IllustrationPROBLEM WITH FRONT STRUTS THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL . THE WHOLE FRONT END MOVES HORRIBLE
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON HIS DAUGHTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD BEGAN TO RUST UNDERNEATH THE SUBFRAME. DUE TO THE FAILURE, SEVERAL HOLES WERE FORMED WITHIN THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON HIS DAUGHTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD BEGAN TO RUST UNDERNEATH THE SUBFRAME. DUE TO THE FAILURE, SEVERAL HOLES WERE FORMED WITHIN THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER ADDED TO THE MANUFACTURER RECALL LIST FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
THE VEHICLE HAD STEERING PROBLEMS FOR OVER A YEAR; IT WOULD GET LOOSER WITH ANY BUMP YOU HIT. MULTIPLE FRONT END PARTS WERE REPLACED ALMOST EVERY 3 MONTHS. I HAD JUST FINISHED PUTTING NEW TIE ROD ENDS, CV AXLES, WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS, AND SWAY BAR LINKS IN THE FRONT END. ALSO HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION DONE…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE HAD STEERING PROBLEMS FOR OVER A YEAR; IT WOULD GET LOOSER WITH ANY BUMP YOU HIT. MULTIPLE FRONT END PARTS WERE REPLACED ALMOST EVERY 3 MONTHS. I HAD JUST FINISHED PUTTING NEW TIE ROD ENDS, CV AXLES, WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS, AND SWAY BAR LINKS IN THE FRONT END. ALSO HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION DONE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD 15 MINUTES AFTER BEING REPAIRED THE STEERING GAVE OUT AND THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL COLLAPSED AND BENT IN. THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND WAS NOTICED THE SUBFRAME HAD CRACKED AND RUSTED OUT. IT WAS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT WITH 130,000 MILES ON IT. OWNED IT FOR 6 YEARS AND HAD NOTHING BUT FRONT END PROBLEMS AND THE SUSPENSION. I HAD OVER $5000 WORTH OF REPAIRS SUNK INTO IT WITHIN THOSE 6 YEARS.
IN THE MIDST OF ME DRIVING ACROSS THE INTERSECTION... MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY... I HAD TO GET OF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THEY ENTIRE CAR... DUE TO SEVER CORROSION, YU UNDER VEHICLE.. WHEN I SAW PHOTOS... I WAS TERRIFED!! MY LIFE WAS ON JEOPARDY.. THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED…
Read full complaint
IN THE MIDST OF ME DRIVING ACROSS THE INTERSECTION... MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY... I HAD TO GET OF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THEY ENTIRE CAR... DUE TO SEVER CORROSION, YU UNDER VEHICLE.. WHEN I SAW PHOTOS... I WAS TERRIFED!! MY LIFE WAS ON JEOPARDY.. THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE... I AM SENDING PHOTOS TO HELP SUPPORT MY CLAIMS..
CAR SQUEAKS AND CLUNKS. REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED. FEELS LIKE CAR IS FISH TAILING WHILE DRIVING. WAS DRIVING FROM WORK AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE CAR. SPEED WAS ABOUT 25MPH.
SO , THE CAR I PURCHASED ON AUG.2ND, OF THIS YEAR... HAS MANY ISSUES! FIRST OF ALL ABOUT 2 WEEKS INTO HAVING THE VEHICLE... I NEEDED EXHAUST WORK DONE... SHORTLY AFTER THAT.. I BEGAN EXPERIENCING SOME PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN I TOUCHED THE BREAK PEDAL, NOW I'M EXPERIENCING SOME WEIRD SITUATION UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHICH …
Read full complaint
SO , THE CAR I PURCHASED ON AUG.2ND, OF THIS YEAR... HAS MANY ISSUES! FIRST OF ALL ABOUT 2 WEEKS INTO HAVING THE VEHICLE... I NEEDED EXHAUST WORK DONE... SHORTLY AFTER THAT.. I BEGAN EXPERIENCING SOME PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN I TOUCHED THE BREAK PEDAL, NOW I'M EXPERIENCING SOME WEIRD SITUATION UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHICH IN FACT IS CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE AND NOW WHEN I TAP THE BREAK TO STOP THE VEHICLE THEIRS A LOUD NOISE AND WHEN I GIVE IT GAS.. IT SHREEKS! IT'S VERY TERRIFYING TO SAY THE LEAST... I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO MY RESIDENCE... I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT ALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AT BRANDYWINE CHRYSLER…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AT BRANDYWINE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (3807 KIRKWOOD HWY, WILMINGTON, DE 19808). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
I I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES THE SWAY BAR LINKS AND HAD TO PUT ON NEW STRUTS TWICE. THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A RECALL ON THE CROSS MEMBER BAR AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO BE FIXED THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL ON THE BAR. IT IS NOW MAKING ONCE AGAIN A POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND I AM WANTING TO ONCE AGAIN GE…
Read full complaint
I I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES THE SWAY BAR LINKS AND HAD TO PUT ON NEW STRUTS TWICE. THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A RECALL ON THE CROSS MEMBER BAR AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO BE FIXED THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL ON THE BAR. IT IS NOW MAKING ONCE AGAIN A POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND I AM WANTING TO ONCE AGAIN GET THE RECALL ON THE CAR THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED BEFORE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 3-5 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 3-5 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWAY DODGE (4747 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60632, (773) 376-8060) WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
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.