2009 Dodge Caliber
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 884 |
| 2008 | 360 |
| 2009 | 232 |
| 2010 | 157 |
| 2011 | 165 |
| 2012 | 49 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: power train — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. ON DECEMBER 26, 2009 WHILE TAKEN PACKAGES OUT THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE REVERSED ON ITS OWN AND SHE WAS STRUCK BY THE DRIVERS DOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100308
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. ON DECEMBER 26, 2009 WHILE TAKING PACKAGES OUT THE VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE REVERSED ON ITS OWN AND SHE WAS STRUCK BY THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100308
27% of complaints: suspension — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing subframe/mounting bracket and stabilizer bar.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The front sub frame rusted out and almost killed everyone in the car the wheels turned out and lost all steering was really scary is there any way we can get this fixed by dodge this should be a recall Iâve looked at 6 calibers and all of them are...
NHTSA ODI report, 20211006
My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231127
21% of complaints: structure — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and switch.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRIC FAULT STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD RESULTING IN ALL COMPONENTS TO COMPLETELY BURN. A BURNING SMELL STARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND THE NEEDLE WAS UNDER THE COLD TICK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160223
Also filed under ENGINE
9% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 08V528000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Dodge Caliber — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V528000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Dodge Caliber is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.