NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
884 reports60,000 miles · Aug 21, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LIGHT COMES ON IN THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND THEN, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, ALL POWER IS LOST IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAS ABOUT 30 FEET TO GET SAFE AND STOP. AT THIS POINT, IF YOU WAIT ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND RESTART THE CAR, IT IS DRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY AND WITH NO WARNING, CAUSING A R…
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THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LIGHT COMES ON IN THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND THEN, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, ALL POWER IS LOST IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAS ABOUT 30 FEET TO GET SAFE AND STOP. AT THIS POINT, IF YOU WAIT ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND RESTART THE CAR, IT IS DRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY AND WITH NO WARNING, CAUSING A REAL ROAD HAZARD. CHRYSLER IS UNABLE, OR UNWILLING, TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS KNOWN DEFECT AND THE REPAIRS SUGGESTED DON'T APPEAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471734
115,000 miles · Aug 9, 2012
Suspension
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2007 AND IT HAD ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. ABOUT 1.5 YEARS LATER WE HAD TO DO THE SUSPENSION AND SHORTLY AFTER, THE BALL JOINTS. THE MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR SAID EVERYTHING ON THE CAR WENT BAD WAY TOO FAST. WHEN WE CALLED DODGE, THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE CAR, BUT SURPR…
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MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2007 AND IT HAD ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. ABOUT 1.5 YEARS LATER WE HAD TO DO THE SUSPENSION AND SHORTLY AFTER, THE BALL JOINTS. THE MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR SAID EVERYTHING ON THE CAR WENT BAD WAY TOO FAST. WHEN WE CALLED DODGE, THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE CAR, BUT SURPRISE, WE NOW HAVE TO GET THE FRONT DONE AGAIN!!!! I HAVE SEEN THIS AND NUMEROUS OTHER SITES THAT ALSO HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR. I EMAILED AND WILL CALL BACK DODGE TONIGHT. IF NOTHING IS DONE I WILL GO TO THE LOCAL MEDIA TO HAVE THEM HELP WITH THIS. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469999
57,195 miles · Aug 2, 2012
Structure
SUB FRAME IS RUSTED DUE TO AIR CONDITIONING HOSE RUNNING OVER SUBFRAME. SUBFRAME HOLDS ENGINE IN PLACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468978
149,000 miles · Jul 28, 2012
Power Train
ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS: WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE AND WITHOUT THE CAR BEING STARTED, THE KEY ONLY HAS TO BE IN THE "ON" POSITION (NOT ACTUALLY STARTED). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468054
62,002 miles · Jul 25, 2012
Engine
UPON START UP THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE GAS CAP AND THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AFTER 2 OR 3 DAYS THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I DECIDED TO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AFTER RUNNING A DIAGNOSTIC THEY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHICH THEY TOLD ME WASN'T C…
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UPON START UP THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE GAS CAP AND THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AFTER 2 OR 3 DAYS THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I DECIDED TO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AFTER RUNNING A DIAGNOSTIC THEY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHICH THEY TOLD ME WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467736
62,524 miles · Jul 19, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspensionWheels
AFTER TWO SETS OF TIRES WE WERE TOLD THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON FRONT END. HAD TO PARK THE CAR AND WAIT A WEEK BEFORE THE PARTS CAME IN. WE WERE TOLD IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO THE MANY PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE. ALSO THE WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS PROBL…
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AFTER TWO SETS OF TIRES WE WERE TOLD THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON FRONT END. HAD TO PARK THE CAR AND WAIT A WEEK BEFORE THE PARTS CAME IN. WE WERE TOLD IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO THE MANY PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE. ALSO THE WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED EACH TIME AT THE DODGE DEALER WHO INFORMED US THESE PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPEN SO SOON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10466542
86,000 miles · Jul 14, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineSuspension
FIRST MY CAR STARTED TO SOUND LIKE A DRYER FULL OF BALL BEARINGS THE BALL BEARING THE OEM ONES IN THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT PULLEY SO THE WHOLE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED $600+ (FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2007 DODGE CALIBERS) THEN WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT MY TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO…
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FIRST MY CAR STARTED TO SOUND LIKE A DRYER FULL OF BALL BEARINGS THE BALL BEARING THE OEM ONES IN THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT PULLEY SO THE WHOLE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED $600+ (FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2007 DODGE CALIBERS) THEN WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT MY TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO FAULTY/WORN-OUT I BALL JOINTS AND UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS.. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT END SUSPENSION $1400+! (THIS IS A MAJOR COMPLAINT AS I HAVE FOUND ONLINE. I HAVE READ OVER 200 DIFFERENT COMPLAINT STATEMENTS) NOT TO MENTION MY ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND THEY HAD TO CHANGE OUT MY SPEED SENSOR 100 +. THEN MY CK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2 WEEKS AFTER THE ENTIRE FRONT END SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED WHEN I DROVE THE CAR IT WOULD SHAKE AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER & WOULD NOT LET ME ACCELERATE PAST 35 MPH. I TOOK IT IN IT HAD SEVERAL STORED CODES. ONE WAS THEN INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS STUCK AND THE OTHER WAS THE CAMSHAFT.. THEY CLEARED IT OUT AND ONLY THE MANIFOLD CAME BACK UP SO THEY SAID I HAD TO REPLACE THAT. WE DID $800 + I PICKED IT UP & A DAY LATER IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING NOW SAYING MULTI. CYLINDER MISFIRE & CAMSHAFT THEY CLEARED IT AND TEST DROVE IT BUT IT DID NOT COME BACK ON SO THE DODGE TECH. HAS NO CLUE WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT & NO CLUE ON THE COST ( THIS HAS ALSO BEEN A PROBLEM ON 2007 DODGE CALIBERS) THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS AND MY CAR HAS ABOUT 86000 TO 87000 MI ON IT! I?M FED UP THIS CAR IS FALLING APART. AS I HAVE READ DODGE KNOWS OF THESE ISSUES & HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT I HAVE ALSO CALLED AND MADE MY COMPLAINT NO CALL BACK YET..ANY OPEN LAWSUITS ON THIS? I WOULD EVEN BE HAPPY IF DODGE WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE ISSUES AS OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE WELL DOCUMENTED KNOWN ISSUES. I HAVE SPENT WAY TO MUCH ON THIS CAR IN 3 MONTHS AND @ 7 MONTHS PREGNANT WITH A 6 YEAR OLD I NEED A SAFE RELIABLE CAR! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465619
40,000 miles · Jul 9, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EMIT A LOUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EMIT A LOUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #10464706
36,000 miles · Jun 29, 2012
SteeringSuspension
I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE REPLACED AT ABOUT 36,000 MILES, TIE ROD ENDS, BALL JOINTS, AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. NOW ONLY 1.5 YEARS LATER (AT 53,000 MILES) ONE OF THE CONTROL ARMS IS BAD AGAIN. I'M NOT SURE WHY ALL OF THESE PARTS HAVE SUCH A HIGH FAILURE RATE BUT FROM DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND TALKING…
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I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE REPLACED AT ABOUT 36,000 MILES, TIE ROD ENDS, BALL JOINTS, AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. NOW ONLY 1.5 YEARS LATER (AT 53,000 MILES) ONE OF THE CONTROL ARMS IS BAD AGAIN. I'M NOT SURE WHY ALL OF THESE PARTS HAVE SUCH A HIGH FAILURE RATE BUT FROM DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND TALKING TO OTHER CALIBER OWNERS THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT IS HAPPENING AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. EVENTUALLY SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET HURT DRIVING ONE OF THESE THINGS WHEN THE STEERING GOES OUT. I HAVE TALKED TO CHRYSLER PEOPLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY OF COURSE DON'T WANT TO ADMIT ANY FAULT AND INSTEAD IMPLY THAT YOU MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM YOURSELF DUE TO YOUR DRIVING HABITS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463585
133,000 miles · Jun 9, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT TURN ON TOOK INTO A SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS THE TIPM TELLING THE LIGHT NOT TO TURN ON SO IN OTHER WORDS ITS A BAD TIPM. I WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE PART WOULD BE CLOSE TO $1200. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND I SEE THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE. THE OTHER DAY THE DRIVER S…
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LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT TURN ON TOOK INTO A SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS THE TIPM TELLING THE LIGHT NOT TO TURN ON SO IN OTHER WORDS ITS A BAD TIPM. I WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE PART WOULD BE CLOSE TO $1200. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND I SEE THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE. THE OTHER DAY THE DRIVER SIDE DECIDED TO TURN OFF AS WELL. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE DARK AND THE ONE HEADLIGHT THAT I DO HAVE DECIDES TO TURN OFF AND I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE SET INTO MOTION ON THIS PART. APPARENTLY THE TIPM CAUSES MANY ISSUES OTHER THAN JUST WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10461092
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
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.
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.
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.