Suspension Noise problems of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Let me start by saying that I love driving my 2008 Dodge Caliber and wish that it was worth repairing all of the issues that I am researching are common problems among fellow owners of this year, make and model of vehicle. As a person who pays close attention to my vehicle, repair costs have been adding up over the past couple of years. Starting with a complete repair related to the suspension including the control arms/ bushings, sway bar, ball joints, and tie rods, which has caused my 4 new tires to experience a shortened lifespan due to uneven wearing. Recently, I had my car in the shop to address a loud noise I was hearing while the vehicle was in motion. The mechanic diagnosed a long list of issues, including rusting/corrosion to the engine cradle and further problems with the suspension that in their professional opinion determined the vehicle unsafe to operate. At this point, the mechanic informed me that there had been recalls and an extended warranty implemented to address the rusting/corrosion of the sub frame, as I was unaware and did not receive any notices for any of the listed recalls. Today, I find myself researching the list of problems that the mechanic indicated with the suspension and rotting engine cradle and will unfortunately not be worth putting thousands of dollars into to make it safe, an issue that should be honoured by the manufacturer. I would like to take the proper steps to address this extreme safety concern that has been an obvious issue for many owners like myself. I wonder how many others did not receive the recall notice for the rotting engine cradle and have spent thousands in repairs on that and/or suspension malfunctions? these problems are not minor and need to be addressed, as I am sure there are many owners who have not been made aware of the recall and safety concerns this poses to operators or others in the vehicle presence.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. After the vehicle underwent a routine oil change and tune up, the vehicle made an abnormal noise when the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer was notified of the failure more than once and provided no solution. In addition, when driving over un-leveled land, the vehicle continued to make an abnormal noise and the suspension was unstable from the front to the rear. The contact was unable to determine if the dealer would provide a remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was not available.

Car started making clunking noise when turning left. Schedule car for inspection at a dealership. 3 days before inspection loss of (drive) power light went on. Took it in early. Informed that I had a rusted out engine cradle and repairs would cost $1400 (this does include a deductible and front end alignment due to suspension repairs). Had max care warranty and was informed that Chrysler would not cover the engin cradle. That part has to be replaced to do any other repairs. Looking at site, this is a big issue and some other model years have been recalled for similar issue. Car at dealership now waiting on parts. From other comments, this issue makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.

While having car inspected for front end noise the mechanic found a large hole in the front sub-frame and that the entire front suspension needed to be replaced. He told us that he believed there was a recall on the sub-frame so we decide we would use the recall to replace it and just pay for the repairs on the suspension. Found out that only the 2007 Calibers have the sub-frame/crossmember recalled! it seems that the same part was used in both years and the 2008's should be recalled as well. Dodge needs to do something about this before someone is seriously hurt and they become liable.

I bought my 2008 Dodge Caliber in July 2010. It had 27,000 miles on it. It was a campaign car. It has always had a problem with pickup. Acceleration is not great, but we noticed on a July 4 trip, that the car was not only making the "normal" steering/suspension noise, but it was also making a whirring noise that my husband feared was the transmission slipping. I made an appointment at the dealership where I bought the vehicle and found out that the whirring noise was not the transmission, but the alternator is bad. $550. 00. The ball joints and the tie rod ends are bad and need to be replaced, $1040. The struts also need to be replaced as well as the front brakes. $800. Yes, my car has 110,000 miles on it, but the trade in value is only about $3500 anyway. Its luckily been paid off for many years. The ball joint/tie rod issue is very worrysome, though. It is dangerous.

The car was making a rattling noise. Took it to the shop the entire bottom was rusted and needed to be replaced. Cost $1500. 00. Had to have the front suspension replaced three years prior.

Started having noisy front end/brake issue @16000 miles one year after purchase, have had the car in 7 different times for the same complaint, the dealer just kept replacing different parts hoping the noise would go away, it hasn't, now that the car is 2000 miles out of warranty, the dealer treats us like we abused the car, it only has 37000 miles on it!! a new car should last longer thatn 3 years without major suspension problems !! Dodge has a reputation of using defective suspension parts and should be responsible for hard-working consumers that bailed them out!!!! all I want is my car fixed they choose to use inferior parts and now they should have to pay for their hindsite.