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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 →

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.

54 crash reports18 fire reports28 injury reports

What owners actually said

884 reports
58,000 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Air BagsCrash

MY WIFE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TODAY IN HER 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT. SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID ACROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE HIT THE SIDE OF THAT TRUCK WITH THE FRONT OF HER CAR. IT DONE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. IT BUSTED THE FRONT CLIP OFF THE CAR AND YOU COULD SEE THE METAL BUMPER BEHIN…

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MY WIFE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TODAY IN HER 2007 DODGE CALIBER SXT. SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID ACROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE HIT THE SIDE OF THAT TRUCK WITH THE FRONT OF HER CAR. IT DONE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. IT BUSTED THE FRONT CLIP OFF THE CAR AND YOU COULD SEE THE METAL BUMPER BEHIND THE FRONT CLIP WHICH WAS SEVERELY BENT TOWARD THE ENGINE AND DID BUST THE RADIATOR BUT NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT HAPPENED. SHE DID RECIPE SOME BRUISING ON HER NECK AND SHOULDER FROM THE SEATBELT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10407048

62,845 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Electrical System

LAST WEEK I STARTED NOTICING A LOUD RATTLE IN THE ENGINE OF MY CALIBER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BELT TENSIONER. I GOT IT REPLACED AND IT GOT RID OF THE SQUEAKING NOISE BUT NOT THE RATTLE. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE HAVING ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS AND SHOWED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS …

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LAST WEEK I STARTED NOTICING A LOUD RATTLE IN THE ENGINE OF MY CALIBER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BELT TENSIONER. I GOT IT REPLACED AND IT GOT RID OF THE SQUEAKING NOISE BUT NOT THE RATTLE. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE HAVING ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS AND SHOWED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS MINE DID. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND SAID THAT IT WOULD BE $680 TO REPLACE. I DECIDED TO GO WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS CHEAPER. THIS MECHANIC REPLACED IT AND SHOWED ME THE OLD PART, IT WAS COMPLETELY BURNT. HE SAID THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO WAY THAT A CAR WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT SHOULD HAVE AN ALTERNATOR IN THIS CONDITION. HE ALSO MENTION THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406937

47,000 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD GO OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FEEL LOOSE AND JERK WHENEVER MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN INDEPENDENT MECH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD GO OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FEEL LOOSE AND JERK WHENEVER MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ALL DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 07/28/11*LJ UPDATED 07/28/11

NHTSA ODI #10406265

42,000 miles · Jun 10, 2011
Air BagsSeat Belts

MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RANDOMLY DISARMS AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT COMES UNDONE OFTEN. SOMETIME TAKES 2-3 TIMES OF TRYING TO FASTEN SEAT BELT TO GET IT TO SECURE. CRUISE CONTROL HAS ALSO GONE OUT. LOVE MY CAR, BUT NOT HAPPY WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS POPPING UP. IT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10405879

Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2011
Unknown Or Other

WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OUR CAR REPAIR TECHS THAT BOTH OF OUR TIE RODS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR HAVE GONE BAD. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 ON IT, THE FIRST WENT BAD AT ABOUT 65K AND HAD THAT REPLACED. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND WOULD LIKE THIS MATTER LOOKED INTO. I DID MORE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THAT YEAR …

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WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OUR CAR REPAIR TECHS THAT BOTH OF OUR TIE RODS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR HAVE GONE BAD. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 ON IT, THE FIRST WENT BAD AT ABOUT 65K AND HAD THAT REPLACED. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND WOULD LIKE THIS MATTER LOOKED INTO. I DID MORE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS OF DIFFERENT MAKES AND NEVER HAD A ISSUE LIKE THIS, NOT NORMAL AT ALL!

NHTSA ODI #10406387

57,000 miles · Jun 2, 2011
SteeringSuspension

FRONT END STARTED CLUNKING AT APPROX 57,000 MILES. HAD CHECKED AND REPLACED TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404188

45,000 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A BANGING NOISE WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM, FRONT LEFT STRUT, AND BOTH SWAY BARS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A BANGING NOISE WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM, FRONT LEFT STRUT, AND BOTH SWAY BARS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING AS IT WAS HITTING THE FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO PAID FOR A PORTION OF THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT BEGAN HEARING ANOTHER NOISE AND PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,432. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10404079

53,000 miles · May 26, 2011
Electrical SystemPower Train

THE TURN SIGNAL STAYED ON, EVERYTHING ELECTRIC SHUT OFF, THEN WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TOOK OUT MY KEY, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING!! THIS HAPPENED TWICE AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WRONG. THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST READ P0708. I WAS TOLD I CANNOT SIMPLY FIX THIS SENSOR, TH…

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THE TURN SIGNAL STAYED ON, EVERYTHING ELECTRIC SHUT OFF, THEN WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TOOK OUT MY KEY, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING!! THIS HAPPENED TWICE AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WRONG. THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST READ P0708. I WAS TOLD I CANNOT SIMPLY FIX THIS SENSOR, THAT I WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. MY CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT! HOW COULD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, WHO CAN AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION!? THE CAR HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL TAKEN CAR OF, NORMAL OIL CHANGES, INSPECTIONS, I JUST BOUGHT 2 NEW FRONT TIRES! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402858

77,000 miles · May 18, 2011
Suspension

IN AUGUST 2009 WITH ONLY ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON THE CAR, I HAD TO REPLACE DRIVERSIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AS A BUSHING THAT KEPT FALLING OUT. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY NOR ANY RECALLS. NOTICED THE PART WAS REDESIGNED SO CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. NOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE APPEARS TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND A MECHANIC…

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IN AUGUST 2009 WITH ONLY ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON THE CAR, I HAD TO REPLACE DRIVERSIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AS A BUSHING THAT KEPT FALLING OUT. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY NOR ANY RECALLS. NOTICED THE PART WAS REDESIGNED SO CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. NOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE APPEARS TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND A MECHANIC STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT IS BAD WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES ON IT AND THE BALL JOINT ON THE NEWER CONTROL ARM IS ALSO STARTING TO SHOW WEAR . I FOUND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF WITH A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH . THE BALL JOINT CANNOT BE SERVICED OR REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE WHOLE CONTROL ARM AT A COST OF ABOUT $250 JUST FOR THE PART. ALL OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED HAD BALL JOINTS LAST WELL OVER 150,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10401494

30,000 miles · May 12, 2011
Suspension

FRONT SUSPENSION. CAR IS VERY NOISY OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS. JUMPS AT TIMES WHEN HITTING BIGGER BUMPS. HAD ALIGNMENT DONE LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND IS ALREADY BACK OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN. CAR HAS ONLY 35000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10400707

Official recalls

4

17V824000 · 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

1

PE10012 · 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.