Dodge Caliber Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Caliber options? We analyzed 7 model years (2006–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Caliber has 1,939 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls across model years 2006–2012. The most reported issue area is SUSPENSION.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Caliber
- Model years analyzed
- 2006–2012 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,939
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 121
- Fire-related complaints
- 32
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2007 (958 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SUSPENSION
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE CALIBER has 1,939 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. 121 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,939 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 10 federal recall campaigns
- 121 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
10 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:COLUMN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
WHEELS:HUB
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
EQUIPMENT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2006–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,939 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,939 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED IN REFERENCE TO THE FRONT CROSS MEMBERS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC NOTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REPAIR RECEIPT THAT BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BOLT JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF THE CROSS MEMBER'S WEAR AND TEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THAT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,836.
Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from the front sub frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Due to the subframe rusting on the undercarriage of the car, the lower ball joint completely detached from the car, cause the driver side tire to fall off during operation.
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..
Frame rotted out
Read 14 more owner reports
I recently only had my 2012 dodge caliber for a year now and out of that year it’s been giving me problems since I had it! The car had completely shut down on me for weeks while I was in the process of burying my father in law who gave me Covid after he passed. Weeks later we ended up figuring out what the issue was which was the tipm. I remember having to tap the battery with a wire for it to start and it didn’t matter what the weather looked like. Well that didn’t last long because it broke down on me again after I’ve replaced almost everything there was under the hood; the battery, the alternator, the fuses to the tipm and relay, the brake light switch, the ignition switch and all the fuses. Now here it is I’m making a car payment and still paying insurance for a vehicle I haven’t driven in months. I ended up researching this car and I see these cars are not reliable and I wish I would have known especially with two small children I already have! I recently read that this vehicle was in a dealer auction but never was told why; not once but twice actually. I despise these cars if I knew what I know now I would of never got this vehicle. I still owe 5grand on this car at that so I’m right back at square one but this go round got two extra bills that I waste money in
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the stability and throttle body malfunction indicators warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
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. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/dodge/caliber/frame-rust-problems2.php based on the amount of issues, some even reporting wrecking with a complete loss, this should be a Safety Recall. As it is the mechanic has given me a starting estimate of $1800 but based on other people's reports they were charged $2k-3k for repairs. I will be contacting Chrysler/Dodge on Monday as I do not relish the thought of this level of repair financially for something that should be built to last 100+k miles!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
LOCAL REPAIR SHOP DOING OIL CHANGE NOTICED FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. *TR
I RECENTLY BROUGHT A USED VEHICLE, WHEN I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE EVERYTHING RAN SMOOTHLY AND THINGS WERE WORKING JUST FINE, NO PROBLEMS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO USE THE KEYPAD TO LOCK THE DOORS, IT DIDN'T WORK AND ACTUALLY STARTED THE CAR THAN THE ALARM WENT OFF. I HAD TO START THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT BACK OFF AND MANUALLY GO AND LOCK ALL DOORS BECAUSE I ALSO NOTICED THE LOCK DOOR BUTTON ON THE DOOR DID NOT WORK BUT THE WINDOW BUTTONS DOES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THEM AND INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. ABOUT 1 WEEK WENT BY AND I STARTED TO FEEL THE CAR DRAGGING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS CAP LIGHT COMING ON. AND MOST OF ALL I NOTICED HOW QUICKLY THE MILEAGE WAS MOVING VERSUS THE MILEAGE I SIGNED IT AT. I ALSO CALLED IN AND REPORTED WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, THEY SUGGESTED I BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP THEY CONTRACT WITH TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND RESOLVE IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE DAY FOR ME FOR ABOUT 4-6 HOURS, I WAS CALLED BACK TO PICK THE VEHICLE BACK UP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS CAP LIGHT WAS OFF BUT NOTHING ELSE AS FAR AS THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE CAR, AND THE DRAGGING FEELING AS WELL AS THE MILEAGE TROUBLESHOOTING. I WASN'T SATISFIED WITH THE WORK THAT WAS DONE, SO I CALLED AGAIN TO REPORT THE TROUBLES AND REQUEST FOR A REFUND BECAUSE I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE VEHICLE AND HOW HIGH THE MILEAGE GOES WHEN I ONLY DRIVE 25 MILES BACK AND FORTH 6 DAYS A WEEK. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 8 WEEKS NOW, AND THIS CAR MAINTENANCE IS POOR AS WELL AS I HAVE A STRONG FEELING THE CARS BEEN TAMPERED WITH BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO ONE OF THE VENTS IN THE CAR ON THE DASH BOARD, AS WELL AS THE CAR NEEDING AN OIL CHANGE ALREADY AND I ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 20, 2020. *TR
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM NORTHTOWN DODGE IN BUFFALO NY IN JAN OF 2019. AS THE WEATHER GOT WARMER MY TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED LITE COMES ON. I CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 50 MILES TOPS WITH OUT IT OVER HEATING. I'M THE SECOND OWNER. I AM FINANCING THIS CAR AND CAN ONLY DRIVE IT LOCALLY. I'VE ALSO READ THAT THERE IS A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THE POWERTRAIN ONLY IF YOUR THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CAR ONLY HAD 64000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS 69771. SO PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE I AM A DISABLED VETERAN AND THIS CAR IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.
ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT AFTER ONLY 7YEARS
WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL POWER WHEN THE LIGHTENING BOLT LIGHT CAME ON. HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AND WAS FINE FOR A FEW MONTHS. NOW THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AGAIN AND I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 15 TIMES AND THEY KEEP RELPLACING DIFFERENT SENSORS AND WIRING. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR AN ISSUE THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE REAL ISSUE IS BECAUSE EVERYTIME THEY 'FIX' ONE THING IT SEEMS TO BRING UP OTHER CODES.
WHEN BRAKING THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT FLASHES MOMENTARILY. IT DOES NOT STAY ON. THE CAR DOES NOT BRAKE COMPLETELY AT THESE TIMES AND CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE FORWARD ANOTHER FOOT OR TWO DESPITE PRESSING THE BRAKE. WHEN BRAKING TODAY THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FASTER WHILE THE FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. IN RESEARCHING THIS, IT SEEMS THE CALIBER SPECIFICALLY HAS A HISTORY OF ETC OR ELECTRIC THROTTLE ISSUES. YEARS AFFECTED BY THIS SAFETY ISSUE INCLUDE 2007 THROUGH 2012; BUT THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RECALL FROM DODGE. THIS IS A RECALL NECESSARY ISSUE! THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF ACCELERATION AND BRAKING ARE NON COMPROMISE AREAS OF VEHICLE DESIGN THAT DODGE HAS DONE LITTLE TO ADDRESS IN THE CALIBER MODEL.
THE STRUCTURE/FRAME IN THE FRONT OF OUR 2012 DODGE CALIBER WAS SO RUSTED THAT IT BROKE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THE FRAME BROKE WHEN WE PULLED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND STOPPED AT THE END OF AN EXIT. THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY A RECALL, B UT A BULLETIN HAS BEEN RELEASED.
PER THE X69 WARRANTY NOTICE I HAD THE CROSSMEMBER REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT DODGE DOES NOT COVER THE ALIGNMENT THAT IS NEEDED DUE TO THE CROSSMEMBER REPAIR. THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECT CAUSED THE NEED FOR THE ALIGNMENT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SCAM
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AUTOMATICALLY UNLATCHES ITSELF. I DON'T HAVE TO BE DOING ANYTHING. I GIVE IT TUG EVERY TIME I BUCKLE TO MAKE SURE IT FASTEN. BUT WHILE DRIVING IT WILL ON IT'S ON COME UNLATCHED AND RELEASED. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND JUST SITTING AT RED LIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY REFASTEN IT BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH TIME TO RAISE CONCERN IF I WOULD BE SAFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
Showing 20 of 1,939 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Caliber
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Caliber, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Caliber has 1,939 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Caliber has 10 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 121 of the Dodge Caliber's 1,939 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Caliber vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Caliber vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Caliber has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Dodge Caliber by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Caliber.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Caliber reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Caliber reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Caliber has 1,939 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SUSPENSION. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Caliber years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2007 (958 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Caliber problems?
Top reported issues: SUSPENSION (522 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (357 complaints); STRUCTURE (345 complaints).
Does the Dodge Caliber have recalls?
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Caliber. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.