general problems of the 2009 Dodge Caliber - part 1

The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from atoz auto on gen mcmullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car.

When the vehicle reaches 3,000 rpms the temperature light comes on and the vehicle seems like it wants to go into neutral the engine light comes on the antilock brake system light comes on.

When I started my 09 Dodge Caliber up one morning . I back up ,then put the car in drive and it hesitated and jump or jolt. It scared me . The engine came on,so I went to a auto parts store down the street from my house to get a reading or codes read on my Caliber, it gave me a code about the power train.

The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be able to move the vehicle to a safe distance from heavy traffic. Finally, the problem started to occur after the vehicle was supposedly repaired and not driven for 2 -3 days and when it an attempt to start the car it would idle for 3-5 seconds and sound like it was choking before dying, and this was happening 2 weeks after it had been "repaired" by the Dodge dealer. This problem has repeatedly occurred over the two years since the original incident and has been to a Dodge dealership for unsuccessful repairs 4 different times; 11/20; 04/22 &05/22 and it is still at the dealership being inoperable. Each time the car functioned for a few miles and then broke down again. The dealer informs us that the parts that would most likely repair the car are no longer made by Dodge and the car cannot be fixed. Interestingly enough this model vehicle has had a variety of recalls starting in 2007 but never for the particular control modules that are no longer available which are the throttle control & power train control modules, which the dealer thinks might possibly be a fix but even that is not a sure thing. The Dodge dealer that worked on the vehicle presumably would have informed me about this situation at least before they had the vehicle in for now the 4th time in 3 years with the same problem with no solution. Up to the time of these breakdowns the vehicle was well maintained and taken care of and still has low mileage of just over 69,000 miles. Is the Dodge corporation at least partially liable?.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the transmission caused the vehicle to slow down while driving on the highway. The vehicle went from travelling 70 mph and slowed down to 20mph and the contact had to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. The contact managed to drive the vehicle back home. The vehicle now did not shift into reverse and would just jerk and not move at all. The vehicle was unrepaired and undrivable at the contact's home. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 127,000. Tf.

Speed sensors, inner/outer tie rods, hub assembly, radiator, intake valve, tires were different sizes, more problems arose.

Front subframe severely rusted and broken.

The car just stopped. I couldn't move rather it was in drive or reverse.

The cars transmission light came on indacating that the transmission fluid is over 250 degrees and it shuts down to where I cant drive it it jumps and it won't let me accelerate I was going to the dr office out of the town from where I live and it put me out put it on the diagnosict machine at it said tmc moduel I havent had it very long and all and this is the second time it has done it to me.

While stationary during cold start, car cranks and runs, but automatically starts in limp mode with the check engine light on saying transmission overheating and while in motion it will not drive faster than 20 mph. Even on cold days. Been hearing alot about this issue from other owners.

My car is stuttering/jolting upon putting it in drive & stopping & driving (after stopping @ traffic lights & stop signs). Also, it takes a bit for the car to increase in speed once I'm stopped (@ traffic lights & stop signs) & have to start driving again. This has been noticeable for the past month now.

The recall u have that u say has not effected mine has. I've already put a new engine in the car and a gas tank, all the lines and now the car is still shutting off/down on its own. The recall is exactly wat the mechanic says needs done and he doesn't have the equipment to do the repair. No advanced read out machinery to change or reprogram. I need this recall on mine. There's no way u got every one that was recalled. Like I said jeff bradley is the mechanic that's fine all the work the new motor the gas tank and lines, and now it's still shutting down. There is no dash lights that cone n at all.

My vehicle for my year has a recall for the transmission power control module, I called to get it sorted out and everyone tells me my specific VIN does not match any recalls, ironically my check gone light has come on for this exact reason. I was driving and from what I experienced the car did shut off and I had to restart it on the side of the road.

I bought my car about a week ago with 100,000 miles on it and the day tree we brought it home when we are driving it will start to go back and forth, like stall/ chug for a split second then go back while in motion, it doesn't matter how slow or fast I'm going it does it whenever I am driving. I can't wait for it to just die and get it fixed I need this fixed now and I can now see after researching there are many 2009 Dodge Calibers on recall for this issue but mine isn't and I'm confused as to why and need this to be fixed ASAP.

Transmission overheats quickly and car loses power. Aamco has replaced it numerous times. Added external transmission cooler. Problem persists. Suspension is insufficient for this car.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving 55 mph, the transmission warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred on many occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 179,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power train control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08v528000 (power train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.

After 60 minutes driving at highway speeds the engine revs rise but speed falls. Transmission overheating warning comes on although the temperature has not risen very much. Car has to be stopped and needs to wait 20 minutes for temperature to return to "normal". Dodge dealer cannot diagnose the problem as they will not take a long test drive.

On may 7th, 2016 I was involved in an accident. My car stalled and no matter what I did, pressing, pumping, or mashing, my brakes would not slow or stop the car. Now, my car has done this in the past usually right as I am coming to a full stop. The first month I owned the car, I casually told the service writer at my local dealership about it and they said not to use cheap gas. I told them that I use gas from shell, not cheap gas. Then it would happen again, I would mention it again, being told about using cheap gas. Which again, I told them I don't use cheap gas in my car. I believe my accident was caused by the issue listed in NHTSA campaign number: 08v528000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving on 20 mph the vehicle made an abnormal noise and stalled. The failure occurred without warning. The contact stated upon inspection the vehicles rear tire had deatached. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated upon further inspection there was severe corrosion on the crossmember which cause the axel to fracture. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Kh.

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.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The failure recurred five times. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine crattle needed to be replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. Ak.

Have not recieved a recall. Your site says my car could have a crash without warning. Due to faulty adhesive used in powertrain control module and cause printed circuit board to break. I did have vehicle checked out by singerland ,corunna,mi. 09-30-14. I asked for powertrain results and was told they would be mailed. . . . As of may 2015, I have not received any paperwork. They gave me a vehicle checkup sheet that says my wipers need to be replaced. . . . Nothing about a recall on powertrain. Please advise what to do regarding my serious car condition? have not had a crash. Your site required dates. . . Thus dates are untrue.

Started out when I drive more than 23 miles, trans. Overheat light comes on, loose power. Going up hills, very little power. Rpm wraps between 3 & 4, normal driving, when stopping car jumps ahead if I hit a bump. Breaks squeak after replacing brand new, now engine overheat light, electronic throttle control light & malfunction indication light on. Had transmission filter and fluid replaced. Lasted 2 weeks. Worse now. .

The cvt transmission is junk. Constantly down shifting itself, even when the cruise is set, and being drove short low speed distances. I'm not the only one complaining. Several people I have talked to that own them have the same problems. Already returned one Caliber to the dealer, even after replacing the transmission it did no good. A week later it was right back in the garage.

This car attempted to kill me twice. First the subframe rotted out due to bad design. We noticed this as the struts were being replaced - also because of bad design. This was noticed in 2014 (on a 2009 vehicle!) cost me over $1,000 to fix - Dodge offered no help at all. Later in 2014 - the front drivers side arm separated from wheel, causing wheel to pop off. If I was going any faster than the 10 mph I was going (headed to highway!), I could have been killed. Again contacted Dodge and no assistance. They recalled the 2007 but not this model year for these problems. Pictures attached. I hope someone holds this company accountable! cars should not cost thousands of dollars to repair in year 5!!!.

Defective power train manufacture had clear knowledge after the car went in product and was manufactured. When car in motion get low squeezing noise on city street or highway. Taking a trip at that time and still having same sound today pls jerking.

2009 Dodge Caliber, within 3 months of buying vehicle, as is, started having acceleration problems, brake and suspension problems. Took vehicle to dealer, was informed I needed suspension bar and struts replaced which would cost over $800. About the same time my transmission overheat light started coming on, I loose power and have to pull over on the side of the road for 15-30 minutes before vehicle would drive again. Go approx. 23 miles at a time when same problem occurs. Worse in the summer time. Today, my electronic throttle control light, malfunction indication light and engine overheat light came on and remains on every time I start the vehicle. Vehicle will not accelerate without getting up between 3 & 4 rpm's. Not much power. When hitting a bump or ice at stopping point, vehicle jumps ahead instead of stopping, almost causing me to rear end several times. Tons of complaints about these same issues. Something must be done. I paid $10700 for my vehicle. Cant even afford to get it fixed as repairs are now estimated over $4200. This is not right to do to people. . .

When driving for long distance with two or more in car, transmission overheats and slows car until it cools. It will not cool unless stopped and shut off. This takes about 20 minutes.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the steering wheel began to shake out of control after the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where a diagnostic test was performed which located the failure within the power train control module. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign recall 08v528000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.

I had been driving approximately one hour when I began to climb the incline over sb 5 fwy (grapevine) and the engine began whining, rpms rose to 4 and remained there, the transmission overheat dashboard light illuminated, speed dropped to about 30 mph and I was unable to continue up the incline. Had to pull off and let the vehicle sit for 30 minutes at which time I continued up the incline making sure that the rpms did not go above 2. 5 - so keeping the speed low - and had no further incident. This happened again on 8/21/04, same circumstances, at approximately 79,000 miles. There was a recall on this model and model year vehicle for this same issue (recall #08v528000) on November 10, 2008, but according to my dealer, my car's VIN was not included. I believe this warrants investigation into whether or not this was a more widespread issue than was originally thought and whether my vehicle should have been included in the recall.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was told that the power train control module had failed. The contact spoke to the manufacturer regarding NHTSA campaign id number:08v528000(power train), but was told that the vehicle was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving, the battery was drained. The battery warning light and the air bag warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and the contact was unable to restart vehicle. On another occasion, the contact was parked and attempted to drive, but was unable to change the gear from park to drive. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repair shop for inspection or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 83,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 50 mph, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle became hesitant to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician replaced the transmission fluid and filter. The failure continued after the repair. The contact added transmission fluid to the vehicle but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician advised that the transmission would have to be replaced because the incorrect transmission fluid used by the contact. The contact stated there was no warning label on the vehicle stating which type or brand of transmission fluid had to be used in the vehicle, nor was there a dip stick to check the fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. Kmj.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact made a stop at the shoulder of the road and turned off vehicle for a few minutes. After the vehicle was restarted the warning light turned off. The dealer performed a diagnostic and the computer was replaced. The failure recurred frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000. The current mileage was 199,820. Kmj.