27 problems related to body have been reported for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Dodge Caliber based on all problems reported for the 2009 Caliber.
? 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 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ? the vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as monro auto service, jiffy lube and l&m motors in upstate new york regularly. ? no.
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 falling apart and I could see inside. The air conditioning unit was badly designed, and the residual water from that caused the entire thing to rust. They advised that it was only going to get worse and could lead to the front axle essentially just falling out and totaling the car anyways. I drive everyday to and from work so having this issue is severely affecting my daily life and quite possibly my safety if anything happens while driving it.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge caliper. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Tl the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the front and rear cross members were rusted, which could cause the wheels to detach. Additionally, the subframe was rotted and fractured. The contact called wally armor Dodge (1950 w state st, alliance, OH 44601, (330) 823-3556) and day star Chrysler (206 s carrollton st, malvern, OH 44644, (330) 863-1144) and was informed that the vehicle was no longer eligible for an unknown recall repair; therefore, the contact would have to pay. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 74,000.
The vehicle started shaking and pulling to the right I brought the vehicle to a body shop to find out what is wrong with the vehicle and was told the frame was rotted. I called my local Dodge dealership and they informed me there was no recalls or warranty for the vehicle. Attached is the extended warranty which states this should be fixed under warranty. The cost to fix this issue will cost 1700 dollars thats the price I was quoted. What can I do about this I cant afford to fix it and its unsafe to drive and can cause severe injuries or death if it breaks while driving. If you cant help please help me find the help I need.
Tl the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle retained water and was leaking from the front driver's side onto the floorboard. The failure caused mold to develop. In addition, the rear passenger side floorboard retained water. The contact did not now the origin of the leak. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 275,000.
Heard a clunking noise when turning and stopping, got home thinking the strut was broken and found that the sub-frame for engine, sway bar and tire assembly completely rotted and cracked on the drivers side ready to break in two. Car is unsafe to drive. Mileage 91k.
When driving the vehicle started to make unusual sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for inspection. Told that the front cross-member was severely corroded and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Customer was informed by the dealer that this was covered under an extended warranty from Chrysler. Was then told by the dealer that they could not work on the vehicle until the district service manager authorized it. The reason given was that there was additional rust found that would not be covered by the warranty. Informed that this decision could be expected in 2 to 3 weeks. Was then informed that the dealer could not offer and transportation while they waited for a decision. Still waiting.
Subframe rotten/rusty!!!! I was driving today and my car start making weird cranking noise and it's pulling me to the right. Even though I had the wheel straight it's clearly showing it halfway to the right. It's dragging the front passenger tires and it's hard to control. Took it to an independent mechanic because there's no way I can make it home without endangering myself and others. The mechanic showed me that underneath the subframe is all rotten/rusty and falling apart. My car is 2009, it's only 8 yrs old. There's should have been a recall on this. I was surprised to see how bad it gotten. I have no choice but to have it fix.
The engine cradle is rusted through.
The k frame is completely rotted from rust.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because the ball joints had to be replaced three times in the past two years. While the vehicle was on the lift, the mechanic noticed the subframe cradle was rotted severely, front and back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph and attempting to make a right turn, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle as the passenger side fractured and dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame was corroded and severely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the extended warranty offer. The failure mileage was 111,000. Ss.
My 2009 Dodge Caliber started emitting some terrible sounds while being driven in the city yesterday (10/20/2016). This occurred when turning and driving over anything but smooth road. Steering and braking were negatively affected. After stopping I lifted it up to determine the cause of this and found that the driver's side strut tower stabilizer bar had separated from the subframe. The bolts hadn't simply come loose; the section of the subframe to which the stabilizer bar attaches had torn away. There is very little rust on any other part of the car yet I can basically poke holes through the subframe with my finger.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine oil change, the cross members were rotted and caused the engine to come out of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cross members were rotted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was not common. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle made a creaking sound. A mechanic diagnosed that the main cross member was corroded. The contact notified the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that there was severe corrosion to the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine cradle and the supporting sub-structure needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving 20 mph and making a turn, the front passenger wheel detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knocker failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving at 60 mph, the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a part of the suspension had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was extreme corrosion underneath the vehicle and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Took my 2009 Dodge Caliber in for inspection. Front sub-frame / cross member is rotting away and almost rusted. Rest of the car has very little rust. Called Chrysler customer care. Dodge is aware of the problem and extended the warranty for the 07 but not the 09 knowing the issue was not resolved. Have an appointment at the dealership (who are awesome) to inspect the problem further.
For the last 3 years I have had trouble with the car loosing acceleration after driving it for a period of time. At first it would go several hours but now I can't go for a 30 minute drive and over 70mph before it looses acceleration on the highway. I will be driving and then the rpm's race all the way to the maximum, the temp. Gauge comes on and it looses power. I can put the pedal to the floor and it won't go anywhere. I have to sit and wait for it to 'cool' off which is crazy since it's not over heated. This can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour each time. When I try to start out again after it's set, I can go another mile before it happens again and I start all over. I have had it to several mechanics and they can't find anything wrong. They don't have the time to take it out on a drive like that to have it happen to them. It's a hazzard and I've been almost rear ended a few times by semi's and other cars. This car is very unsafe but it's all I have. I now have a piece of something hanging from the undercarriage and the front end is very loose. This is a death trap yet when I call the company, nothing is done. So glad they stand by their product. At the bottom of this complaint it asks when it happened, it happens every time I get on the highway so there's no specific date, all the time.
Took my 2009 Dodge Caliber in for annual state inspection, failed because of a cracked k member (sub frame) on the left side and loose left tie rod. Shop does not do repairs. Took to another repair shop in vermont for a second look. He found that the k member corroded with holes near the mounting bolt on the k member and corrosion on the lower control arms. He ordered parts to replace the k member and lower control arms. He also replaced the outer tie rod which I had purchased after the failed inspection. Steering quicker to left than to the right before taking the car in for the failed inspection.
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that an independent mechanic noticed that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. Mf.
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at a unknown speed, there was abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the contact noticed that an object fractured from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there was a noise previously coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the sub frame had corroded and had holes. The technician diagnosed that the sub frame and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000. Oo.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. A year ago, the lower control arms failed and were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a week ago and a mechanic diagnosed that the front cross member was prematurely rusted extensively and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure more than three times, but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the front driver’s door failed and would not close. The contact stated that the spring in the door was defective and separated from the door hinge. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.