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2007 Dodge Caliber

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caliber years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Dodge Caliber are substantially higher than the model-year median of 165.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

747 reports with mileage · 137 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 197 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

54 crash reports18 fire reports28 injury reports

Steering complaints

98 reports
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46,000 miles · Aug 30, 2011
SteeringSuspension

BOTH OUTER TIRE RODS FAILED AT 46,000 MILES, CAR SOUNDED LIKE TO FRONT END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. REPLACED AND TOOK FOR ALIGNMENT. REPAIR CLINIC COULD NOT DO ALIGNMENT BECAUSE BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WITH BALL JOINT WERE UNREPAIRABLE.FACTORY DEFECT, JOINTS SEALED SO UNABLE TO LUBRICATE, FORCES OWNER TO REPLACE AT $80…

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BOTH OUTER TIRE RODS FAILED AT 46,000 MILES, CAR SOUNDED LIKE TO FRONT END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. REPLACED AND TOOK FOR ALIGNMENT. REPAIR CLINIC COULD NOT DO ALIGNMENT BECAUSE BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WITH BALL JOINT WERE UNREPAIRABLE.FACTORY DEFECT, JOINTS SEALED SO UNABLE TO LUBRICATE, FORCES OWNER TO REPLACE AT $800.00 FOR BOTH OR POSSIBLY LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10422589

26,800 miles · Jul 19, 2011
SteeringSuspension

I HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE ON MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER TODAY. THE SAFETY INSPECTION SHEET SAID THE TIE ROD IS "LOOSE" ON BOTH SIDES, AND THE LEFT BALL JOINT IS "LOOSE". I KNOW IF EITHER OF THESE BREAKS WHILE I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT WOULD CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THERE ARE LESS THAN 27,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, AND I FOUND …

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I HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE ON MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER TODAY. THE SAFETY INSPECTION SHEET SAID THE TIE ROD IS "LOOSE" ON BOTH SIDES, AND THE LEFT BALL JOINT IS "LOOSE". I KNOW IF EITHER OF THESE BREAKS WHILE I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT WOULD CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THERE ARE LESS THAN 27,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, AND I FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR CALIBERS. I AM STRAPPED FOR CASH, BUT WILL HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED ASAP, AS I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN MY FOUR YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IS WITH ME. I THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413659

57,000 miles · Jun 2, 2011
SteeringSuspension

FRONT END STARTED CLUNKING AT APPROX 57,000 MILES. HAD CHECKED AND REPLACED TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404188

43,000 miles · Mar 29, 2011
SteeringSuspensionCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED D…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE SAME BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED TWO MONTHS LATER, THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/23/11*JB

NHTSA ODI #10393606

60,000 miles · Mar 21, 2011
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM, OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM, OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10392379

68,000 miles · Mar 9, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. AS THE CONTACT DECELERATED, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FRONT BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. AS THE CONTACT DECELERATED, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FRONT BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. ON THE THIRD VISIT, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BUSHINGS, FRONT BEARING AND OTHER UNKNOWN REPAIRS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT NEVER REPAIRED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA ODI #10389636

23,000 miles · Feb 14, 2011
SteeringSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING ROUTINE SERVICE DONE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN AND THE FRONT OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NOW 20,000 MILES LATER AFTER HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED AGAIN, THE DEALER NOTICED THE FRONT INNER T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING ROUTINE SERVICE DONE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN AND THE FRONT OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NOW 20,000 MILES LATER AFTER HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED AGAIN, THE DEALER NOTICED THE FRONT INNER TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, WHICH WERE CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR FASTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10382642

65,000 miles · Dec 15, 2010
SteeringSuspension

MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT HAVING BALL JOINT/TIE ROD/CONTROL ARM FAILURE AT 64,000 MILES. REPLACEMENT OF ALL PARTS WOULD BE $1000.00. VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YRS OLD AND HAVE READ NUMEROUS UPON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370772

36,000 miles · Nov 4, 2010
SteeringSuspensionTires

I HAD MY CAR IN WITH ANOTHER COMPLAINT, THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE WAS LEAKING. WHILE THEY HAD IT ON THE HOIST, THEY TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY DUE TO DAMAGE TO THE TIE RODS. I ONLY HAVE 36,000. MILES ON MY CAR AND IT IS A LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS OLD. I AM TRYING TO GET WITH THEIR PAYING FOR AT LEAST PART OF THE $70…

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I HAD MY CAR IN WITH ANOTHER COMPLAINT, THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE WAS LEAKING. WHILE THEY HAD IT ON THE HOIST, THEY TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY DUE TO DAMAGE TO THE TIE RODS. I ONLY HAVE 36,000. MILES ON MY CAR AND IT IS A LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS OLD. I AM TRYING TO GET WITH THEIR PAYING FOR AT LEAST PART OF THE $700. REPAIR AND COST OF NEW TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10364100

59,000 miles · Nov 4, 2010
SteeringSuspension

THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS ON 2006 TO CURRENT DODGE CALIBERS. THEY HAVE PREMATURE WEAR WHICH THE COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT. I HAVE RESEARCHED FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS. THEY BEGIN TO FAIL WITH AS LITTLE AS 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED MY VEHICLE YET DUE…

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THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS ON 2006 TO CURRENT DODGE CALIBERS. THEY HAVE PREMATURE WEAR WHICH THE COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT. I HAVE RESEARCHED FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS. THEY BEGIN TO FAIL WITH AS LITTLE AS 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED MY VEHICLE YET DUE TO THE $1000.00 IT WILL COST ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN IN TWO YEARS. IF ONE OF THE TIE RODS BREAK STEERING WILL BE LOST RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10364029

Official recalls

4

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 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.

10V234000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

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.

07V196000 · Wheels:hub

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.

06V493000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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

1

PE10012 · 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.