Body Problems of Dodge Caliber - part 1

Severe rust to vehicle frame common to this vehicle, no accident. Rust has corroded frame despite normal use and normal care. Vehicle hasn't reached 75k miles yet, and the frame is failing. How is this not a recall?.

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was ok, and then belle tire, which I tried to get a alignment for him because it’s so bad and separating. I can’t get an alignment it hydroplanes and back in bounces up and down and it’s not for me to drive. I’m 82 years old and I need a good safe vehicle and I need something done with this or someone to take it back so that I can get a different car that is safe for me to drive.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

Front and back subframes of car are/were rusted. The front was replaced last year and the rear needs to be done. I'm waiting for an estimate for that. Pic shows the rust taken by my mechanic 2 weeks ago. .

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows to continue to be able to roll up & down as intended. It's not just one door, it is literally every single door in this vehicle that has this issue. When I decided to try & save a little bit of money & get some used window regulators, I go to a salvage yard that had another Dodge Caliber (different model, how ever, same window regulators) just to find upon inspection, that every single door has a spoon in between the window & the rubber guard piece. Took the door panel off to further inspect & that vehicle had the same issue I have at this very moment. . . Cable wires completely tangled up and completely non salvageable. Removed the spoon & the window fell down. Now I understand that it doesn't sound like a safety issue but when you are driving down the highway, doing the speed limit, and your window falls down, it's very startling and honestly a distraction while driving. Not only is that a distraction but have you ever had a bird fly into your car, from the hole that was once a window? talk about a distraction. It's like a bee flying into your helmet while riding a motorcycle or 4wheeler. Ah! main focus is that flying object to come out, so you try to roll down the other windows only to remember after pushing the buttons that, OH wait, they won't roll down. Ever since the window fell, not only is that a safety issue for the ones in my car, now it's a safety issue for those driving onside of me till I can get onto the shoulder, if there is one. And hopefully the weather is nice yes, it has been confirmed & inspected by an independent service center, & yes it is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps.

See all problems of the 2007 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

2011 Dodge Caliber mainstreet - subframe is completely rotted and broke away from the sensor control. Mileage - 121,000. $2,500 to repair, in the shop for 9 days, $800 for a rental. Never again with a Dodge. They are garbage. And from research, I see that many other people are having the same issue, yet no recall and Dodge refuses to acknowledge!.

? 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.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

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.

Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control.

Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (strictly highway miles) and rear sub frame has completely rusted through causing back alignment to be drastically out, and fish tailing, which also causes hazardous steering control on dry and especially wet roads. Rapid wear and replacement of tires on rear end. I have researched and found this to be a consistent problem on multiple sites and forums.

Rotted subframe on Dodge Caliber I was driving home after picking my kids up from school and my front tires would not steer and were wobbling while driving, losing control of my vehicle. I had to pull over on the side of the road so I did not crash with my children in the car. I called a tow company and had it towed to the closest independent service center. Yes, the problem was reproduced by a local mechanic ase certified that the car is not driveable because the subframe was completely rotted out and needed to be replaced. No, the car is still at the garage and not inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no issues driving to school and driving home it began to be hard to steer and then starting losing control over the vehicle and keeping it on the road. I slowed and pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow truck immediately. I was not going to take the chance of driving any further with my children and crash.

Very bad design of muffler. It is very dangerous. The muffler has a hole on top. That heat effect the battom trunck, the hood get melted, heat sheild get burned and the road assistant tire get melted as well. I was lucky I was able to smell it. Also all body get very rusted and look hourrible.

Subframe rusted front and rear was driving tire axel/rod broke entire underneath rusted rotted.

Car has been garage kept entire time of owning. Sub frame still rotted out causing so much damage to the car, the struts, the tire(s); etc, causing car to shake and tire to bow out. Car has been at a repair shop for over 7 months now trying to get a replacement part to repair it with no luck as of yet. This should not be the responsibility of the customer. This has been a known issue for many of these vehicles for years now with nothings done or any warnings sent out regarding this issue being a possible hazard.

I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn’t come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern specially where my car itself isn’t even rusted only the cross members. I hope you can help me and my family so we can be safe . Thank you richard.

This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original repair invoice with notations for magna plant manager; page 10 notice of having received complaint; page 11 defective lug nut issue; page 12 complaint #11591104; page 13 service invoice noting replacement of two defective lug nuts. Second pdf file: pages 1-2 copy of original complaint #11459461; page 3 copy of towing receipt due to defective lug nut. Third pdf file: picture of three of four defective lug nut covers that I had to remove due to flat tires. First one not shown due to being damaged while attempting to remove beyond recognition. Upper left lug nut cover came off just in handling of removed lug nuts.

At 140000 miles I noticed that my entire subframe was ready to completely collapse and no auto shop would work on it whatsoever. I reached out and found out that there was nothing I could do about it it I had the car for 2 years and it’s had this issue the whole time not cool safety should be first.

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.

Lately I have noticed a wobble when I drive on the highway. Saturday, 07/24/2021, I took my 2012 Dodge Caliber with only 74,753 miles on it to the mechanics for an alignment, rotation and weight balance on the car. This is not my first time at the mechanics and they had seen the car in the summer of 2020 and for inspection November of 2020. The mechanics then took me in to see the car after it was up on the lift which is never a good thing. There is a gaping rusted hole in the frame, I did not think to take a picture but I should have. I have been searching online and found a site listing over 70 reports of rusted frames on Dodge Caliber and all reports state this is not covered under warranty or the warranty expired. . Read more...

2008 Dodge Caliber sub frame/k-frame front end crossmember completely rusted thru causing the driver side lower control arm to rip free from frame (seperating part of frame, with lower control arm) from rest of frame. This left driver with no control of affected wheel which turning it 90 degrees out from normal operating position. Left operator with no ability to steer while driving on main primary (35 mph speed limit) two lane road. Car slid to halt in middle of road. Car needed to be towed. Dodge/Chrysler apparently knew of this problem and never notified owner. Please see attached notice. Front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) - 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber & Jeep compass/patriot oemdtc July 17, 2017 15 comments NHTSA id number: 10140027 manufacturer communication number: 23-007-17 rev. B summary front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) the driver of this car could have been killed or seriously hurt. It is unfathomable that Dodge Chrysler was allowed to get away with not notifying potential crash victims.

Subframe on the vehicle at 90,000 was found to have severe huge rotted holes in the subframe that is supporting the engine. This can allow the engine to drop out of the vehicle at any given moment and cost to repair is $1200 which is insane.

Front subframe failure due to premature corrosion caused loss of control of vehicle which could have led to an accident involving serious injury or death a sit happened while turning left onto the highway and subsequently the failure cause damage to the front axle.

My front carriage that holds up the engine and tire alignment outside shell rusting out on the back side.

Local repair shop doing oil change noticed front cross member was rusted out.

Recently purchased a 2008 Dodge Caliber(ohio). On initial drive returning with vehicle I noticed a vibration coming through steering wheel. Upon inspection, was informed the tie rod ends and control arms both could use replacement, but could have been caused by the more important bad front and rear crossmembers as well as front and rear crash bars, both have severe rust development with metal deterioration which could impose a safety concern down the road. Was advise to look into replacement. Reached out to one of the local dealerships and was informed it was a bulletin, had an extended warranty, but am outside of 10 year period. Rust from crossmember is now in process of transferring to actual frame and coming through as holes in rockers now as well. Dealership offering no help after stating the enhanced safety concern. Hard to believe an 08 can deteriorate so fast. You would think with the complaints and t. S. B. As well as safety concerns, seeing still original parts that have been warrantied to replace but have not on this VIN, gets no help at all.

The vehicles subframe was all rotted and drivers side tire practically fell off while it was being driven. Contacted Dodge and they said because there wasn't an open recall there was nothing they could do about it. My question is was there a recall on my particular vehicle if so when/where was it fixed. We bought this used and have no prior information on it. If this vehicle wasn't included on previous recalls it should have been and they should fix it now.

I I have changed multiple times the sway bar links and had to put on new struts twice. There was supposed to be a recall on the cross member bar and when I took it to be fixed the dealer would not honor the recall on the bar. It is now making once again a popping sound in the front drivers side and I am wanting to once again get the recall on the car that was supposed to be fixed before.

Tl � the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving about 20 mph, a pop sound was heard and there was smoke from underneath the vehicle. There was no fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was closing for the day. The technician crawled under the vehicle the next day and stated that the sub-frame rotted out and caused the frame to collapse. The contact called an unknown Dodge dealer located at 7400 s. Western Ave, chicago, IL, and was told to bring the vehicle to the shop. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. Fe.

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, there was an abnormal ticking noise. In addition, while exiting the highway the front axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame and front of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was towed to midway Dodge (4747 s pulaski rd, chicago, IL 60632, (773) 376-8060) where the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Common subframe corrosion on low mileage 2007 vehicles causing extreme safety issues while driving. Was warned by auto shop that this is common and renders safety issues to driver as entire engine could drop when driving or wheel separation, that could cause severe injury or death. No recall or warranty issued to me. This should be a safety recall as common as it is.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle had major corrosion underneath. The contact stated that while her dad was driving there was a vibration with the vehicle and the rear wheel felt as if was about to detached, the driver noticed underneath the vehicle both cross member are corroded through with holes. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not part of a recall and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. Aw.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving about 65 mph, the vehicle made a loud noise and pulled itself to the right side of the road without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the cross member plate was rusted out. The contact called an unknown Dodge dealer who stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Fe.

Have a 2007 Dodge Caliber with 90k miles. My wife recently went to get it inspected and come to find out the front and rear crossmembers and subframe components were terribly corroded. Needless to say it was not passed. It's started shaking while driving, alignment is off according to tire wear. I've read tons of complaints and see they issues not a recall but a 10 year extended warranty on this issue. Curious as to when this was issued and if my car falls into that.

While in for routine annual inspecton was informed by mechanic that front subframe on vehicle was rusted to the point that it would not pass inspection. Was informed that this was a common problem with these and other Chrysler vehicles. Was also told that the problem was common enough that Chrysler had extended the warranty for this repair. Contacted local dealership and was told warranty had expired and would not be honored, even though safety was a factor. Given that this is a common problem it should be corrected with a recall.

Fiat Chrysler America released 2 bulletins and an extended warranty for an inferior material causing severe rust and perforation of the front and rear crossmember on 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2008-2012 Jeep compass patriot. The crossmember is an important structural component of any vehicle. It supports the underside of the car and carries the weight of the engine and transmission. Fca customer service is currently refusing to replace these parts even though the bulletin acknowledges that the part is faulty. The severe rust on this part will cause my vehicle to no longer pass state inspection. I have owned my 2008 Dodge Caliber since February 2017. The first bulletin released by fca regarding knowledge of this faulty part was March 2017, one month after I purchased the car. A second bulletin regarding the same issue was released July 2017. The extended warranty expired on August 2018. After the second bulletin was issued, there was a period of 13 months before the warranty expired and while I owned the car. I was not contacted or made aware by fca in any way that the vehicle I was driving had a known issue and that I could have it addressed within extended warranty. It was not until October 2019 that I was having work done on my car and the mechanic brought it to my attention because the rust is so bad it will not pass the next state inspection. Photographs are included. I encourage the NHTSA to recall this part as a safety issue. The rust weakens the metal and if this part were to break at highway speeds the results could be deadly. Fca is aware of the faulty part and it is clearly dangerous for fca to deny addressing this known issue. Even though the warranty period has passed, fca has produced vehicles that are unsafe and the issue should be corrected.