MotorDeets

Dodge Caliber problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Caliber from 2006 to 2012: 1,848 owner complaints and 10 recalls across 7 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (884), 2008 (360), 2009 (232). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2012).

Dodge Caliber
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Suspension491
Electrical339
Body & structure331
Transmission & drivetrain220
Speed control / throttle187
Engine175
Steering172
Airbags159

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200601–
2007488426
2008036026
2009123227
2010215726
2011216527
201214927

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Dodge Caliber.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Dodge Caliber?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (884), 2008 (360), 2009 (232).

How many recalls has the Dodge Caliber had?

Across 2006–2012, NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).