2009 Dodge Caliber

My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

2009 Dodge Caliper developed a split sub-frame suspension component due to heavy rust and the rear sub-frame has developed a severe rust and is also in danger of failure. This vehicle has less than 62,000 miles and is currently not operable. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was being driven at the time of failure and had to be towed to a nearby repair shop. Contacted dealer service manager who stated that vehicle has no recalls or extended warranty’s. This incident occurred without any warnings. Please advise!

DURING AN INSPECTION BY MY DEALER IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO NOTE DURING PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS. ALLOWING THE FAILURE TO BE PUSHED OUT PAST THE TIME OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CORRODED SUBFRAMES ALLOWED MORE FLEXURE IN THE SUB FRAMES ADD STRESS TO THE BUSHINGS AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES CAUSES THE REPAIR COST TO MULTIPLY. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER.