MYRModel Year Report

2009 Dodge Caliber

◆ Worse than typical
2009 Dodge Caliber
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Caliber Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 2006: 1 complaints 2006 2007: 884 complaints 2007 2008: 360 complaints 2008 2009: 232 complaints 2009 2010: 157 complaints 2010 2011: 165 complaints 2011 2012: 49 complaints 2012
2009: 232 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20061
2007884
2008360
2009232
2010157
2011165
201249

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SUSPENSION 25%

25% of complaints: suspension — 58 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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 I’ve 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

POWER TRAIN 22%

22% of complaints: power train — 52 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
STRUCTURE 15%

15% of complaints: structure — 34 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20081110 — power train

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

▮ 2009 — complaint volume: 232

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Dodge Caliber — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (58 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (52 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08V528000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2012 ▲ 2010 ● 2011

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2008 ● 2011

See all years ranked →

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 suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.