2009 Dodge Caliber

232 federal complaints (355 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 28 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 7 model years of the Dodge Caliber →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
24 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
232
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
64
Suspension
63
Body & structure
49
Engine & cooling
31
Other
25
Electrical system
23
Steering
16
Wheels
11
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 13 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 12 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 11 complaints56 years old: 27 complaints7 years old: 38 complaints8 years old: 14 complaints9 years old: 16 complaints10 years old: 19 complaints1011 years old: 10 complaints12 years old: 11 complaints13 years old: 11 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 232 of 232 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 17 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 12 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 34 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 23 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 28 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 21 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 24 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 179 of 232 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

64 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"SPEED SENSORS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, HUB ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, INTAKE VALVE, TIRES WERE DIFFERENT SIZES, MORE PROBLEMS AROSE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Suspension

63 complaint records1 crash report
"SPEED SENSORS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, HUB ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, INTAKE VALVE, TIRES WERE DIFFERENT SIZES, MORE PROBLEMS AROSE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Body & structure

49 complaint records
"ATTEMPTED TO GET A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON 12/19/2016 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME/SUBFRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED/CORRODED AND NEEDS REPAIR...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
08V528000Power TrainCHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2008371
2008-10-10
Other132On certain vehicles, a broken solder joint on the printed circuit board of the Power Control Module (PCM) can affect the fuel pump relay performance and potentially result in an engine stall while driving and/or a no start of the engine.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004268
Jun 2020
EngineTHROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
9004266
Jun 2020
Power TrainTRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Show 23 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100419
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
23-007-17 REV. B
Mar 2017
SuspensionFront And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation/rust through and if necessary, replacing the crossmember(s).
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
23-036-13
Nov 2013
StructureSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
09-001-13
Feb 2013
EngineGasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
SB-08-024-10
Sep 2010
Fuel SystemDODGE: FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATION. FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE OR FLUCTUATES AT 3/4 OF A TANK OR ABOVE. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES REPLACING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, CLOCKING THE FUEL MODULE AND INSTALLING A FUEL JUMPER HOSE. *PE
RT-09-057
Sep 2009
SuspensionCHRYSLER/JEEP: REAR STABILIZER BAR END LINK NUT TORQUE. VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH REAR STABILIZER BAR END LINK NUTS INCORRECTLY TORQUES. *PE
RECALL H43
Feb 2009
EquipmentDODGE SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CALIBER SRT4 HAS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL THAT WAS INADVERTENTLY INSTALLED. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED. *PE
TB-09-006
Jan 2009
Electrical SystemCHRYSLER: WIRE HARNESS TIE STRAP NOT SECURED. THE STRAP PROVIDES STRAIN RELIEF FOR THE HARNESS CONNECTORS. *PE
RRT-08-070
Sep 2008
SuspensionCHRYSLER: LOWER CONTROL ARM TO CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS. VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM TO CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. *PE

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Caliber →