Power Train Problems of Dodge Caliber - part 2

The transmission on the Calibers overheat. This causes mechanical problems that could cause accidents, injury or death.

See all problems of the 2007 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

I've had the arm bar and ball joint replaced twice in a year's time, which causes a grinding noise. I've had the brakes replaced three times along with rattle clips, in the last year, with no prevail in changing the noise nor high speed-braking oscillating. A caliper has also been replaced. While sitting at stop lights, the car unpredictably stalls-- I've tried to reproduce the setting to have the issue happen when a technician tests it, but it appears to happen unpredictably. The car has leaked from some entry point to cause the floor boards to be wet, and in the last year, the sun roof seems to be leaking as I have water pouring onto me from the front dome lightt. The water is causing mold, which is not beneficial to the family I drive with. Based on the NHTSA site and the thousands of youtube videos, these are pretty wildly known issues by Dodge, despite the lack of complaints on these sites.

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving, the traction control and the throttle body warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a diagnostic testing which located a failure code at the throttle body. The throttle body was replaced twice and the accelerator pedal was also replaced however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer which locate a failure code at the power train control module and the traction control module. The dealer advised that the positive crankcase ventilation hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

Car won't run for more than an hour without overheating transmission oil (transmission light went on). I was driving on the highway when I noticed a lack of speed. Pressing on the accelerator didn't help. I was able to pull over slowly, but safely. The car went to a complete stop. Waited over an hour for the tow truck to arrive. Later I discovered that you have to wait about half an hour, and the car starts normal. Worst car I ever bought. Apparently not all Dodge Caliber vehicles share the same problem, but I checked on the web and it is a consistent problem with other models that share the same transmission.

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.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

Takata recall- my air bag light stays on all the time, also I had to replace the electronic control module, it was completely full of corrosion. All of the front and back suspention had to be replaced, all control arms upper and lower, struts, the whole thing. The transmission will not shift properly, causing the engine to stall. I have had the suspention fixed, and the electrical replaced. The transmission fluid changed but mechanic could not find out what the problem is. It does not shift properly when on highway driving, and will not down shift when stopping, car stalls out. The electrical module would not put out enough power to run the lights, wipers, fan or radio. This car is a real piece of crap, Dodge should be ashamed of themselves for even putting it on the market. We want action, for what we paid for this junk.

I was driving on the highway between 50-60 mph and my car suddenly lost power. 2 warning lights came on the dash and I pressed the gas pedal to the floor and still my car would not accelerate. The air conditioning stopped working and again I could not increase my speed. I pulled over and put on my emergency flashers. Reviewed my manual and was able to read about the warning signs. I turned off my car and started it back up and I was able to make it home safely. Very scary drive! I had my 2 grandchildren in the car too. I have now read about many instances of this happening. I may try my dealer but I don't know if I will keep this car.

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.

Rusted sub frame.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after the first attempt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was unavailable.

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.

I have been noticing slipping between gears. I tried taking off from a stop light and it wouldn't go any faster than 15 mph almost getting hit from behind. Then the rpm would accelerate however speedometer wouldn't justify the increase. Also it's sounding weird, kind of like vacuum. But definitely loss of power and sucking up gas . This is a serious problem and judging by all the other reviews/complaints, I'm not the only one with this problem. You need to do a serious recall on all affected vehicles and stop having us pulling money out of our pocket to cover an obvious defect with said Calibers.

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.

Car goes in to limp mode do to transmission over temp when driving on the freeway.

I was driving in town when suddenly the car acted like it had no power! then it started jerking and jumping forward! then as I was going up hill it slowed and was jerking again! when I would stop at a light or stop sign it had very little power to exhilarate and then it would jerk alot until it got enough power to get going again! I was concerned about driving it any further since I live out of town, I have two children and didn't want to take a chance on being stranded on the side of the highway! so I left the car in my sisters drive way and drove her car home! I needed a car so to take the children to school the next morning. I called amco and they told me to bring it in! it took me 30 mins to drive five miles! they told me after checking it out that the transmission is gone and the car is only seven yrs old with just a little over 100,000 miles on it! these cars should not be aloud to be sold! they are dangerous! everyone of them should be recalled and sent to the scrap yard! they are lemon's and I will never buy another Dodge,Chrysler or gm product again! I still owe 5000. Oo on this piece of garbage and I don't have the 3500. 00 to pay for a transmission! so the car sets as I pay for something that I can not drive! this is not right! the dealer was to put an extended warranty on the car and he did not! now with two kids I am screwed as with not having a vehicle to drive! this car needs to be recalled and we the owners should not have to pay for something we can not drive!.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

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.

Whenever I drive my car it starts jerking and won't accelerate. I was driving about 50mph on the highway.

Whenever the vehicle attempts to accelerate it begins jerking and shaking. Won't shift properly. It had done before, after I had owned the vehicle for 4 years. At that time the transmission had to be replaced. It is now another 4 years later I am going through the same thing and the dealership says I need another transmission.

This car just droped power on the highway at 60mph to 15 mph with no warning had to fight my way to the sholder and call a tow truck the Dodge dealer said it was something with the carbarater 700. 00 dollars later and not covered the car wasn't even 3 years old this should be a safty issue but not with Dodge never again will I by Dodge they suck.

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Caliber 🔎.

Driving to massachusetts from nh. . . 3 hour ride. . . Just outside of springfield, MA on a very busy highway, the car suddenly deaccelerated, lost power, and dash warning lights came on. The car went from approx 75/80 mph down to 30mph and lower. I was in the middle of the third lane, and had to try to get over to the break down lane with a car full of kids. This is not safe, and several vehicles were swerving around me to avoid hitting me in the rear end. When trying to accelerate, I would put my foot to the floor on the gas pedal and nothing would happen. It was like it suddenly went into neutral. Very, very dangerous. Also, the shifting lever often shifts my car into manual operation instead of automatic without me even realizing it.

After reaching 100k miles, I took the car to the dealership to have the transmission flushed. Since then my transmission over heats when I drive 65 or more mph. I brought it back to the same dealer about a year later and they wanted to charge me $1500. I walked out! I drive 64 mph to keep it from over heating.

Highway driving at 55 mph, tachometer suddenly went up to 4000 rpm and vehicle started to slow down and stop. No reaction from the gear selector. No more movement front or back. Call aaa and tow to garage. Informed that cvt transmission was the problem and no repair was possible. Only option was a used transmission. Car is now awaiting that repair. Also seems to be a gas pedal issue. Not sure at this point as vehicle is unopperable.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 mph, the transmission temperature light illuminated. In addition, there was a burning odor and the vehicle decreased in speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.

Found that the engine cradle is rusting out. This cradle supports all steering front suspension and engine/transmission. Have also found that this was a problem for the 2007 models and is still a problem on 2008 models. Although 2007 models are recalled and replaced but not 2008. This is a huge safety factor as stated all steering and suspension are connected to this cradle. If failure to cradle happens all loss of control of vehicle is inevitable.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

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.

While traveling at 45 mph on 6 lane highway engine decelerated to between 5 to 10 miles per hour. Engine begun to idle very rough. I was approaching a side street and was able to turn off the main hwy. To access the problem. The electronic throttle light had come on indicating a problem with the throttle system.

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 light of temperature for transmition went on and the the car start running slowly I stopped for 15 minutes and the car start running fine but when I took the high for more the 30 minutes do the same every time.

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle lost power. And jerked. In addition, the contact stated the the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The electronic throttle control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the hoses needed to be tightened. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. Oo.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the linn bolt warning light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the electronic control, the power train activator, and the actuator control system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,570.

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While in park, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer who were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. In addition, three weeks later while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light illuminated as the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.