NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
884 reports36,000 miles · Nov 17, 2009
SteeringSuspension
I PURCHASED MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AUGUST 2007. NOTHING HAPPENED UNTIL THE WARRANTY WAS UP. HERE IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND MILEAGE. 40,000 RIGHT FRONT STRUT 45,000 LEFT FRONT STRUT 50,000 OUTER TIE RODS REPLACE L AND R 55,000 BALL BEARINGS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE TO BE REPLACED 65,000 REPLACE 2 SENSORS THAT ARE NOT COMM…
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I PURCHASED MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AUGUST 2007. NOTHING HAPPENED UNTIL THE WARRANTY WAS UP. HERE IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND MILEAGE. 40,000 RIGHT FRONT STRUT 45,000 LEFT FRONT STRUT 50,000 OUTER TIE RODS REPLACE L AND R 55,000 BALL BEARINGS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE TO BE REPLACED 65,000 REPLACE 2 SENSORS THAT ARE NOT COMMUNICATING SO CAR IS STALLING AND NOW HOT WATER SPRAYING ON MY FOOT WHEN GAS IS PUSHED DOWN AND BURNT MY FOOT THIS CAR SHOULD OF HAD MANY MORE RECALLS THAN IT HAS. DODGE/CHRYSLER HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP ME WITH THESE COSTS AND NOW I AM STUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292456
41,500 miles · Oct 22, 2009
Steering
I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED ON MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AT 41,500 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM A LITTLE MORE AND DISCUSSING IT WITH THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH 2007 DODGE CALIBERS AND LATE MODEL DODGES IN GENERAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME T…
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I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED ON MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER AT 41,500 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM A LITTLE MORE AND DISCUSSING IT WITH THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH 2007 DODGE CALIBERS AND LATE MODEL DODGES IN GENERAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT I'M LUCKY THE STEERING DIDN'T GO OUT IN MY CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY AS THERE ARE A LOT OF DODGE CALIBERS ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET SOME ACTION DONE ABOUT THIS? SOMEONE DYING IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289344
46,000 miles · Oct 22, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I BOUGHT A USED 2007 DODGE CALIBER ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO. IT HAD ABOUT 27,000 MILES ON IT. I LOVE THE CAR EXCEPT FOR ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO(CAR NOW HAS 46,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY) I GOT STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER. HE INFORMED ME THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING(THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKED OK). I BROU…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2007 DODGE CALIBER ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO. IT HAD ABOUT 27,000 MILES ON IT. I LOVE THE CAR EXCEPT FOR ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO(CAR NOW HAS 46,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY) I GOT STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER. HE INFORMED ME THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING(THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKED OK). I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM SO THEY COULD DIAGNOSE IT. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED SOME KIND OF SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND WAS GOING TO COST ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY. I LOST MY JOB SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I COULDN\'T AFFORD TO PAY. THEY DID SOME TYPE OF RESET(FREE OF CHARGE)AND SAID IT MIGHT NOT LAST. THE OTHER DAY I GOT STOPPED AGAIN, FINDING OUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING AGAIN. I'M STILL NOT WORKING SO THINGS ARE EVEN TIGHTER THAN BEFORE. I CALLED DODGE TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT. HE SAID HE TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY WOULD HAVE TO DIAGNOSE IT. BECAUSE IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THEY MIGHT NEED THE CAR FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND THE CHARGES COULD BE QUITE HIGH. THE GUY AT DODGE SAID THE BEST HE COULD DO IS PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR. I TOLD HIM HALF WASN'T GOING TO HELP SO I GUESS MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO DRIVE IT LIKE IT WAS. MY INTENSION WAS TO KEEP THE CAR FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND BUY A NEW DODGE BUT IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY OPERATE I GUESS I'LL BUY ANOTHER BRAND. HE SAID HE WOULD KEEP ON RECORD IN CASE I CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT SPLITTING THE CHARGES. I TOLD HIM HE SHOULD KEEP IT ON RECORD SO WHEN I GET REAR ENDED I CAN SAY I TRIED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I'M STILL OUT OF WORK AND STILL DRIVING IT WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME, BUT WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289330
41,500 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Suspension
I HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC TODAY THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE AND IF THEY BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING, THEY COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT BE WORN OUT ON A CA…
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I HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC TODAY THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE AND IF THEY BREAK WHILE I AM DRIVING, THEY COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT BE WORN OUT ON A CAR THAT IS 2 YEARS OLD AND ONE WITH 41,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. HE SAID THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE LIKELY DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE. THE FRONT TIRES CAN BE FREELY MOVED AND JIGGLED WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH LITTLE EFFORT. I HAVE GOTTEN NO HELP FROM MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER IN REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND AM FORCED TO RISK MY LIFE EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I CAN AFFORD THE REPAIR WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $500 AND $1,200. BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE LIKELY DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE, I SUSPECT THAT ALL OTHER DODGE CALIBERS MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PARTS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE OWNERS ARE SIMPLY UNAWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288893
25,000 miles · Sep 29, 2009
Steering
TIE ROD ENDS FAILED STATE INSPECTION AT 25,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285674
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2009
SteeringStructureInjury
2007 DODGE CALIBER, WHILE DRIVING TODAY GOING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WITH SON IN THE BACK SEAT. THE KEYCHAIN HOLDER YOU ATTACH TO ANY KEY GOT CAUGHT ON THE STERRING WHEEL PART AND ACTUALLY BROKE THE KEY OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT THE GADGETS SHOULDN'T BE POSITIONED THAT WAY. ANYWAY THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE KEY IS STILL IN THE STE…
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2007 DODGE CALIBER, WHILE DRIVING TODAY GOING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WITH SON IN THE BACK SEAT. THE KEYCHAIN HOLDER YOU ATTACH TO ANY KEY GOT CAUGHT ON THE STERRING WHEEL PART AND ACTUALLY BROKE THE KEY OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT THE GADGETS SHOULDN'T BE POSITIONED THAT WAY. ANYWAY THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE KEY IS STILL IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT ALMOST CAUSED ALOT OF CARS TO HIT THE CAR BECAUSE AFTER THEY KEY BROKE OFF AND HALF STAYED IN THE CAR IT ACTUALLY LOCKED THE WHEEL. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT I TOLD MY SPOUSE NOT TO TOUCH IT. WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED TODAY. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE AT ALL. I FEEL THE WHEEL AND THE SPACE THEY HAVE FROM WHERE THE KEY IS INSERTED AND WHERE THEY PUT OTHER THINGS IS OBVIOUSLLY UNSAFE. WE ARE FRUSTRATED AND AFRAID OF GETTING BACK IN THE CAR WHEN IT IS FIXED. ALSO WHERE DO WE GO TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE THIS IS NOT OUR FAULT? A STEERING WHEEL SHOULD NEVER BE DESIGNED WHERE THE PARTS ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER THAT A SIMPLE STRING THAT IS YOUR KEY CHAIN AND SHORT CAN GET CAUGHT ON THE GADGETS OF THE WHEEL. MY SON IS ONLY 4 PLEASE GIVE US ADVICE. WHEN TRYING TO GET THE WHEEL TO MOVE AFTER IT STOPPED OUR SON WAS JERKED AND WE ARE FRUSTRATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284641
50,000 miles · Jul 14, 2009
Seat Belts
FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS RELEASE WITHOUT PUSHING RELEASE BUTTON OR WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276802
57,000 miles · Jul 14, 2009
Electrical System
POSITIVE BATTERY POST ON ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER BATTERY CAME LOOSE FROM BODY AND RELEASED BATTERY ACID INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BATTERY ACID ATE THROUGH PROTECTIVE COATING ON WIRES TO MAIN ELECTRICAL AND CAUSED CAR TO STALL AND MALFUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276800
50,600 miles · Jul 5, 2009
EquipmentVehicle Speed Control
2007 DODGE CALIBER GAS PEDAL. WITH 50,600 MILES. WHILE DRIVING APPROX 65 MPH ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY THE GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED TO OVER 90 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONLY SLOWED IT SLIGHTLY WHEN I REACHED THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF TH…
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2007 DODGE CALIBER GAS PEDAL. WITH 50,600 MILES. WHILE DRIVING APPROX 65 MPH ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY THE GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED TO OVER 90 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONLY SLOWED IT SLIGHTLY WHEN I REACHED THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE CAR TO FULLY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS REPLACED AND EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE EXCESSIVE SPEED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275788
15,000 miles · Jul 3, 2009
Tires
IN APRIL TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND CAR MAKING NOISES. REPAIRED SEVERAL WARRANTY ISSUES AND ALSO ROTATED AND BALANCED TIRES. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD A VIBRATION SOUND AND THUMPING 2 DEALERS TELL ME TIRES ARE CHOPPED AND NEED REPLACING FIRST TIME AT AROUND 15, 000 MILES AND NOW AT 18,000. HOW CAN THIS BE. DID HAVE SUSPENSION W…
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IN APRIL TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND CAR MAKING NOISES. REPAIRED SEVERAL WARRANTY ISSUES AND ALSO ROTATED AND BALANCED TIRES. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD A VIBRATION SOUND AND THUMPING 2 DEALERS TELL ME TIRES ARE CHOPPED AND NEED REPLACING FIRST TIME AT AROUND 15, 000 MILES AND NOW AT 18,000. HOW CAN THIS BE. DID HAVE SUSPENSION WARRANTY WORK DONE IN APRIL. BOUGHT CAR IN 7/07 WITH ONLY 65 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT OTHER CALIBER OWNERS ARE HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THEM IN THE CAR. ALSO, THE NOISE VIBRATION LEVEL IS HORRIBLE AND YOU CANNOT EVEN HEAR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275704
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
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.
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.
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
1PE10012 · 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.