2009 Dodge Caliber Complaint Log

My car will not shift. It’s saying that the part that was fixed under the recall is bad. What do I do now?

Check frame - known rot concerns Hole has started to open up center rear of engine subframe on the weld line. Subframe doesn’t appear to be in immediate failure, but will not pass inspection. Called dealer and was told parts aren’t available! No incident just getting inspected!

Rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end

Under paneling under all doors and under car rusting out completely. Falling pieces fly away anytime.

The transmission doesn't shift so if I am on the interstate doing 65 to 70 miles per hr.the transmission fluid heats up .Dodges answer to this is slow down or pull off interstate @ wait till it cools down then continue on your way,so in 50 miles I had to pull over 3 times my opinion not safe..

● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ● The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as Monro Auto Service, Jiffy Lube and L&M Motors in Upstate New york regularly. ● No.

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. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.

Brought 2009 Caliber with 34,000 original miles to have breaks checked, the owner showed me there is not a brake issue, but the Sub Frame was extremely rotted and needed to be attended to as it could cause a serious accident. I had a Lifetime Added Care Plus warranty, but of course wasn't covered. I have been the only driver since vehicle was purchased.

It started as a popping noise while driving which evolved into a louder sound and I was able to feel it click with my feet as I was driving, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was causing the issue at first. After going to a mechanics and having them look at it the subframe of the car was absolutely covered in rust to the point where it was falling apart and I could see inside. The air conditioning unit was badly designed, and the residual water from that caused the entire thing to rust. They advised that it was only going to get worse and could lead to the front axle essentially just falling out and totaling the car anyways. I drive everyday to and from work so having this issue is severely affecting my daily life and quite possibly my safety if anything happens while driving it.

The car was in park on a hill, when I turned off the engine, it rolled down the steep hill and the brakes or emergency brake would not work. I crashed through a fence across the street and into a building. The car was totaled.

Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and H Frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and A Arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! Only have 68,000 on vehicle.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The vehicle had previously had the front subframe replaced under an unknown TSB. The contact stated that upon inspection, her son informed her that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 155,946.

I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through

My PCM failed car stopped on the highway in traffic without warning. I could have die or caused a death. My car is available . I’ve owned that vehicle for going on three months the first issue that I’ve had. After Car felt the check engine light came on I took it to be for a diagnostics test which read the PCM was the issue. My car is a 2009 Dodge caliber just recently charged 81,000 miles I pay $6000 for a car I just don’t believe that [XXX] dealer didn’t know I am fearful of dry driving it but what choice do I have. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Car was involved in an accident that resulted in a total loss . Air bags did not deploy. Car is currently at a towing company and can be inspected. No warning lights were on.

Air bags didn't not deploy during a single car accident which ended in a head on crash into side of mountain then rolled over onto the roof. Speed about 30-35 mph. When tow truck turned car back over the driver's seat wasn't connected. Also prior to this accident problems with alignment, esp rear.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.

UNKNOWN Passenger side headlight will not come on Not a bad bulb

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 rusted out

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

2009 Dodge Caliper developed a split sub-frame suspension component due to heavy rust and the rear sub-frame has developed a severe rust and is also in danger of failure. This vehicle has less than 62,000 miles and is currently not operable. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was being driven at the time of failure and had to be towed to a nearby repair shop. Contacted dealer service manager who stated that vehicle has no recalls or extended warranty’s. This incident occurred without any warnings. Please advise!

The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from AtoZ auto on gen McMullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car

When the vehicle reaches 3,000 RPMs the temperature light comes on and the vehicle seems like it wants to go into neutral The engine light comes on the antilock brake system light comes on.

MY CAR WAS TOTALED BECAUSE THE FRONT SUBFLOOR BROKE IN HAVE THEY SAID IF GOING FASTER I WOULD HAVE ROLLED IT ONLY GOT 2000 HAD 1000 DEDUCTION I'M DISABLED I THINK I SHOULD GET MORE OF REFUND FOR YOUR DEFAULT

DURING AN INSPECTION BY MY DEALER IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO NOTE DURING PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS. ALLOWING THE FAILURE TO BE PUSHED OUT PAST THE TIME OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CORRODED SUBFRAMES ALLOWED MORE FLEXURE IN THE SUB FRAMES ADD STRESS TO THE BUSHINGS AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES CAUSES THE REPAIR COST TO MULTIPLY. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel started vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a corroded K-frame on the vehicle. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not included in the 10-year extended warranty due to the manufacture on date. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

WHEN I STARTED MY 09 DODGE CALIBER UP ONE MORNING . I BACK UP ,THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT HESITATED AND JUMP OR JOLT.IT SCARED ME .THE ENGINE CAME ON,SO I WENT TO A AUTO PARTS STORE DOWN THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE TO GET A READING OR CODES READ ON MY CALIBER, IT GAVE ME A CODE ABOUT THE POWER TRAIN.

The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be able to move the vehicle to a safe distance from heavy traffic. Finally, the problem started to occur after the vehicle was supposedly repaired and not driven for 2 -3 days and when it an attempt to start the car it would idle for 3-5 seconds and sound like it was choking before dying, and this was happening 2 weeks after it had been "repaired" by the Dodge dealer. This problem has repeatedly occurred over the two years since the original incident and has been to a Dodge dealership for unsuccessful repairs 4 different times; 11/20; 04/22 &05/22 and it is still at the dealership being inoperable. Each time the car functioned for a few miles and then broke down again. The dealer informs us that the parts that would most likely repair the car are no longer made by Dodge and the car cannot be fixed. Interestingly enough this model vehicle has had a variety of recalls starting in 2007 but never for the particular control modules that are no longer available which are The Throttle control & Power Train Control modules, which the Dealer thinks might possibly be a fix but even that is not a sure thing. The Dodge dealer that worked on the vehicle presumably would have informed me about this situation at least before they had the vehicle in for now the 4th time in 3 years with the same problem with no solution. Up to the time of these breakdowns the vehicle was well maintained and taken care of and still has low mileage of just over 69,000 miles. Is the Dodge Corporation at least partially liable?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, AN UNKNOWN SUBARU CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED BEMIDJI CHRYSLER CENTER (755 PAUL BUNYAN DR NW, BEMIDJI, MN 56601 (877) 289-6012) WHO REFERRED CONTACT TO MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE HOME AND EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND MORE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS REPAIRED OR REPLACED. MINOT AUTOMOTIVE CENTER (3615 S BROADWAY, MINOT, ND 58701, (701) 401-1019) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,005. *LN*JB

SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE , ALMOST WRECKED

EVERY NOW AND THEN WE WILL BE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL STOP WORKING. I CHECK ALL THE FUSES AND EVERYTHING SEEMS GOOD BUT THEY STOP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THEM BACK WORKING IS TO REMOVE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY POST FROM THE BATTERY FOR 10 MINUTES. I DONE RESEARCH AND THEY WERE SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THE TIPM MODULE. WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY. ALL THIS HAPPENED IN BREVARD, NC PULLING INTO INGLES.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED. THEN WHEN I STARTED IT, IT WOULD ONLY GO 5 MILES A HOUR. ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A WRECK WITH MY 3 YR. OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ME. I HAD A CODE READER PUT ON IT AND IT READS U0402-IMPLAUSIBLE DATA RECEIVED FROM TCM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 70 MPH DOWN TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE DRIVING BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND JERKED WITHOUT MOVING BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRED AND UNDRIVABLE AT THE RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

SPEED SENSORS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, HUB ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, INTAKE VALVE, TIRES WERE DIFFERENT SIZES, MORE PROBLEMS AROSE.

THE CAR WILL STALL AND NOT TAKE OFF AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A LIGHT FOR TOO LONG . WILL SHUT OFF AS WELL ALONG WITH THROTTLING AS IF IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF

FRONT SUBFRAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND BROKEN

THE CAR JUST STOPPED. I COULDN'T MOVE RATHER IT WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE.

THE CARS TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON INDACATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS OVER 250 DEGREES AND IT SHUTS DOWN TO WHERE I CANT DRIVE IT IT JUMPS AND IT WON'T LET ME ACCELERATE I WAS GOING TO THE DR OFFICE OUT OF THE TOWN FROM WHERE I LIVE AND IT PUT ME OUT PUT IT ON THE DIAGNOSICT MACHINE AT IT SAID TMC MODUEL I HAVENT HAD IT VERY LONG AND ALL AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS DONE IT TO ME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER WAS CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,795.

THE THROTTLE BODY SEEMS TO BE A HUGE THING EVEN ON YOUTUBE, IT KEEPS GOING OUT. THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING YOU REPLACE. IT'S FAULTY AND NOW MINE HAD JUST BROKE DOWN AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE IT WITH A 300 THROTTLE BODY. THIS SHOULD DEFIANTLY BE A RECALL ASAP, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT'S MANY MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

WHILE STATIONARY DURING COLD START, CAR CRANKS AND RUNS, BUT AUTOMATICALLY STARTS IN LIMP MODE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SAYING TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING AND WHILE IN MOTION IT WILL NOT DRIVE FASTER THAN 20 MPH. EVEN ON COLD DAYS. BEEN HEARING ALOT ABOUT THIS ISSUE FROM OTHER OWNERS.

THE FRONT SUB-FRAME IS SEVERELY CORRODED / RUSTED. I NOTICED THIS WHEN DOING FRONT END WORK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION HIMSELF, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT CROSSMEMBERS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KAYSER CHRYSLER DODGE (866 PHILLIPS BLVD, SAUK CITY, WI 53583) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CROSSMEMBERS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT EXTENDED THE FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBER WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DECLINED REPAIRS BASED ON THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. *BF

MY CAR IS STUTTERING/JOLTING UPON PUTTING IT IN DRIVE & STOPPING & DRIVING (AFTER STOPPING @ TRAFFIC LIGHTS & STOP SIGNS). ALSO, IT TAKES A BIT FOR THE CAR TO INCREASE IN SPEED ONCE I'M STOPPED (@ TRAFFIC LIGHTS & STOP SIGNS) & HAVE TO START DRIVING AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE FOR THE PAST MONTH NOW.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LARRY HILLIS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT AT 573-785-5769 (LOCATED AT 3211 N WESTWOOD BLVD, POPLAR BLUFF, MO 63901) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *AS

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE REPEATEDLY DURING A ROAD TRIP IN SUMMER OF 2017 ON THE FREEWAY. FLUSHING AND REPLACING FILTER FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS. JUNE OF 2018, COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TOOK IT TO AAMCO, AND THEY REBUILT IT FOR $2800. FIXED THE ISSUE AGAIN FOR ABOUT A YEAR. FAILED AGAIN JUNE OF 2019, TOOK IT TO AAMCO AGAIN, AND THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. THREE DAYS AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM THE SHOP, THE TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND GO INTO LIMP MODE YET AGAIN.

THE RECALL U HAVE THAT U SAY HAS NOT EFFECTED MINE HAS. I'VE ALREADY PUT A NEW ENGINE IN THE CAR AND A GAS TANK, ALL THE LINES AND NOW THE CAR IS STILL SHUTTING OFF/DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE RECALL IS EXACTLY WAT THE MECHANIC SAYS NEEDS DONE AND HE DOESN'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO DO THE REPAIR. NO ADVANCED READ OUT MACHINERY TO CHANGE OR REPROGRAM. I NEED THIS RECALL ON MINE. THERE'S NO WAY U GOT EVERY ONE THAT WAS RECALLED. LIKE I SAID JEFF BRADLEY IS THE MECHANIC THAT'S FINE ALL THE WORK THE NEW MOTOR THE GAS TANK AND LINES, AND NOW IT'S STILL SHUTTING DOWN. THERE IS NO DASH LIGHTS THAT CONE N AT ALL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR CROSS MEMBERS WERE RUSTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO DETACH. ADDITIONALLY, THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED WALLY ARMOR DODGE (1950 W STATE ST, ALLIANCE, OH 44601, (330) 823-3556) AND DAY STAR CHRYSLER (206 S CARROLLTON ST, MALVERN, OH 44644, (330) 863-1144) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL REPAIR; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. I CALLED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE. ATTACHED IS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH STATES THIS SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. THE COST TO FIX THIS ISSUE WILL COST 1700 DOLLARS THATS THE PRICE I WAS QUOTED. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS I CANT AFFORD TO FIX IT AND ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES OR DEATH IF IT BREAKS WHILE DRIVING. IF YOU CANT HELP PLEASE HELP ME FIND THE HELP I NEED.