16 problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 2008 Dodge Caliber. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Dodge Caliber based on all problems reported for the 2008 Caliber.
2008 Dodge Caliber sub frame/k-frame front end crossmember completely rusted thru causing the driver side lower control arm to rip free from frame (seperating part of frame, with lower control arm) from rest of frame. This left driver with no control of affected wheel which turning it 90 degrees out from normal operating position. Left operator with no ability to steer while driving on main primary (35 mph speed limit) two lane road. Car slid to halt in middle of road. Car needed to be towed. Dodge/Chrysler apparently knew of this problem and never notified owner. Please see attached notice. Front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) - 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber & Jeep compass/patriot oemdtc July 17, 2017 15 comments NHTSA id number: 10140027 manufacturer communication number: 23-007-17 rev. B summary front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) the driver of this car could have been killed or seriously hurt. It is unfathomable that Dodge Chrysler was allowed to get away with not notifying potential crash victims.
Recently purchased a 2008 Dodge Caliber(ohio). On initial drive returning with vehicle I noticed a vibration coming through steering wheel. Upon inspection, was informed the tie rod ends and control arms both could use replacement, but could have been caused by the more important bad front and rear crossmembers as well as front and rear crash bars, both have severe rust development with metal deterioration which could impose a safety concern down the road. Was advise to look into replacement. Reached out to one of the local dealerships and was informed it was a bulletin, had an extended warranty, but am outside of 10 year period. Rust from crossmember is now in process of transferring to actual frame and coming through as holes in rockers now as well. Dealership offering no help after stating the enhanced safety concern. Hard to believe an 08 can deteriorate so fast. You would think with the complaints and t. S. B. As well as safety concerns, seeing still original parts that have been warrantied to replace but have not on this VIN, gets no help at all.
This car has had nothing but problems had to replace all 4 control arms, ball joints bushings springs tie rods have spent more then $2000 between parts and labor and wore out tires do to control arms and other parts never a Dodge again got fixed back had be refixed 2 weeks later after control arm rebroke.
Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a dragging noise was present coming from the under the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer wilmington auto (1780 rombach Ave, wilmington OH. ) who diagnosed that the front driver side control arm had broken due to severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000. Jft.
I had a dangerous situation. I first noticed a vibration in the wheel at 55 mph. I then started hearing clunking sounds while steering or going over bumps. I took it in thinking that it's a ball joint, because I had the lower control arms replaced at around 75,000 mile, while they were still under warranty. . The motor cradle was completely rusted out. I had to have that replaced plus 2 lower control arms. It cost me 1458. There's already been a recall of the 2007 model. Mine was manufactured in August of 2007, and the cutoff date was July 2007. I have photos and invoices attached.
My 2008 Dodge Caliber is garage kept and has 92,000 miles. It is well maintained and taken care of. I took it for an oil change and the service man told me that the subframe is rotted through and it is dangerous to drive. I was totally surprised and took it to tyson Dodge in shorewood illinois. They informed me that this is not covered. They told me to call Chrysler. I called them and they said that even though it's unusual for that part to rust quickly, there was a recall on that part for the 2007 Caliber and not 2008. They could not help me. Tyson Dodge also said I need a right control arm. Total to fix it-$1700. Unbelievable! saw many complaints on line!.
Rotten subframe - my control arm separated from the frame and my tire/wheel went sideways causing me to screech to a stop, luckily I was coming to a stop anyway but it easily could have happened at a high speed and killed myself and others.
The engine cradle was completely corroded and had to be replaced, along with the attached lower control arms w/ ball joints. This cost $1,800. There was a recall on the 2007 model. Mechanic said that it was so corroded that it was a miracle that it hadn't broken. The car had about 57,625 miles on it at the time.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle inadvertently turned the steering wheel to the left and right. The contact also stated that the failure occurred while braking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the case frame of the engine and the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle swerved and made a clicking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front ball joint and the lower control arm failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an alignment was performed but failed to correct the failure. The contact also stated that the brake system failed. The brake emitted a metal grinding noise when the brake pedal was engaged. The dealer inspected the brake system and found corrosion on the brake lines the corrosion was removed from the brake lines however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,833.
I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber. I wash and maintain it on a regular basis. This car has a terrible suspension since it was new, I have had to replace both front control arms because of the rear bushings and loose ball joints, one at 32,000 miles. Both rear upper control arms and rear links. It is an alignment nightmare. I took it to the local garage for an alignment after I changed some parts this morning and the back of the subframe is rotted out. The car isn't 6 years old and the body still looks great. I called Dodge and they said they have never heard of this problem and wouldn't commit to a bulletin #23-012-14 , that covered 2007.
Premature failure (38560 miles) of left lower control arm found during annual state inspection. Cost $349 to replace lower control arm and $80 for front end alignment.
Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while tires were rotated a private mechanic confirmed steel was showing from both side front tires. The failure was confirmed by the mechanic being attributed to both front lower control arms failing. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 60,000. Rds.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact noticed a knocking coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact was unable to purchase the ball joints separately. The front passenger side control arm and ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the control arm and ball joints had to be replaced on both the front driver and passenger sides because the tire was wearing rapidly and the knocking noise was still heard. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Found both lower control arm's worn to a point where the tires had to be replaced also. And the vehicle would not pass nys inspection because of worn ball joints.
The contact owns 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the lower control arm and ball joints were continuously failing and being replaced. The contact stated that he believed that the bulk of the stress was on the passenger side. The failure mileage was 800 and the current mileage was 60,000. Updated 03/16/11.