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2007 Dodge Caliber

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caliber years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Dodge Caliber are substantially higher than the model-year median of 165.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

747 reports with mileage · 137 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 197 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

54 crash reports18 fire reports28 injury reports

Structure complaints

158 reports
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98,000 miles · Mar 6, 2014
Structure

THE HINGES FAIL ON DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE THE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT GETS STUCK WIDE OPEN IF FORCE SHUT CAUSE YOU HAVE NO TOOLS TO PRY BOTTOM HINGE BACK IN PLACE IT CAUSES A HUGE DENT IN FRONT FENDER... THERE ARE A HUGE AMOUNT OF OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE SO I THINK IT'S A BIG FLAW! I HAVE SINCE REPLACED MINE WITH …

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THE HINGES FAIL ON DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE THE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT GETS STUCK WIDE OPEN IF FORCE SHUT CAUSE YOU HAVE NO TOOLS TO PRY BOTTOM HINGE BACK IN PLACE IT CAUSES A HUGE DENT IN FRONT FENDER... THERE ARE A HUGE AMOUNT OF OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE SO I THINK IT'S A BIG FLAW! I HAVE SINCE REPLACED MINE WITH USED ONE'S AND DO EXPECT TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE HINGES... IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOUR DOOR IT WILL NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY IF YOU MANAGE TO GET IT TO CLOSING POINT BECAUSE THE DOOR LATCH WILL NO LONGER LINE UP PROPERLY... SAFETY ISSUES MY DOOR OPENED ON ME GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON MY WAY HOME WITH IT GOING AROUND A CORNER...THANK GOD I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON... SOME LINKS TO MORE COMPLAINTS..HTTP://DODGEFORUM.COM/FORUM/DODGE-CALIBER/284660-DOOR-HINGE-PROBLEM.HTML HTTP://ANSWERS.YAHOO.COM/QUESTION/INDEX?QID=20091111084343AAIHADT HTTP://CALIBERFORUMZ.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=35636HTTP://WWW.QFAK.COM/CARS_TRANSPORTATION/MAINTENANCE_REPAIR/?ID=208841#.UXJ4H38O4V4 AND MANY MORE.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10567689

110,000 miles · Mar 5, 2014
SteeringStructureSuspension

UPON HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE, THE SUBFRAME BROKE CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. THE TIRES NOW GO TWO SEPARATE DIRECTIONS. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, THEY DISCOVERED THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR LEAKING DIRECTLY ONTO THE SUBFRA…

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UPON HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE, THE SUBFRAME BROKE CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. THE TIRES NOW GO TWO SEPARATE DIRECTIONS. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, THEY DISCOVERED THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR LEAKING DIRECTLY ONTO THE SUBFRAME. WHEN HAVING OUR INSURANCE ADJUSTER FROM STATE FARM OUT TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. I THEN CONTACTED DODGE WHO STATED THAT THE PERFORATION FOR RUSTING WAS 100,000 MILES. ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENT ON THE VEHICLE WE ARE STILL PAYING FOR THROUGH AN AUTHORIZED DODGE DEALER HAPPENED ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS EXCEEDING THE 100,000 MILES BY ONLY 10,000 MILES - WE ARE NOW STUCK WITH A CAR THAT'S GOING TO COST OVER $1,100 TO FIX DUE TO A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THIS INCIDENT COULD'VE RESULTED IN A FATALITY. DODGE NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10567137

113,000 miles · Feb 17, 2014
StructureSuspension

NOTICED RUSTED SUBFRAME WITH BIG HOLE. WE KNEW IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO PARTICULAR REASON FOR THE EROSION OTHER THAN THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 6-7 YEARS OLD. THIS TYPE OF EROSION IS USUALLY ONLY SEEN ON OLD VINTAGE VEHICLES. A FEW DAYS AGO, WE RAN OVER A HIDDEN POT HOLE AND THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY B…

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NOTICED RUSTED SUBFRAME WITH BIG HOLE. WE KNEW IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO PARTICULAR REASON FOR THE EROSION OTHER THAN THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 6-7 YEARS OLD. THIS TYPE OF EROSION IS USUALLY ONLY SEEN ON OLD VINTAGE VEHICLES. A FEW DAYS AGO, WE RAN OVER A HIDDEN POT HOLE AND THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY BROKEN APART. NOW CAR IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CAR WAS POORLY DESIGNED IN THIS AREA. THE COMPANY SHOULD RECALL THE SUBFRAME TO REPLACE AND INSTALL A REROUTING PIECE FOR THE AC TO DRIP ON AND BYPASS DRIPPING ON THE FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564640

63,000 miles · Feb 15, 2014
Equipment Adaptive/mobilityStructure

WENT TO GET CAR INSPECTED AND THE MECHANIC FOUND OUR CROSSMEMBER FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. IT IS ONLY 5 YRS OLD AND HAS 63000 MILES, UNHEARD OF. NEXT STEP CONTACT DODGE SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO TO HELP US GET THIS REPAIRED, RIGHT NOW CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564470

76,150 miles · Jan 7, 2014
SteeringStructureSuspension

MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAIN SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 76,150 MILES. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND MENTIONED IT. CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PROVIDE COST ASSISTANCE IF I HAD THE WORK DONE AT A CHRYS…

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MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAIN SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 76,150 MILES. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND MENTIONED IT. CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PROVIDE COST ASSISTANCE IF I HAD THE WORK DONE AT A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS TAKEN APART AND ON THE LIFT AT MY PREFERRED MECHANIC. I HAD MY MECHANIC PROVIDE THE SERVICE. I DID RECEIVE A QUOTE FROM A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IT WOULD HAVE COST ME $ 850.00. MY MECHANIC DID THE SERVICE FOR $ 650.00. CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED PAYMENT. THIS SUBFRAME COMPONENTS IS RUSTED THROUGH IN THREE LOCATIONS. AFTER ONLY 6 YEARS, THIS DOESN'T SEEM ACCEPTABLE ON A MAJOR FRONT END COMPONENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558881

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2014
StructureSuspension

5 Y/R CAR WITH COMPLETELY RUSTED SUB-FRAME WHICH NEEDS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558164

34,220 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Power TrainStructureSuspension

WHEN DOING A BRAKE JOB I NOTICED THE FRONT K MEMBER HAD A CORROSION HOLE IN THE BACK OF IT, THIS IS THE FRONT SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE POWERTRAIN AND FRONT SUSPENSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551774

61,000 miles · Nov 1, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT SUB FRAMES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAMES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT SUB FRAMES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAMES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 01/14/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT AND REAR SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 01/16/14

NHTSA ODI #10550548

104,000 miles · Oct 24, 2013
Electrical SystemSteeringStructure

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND HEARD A THUMP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. AS I STARTED TO PULL FORWARD THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND THE I HEARD A WHINING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. I WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM MY REPAIR SHOP SO I HAD MY BROTHER FOLLOW ME WITH HIS EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND DROVE SLOWLY TO T…

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I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND HEARD A THUMP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. AS I STARTED TO PULL FORWARD THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND THE I HEARD A WHINING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. I WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM MY REPAIR SHOP SO I HAD MY BROTHER FOLLOW ME WITH HIS EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND DROVE SLOWLY TO THE SHOP WHERE I FOUND OUT THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH. IN THE LAST YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND THE ALTERNATOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549437

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2013
StructureSuspension

WHILE UNDER MY DODGE I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT THEY DESIGNED THE AC CONDENSATION TO DRIP DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRAME. THIS BAFFLES ME SINCE ALL THEY HAD TOO DO IS DESIGN A TUBE TO DIRECT THE WATER ONTO THE GROUND. I AM NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW THIS HAS EFFECTED THE STRENGTH OF TH…

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WHILE UNDER MY DODGE I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT THEY DESIGNED THE AC CONDENSATION TO DRIP DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRAME. THIS BAFFLES ME SINCE ALL THEY HAD TOO DO IS DESIGN A TUBE TO DIRECT THE WATER ONTO THE GROUND. I AM NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW THIS HAS EFFECTED THE STRENGTH OF THE FRAME BUT FROM THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE SPOT WHERE THE WATER DRIPS I DON'T HAVE A WARM AND FUZZY THAT THE FRAME WILL LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR OR THAT THE FRAME WON'T JUST SNAP WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. VERY UNSAFE PRACTICE AND WITH SUCH AN EASY FIX DON'T UNDERSTAND IT AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10546515

Official recalls

4

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

10V234000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Jun 3, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V196000 · Wheels:hub

May 7, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V493000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Dec 29, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10012 · Sticking Accelerator Pedal

Opened Apr 29, 2010 · Closed Aug 26, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of June 3, 2010, Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall of approximately 25,265 model year 2007 Dodge Caliber vehicles and 71 model year 2007 Jeep Compass vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2006 through May 19, 2006.The recall will remedy a defect in the accelerator pedal assembly (accelerator pedal) of the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system that can cause the accelerator pedal to stick in an open position and not return to the idle position when released.As stated in the opening resume, the subject vehicles (Caliber) are equipped with an ETC accelerator pedal manufactured by the CTS Corporation, the same supplier of the ETC accelerator pedal used in the recently recalled Toyota vehicles.The ETC accelerator pedal used in Caliber and Compass vehicles is not the same as those used in the recalled Toyota vehicles.They are of a different design, were manufactured using different tooling, and fail in a different manner.According to Chrysler and CTS, oversized bearing pockets in the ETC accelerator pedal housing of the Caliber and Compass vehicles allows the accelerator pedal pivot shaft bearings to dislodge from the housing.If this occurs, the accelerator pedal can stick in an open position (i.e., fails to return to the closed position) or be slow to return.Chrysler's DIR notes that the subject vehicles are equipped with Smart Brake Technology and contends that the impact of a binding or sticking accelerator pedal can be negated by its Smart Brake system.In Chrysler's view, the system enables the brake pedal input to override the throttle control system and safely depower the vehicle and minimizes the potential for safety consequences resulting from the defect in the accelerator pedal.Further, Chrysler states, as a result of the presence of this technology, Chrysler Group LLC has concluded that the condition described in this report does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.ODI does not concur with Chrysler's position that the Smart Brake technology employed in the subject vehicles eliminates unreasonable risks to safety stemming from the ETC accelerator pedal defect.Aside from the fact that the technology is applicable only to situations where the brake pedal is activated, the Smart Brake system implemented in the subject vehicles will override a stuck throttle under a discrete set of conditions.Because driver behaviors (e.g., kicking at the accelerator pedal to dislodge it, or pumping the brake pedal instead of steady application) may delay or prevent activation of the Smart Brake system in the subject vehicles, ODI believes that this Smart Brake system does not totally eliminate unreasonable risks to safety posed by this defect or the necessity of a safety recall in this case.See Safety Recall file 10V-234 for recall details.