2010 Dodge Caliber Problems
Used DODGE CALIBER shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 157 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2010 Dodge Caliber has 157 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2010 Dodge Caliber Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Dodge Caliber trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2010 Dodge Caliber Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Dodge Caliber has 157 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Caliber
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 157
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2010 Dodge Caliber problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Airbag Malfunctions
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2010 Dodge Caliber?
This DODGE CALIBER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2010 Dodge Caliber
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- 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
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Dodge Caliber, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The DODGE CALIBER has 157 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 12 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 157 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 12 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
Full breakdown
All 2010 Dodge Caliber complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Dodge Caliber. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 31 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 26 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 15 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Dodge Caliber. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was just at the dealer mechanic for an oil change and asked about a slight pull to one side when stopping. after doing the oil change he cam back with a list of things the most significant of which was a that the front sub-frame was rotted out, as well as the rear bumper metal …
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine unexpectedly shut off. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine oil warning light as intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an indep…
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS) by a local dealer. Recently, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. T…
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?
The air bag lights came on
The contact's daughter owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at various speeds, she heard an abnormal sound and felt a vibration in the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that he had also noticed the failure while test-driving the v…
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 10 MPH, the vehicle kept turning. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where it was observed that the passenger’s side front axle had separated. The vehicle was towed to an independe…
Subframe rusty and broke while driving car went left almost causing a head on coalition
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where an unknown diagnosis and repair were completed; however, the failure persisted. Th…
The airbag light on the dashboard kept going on and off with a ring when it came on.
Noticed the vehicle was making creaking and grinding sounds from the rear suspension. This forcing the car to struggle to reverse. Noticed a large portion of the rear suspension/subframe was rusted and was cracking.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, she lost control of her vehicle. The contact stated that she crashed into a pole, however, the air bag did not deploy. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illumi…
I took my car to my repair man he was trying to see why my tires had the steel treads showing and the car shaking. Once up on the lift he found the subframe was rusted out. He ordered a new frame which took all my savings. He was surprised I made it off the expressway without an …
I went to mavis to get new tires for my car they showed me the frame car is not repairable and they showed me the back frame under neith the car and also showed me the rotted frame that's 2 places that's rotted I hope dodge dealer will replace the rotted frames some one can get k…
I forgot to tell you that the control arms on both sides and lower ball joints on both sides went bad because of the rotted frame on the car where the A frame sits is loose because of the rotted frame I grew up at the beach area and we never had rotted frames on any of the cars t…
Driver's side headlight stopped working and the bulb is still good. Called the dealership and apparently this is a common problem they know that they r trying to charge 1200 dollors to fix. They should have to fix the headlights because it's the manufacturers fault that they don'…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WA…
I NOTICED ON MY 2010 DODGE CALIBER THAT MY FRAME THAT ATTACHES JUST BEHIND THE OIL PAN IS REALLY RUSTY!! I THINK IT IS FROM THE PLACEMENT OF THE AC DRAIN HOSE POINTS DOWN RIGHT ON TOP OF IT. IT HAS SLOWLY DETERIORATE OF THE YEARS FROM RUNNING AC THESE LAST FEW HOT SUMMERS. I AM V…
FRONT SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT WITH VISIBLE HOLES. MANUFACTURER ONLY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND DID NOT ISSUE RECALL. I JUST FOUND OUT AND TRIED TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT EXTENDED WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AND THEY WILL NOT COVER COSTS. TONS OF OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS AS IT IS LISTED A…
FRAME RUSTED, BROKE AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. TOTAL LOSS.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Dodge Caliber.
Safety recalls
2010 Dodge Caliber recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge Caliber. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2010 Dodge Caliber buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Dodge Caliber reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 157 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE CALIBER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Caliber?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (32 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (31 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Dodge Caliber?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Dodge Caliber?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Dodge Caliber, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 157 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Dodge Caliber. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Dodge Caliber?▾
This DODGE CALIBER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Caliber reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.