general problems of the 2008 Dodge Caliber - part 1

I’ve only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the wheel became loose ,and started pulling alot. I was on my way to get an alignment this morning and the whole front end began to buckle not even a minute down the road. I tmade it in back the driveway before the front end collapsed completely.

Rear subframe rusted right through control rods snapped rear end of car dropped down. Upon researching they know that this is bad and unsafe even gave a 10 year extended warranty for front and rear subframe so how long will and how many complaints before this is an actual recall. I see here in your complaints that there is a large number of complaints on this issue. How are they getting away with this and nothing being done. I will have photos also police had said if this happened while it was on interstate would have crashed and could have been fatal. The tire would have ripped right off. So not only was my safety but the safety of the others being jeopardized cause everyone just keeps looking away at this issue. I would love to know how many of these subframes have had to be replaced I bet if you do research there is not one of them out there that either should be replaced have been replaced or will need to be replaced. Stop allowing these car companies to use sub standard parts. I am sure this will fall to the wayside along with the other 100 complaints. I will try my hardest to make sure everyone knows this is a problem that the car company is fully aware of and nobody has done anything about and keep researching on how many more this has happened to and try to get everyone to file a complaint. There was no warning sign just broke loose passenger side of car was practically on the ground the broken control arm is what held everything up. Please can we really check into this if there is a recall at least people will know the problem exist.

Rear crossmember/ subframe rusted thru and broke. Replaced front several years ago. Car has always been garaged.

The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as I’m driving! the sunroof leaks when it rains and half the time the electricity doesn’t work on the sunroof button. My doors have completely stopped auto locking and my hazards will randomly start flashing without pushing the button. Steering is absolutely terrible, it feels like you’re skidding on ice or hydroplaning the entire drive.

I was informed at inspection that the main front cross member has a huge hole in the center of it and is rusting out badly. At 162,356 miles this car will not pass safety inspection. This car is not safe for me or my family. No warning lamps or messages. I was told that one bad bump could do us in. We were told to contact the dealership and found out about the extended warranty that had already passed during the previous owners time. This should have been a recall, but what else can you expect from Dodge.

My 2008 Dodge Caliber cross-member broken in the midst of me driving.

Making noise going around bend 06052020.

While my wife was driving, the front subframe crossmember rusted through, causing her to lose control of the car and she could not safely operate it without repair. I managed to get it to a firestone for them to look at and they referred me to a dealer and told me not to drive it anymore because it is unsafe. This is a problem that Dodge knew about, but failed to notify me about. I only found out about the problem from the dealership, who told me that the extended warranty that covers this problem had expired in 2018 and that I would be responsible for the cost of any repairs. I owned the car during that time and I did not know of this problem, so I could not act on getting it repaired. This never should have been an extended warranty, this should have been a recall because of the potential to kill people when the subframe rusts out. My wife was driving in a parking lot at the time at a relatively low speed, but had this happened on a highway it could have killed her and my son, as well as others on the road. Number: 23-007-17 rev. B group: body date: March 10, 2017.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact took the vehicle to a tire store because she heard a grinding noise and thought there was a brake issue. The tire store representative determined that the front and rear cross members were severly corroded and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

I was turning in my vehicle for a trade in and during the appraisal test drive the axel broke and it had to be towed. The gentlemen stated that is was due to rust build up. Over the years, I have complain about the power steering feeling off, the car not driving right, etc and it has been in three places where the maintenance folks said nothing was wrong. According to the bulletin, these same issues should have been caught somewhere to prevent this from happening. I may have been notified but I am active duty military and move every two years to include deployments where I easily could have not received the notice. My car value was 1500 dollars before it was wrecked, but I should be reimbursed for the previous maintenance totals and the lost days of not having my car the other times it should have been fixed. Below, I will show pictures of the rust, inspections that was done in June 2018 showing that underneath was good, and previous work on my vehicle when I complaint of issues with steering, tires, suspension. Number: 23-007-17 rev. C group: 23 - body date: July 13, 2017.

The front crossmember has rusted out so much that it will not pass a PA state inspection and is unsafe to drive. After hearing this I found out that it is not a matter "if" it will rust out, just a matter of "when". I was not fortunate enough to have this happen during the warranty extension and feel that Dodge should have notified me that there was an extension.

Noticed noise when turning and going over small bumps in road . On city streetlooked under it saw subframe is rusted out with big rust holes in it now parked not save to drive.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while drving approximately 25 mph, the front of the vehicle started to shake and a loud sound emerging from the wheels developed. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was then taken to a tire place, they informed the contact that the crossmembers on the front of the vehicle were severely rusted and needed replacement. The vehicle was taken then to the dealer kolosso Jeep/Dodge. 2701 w college Ave, appleton, WI 54914, they diagnosed the vehicle with rusted frontal crossmembers also. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,200. . Bp.

I previously called regarding odi 11282835. The front and rear cross-members were completely rusted away. There was an extended warranty and the original owner never repaired the issue the warranty expired 04/2018. Chrysler refuses to fix the issue. I purchased the vehicle 09/2019 and discovered the entire suspension had rotted out. This is extremely dangerous. It is pursuant to this bulletin. Chrysler is refusing to repair it. Service bulletin number: 23-012-14 group: body date: may 19, 2014 this bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. Note: this only applies to vehicles in the canadian market and in salt belt states which include connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington, d. C. , west virginia and wisconsin. Subject: front and rear crossmember corrosion (x58 10 years unlimited mileage) overview: this bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation / rust through and if necessary, replace the crossmember(s). Models: 2007 pm Caliber 2007 mk compass, patriot note: this bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after August 26, 2005 (mdh 0826xx) and on or before July 23, 2007 (mdh 0723xx). Symptom/condition: the customer may describe a vibration at the steering wheel or may have been informed by a technician or state vehicle inspection that the front and / or rear cross-member is severely corroded. Policy: warranty period for cross-member perforation / rust through is extended to 10 years. Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

~tl the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving, the contact heard a loud noise. The contact later discovered that the subframe was rusted through and caused the axle to fracture. Also, the top of the wheel was tilted inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the axle, subframe, one of the brakes, and the transmission fluid line were replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was transferred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 112,850.

Front cross member completely rusted through. The car runs great but is unsafe to drive. I had to purchase a newer, safer car for my family because Dodge refuses to fix their problem that is well documented. The car rattles very loudly while driving.

Dash warning lights all come on, interior light comes on when using right turn signal, loses power only up to 40mph , sometimes won't start, odometer gauge flapping around, which are current problems,have replaced suspension three times, and replaced computer! will never purchase a Dodge again!.

One headlight doesn't,work sub frame completely rusted, doors lock at different speeds shock and struts are horrible squeaks and makes really bad sounding noises at any speed even backing out.

Motor cradle is rusting out! that's very dangerous and there should be a recall on call Calibers. I can not afford to bay over $1,000 to fix my car. And the maker should use poor quality parts knowing how serious it can get. Recall recall recall !!.

I purchased the 2008 Dodge Caliber 2 weeks ago Nov 15th 2008 and inspected before purchase. Drove car 1 week and crossmember support beam broke due to poor part from mopar, Dodge. They had a 120month unlimited warrenty on part, knowing it was a bad part. I have tried all areas of getting bad part replaced to no avail. They say warrenty "expired" on defective part installed on car. I need car repaired as it is a danger!! any help is greatly appreciated! I was turning into my driveway at normal speeds when crossmember support beam broke at drivers wheel area.

I bought a 2008 Dodge Caliber in November 2018, noticed crossmember was rotted away and started causing problems 2 weeks after I purchased from private party. I called Dodge, they said sure bring to nearest dealer and have it fixed under extended warrenty. . I did this only to be informed that the extended warrenty expired in may 2018. . I am so disappointed in Dodge for telling me its covered when it infact had expired in may 2018. Now I am out cost of car and now cost of repair. . Can you help?? now car is making popping noice at normal driving at driver wheel from cracks in crossmember support. . Dealership said do not drive long distance. . What does that mean? dealer is taylor Dodge in bourbonaiss, illinois. I need support, help here please!!.

Subframe rusted through. Diagnosed this past Saturday. I've owned the car for 8 years and have never seen such a serious safety issue on a vehicle. Picture attached.

The problem deal with the front crossmember subframe. This part is total junk. It is completed rusted out. It was just a miracle it did not cause an accident prior to our finding it needed replaced. After checking online and finding the 2007 Caliber's were handled under a "recall" but nothing has been done on subsequent years. After just leaving home the right front wheel pulled badly to the right, while making screaking noises. The car was limped back into the drive and the problem found. I believe this is a very poorly made part, probably with inferior steel. I have attached two (2) pictures of the old subframe. The car is registered to my daughter elisha hower, I am her father ed hower. I contacted a local dealer and expressed my concerns and they informed me to contact Dodge/Chrysler which I did. They informed there was no assistance for this issue. They did take my complaint. I believe this to be a serious safely issue with any vehicle that has this type of crossmember subframe. Please contact me if you need any other information. Ehower@bright. Net or by cell phone 567-356-6925. I would appreciated any type of reply. Sincerely ed hower.

Vehicle arrived at our shop for a standard oil change and on inspection we discovered that the sub frame had rotted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. We contacted the dealer for the customer and found that the extended warranty had expired. This is a road hazard and should have no expatriation date. Photo is available if there is an investigation.

Took our Dodge Caliber 2008 (manufacturer date: 11/2007) to a mechanic for repairs thought to be struts and was told the front cradle was rusted out and need to be replaced to continue any safe driving. This was a 2007 recall but was never included in any titled 2008 cars that were manufactured in 2007. This is a very dangerous issue and seems to be reported more often now at the 10 year mark. This is something that is not a traditional problem on most vehicles and seems to be a manufacturers defect. I would like to see it recalled, because the replacement cost on this is in the thousands and it is a severe safety hazard.

Rusted sub-frame , paper thin many complaints listed all over the web, driving in a lot hit a speed bump front right tire came almost all the way off the car. Called Chrysler they dont care if my car could have killed me and my child, they have no recall so its my issue not theirs.

Rusted sub-frame & oil pan.

Sub fram rusted out in less then 9 years and 80k miles. Found out was dangerous to drive.

Engine cradle mounting and front suspension plates have failed or broken twice on this car online complaints seem very similar dealer seems to ignore this problem but will fix it for 2000. 00 car pulls or veers unexpectedly while moving I cannot I feel safely drive anymore.

A frame rusted out and everything else under the car has no rust and now it's a saggy issue.

2008 Dodge Caliber. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sub-frame corrosion repair issues, requests for financial assistance was denied and extended warranty for same premature corrosion was issued for 2007 Dodge Caliber. The consumer stated the vehicle failed inspection.

Car started making popping and creaking sounds when making a right hand turn. We have replaced everything there is as far as tie rods even to the point of motor mounts. Last night I get a call and the car had done something I had never heard of. The harmonic balance pulley had flown off and the car had to be towed home. I also have the same problem as it seems cazillion other people have posted online. This car leaks. It has leaked since day one and the dealership in conroe, TX said if you get a car with a sunroof, its gonna leak. They are full of crap. This car's headliner looks as if it has been trodden on with muddy boots. It leaked so bad that carpeting would get wet then it was leaking down into the dash which caused the lights to do weird things. I can't even get rid of it because I would feel guilty for endangering someone else's life.

So dangerous cross member sub frame as the mechanic drove out of the shop the front axle fell out and the wheel became disconnected. The sub frame is completely rusted through. If I was on the highway surely would have been in an accident possible death. They need to recall this before people are killed.

Driving and steering got lose. Pulled into work and was turning the wheel heard crunching nose. Got out at looked steering gear box was moving on frame and all kinds of rust was falling off. I have taken my car to Chrysler dealer ship and waiting on to see if the subframe being rusted out is covered in any way. This seems to be a consistent problem with this car. This car is driven about 24 miles a day and keeped in a garage and washed. This was a problem in 2007 model Dodge Calibers.

I took my 2008 Dodge Caliber in for a routine oil change. I was informed by the tech that the front cross member was rusting away and needed immediate attention. This vehicle has a little under 61,000 miles. This appears to be the same issue covered under the service bulletin #23-012-14/x58 extended warranty, but doesn't include my 2008. I've owned many Dodges over my lifetime, including my first car, as well as three current vehicles. It's very disappointing that Dodge isn't taking this seriously and covering the 2008's or any other model year effected. The repairs cost me $1145. 43 out of pocket. I've read about this issue and it sounds like calling Dodge to complain gets you no where. Has anyone been able to get restitution at all? if so, how? I have my repair invoices and photos to back this up. My hope is that Dodge will decide to do something about this in the near future, but I won't hold my breath.