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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.

About this comparison →

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

Suspension complaints

255 reports
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146,100 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

THE CAR WOULD NOT START (LIGHTS WORKED, BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER). AFTER REPLACING THE THROTTLE CABLE AND BOX, AS WELL AS SOME BROKEN WIRING, THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS RESET. THE CAR RAN FOR ANOTHER WEEK AFTER IT WAS FIRST "FIXED," AN…

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THE CAR WOULD NOT START (LIGHTS WORKED, BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER). AFTER REPLACING THE THROTTLE CABLE AND BOX, AS WELL AS SOME BROKEN WIRING, THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS RESET. THE CAR RAN FOR ANOTHER WEEK AFTER IT WAS FIRST "FIXED," AND THEN AGAIN DID NOT START (SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE). ADDITIONALLY, THE LIGHT TO INDICATE THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING TURNED ON PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING. THIS IS MORE FRUSTRATING BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE ISSUES WITH THIS CAR (REPLACED ALL TIE RODS, BUSHINGS, CONTROL ARMS, HAVE A BROKEN DOOR FROM THE HINGE BREAKING, AND HAD MULTIPLE TIRES WEARING UNEVENLY DUE TO THE CAR'S SUSPENSION PROBLEMS) ALREADY, AND HAVE SUNK WELL OVER $6000 IN REPAIRS THIS YEAR ALONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617630

85,000 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Equipment Adaptive/mobilitySuspension

EVERY TIME WHEN I WOULD BE GOING OVER ANY KIND OF BUMP,DRIVEWAYS AT SPEED BUMPS OR JUST DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD ALWAYS HERE SHAKING OR RUMBLING NOISES IN MY FRONT SUSPENSION. RECENTLY I HAD TO GET A CLUTCH INSTALLED IN MY CALIBER. AND MY MECHANIC INFORMING ME THAT MY CONTROL ARMS WERE COMING LOOSE. WHICH MEANS THAT IF IT PERSIS…

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EVERY TIME WHEN I WOULD BE GOING OVER ANY KIND OF BUMP,DRIVEWAYS AT SPEED BUMPS OR JUST DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD ALWAYS HERE SHAKING OR RUMBLING NOISES IN MY FRONT SUSPENSION. RECENTLY I HAD TO GET A CLUTCH INSTALLED IN MY CALIBER. AND MY MECHANIC INFORMING ME THAT MY CONTROL ARMS WERE COMING LOOSE. WHICH MEANS THAT IF IT PERSISTS THE WHEELS CAN COME OFF SO THAT'S THE SOUND I AM HEARING THE WHEELS SHAKING WHEN IT GOES OVER BUMPS!. AND THEN HE FOLLOWED BY SAYING WITH DODGE CALIBERS CONTROL ARMS ALWAYS SEEMS TO GO BAD EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR NO MATTER HOW YOU DRIVE. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 91,000 MILES ON MY CAR WHICH ARE ABOUT 90% HIGHWAY MILES. I USED TO DRIVE FOR UPS DROVE TRUCKS FOR LIVING WHEN HE COMES TO CHANGING GEARS AND DRIVING THE CAR I AM EXTREMELY CAPABLE. SO FOR A CLUTCH TO GO BACK IN JUST SEVEN YEARS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. MY PARENTS HAD A 1987 VOLVO STATION WAGON WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AND WE NEVER HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS!!! HEY DODGE THIS IS HOW A CAR IS SUPPOSED TO WORK!! YOU BUY IT WORKS TILL YOU SELL IT. WITH A FEW MAINTENANCE FIXES DOWN THE LINE. (NOT CONTROL ARMS TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL AND GAS PEDALS.) SO FOR CONTROL ARMS GOING BAD AT THIS TIME IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. I WENT ON OTHER FORUMS OF PEOPLE WHO HAS THE SAME CAR AS MINE IN ABOUT 600 PEOPLE OR THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE SAYING EXACTLY THE SAME THING BUT THEY HAD TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THESE THINGS FIXED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS GO BAD CARS OVER TIME BUT THIS IS EXTREMELY TOO EARLY. I HAVE WENT TO 3 TO 4 OTHER MECHANICS AND ALL SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE DODGE CALIBERS. CONTROL ARMS ARE A MAJOR IMPORTANT THING IS SAFETY OF A CAR EXTREMELY BASIC AN EXTREMELY SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND THAT CONFORMS DO NOT GO BACK AND JUST SEVEN YEARS. NOTE MY CONTROL ARMS AREN'T AS BAD AS SOME OTHERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615747

125,000 miles · Jul 10, 2014
Suspension

WHILE TURNING LEFT, I STARTED TO NOTICE AN OCCASIONAL CLUNK WHICH SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. WITHIN A DAY, IT TURNED INTO A CONSTANT CLUNKING AS I WAS DRIVING, EVEN WHILE GOING STRAIGHT. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE AND WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. AS OTHERS HAVE DISCOVERED, MY ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE IS RUSTING AWA…

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WHILE TURNING LEFT, I STARTED TO NOTICE AN OCCASIONAL CLUNK WHICH SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. WITHIN A DAY, IT TURNED INTO A CONSTANT CLUNKING AS I WAS DRIVING, EVEN WHILE GOING STRAIGHT. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE AND WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. AS OTHERS HAVE DISCOVERED, MY ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE IS RUSTING AWAY. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AT AROUND 50,000 MILES. THEY SAY THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN. THE FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. THE TIRES NEED MORE FREQUENT REPLACEMENT AS WELL DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM ISSUES. SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE SHOULD BE MORE RECALLS THAN JUST THE RECENT ONE. SPECIFICALLY, WITH THE CONTROL ARMS, THE MECHANIC SAID HE'S SEEN THEM FAIL AT UNDER 25,000 MILES. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609609

110,000 miles · Jun 30, 2014
StructureSuspension

THE CAR WOULD NOT STEER WITH ANY CONTROLLABILITY. UPON 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTIONS WE DISCOVERED THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS SO WORN/LOOSE IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE I COULD EASILY HAVE LOST A TIRE. THE ENTIRE UNDERFRAME IS CORRODED AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED SOON OR IT WOULD ALSO BECOME A SAFETY …

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THE CAR WOULD NOT STEER WITH ANY CONTROLLABILITY. UPON 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTIONS WE DISCOVERED THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS SO WORN/LOOSE IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE I COULD EASILY HAVE LOST A TIRE. THE ENTIRE UNDERFRAME IS CORRODED AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED SOON OR IT WOULD ALSO BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE NEAR FUTURE. DODGE HAS TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE AFTER CONDUCTING SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF 2007 CALIBER OWNERS WITH ALMOST IDENTICAL ISSUES TO MINE. HOPING NO ONE GETS HURT BEFORE THEY REALIZE WHAT A SERIOUS RISK THIS TYPE OF LOW QUALITY MANUFACTURING IS... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607175

19,000 miles · Jun 17, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME DEFECT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME DEFECT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

NHTSA ODI #10599006

1,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT WHEELS BECAME UNSTABLE AS THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE FRONT TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT WHEELS BECAME UNSTABLE AS THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE FRONT TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10597964

109,000 miles · Jun 10, 2014
StructureSuspension

JUST FILING A COMPLAINT ABOUT SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURING OF MY VEHICLE CROSS MEMBER PARTS. SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL WAS USED AND SEVERE CORROSION IS A RESULT. CHRYSLER HAS A RECALL FOR REPAIR. COULD POSE SAFETY ISSUES IF PARTS RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10597427

126,112 miles · May 25, 2014
Suspension

TURNED THE WHEEL AND HEARD A BUMP BY THE TIRE. STOPPED AND SEEN THAT THE SHOCKS WAS TOUCHING THE TIRE ON THE LEFT SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593978

52,000 miles · May 22, 2014
Suspension

I HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER RT. THIS CAR HAS 52000 MILES AT 7 YEARS OLD. MY CAR SITS IN A GARAGE AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. I RECENTLY REPLACED THE TIRES ON THE CAR AND FOUND THAT BOTH BALL JOINTS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACING TO THE POINT THAT THE TIRES COULDN'T GET BALANCED. I DON'T THINK THAT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH…

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I HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER RT. THIS CAR HAS 52000 MILES AT 7 YEARS OLD. MY CAR SITS IN A GARAGE AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. I RECENTLY REPLACED THE TIRES ON THE CAR AND FOUND THAT BOTH BALL JOINTS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACING TO THE POINT THAT THE TIRES COULDN'T GET BALANCED. I DON'T THINK THAT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH 52000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593359

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2014
Suspension

MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER ON MAY 14, 2014 AND THE STRUT BROKE IN HALF. HE SAID THAT HE WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHICH IS A 65 MPH ZONE, HEARD A RATTLE NOISE AND THEN A THUMP. HE WAS NOT SURE IF HE HIT A POT HOLE OR SOMETHING ELSE IN THE ROAD THAT WOULD CAUSE THE STRUT TO BREAK. WHEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHA…

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MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER ON MAY 14, 2014 AND THE STRUT BROKE IN HALF. HE SAID THAT HE WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHICH IS A 65 MPH ZONE, HEARD A RATTLE NOISE AND THEN A THUMP. HE WAS NOT SURE IF HE HIT A POT HOLE OR SOMETHING ELSE IN THE ROAD THAT WOULD CAUSE THE STRUT TO BREAK. WHEN I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC HE STATED THAT HE CONTACTED CHRYSLER/DODGE FOR THE REPLACEMENT STRUT AND WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDERED FOR 1-2 WEEKS AND THERE WAS ABOUT 35 OF THEM WAITING ALREADY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS A PART THAT IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY ON BACK ORDER AT THIS TIME. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO FIND ONE THOUGH A JUNK YARD AND IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $125 FOR THE PART. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588975

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.