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
- 232
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 232 complaints
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.
Power train
28% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Show 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, 2010-03-08
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, 2010-03-08
Suspension
27% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing subframe/mounting bracket and stabilizer bar.
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 Iâve looked at 6 calibers and all of them are...
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-06
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, 2023-11-27
Structure
21% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Electrical system
10% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and switch.
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, 2016-02-23
Also filed under Engine
Engine
9% · 22 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2008-11-10Power train08V528000 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…
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.
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2009Complaint volume 232 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Dodge Caliber — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 49 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V528000 · Power train
Other years of this model
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 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.