My car is at 69739 miles and the control arms and the front and rear subframe is rotted out
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
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.
Unknown Or Other complaints
57 reportsPremature rust on rear subframe
The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows t…
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The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows to continue to be able to roll up & down as intended. It's not just one door, it is literally every single door in this vehicle that has this issue. When I decided to try & save a little bit of money & get some used window regulators, I go to a salvage yard that had another dodge caliber (different model, how ever, same window regulators) just to find upon inspection, that every single door has a spoon in between the window & the rubber guard piece. Took the door panel off to further inspect & that vehicle had the same issue I have at this very moment... Cable wires completely tangled up and completely non salvageable. Removed the spoon & the window fell down. Now I understand that it doesn't sound like a safety issue but when you are driving down the highway, doing the speed limit, and your window falls down, it's very startling and honestly a distraction while driving. Not only is that a distraction but have you ever had a bird fly into your car, from the hole that was once a window? Talk about a distraction. It's like a bee flying into your helmet while riding a motorcycle or 4wheeler. Ah! Main focus is that flying object to come out, so you try to roll down the other windows only to remember after pushing the buttons that, oh wait, they won't roll down. Ever since the window fell, Not only is that a safety issue for the ones in my car, now it's a safety issue for those driving onside of me till I can get onto the shoulder, if there is one. And hopefully the weather is nice Yes, it has been confirmed & inspected by an independent service center, & yes it is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps.
Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control
Massive amount of shaking and vibrating when vehicle is at idle. Subframe is rotting and rusting away and causing rust holes in the subframe. Vehicle is currently in operation daily. Unsafe to operate in its current condition. Will need fixed via recall.
Front and rear Subframes, crossbars are rusted and rotted. This car is available upon request. This is a safety hazard that can result in death. The subframes holds the engine and tires. If the engine falls out of the car while driving it could be fatal. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center Car X. The…
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Front and rear Subframes, crossbars are rusted and rotted. This car is available upon request. This is a safety hazard that can result in death. The subframes holds the engine and tires. If the engine falls out of the car while driving it could be fatal. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center Car X. Their were no warning lamps.
THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR IS COMPLETLY RUSTED MY TIRES LOOK SLANTED SIDEWAYS LIKE THEY ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF THERE IS CRACKS IN THE FRAME AND I CANT DRIVE THIS CAR IT ISNT AT ALL SAFE I BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A MIONTH AGO AND JUST FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE MAKE N MODELS IN MY AREA FOR RUSTED UNDERENATH AND TIRES ARE ABOUT TO …
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THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR IS COMPLETLY RUSTED MY TIRES LOOK SLANTED SIDEWAYS LIKE THEY ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF THERE IS CRACKS IN THE FRAME AND I CANT DRIVE THIS CAR IT ISNT AT ALL SAFE I BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A MIONTH AGO AND JUST FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE MAKE N MODELS IN MY AREA FOR RUSTED UNDERENATH AND TIRES ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF ONLINE IT SAYS A 10 YEAR REPAIR RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2014 FROM CRYSLER
THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WENT OUT ON ME AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THE ETC IS BASICALLY THE CAR LOSING ALL POWER BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SHUT OFF ONLY THE GAS PEDDLE LOSES ALL POWER. IT WAS VERY SCARY WHEN YOUR LITTERALY CARRYING YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY INCLUDING YOUR DOGGY.
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.
THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WILL START TO FREAK OUT BY LOSING ALL OF ITS GAUGES AND CONTROLS, ALSO THE AIR BAG, ELECTRICAL, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WILL COME ON. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNS WHEN THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THE IT WAS THE TIPM (TOT…
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THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WILL START TO FREAK OUT BY LOSING ALL OF ITS GAUGES AND CONTROLS, ALSO THE AIR BAG, ELECTRICAL, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WILL COME ON. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNS WHEN THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THE IT WAS THE TIPM (TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) AND ITS SUPER COMMON WITH DODGE PRODUCTS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON OTHER DODGE PRODUCTS FOR THIS VERY ISSUE BUT NOT THE CALIBER. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS NOR HOW IF THIS IS A PROBLEM ON OTHER MODELS FROM THE SAME YEAR IT CAN BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT NOT FOR THIS CAR.
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.
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