IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CROSS MEMBER OF THE VEHICLE BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caliber years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
820–25K
9925–50K
14450–75K
14575–100K
192100–150K
85150K+
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
Suspension complaints
255 reportsAT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE TURNING ON TO A PUBLIC HIGHWAY. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ON THE BACK IS READY TO FALL OFF IT IS LAYING AGAINST THE COIL SPRING. THE CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THIS IS ALL WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL TANK ALSO AND IN MY OPINION COULD BE A PUNCTURE RISK ALSO. THE…
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AT LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE TURNING ON TO A PUBLIC HIGHWAY. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ON THE BACK IS READY TO FALL OFF IT IS LAYING AGAINST THE COIL SPRING. THE CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THIS IS ALL WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL TANK ALSO AND IN MY OPINION COULD BE A PUNCTURE RISK ALSO. THE CAR HAS 106779 MILES ON IT ,ONE OWNER WITH NO COLLISION REPAIRS EVER PERFORMED AND NO UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE EVER. CHRYSLER IS PERFORMING REPAIRS ON SELECT VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO REPAIR THIS ONE. HAD THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT IS POSSIBLE THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 9 YEARS OLD AND HAS SEEN VERY LITTLE WINTER WEATHER AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN A SALT AIR ENVIRONMENT. I SEE NO DIFFERENCE IN THIS PROBLEM AND THE ONE ASSOCIATED WITH TOYOTAS TRUCK FRAMES OF SEVERAL YEARS AGO. PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THIS PROBLEM.
CROSSMEMBER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO FRONT DRIVERS WHEEL AND AXLE BECOMING DETACHED. TOOK OUT CONTROL ARM,CV JOINTS , TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. IT LEFT SKID MARKS IN PAVEMENT WHERE THE TIRE DUG IN. ACTUALLY RIPPED THE TREAD ON NEW TIRE. COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TH…
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CROSSMEMBER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO FRONT DRIVERS WHEEL AND AXLE BECOMING DETACHED. TOOK OUT CONTROL ARM,CV JOINTS , TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. IT LEFT SKID MARKS IN PAVEMENT WHERE THE TIRE DUG IN. ACTUALLY RIPPED THE TREAD ON NEW TIRE. COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH DODGE. HOWEVER IF YOUR NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE YOU MAY NOT BE NOTIFIED BECAUSE IT IS NOT A RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
2007 CALIBER. 30,068 MILES ON CAR AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOISE IN FRONT END.MECHANIC SAID BORDERLINE FAILURE
ENGINE CRADLE COMPLETELY RUSTED. CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO EXTREMELY BAD NOISE. WAS SHOWN CONDITION OF ENGINE CRADLE AND BAD STRUTS DUE TO ENGINE CRADLE COMPLETELY RUSTED.
BOUGHT VEHICLE USED AT 95000 MILES. 2 YEARS LATER AT ABOUT 120000MILES BOTH CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. NEW TIRES INSTALLED AND ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER REPLACEMENT, AT ABOUT 145000MILES, CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS ARE BAD ONCE AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. TIRES AS WELL DO NOT LAST MORE THAN A YEAR AND …
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BOUGHT VEHICLE USED AT 95000 MILES. 2 YEARS LATER AT ABOUT 120000MILES BOTH CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. NEW TIRES INSTALLED AND ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER REPLACEMENT, AT ABOUT 145000MILES, CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS ARE BAD ONCE AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. TIRES AS WELL DO NOT LAST MORE THAN A YEAR AND A HALF ON THIS VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE DRIVEN ONLY SHORT DISTANCES DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFET…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE DRIVEN ONLY SHORT DISTANCES DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED ON A SEPARATE OCCASSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
DRIVING 15-20 MPH IN RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION CAR VEERED RADICALLY TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENT OF STEERING STRIKING PARKED VEHICLE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TURNED RIGHT BEYOND MAXIMUM AND IS PINNED AGAINST WHEEL WELL. LEFT FRONT TIRE STRAIGHT AND ALIGNED PROPERLY WITH STEERING WHEEL. RIGHT TIE ROD BENT 180 DEGREES WITH THREADED PORTION BE…
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DRIVING 15-20 MPH IN RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION CAR VEERED RADICALLY TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENT OF STEERING STRIKING PARKED VEHICLE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TURNED RIGHT BEYOND MAXIMUM AND IS PINNED AGAINST WHEEL WELL. LEFT FRONT TIRE STRAIGHT AND ALIGNED PROPERLY WITH STEERING WHEEL. RIGHT TIE ROD BENT 180 DEGREES WITH THREADED PORTION BENT PARALLEL TO IT'S SELF. OBVIOUS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF STEERING/SUSPENSION ON RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF VEHICLE THAT HAD THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DEATH OF SERIOUS INJURY WOULD LIKELY HAVE RESULTED. THE VEHICLE IS A ONE OWNER DODGE CALIPER WITH 33,827 MILES, SERVICED REGULARLY AT FAIR OAKS DODGE, CHANTILLY VA
Official recalls
417V824000 · 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
1PE10012 · 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.