 2914 nobody notified me on realms or extended warranty on the underbody rusting out and need it addressed I should of been notified and this fixed it lose and makes clunking noises the whole time I had car I want this matter resolved there should of been a noticed sent to me.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 35 mph, the front end of the vehicle fractured and fell to the ground. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as having a faulty subframe/cross member. A dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 9,946.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, he would hear knocking or clunking noises coming from underneath the vehicle when driving over a bump in the road. The contact took the vehicle to tate Chrysler Jeep Dodge frederick 5629 buckeystown pike, frederick, MD 21704 (301) 663-6126 where a diagnostic was performed and that the inner and outer tire rods need to be replaced. After the repair was performed, the contact stated that the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer had not been informed of the matter. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage approximately 170,000. Jo.

I heard a rumbling noise under the car took it to dealer and they said it wasn't safe to drive. Told me my whole rear end was rusted out and I paid $1600 for repairs. Now my car made a noise while my tires were going took it shop they said see a dealer on the way there my car stopped going forward. Good thing I wasn't on the highway. I could back into a parking space semi safely. Both problems in 3 months and my warranty is no more on my transmission.