IllustrationLOWER BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS ARE DEFECTIVE ON 2007 DODGE CALIBERS. *TR
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 reports2007 DODGE CALIBER. BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS FAILING AT 52,000 MILES. VERY PREMATURE. THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE OFF THE LOT. *TR
I BOUGHT A 2007 DODGE CALIBER IN APRIL 08, IT HAD 12,00 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 70,000 MILES. IT IS MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND ON THE FLOOR BOARD WHENEVER I MAKE A TURN OR GO OVER A BUMP. I DO NOT HAVE A WARRANTY, AND THE DEALER WANTS 75.00 JUST TO LOOK AT THE CAR. …
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I BOUGHT A 2007 DODGE CALIBER IN APRIL 08, IT HAD 12,00 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 70,000 MILES. IT IS MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND ON THE FLOOR BOARD WHENEVER I MAKE A TURN OR GO OVER A BUMP. I DO NOT HAVE A WARRANTY, AND THE DEALER WANTS 75.00 JUST TO LOOK AT THE CAR. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING WITH MY SMALL CHILD, MY TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, AND WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE LOOKED AT HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES, BUT I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY RECALLS FOR THESE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. I AM NOT SURE HOW I WILL BE ABLE TO PAY FOR THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. WONDERING HOW DODGE CAN GET AWAY WITH THESE SAME ISSUES HAPPENING WITH THOUSANDS OF CALIBERS AND THEM NOT BE HELD LIABLE TO FIX IT AT THEIR COST? WILL NEVER BUY A DODGE AGAIN! THANK YOU, AND I HOPE TO SEE RECALLS VERY SOON FOR THESE ISSUES! *TR
NOTICED RATTLING IN FRONT END WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED DURING AN OIL CHANGE BY A NATIONAL COMPANY. THE ESTIMATE INCLUDED RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO I HAVE DEALT WITH FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HE STATED THE RIGHT BALL JOINT NEEDED REPLACING BUT CONTROL ARMS WERE FINE. HAD RIGHT…
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NOTICED RATTLING IN FRONT END WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED DURING AN OIL CHANGE BY A NATIONAL COMPANY. THE ESTIMATE INCLUDED RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO I HAVE DEALT WITH FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HE STATED THE RIGHT BALL JOINT NEEDED REPLACING BUT CONTROL ARMS WERE FINE. HAD RIGHT BALL JOINT REPLACED. *TR
HAD TO REPLACE STRUTS AT 46,000 MILES, THEN AT 59,000 HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINT WITH CONTROL ARMS, WAS TOLD NO TO DRIVE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS, THE VEHICLE IS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. ALSO KNOW OF 3 OTHERS IN SMALL COMMUNITY THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM, WITH SAME CAR. ALSO COURTESY DODGE IN ALTOONA PA…
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HAD TO REPLACE STRUTS AT 46,000 MILES, THEN AT 59,000 HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINT WITH CONTROL ARMS, WAS TOLD NO TO DRIVE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS, THE VEHICLE IS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. ALSO KNOW OF 3 OTHERS IN SMALL COMMUNITY THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM, WITH SAME CAR. ALSO COURTESY DODGE IN ALTOONA PA, KNOWS OF PROBLEM WITH THE CALIBERS AND ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT TIRE FACILITY TWICE WITHIN ONE YEAR DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURE AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT TIRE FACILITY TWICE WITHIN ONE YEAR DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED BUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED BUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SECURE A FUTURE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,200. UPDATED 9/22/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/24/10
2007 DODGE CALIBER PURCHASED USED A YEAR AGO. VEHICLE NOW HAS 38,000 MILES AND NEEDS BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. ALSO HAVE MANY BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (13,500 MI.) I TRY TO SUPPORT AMERICAN COMPANIES BUT SHAME ON ME..NEVER A DODGE AGAIN! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED ISSUES THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STRUT WAS DESTROYED AND BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,600. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED ISSUES THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STRUT WAS DESTROYED AND BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,600.
I WAS LEAVING WORK AND DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING A STRANGE NOISE THEN BEGAN SMELLING BURNING RUBBER. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD SOMETHING FALL FROM MY CAR I GOT OUT AND SEEN THAT MY COIL SPRING HAD BROKE AND BEGAN DIGGING INTO MY TIRE. I MAINLY DO HIGHWAY DRIVING SO I DON'T HIT TO MANY BUMPS. I O…
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I WAS LEAVING WORK AND DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING A STRANGE NOISE THEN BEGAN SMELLING BURNING RUBBER. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD SOMETHING FALL FROM MY CAR I GOT OUT AND SEEN THAT MY COIL SPRING HAD BROKE AND BEGAN DIGGING INTO MY TIRE. I MAINLY DO HIGHWAY DRIVING SO I DON'T HIT TO MANY BUMPS. I OWN A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT WHICH I PURCHASED FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP IN FEB 2010 AND THE SPRING BROKE AROUND JUNE 15 2010. NO ONE CARRIES THE PARTS BESIDES THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER FOR 2 WEEKS SO I TAKE IT THAT THIS HAPPENS ALOT. *TR
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.