general problems of the 2009 Dodge Caliber - part 1

Rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end.

My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.

Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and h frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and a arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! only have 68,000 on vehicle.

I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.

The front sub frame rusted out and almost killed everyone in the car the wheels turned out and lost all steering was really scary is there any way we can get this fixed by Dodge this should be a recall I’ve looked at 6 Calibers and all of them are rusted out.

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.

2009 Dodge caliper developed a split sub-frame suspension component due to heavy rust and the rear sub-frame has developed a severe rust and is also in danger of failure. This vehicle has less than 62,000 miles and is currently not operable. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was being driven at the time of failure and had to be towed to a nearby repair shop. Contacted dealer service manager who stated that vehicle has no recalls or extended warranty’s. This incident occurred without any warnings. Please advise!.

During an inspection by my dealer it was noted that the front subframe was rusted through. The car was taken to a different repair shop where it was determined that the rear subframe was also rusted through. It was determined that this was an ongoing issue that the dealership failed to note during previous inspections. Allowing the failure to be pushed out past the time of an extended warranty repair. The corroded subframes allowed more flexure in the sub frames add stress to the bushings and support structures causes the repair cost to multiply. These component failures could lead to a catastrophic failure of the car while driving and should be corrected by the manufacturer.

Tl the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that she heard an abnormal sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the struts needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the undercarriage including the engine cradle was severely rusted through. The contact to the vehicle home and experienced the failure while turning. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who found more damages to the vehicle. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not be driven until the undercarriage was repaired or replaced. Minot automotive center (3615 s broadway, minot, nd 58701, (701) 401-1019) was contacted and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 64,005.

Front subframe severely rusted and broken.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while vehicle was being serviced by independent mechanic, she was informed the rear suspension cross member was cracked. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer has been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 100,795. Dp.

Subframe rotted away. Causing the drivers side a-arm to rip out. The wheel was at an approximate 90 degree angle from normal position. Caused the driveshaft to pull out of the transmission and the car to immediately stop.

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.

Got oil change & was told my frame was rusting bad. Took to my mechanic to put up on racks and I looked at it. He said it was getting very rusted, had holes, including the "arms" that connected to wheels.

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 rusted cracks very dangerous frequent noises!.

Entire sub frame in front is rotted to the point vehicle is not driveable, do other ruset is visible in front. Vehicle began to squeal when driving and front left tire close to fell off.

Two days ago I realized while driving my car, if I turned right my steering wheel felt as though I had no power steering. Rotating the steering wheel either way, was causing a loud cracking sound. When taken to my mechanic, we came to find the entire rack sub frame was corroded/rusted. They told me I should not be driving the car, because it could break at any minute. The 07 Caliber has a recall for the exact same problem. At any moment it could have broke, and caused serious damage/injury. I'm also pregnant so cannot fear my car isn't safer.

The subframe is completely rusted and I have ordered a new one to replace the old one.

The k frame is completely rotted from rust.

Customer brought vehicle in for PA state inspection. And front cross-member is rusted out and will not pass inspection. There is 101,000 miles on it, and no other rust on the vehicle. Customer thinks the extended warranty should cover 2007 - 2009 vehicles, because it's the same problem on all these models. It is unsafe to drive.

The cross member/cradle/module front suspension was completely rusted through in one section and severe rust/corrosion on most of part. The vehicle was stationary and in for routine repair when informed vehicle was unsafe to drive and should be repaired immediately. This issue is a recall for the 2007 Dodge Caliber.

My son was driving this car to work noticed a severe change to the steering. It cause him to veer into the other lane and luckily there was no other oncoming traffic. He was able to drive it onto work and called me to let me know of the problem. After driving just 10 feet it was obvious that it was un-drivable and unsafe. After calling the towing service they suggested that I call Dodge to see if there was a recall since they had already towed other Dodges of similar years with a rusted/ broken sub frames. Call local dealer with the VIN and ask to if there was any recalls for a broken sub frame. They stated that there was not a recall and did not offer to make a repair even at my cost. I took it to a local service center who had seen the same problem before on other Dodges and was familiar with the repair. After $600 for the part and $600 for labor the repair was made on a car with 89,000 miles. While the car was getting repaired I was able to tell a CO-worker about the recall for the exact same issue on her 2007 Caliber which I discovered while researching. She was able to get hers repaired with no charge. Contacted Dodge and since there is no recall they are not willing to pay for the repair at this point. They know that there is problem so I guess that means Dodge stands for Dodge responsibility at the cost of the consumer. I not be purchasing any mopar products in the future.

Rusted front subframe resulting in steering vibration and tire rubbing while driving. Vehicle was pulling hard to one side while driving on interstate. Unstable ride due to premature rusting of subframe.

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.

Upon inspection of my 2009 Dodge Caliber I was informed that the cross member is almost completely corroded out. While driving at speeds greater than 55 mph there is vibration in the steering wheel. My car will not pass inspection because this car is unsafe to drive. My husband contacted Chrysler customer service and we were informed that this year is not recalled so basically there's nothing they're willing to do. If the 2007 was recalled and the warranty was extended for the same problem, why is my 2009 cross member rusted out? because the same parts were used and dealerships never warned customers that this was a huge and expensive problem on these vehicles. What happened to satisfied customers??? I'm livid about this. 8 months ago before my vehicle had 50x miles on it, the transmission was replaced. And this car isn't a piece of crap right? made in china?? I can't believe the horrible customer service that Chrysler utilizes. So are they waiting for a catastrophic accident that kills somebody before they are wiling to fix this problem. We were told when we called that "there's not enough complaints about this issue that would warrant a recall. " really???? so what's going to happen here is I'm going to contact my attorney and contact the local news. I am definitely not the 1st person with this same issue and safety defect. Chrysler when are you going to step up to the plate and fix your problem with these vehicles before they take the life of innocent people??? I'm disgusted beyond belief!! can you tell???.

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.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber was deemed unsafe and unable to pass a maine safety inspection. The front and rear cross sub frames were heavily rusted and completely rusted through in several places.

Took car in for inspection, was told cradle , subframe is rotted. Was told there was a recall. Chrysler did recall 2007 2008 . But not 2009 . Car has less than 60,000 miles. Body is not rusted. Called customer care and was told they are aware there is a problem and get many complaint but have chosen not to extend recall. Even though they know there is a problem. Almost every complaint on this website is about the same issue.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while the vehicles were being serviced, the mechanic notice the rear trailing arm bushing was stuck to the suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 99,000. Ak.

Rotted out. Corroded in 6 years car unsafe.

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!!!.

Upon inspection of my vehicle, my mechanic noted that the frame crossmembers were rusted to the point of needing immediate replacement. He stated the car was unsafe and could have caused a major accident.