Dodge Caliber 2007 — Reported problems

Vehicle tipm shut off transmission while driving an cause a traffic jam on a busy intersection caused the transmission system to go in limp mode an no breaks. Was very dangerous lucky I had a hand break that worked cause engine to shut off an studder had to get towed an transported the vehicle home an got it inspected by a mobile mechanic an says the fuse box had blown internal components due to failing internal electrical components or weak points in the tipm system

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the ECU had been hacked. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the brakes applied without application, but I was able to move to the right lane. The vehicle was able to pull over safely, and it stalled. While parking with the foot on the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a small pole. There was no reported fire, airbag deployment, police report filed, or injuries. While in neutral, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver was able to shift to neutral. The vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. There was no light inside. While using the headlights, the windshield wipers turned on for five minutes. After locking the vehicle, the headlights remain on. While using the turn signal, the windshield wipers engaged without application. While driving in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. The contact stated that someone stole the key fob, made copies, hacked into the vehicle, and was controlling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, which confirmed the vehicle was working as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was not available.

I was informed on 09/29/2025 by my Chrysler dealer that a second critical component of my 2007 Caliber frame had rusted to the point that it broke. The first critical component was reported in my complaint tracking number 11459461 submitted on 04/03/2022. The component in that filing was the engine pan that supported the engine. On this latest failure, I was told the same thing by the shop manager: "If you hit a bump while driving this vehicle you could lose your back wheels". In the first incident, the engine could have fallen out of my vehicle. He was not going to let me drive it home. Then he changed his mind and told me it was "at my discretion". I did drive it home (4.5 miles) with no problem. He told me he was going to try and find a new or used part to fix the issue. He made it clear that he was not hopeful of finding one. This is twice now that my life and the lives of any drivers on the road at the same time were placed in danger from excessive rusting problems. I submitted files in the first incident showing that Chrysler was aware of the issue. A copy of the corporate service bulletin was attached. To my knowledge nothing was ever done. Is anything going to be done this time?

I was at a gas station and attempted to leave the lot and the cradle and/or attached parts broke into, rendering the car undrivable.

The contact owned a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision, which was no fault of the contact. The contact's vehicle was damaged to the front of the vehicle and on the passenger's front side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the other driver's vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle at a high rate of speed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The paramedics and the local Police arrived at the scene. A Police report was filed, however, the report number was unavailable. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle. The contact was transported to the local medical center, however, due to the severity of the injuries and the specific treatments that the contact required, the contact was transferred to a medical center that specialized in the contact's required treatments. The contact-sustained injuries included but were not limited to traumatic brain injury, seizures, impaired speech, physical and mental disabilities, intermittent paralysis, damage to the spinal cord, and amnesia. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car is at 69739 miles and the control arms and the front and rear subframe is rotted out

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while it was raining, there was water entering through the sunroof and doors into the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there were no related recalls for the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall coverage for the failures and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V234000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was severely rusted and there was a piece of metal hanging down in the rear of the vehicle. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The VIN was not available.

The air bag light and sound are going off without any collision or accident type. Just randomly started going off. Airbags have never been deployed and goes off with or without weight on the seats.

Premature rust on rear subframe

Rusted Subframe!!

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.

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

Massive amount of shaking and vibrating when vehicle is at idle. Subframe is rotting and rusting away and causing rust holes in the subframe. Vehicle is currently in operation daily. Unsafe to operate in its current condition. Will need fixed via recall.

I had my 2007 Dodge Caliber rear brakes replaced today, at 83,487 miles. The service professional noted on the receipt that the “rear subframe is rotting out.” He suggested that I contact Dodge, to find out if there has been a recall regarding this issue. Please advise as to how this problem may be resolved, with no additional, out-of-pocket cost to me, the consumer. Thank you.

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.

Started hearing a loud banging noise whenever i would hit a bump or turn left coming from drivers side tire. after getting home, i checked and the entire subframe is rusted out.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The message "Transmission Overheating" and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle would not exceed 30 MPH while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road, where the vehicle remained. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 240,578.

My car was slow to accelerate, and sounded like the engine was over-revving. The engine stalled several times, and the car itself was shaking, while driving at a moderate speed level, which I feared would have caused an accident, because it was sudden. The service warning light appeared. I had the manifold replaced by one mechanic, but the problem occurred again. I got a second opinion, that determined it was the throttle body assembly, which was replaced. That was three years ago. Now, the same issue has cropped up again. The cost was exorbitant, and is something I can't afford every few years.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that after driving approximately a block from her residence, she noticed that the vehicle was unable to exceed 15 MPH while accelerating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to her residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and she was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle subframe was rusted. The contact stated that she was informed of an unknown recall however, she was informed that the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Rear subframe is badly rusted making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Don’t know how long it been like this, just noticed it while doing brake work. I’ve owned the car since 2008 and was never notified of the extended warranty.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle emitted abnormal sounds and the vehicle was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side and the front driver's side tires were wiggly and the front lower ball joints had failed. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the front subframe was severely rusted and had a hole. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was severely rusted as well. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

I had brought my 2003 Stratus and 2007 Caliber in to the dealership for their 3000 mile oil change and check-up. When the Stratus was done, I switched it out with the Caliber. The receptionist came into the waiting room to inform me that my vehicle was dangerous to drive. The engine cradle had rotted out. The manager had asked her to tell me: "If you hit a big bump, your engine could fall out." She showed me a picture of the area in question. I asked what I was supposed to be looking for and was shown where the cradle was supposed to be. A post-it note was on the picture saying that the manager "will do some pricing". The invoice states: "We question the structural integrity of it being able to hold up much longer." When I did not hear anything for a few weeks, I called in and was told that it had not been done but the manager would get right on it. I had asked the manager how this could have been missed during all the years I had been bringing it in for any kind of maintenance and was told: "It probably looks worse that what it should because I poked it with a screwdriver a few times to see how bad it was." Invoice total: $1884.20. I have since spoken with a general manager for Magna Corporation who produced the cradle for the Caliber. They were aware of the design flaw of the cradle that did not allow for drainage of water/road chemicals from the cradle. A lawsuit was filed by Magna against Dodge which Magna won. The particulars of the lawsuit were not made known to me other than Magna charges $42 for the cradle, but I was billed $859. I have found numerous customer complaints online over the corrosion of the cradle in other Dodge model years as well. The 2007 Caliber seems to have more overall customer complaints that all othe model years combined.

My throttle body keeps going in and out which cause me to have to get an alternator replaced twice plus a crankshaft twice. Now my car is smoking which is the valve cover gasket . Also my car lights went out one at a time so my driver side lights wnt work at all in the front and the passenger side front won't work just my signal on the passenger side. Also my dashboard won't work properly it keeps goin on and off as I turn on other lights in my car . When I signal left my car light on the roof comes on. I spent $12000 on this car from a dealership and have done nothing but put money into it more than I paid for it.

Bought the car 04/21 had throttle issues the dealer replaced it kept noticing after that i was still having problems with car take it to tire shop entire buttom of car is rusted needs new sub frame sway bar lower arms was very dangerous deiving car want stay straight

Passenger side headlight and driver's side tail light not working. Bulbs have been replaced and tested as to being good. Went on internet and found this to be a very common problem with Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, many times requiring replacement of the TPIM. Grounds have been checked as good. Dealer says repair requires replacement of the TIPM for $1,600.00!! Vehicle lighting are safety items covered by vehicle laws. These are safety issues and customers should not be held hostage for ransom for their poor design. Dodge and Chrysler should be replacing these TIPMs when they start failing without cost to customers.

Both front and rear subframes have been replaced due to excessive dangerous rust. Also rear trailing arms were replaced due to the same issue. Many other components were replaced as well due to bad bushings. Had to drive the vehicle on the highway to get it home and was lucky to make it. Vehicle did not move after that for almost 2 months until the parts could be replaced. Stalantis received a claim from me in regards to the issues however they were not willing to proceed any further with any actions. These claims need to be looked into because there are quite a few instances that are posted online with videos and or user blogs that are describing similar incidents with Dodge calibers. Someone is going to get hurt from this rust issue. Not everyone is mechanically inclined and it will only take one incident and someone will get hurt or maybe even kill not to mention other people that are on the road who are innocently driving and other vehicles. Chrysler new this wasn't issue and has failed to take care of it completely. I have spent quite a bit of money to replace these parts as to make my car safe for my child and myself and my girlfriend. There needs to be a final recall just like there was and still is on airbags. You have a dangerous problem that needs to be taken care of. Please Force stalantis to recall and or compensate all owners who have these vehicles. I have included three pictures of just the front subframe. I have kept the subframe in the front and the rear and the trailing arms. If pictures are needed please let me know.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger side. The contact looked in the rearview mirror and saw sparks coming from the rear passenger side. The contact pulled over, and upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was inward and the cross member was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 23-012-14 Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X58 10 Years Unlimited Mileage). The failure mileage was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact stated that the front suspension detached from the vehicle. The contact called the police as he waited for a tow truck to assist because the vehicle was stopped in the middle of traffic. Once the tow truck arrived, the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The issue involves front and rear subframes and trailing arms. Bought a used 2007 Dodge caliber with 127,000 mi on it. Upon further inspection found the front and the rear subframes to be rusted beyond safe operation. After inspecting those found out rear trailing arms are in the exact same condition unsafe for the road. Replaced the front suspension at my cost. Doing the same for the rear. If not done the car is unsafe. High costs involved. No recall was initiated by Chrysler at the time and still has not been done. This is an issue that looks like it has plagued many owners in the United States. if the parts break accidents and injuries can and will occur. Stellantis is ignoring my requests for a reply from the company to address the issues that I am addressing here today.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and was able the restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

Front and rear Subframes, crossbars are rusted and rotted. This car is available upon request. This is a safety hazard that can result in death. The subframes holds the engine and tires. If the engine falls out of the car while driving it could be fatal. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center Car X. Their were no warning lamps.

I was driving at night time and my left side lowbeam headlight went out. Then briefly after the right side. I put my highbeams on to finish my trip home and then right before I made it home they both went out. Upon having the vehicle diagnosed it would be a $1000 part plus labor known as the TIPM. My friend has his own garage and he jumped power from my foglights. My headlights now work but he said he won't be long until other things start failing. Now my dash lights went out 2 weeks ago while I was on the interstate. I immediately pulled over and tried turning the car off and on and nothing. So I turned on my hazard flashers and drove 25 miles home with no dash lights. They will flicker on and off so rapidly I turned my dimmer switch the whole way down so it doesn't distract me while driving. Apparently the TIPM in these cars is a widely known issue after very little research I found over thousands of failed units in people's vehicles. Dodge should be liable for this mess!

dash light not working at night. can't see speedometer at night

THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR IS COMPLETLY RUSTED MY TIRES LOOK SLANTED SIDEWAYS LIKE THEY ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF THERE IS CRACKS IN THE FRAME AND I CANT DRIVE THIS CAR IT ISNT AT ALL SAFE I BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A MIONTH AGO AND JUST FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE MAKE N MODELS IN MY AREA FOR RUSTED UNDERENATH AND TIRES ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF ONLINE IT SAYS A 10 YEAR REPAIR RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2014 FROM CRYSLER

MY SON DROVE MY CAR ONE NIGHT AND HE SAID HE DIDN'T LIKE THE STEERING BECAUSE IT ACT LIKE ILOSE AND TIRES ABOUT TO FALL OFF I TOLD HIM I KNOW CAUSE IT WAS EATING UP THE OUT SIDE OF TIRES FAST TO WEAR WIRES WERE SEEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT TIRES AND LATER EVENY SON HAD A WRECK AND TOTAL OUT CAR ON THE SEEN WHERE THE WRECK HAPPEN IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME AND MY SON DIDN'T HAVE HIS SEAT BEAT ON AND IT THREW H OUT AND I BELIEVE IIF HE DID IT WOULD OF KILLED HIM HE DON'T REMEMBER NOTHING CAUSE I THINK IT PUT HIM IN SHOCK I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE POLICE REPORT BUT I HAVE TAKING PICTURES AND I DO KNOW THERE WAS A ALOT RUST UNDERNEATH I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO MONTH THE CAR IS AT A SALVAGE PLACE AND I CAN'T GET IT AND I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT I JUST THINK SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT ON THE STEERING AND SUPENTION IT WAS ON HWY ON A STRAIGHT AWAY