dodge caliber Problems
dodge caliber 2008 Complaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. during acceleration, the vehicle pulls to the right. the contact has to accelerate very hard and then oversteer to keep the vehicle from driving off the road. the contact took the vehicle to four dealers and none were able to determine the cause of the failure. the failure can occur at speeds of 5 mph or greater. the current and failure mileages were 1,000. updated 01-11-08. *kb
Reported in: PORT ORANGE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
TIRES:SIDEWALL
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the vehicle has firestone affinity tires. while driving 8 mph, the front passenger side tire failed. the contact slightly struck the curb and the sidewall of the tire failed. the tire size and dot number were unknown. the vehicle current mileage was 8,410 and failure mileage was 4,300. the tire failure mileage was 4,300.
Reported in: ST. LOUIS MO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
my boyfriend and i had a single car accident in my 2008 dodge caliber this past weekend. during the accident we were traveling between 40 and 50 mph in fog and were unaware that the road we were on ended in the shape of a "t". we then flew in the air landed and crashed the whole front part of my car. the angle at which we landed was with the front of the car pointed down. the air bags did not deploy. his injuries include 3 chipped molars on the right side of his mouth and a piece of flesh missing from the left side of his mouth. his left jaw is also swollen and he can hardly open his mouth to eat. my injuries include a swollen left knee, both knees are skinned up. my left shoulder as an imprint of my lace shirt on it and is sore to the touch, both my arms are in pain and the left is scrapped. i can't look to either side without having to move my whole body and i can't look up with my neck. my chest, ribs and breast bone are also sore, sore enough in fact that i had to be taken to the emergency room the night after because i had thrown up that morning and it was hurting to breathe and from the stress i either had a seizure or anxiety attack.
Reported in: OLIVE BRANCH MS || Crash: Y || VIN #:
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
was traveling 30 to 35 mph west on highway approaching intersection with green light, another 4 door sedan traveling east made left hand turn in front of my vehicle. the other vehicle was directly in front of my vehicle before it was seen, i slammed on the brakes and hit both doors of the other vehicle with the front end of my vehicle causing extensive front end damage. the vehicle is equipped with 2 front airbags and a knee airbag on the drivers side. none of the airbags deployed.
Reported in: HOLMES PA || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
was traveling 30 to 35 mph west on highway approaching intersection with green light, another 4 door sedan traveling east made left hand turn in front of my vehicle. the other vehicle was directly in front of my vehicle before it was seen, i slammed on the brakes and hit both doors of the other vehicle with the front end of my vehicle causing extensive front end damage. the vehicle is equipped with 2 front airbags and a knee airbag on the drivers side. none of the airbags deployed.
Reported in: HOLMES PA || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
the exhaust pipe protrudes too far from the rear of the vehicle making it possible for small children to receive injury when the vehicle is hot. a small child in our home received a second degree burn when walking around the vehicle to ask a question. in merely walking by, the child was able to come into contact with the vehicle's exhaust pipe causing a burn.
Reported in: AURORA IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78KX8D
STRUCTURE:BODY
the exhaust pipe protrudes too far from the rear of the vehicle making it possible for small children to receive injury when the vehicle is hot. a small child in our home received a second degree burn when walking around the vehicle to ask a question. in merely walking by, the child was able to come into contact with the vehicle's exhaust pipe causing a burn.
Reported in: AURORA IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78KX8D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2008 dodge caliber r/t with 2.4 litre, 5 speed manual tranny stalls while idling at red lights. happened twice within 3 weeks.
Reported in: PARMA OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K48D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
my engine ticks when idling and the gas gauge jumps. the engine did not sound like this when i purchased it. i have taken the car to the dealer twice and have been told that there is no problem, and that all cars sound like that.
Reported in: BREMERTON WA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C68D
STRUCTURE
my complaint is not focused on the auto manufacturer. it is directed toward the auto insurance industry, and in particular nationwide insurance based in columbus, oh. i was recently involved in an auto accident, and a nationwide client rear-ended my new 2008 dodge caliber. it was less then 1 week old at the time of the accident, and had fewer then 300 miles on it. nationwide promptly agreed to repair the vehicle by replacing the bumper. however, it has come to my attention that the company's policy is to replace the bumper with a refurbished part, or a part made by a company that may not be licensed or represent mopar, the parts company that supplies dodge replacement parts. i am very concerned not only about losing value for my brand new car, but also that my safety and the safety of my passengers could be potentially compromised by the use of possibly inferior products. i understand that there is a governing body for these types of parts known as capa, but i also understand that not every part is certified by capa, nor could i find a certified part listed for the rear bumper of a 2008 dodge caliber. this is simply not acceptable, and nationwide must replace my bumper (and any unseen damaged parts) with genuine mopar-supplied parts to restore my vehicle to its original, safe, operating condition as it was prior to the accident. the vehicle's engine hasn't even been fully broken-in yet.
Reported in: AKRON OH || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
PARKING BRAKE
on 08/09/08 i took my vehicle to get checked; i had already been having problems with my brake light coming on at different times. at that moment the light was not on and the service rep told me that the light had to be on in order to check the vehicle even after i showed him a recent video on my phone showing the light flashing. on 08/12/08 i took the vehicle as the light was one, they asked me to bring it in on 08/14/08. i dropped of my vehicle on 08/14/08 and they found that the brake sensor needs to changed; so they placed the order and asked me to come in on 08/19/08 to have it replaced. due to tropical storm conditions on the 19th, i did not take my vehicle, we reschedule for 8/21/08. dropping off my vehicle on 08/21/08 they called me in the early afternoon that my vehicle was ready. the next day 08/22/08 the light turned on again; on 08/25 or 08/26 i called chrysler financial to complain; they told me i need to take my vehicle again when only the light is on. on 08/27 the light turned on and i went and spoke with the manager, he promised me a driver at 7:00am on 09/02 to bring me to work so i may leave me car; that promise was not fulfilled and my car finally went in on 09/05 as they now see it as a safety issue after i have been saying it in the beginning. i am waiting for the weekend to see if the light turns on again on my vehicle. i have had other instance about 3 months after purchase that the vehicle shut off 2 times! i took it to the service and their computer could not pick-up any codes and never found anything. i am very disappointed with maroone dodge of pembroke pines service.
Reported in: HIALEAH FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
on 08/09/08 i took my vehicle to get checked; i had already been having problems with my brake light coming on at different times. at that moment the light was not on and the service rep told me that the light had to be on in order to check the vehicle even after i showed him a recent video on my phone showing the light flashing. on 08/12/08 i took the vehicle as the light was one, they asked me to bring it in on 08/14/08. i dropped of my vehicle on 08/14/08 and they found that the brake sensor needs to changed; so they placed the order and asked me to come in on 08/19/08 to have it replaced. due to tropical storm conditions on the 19th, i did not take my vehicle, we reschedule for 8/21/08. dropping off my vehicle on 08/21/08 they called me in the early afternoon that my vehicle was ready. the next day 08/22/08 the light turned on again; on 08/25 or 08/26 i called chrysler financial to complain; they told me i need to take my vehicle again when only the light is on. on 08/27 the light turned on and i went and spoke with the manager, he promised me a driver at 7:00am on 09/02 to bring me to work so i may leave me car; that promise was not fulfilled and my car finally went in on 09/05 as they now see it as a safety issue after i have been saying it in the beginning. i am waiting for the weekend to see if the light turns on again on my vehicle. i have had other instance about 3 months after purchase that the vehicle shut off 2 times! i took it to the service and their computer could not pick-up any codes and never found anything. i am very disappointed with maroone dodge of pembroke pines service.
Reported in: HIALEAH FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
TIRES
on 09/19/2008, my very first state inspection on my brand new vehicle, i was denied a window sticker, and was told that it was because three of my tires had a slight bubble on the sidewall of each. these are the original tires that came with the vehicle that i purchased on 02/29/2008. so i called good year and they told me to take it to a service dealer for inspection of them. i did. the tire company told me that the tires are radial tires, and they normally do have that slight little bulge on them. my position is " what do i really know" i am being pushed back and forth between the two. maybe the tire company do not want to give new tires, and maybe the inspection station wants to defraud me as he has so many other customers. how do i really know if the tires are defective. take it to a independent tire company? if i could afford the cost i would because safety is more important. but i don't have the cash to do that. i've searched your data base, and found a recall very close to the type as mine but it is not the exact number tire. so is it really true that radial tires have a natural slight bubble on the sidewall.
Reported in: PHILA PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B68D
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
i was traveling to a t intersection; i was the one who was required to make the left or right hand turn. my brakes stopped working and i went from ~55mph to 45mph over the course of a football field or so. i should have been able to stop completely but that wasn't the case. it was the 2008 caliber srt4. the srt4 has a massive brake kit from the charger and magnum on it which should have made it stop relatively quickly. i mashed my vehicle into another vehicle at the intersection and my airbags did not deploy. i believe there is something wrong with the brakes and airbags on the 2008 caliber srt4.
Reported in: RAEFORD NC || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB68F48D
AIR BAGS
i was traveling to a t intersection; i was the one who was required to make the left or right hand turn. my brakes stopped working and i went from ~55mph to 45mph over the course of a football field or so. i should have been able to stop completely but that wasn't the case. it was the 2008 caliber srt4. the srt4 has a massive brake kit from the charger and magnum on it which should have made it stop relatively quickly. i mashed my vehicle into another vehicle at the intersection and my airbags did not deploy. i believe there is something wrong with the brakes and airbags on the 2008 caliber srt4.
Reported in: RAEFORD NC || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB68F48D
AIR BAGS
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 35 mph in rainy weather conditions and at night, the contact's vehicle was cut off the road by another vehicle. suddenly, the vehicle hydroplaned when the brake pedal was depressed. the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the cement barrier. the air bags failed to deploy and the three air bag sensors were destroyed. the contact was severely injured. the police and ambulance were called to the scene and a police report was filed. the vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to the collision center. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 6,400.
Reported in: CANBY OR || Crash: Y || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
my husband and cousin were in this car some how lost control on a clear dry day and rolled. they say the brakes were never applied but i wonder why not, maybe there was a problem with this car.
Reported in: GILLETTE WY || Crash: Y || VIN #:
SEAT BELTS
during a recent trip to las vegas, my partner and i rented a dodge caliber. we believe there is a serious safety flaw in the front driver and passenger seat belt systems. during our trip we had many instances when our seat belts would come unbuckled. after examining why this was happening we found the problem. if you just buckle your seat belt without looking, like most americans do, you can actually put the buckle into the plastic latch housing and not the latch itself. it feels very similar to when you correctly latch the belt. it will also hold in that position, but obviously not in a car accident.
Reported in: EATON RAPIDS MI || Crash: N || VIN #:
TIRES
i bought a used 2008 dodge caliber with 14,100 miles on it. the tires weren't right from the night i brought it home. i called and complained, the dealership said that they put new brakes on it and to give it a few days to see if it would get better. it did not, i still had a pulsing or thumping noise in the front end. i took it back, they said nothing was wrong with it. i asked about the tires and i was told "the tires passed inspection". i took my car to a friend who rotated and balanced the tires, and was told i had a bad tire, it wasn't round or something like that. the bad tire then went on the back passenger side. i then called the dealership and told them what i did, they were angry and said nothing was mechanically wrong with the car and again the tires had passed inspection. after much arguing they agreed to either put on 4 new tires at half the cost to me or put on another used tire. i chose to have another used tire put on. the car now pulses or thumps on the front passenger side. i didn't get 5 miles up the road and it started all over again. the service manager told me that calibers are known for "chopping tires" and if i got new tires to make sure they are rotated without fail every 6k miles. i didn't even call the dealership back about the noise. i sent in a form complaining that the noise was not resolved. they were horrible to even talk to, they said tires were not under warranty and the 1/2 off the tires was a one time offer. i like my car but i can't stand the thumping noise the tires make. if the car is known to do this why isn't something being done to correct it?? because i bought this car at a rock bottom price i can't expect to have new tires on the car and i have to basically live with it i was told so that is why i am complaining. i paid a little over $10000. for this car and it is new to me, i still have the balance of the factory warranty left on the car. it's a nice car to me and it is a lot of money to me. i just wanted someone to know.
Reported in: CANASTOTA NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
SEATS
my front seat makes annoying squeaks when traveling on road imperfections, pot holes and speed dumps at any speed. i noticed the sound when my car was in the mid 4,000 miles. also the brakes would squeak when i braked in reverse. my car is now 13,383 (six months late) and i've taken my car to two different dealerships and the seat still squeaks. they tightened both front seats and the tracks. they also replaced one of the tracks during another visit. each time i take my car in they say that they have solved the problem, but as soon i go over the speed bump while exiting the dealership, the seat still squeaks. i called the manager for the dealership which he was the one that had helped me. he is asking for a sixth visit to repair the squeaking noise, but i don't think that that's going to happen. i'm sure that a squeak may not be a big deal but if there is a sound then that means there is friction which over time will cause wear to the seat and may cause a failure to hold if in a collision. lastly, when idling at red lights or stop signs the rhythm of the engine randomly jerks/bogg as if it feels like it's about to die out.
Reported in: KAPOLEI HI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
after purchasing my dodge caliber in february or 2008 i noticed the gas gauge was not consistently accurate. it took a total of 6 months for schaefer and strohminger to "fix" it. i called them afterwards to tell them it was better but not completely correct and they put me off several times. they said they would call the engineer and follow up with me. that never happened even after the ceo of the vehicle maintenance department told me i met the lemon law requirements. during this time the car began to hesitate from time to time when starting. i also asked them about that problem. they could not figure out the problem after having it in the shop twice. about a year later the car wouldn't start and left me stranded at work. it was towed to the nearest dealership. i called ahead to talk to the mechanic who knew exactly what my problem was because he'd had several others need to be replaced already in the caliber. it was the wireless control module. while still under warranty they replaced it. it's been a few months now and the car has hesitated while starting 4 times already. obviously there is a fault in the wireless control module unit they are using. finally, i'm taking it back to have them check the water in the driver's side tail light and wet carpet behind the driver's side seat. i'm very dissatisfied with this car and do not plan on buying from dodge or schaefer and strohminger again.
Reported in: EDGEWOOD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
after purchasing my dodge caliber in february or 2008 i noticed the gas gauge was not consistently accurate. it took a total of 6 months for schaefer and strohminger to "fix" it. i called them afterwards to tell them it was better but not completely correct and they put me off several times. they said they would call the engineer and follow up with me. that never happened even after the ceo of the vehicle maintenance department told me i met the lemon law requirements. during this time the car began to hesitate from time to time when starting. i also asked them about that problem. they could not figure out the problem after having it in the shop twice. about a year later the car wouldn't start and left me stranded at work. it was towed to the nearest dealership. i called ahead to talk to the mechanic who knew exactly what my problem was because he'd had several others need to be replaced already in the caliber. it was the wireless control module. while still under warranty they replaced it. it's been a few months now and the car has hesitated while starting 4 times already. obviously there is a fault in the wireless control module unit they are using. finally, i'm taking it back to have them check the water in the driver's side tail light and wet carpet behind the driver's side seat. i'm very dissatisfied with this car and do not plan on buying from dodge or schaefer and strohminger again.
Reported in: EDGEWOOD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
after purchasing my dodge caliber in february or 2008 i noticed the gas gauge was not consistently accurate. it took a total of 6 months for schaefer and strohminger to "fix" it. i called them afterwards to tell them it was better but not completely correct and they put me off several times. they said they would call the engineer and follow up with me. that never happened even after the ceo of the vehicle maintenance department told me i met the lemon law requirements. during this time the car began to hesitate from time to time when starting. i also asked them about that problem. they could not figure out the problem after having it in the shop twice. about a year later the car wouldn't start and left me stranded at work. it was towed to the nearest dealership. i called ahead to talk to the mechanic who knew exactly what my problem was because he'd had several others need to be replaced already in the caliber. it was the wireless control module. while still under warranty they replaced it. it's been a few months now and the car has hesitated while starting 4 times already. obviously there is a fault in the wireless control module unit they are using. finally, i'm taking it back to have them check the water in the driver's side tail light and wet carpet behind the driver's side seat. i'm very dissatisfied with this car and do not plan on buying from dodge or schaefer and strohminger again.
Reported in: EDGEWOOD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the o2 sensors continue to fail and causes the vehicle to drive roughly. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop at least ten times and they keep replacing the sensors each visit. there is no recall for this failure. the failure mileage was 5,500 and current mileage was 18,438.
Reported in: OPELIKA AL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
SUSPENSION
i took my caliber in for some warranty work. they found the left strut was bad. they ordered the part. i went back in the next week for the strut and alignment. while they were driving back from the alignment place, they had an accident in my car. they fixed it. i have since then brought it back to a roar in the car. they told me my tires were bad. i asked if it could be because of the alignment was out and they said no. i asked if it could be because of the accident, again no. who in their right mind would align a car with bad tires. they have made no deal for me in this matter. the tires did not go bad in a matter of a week.
Reported in: COUNCIL GROVE KS || Crash: Y || VIN #:
TIRES
i took my caliber in for some warranty work. they found the left strut was bad. they ordered the part. i went back in the next week for the strut and alignment. while they were driving back from the alignment place, they had an accident in my car. they fixed it. i have since then brought it back to a roar in the car. they told me my tires were bad. i asked if it could be because of the alignment was out and they said no. i asked if it could be because of the accident, again no. who in their right mind would align a car with bad tires. they have made no deal for me in this matter. the tires did not go bad in a matter of a week.
Reported in: COUNCIL GROVE KS || Crash: Y || VIN #:
AIR BAGS
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber sxt. while driving 60 mph, the contact crashed into the side of another vehicle. her vehicle rolled over and traveled down an embankment. the frontal and side air bags failed to deploy. the contact sustained injures to her legs, neck, and intestines. a police report was filed. the manufacturer was notified and responded in writing that the air bags functioned properly. the manufacturer stated that she would receive a call back. the insurance company stated that the vehicle was destroyed. the current and failure mileages were 23,011. updated 10/27/09.*lj updated 10/29/09.*jb
Reported in: LAKESIDE CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the turn signals and the fog lights failed intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and since the failure could not be duplicated a remedy was not provided. after the vehicle was inspected, the failure recurred. the manufacturer will be notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 16,591 and the current mileage was 18,501.
Reported in: HAMILTON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HE78KX8D
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
vehicle: dodge caliber sxt model 2008 on sunday, january 3rd i was returning from mexico state to puebla around 3 pm, using the highway. i noticed a slight change in the acceleration of the car, similar to when the fuel injection system needs cleaning. about 2 km prior to getting to puebla toll, the brakes did not answered at all, the instrument panels indicator did not show any problem. i had to slow down by using the motor (l), until i could safely pull over and stop the car completely with the hand brake. fortunately i had a good space with cars preceding and avoided any collision by also using the alert lights. the car has been serviced as the manual states, and have never detected any problem related before. i took the car to the service where they told me the fail was due to a computer problem, and they upgraded the software to a more recent version, stating that will avoid the problem. i asked if they have received cars with the same problem and they confirmed to me that there have been some, but "not too many...". then checking nhtsa webpage found similar issues with this vehicle but dealership never report issue.
Reported in: MEXICO 00 || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3JB48KX8D
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while attempting to exit his driveway in snowy conditions at speeds of less than 3 mph, the brakes locked and caused the vehicle to slide in the snow and crash into a vehicle in the contact's driveway. there were no injuries. neither the dealer nor manufacturer were contacted. the contact was awaiting repairs by his insurance company. the failure and current and failure mileages were under 35,222.
Reported in: VERNON AZ || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. after purchasing the vehicle the contact noticed occasionally that while driving at a speed of 45 mph the brake pedal would have to be depressed several times before bringing the vehicle to a stop, the contact also noticed that the front end of the vehicle would sway from left to right. the vehicle was taken to the dealership on several different occasions where the contact had the brake pads , front axle, struts, and shock absorbers replaced. however the contact is still experiencing the failures. the failure mileage was at 3000 and the current mileage is 35600.
Reported in: JUNCOS PR || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
SUSPENSION:FRONT
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. after purchasing the vehicle the contact noticed occasionally that while driving at a speed of 45 mph the brake pedal would have to be depressed several times before bringing the vehicle to a stop, the contact also noticed that the front end of the vehicle would sway from left to right. the vehicle was taken to the dealership on several different occasions where the contact had the brake pads , front axle, struts, and shock absorbers replaced. however the contact is still experiencing the failures. the failure mileage was at 3000 and the current mileage is 35600.
Reported in: JUNCOS PR || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
had car in park. started vehicle and starter kept trying to turn over. stopped car and took key out, starter kept going. started car again and drove 30 feet while starter is turning over and smoke was coming into vehicle. vehicle then stopped and engine died. the vehicle ended up stopped in the middle of a four lane main road. lights were on and battery was still working. could not start car. police were called due to vehicle being inoperative. towed to dealer, where they ran tests on new starter after it was replaced. was told all tests passed and the original was a bad starter. on march 18, 2010 engine was starting to make similar sounds and vehicle tried starting without a key in ignition. the only way to stop this, was to pull wire off the battery.
Reported in: MAUMEE OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B08D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
the etc (electronic throttle control) indicator started flashing and then my car would not accelerate. i was at 3 rpms and couldn't go over 10mph. it only happened occasionally at first and then it became more frequent. i was getting on the on ramp of a highway when it started flashing and then my car completely shut off. luckily the cars behind had enough shoulder to swerve around me preventing a accident. i couldn't start my car right away i had to wait about 3 min. as soon as i restarted it everything went back to normal. this happened 2 more times and i took it to a mechanic. he replaced the etc chip and that didn't work so he replaced the etc body. that didn't work either so he sent it to a dealership. they replaced the whole etc...$900 later that problem seems to be fine. i find a car shutting down whenever it chooses very dangerous and i have researched it and seen many people have had the same issue. mostly in 07' models but also 08's. something needs to be done before someone is injured.
Reported in: OKLAHOMA CITY OK || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
08 dodge caliber se. just riding down the road . fuel throttle control module light comes on and car quits running while your driving. i was on interstate. happened several times. chrysler said it could be a fluke to keep driving it. someone going to get hurt.. luckily i was in a lane,where i could just roll into emergency lane.
Reported in: ACWORTH GA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C98D
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving 30 mph the contact applied the brakes and heard a squeaking sound in the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front brakes were deglazed; however, the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was not repaired and there were no prior warnings. the failure mileage was 33000 and the current mileage was 39000.
Reported in: GLENVILLE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B78D
TIRES
tl. the contact owns 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated the vehicle does not come with a spare tire and a jack. the manufacturer informed the contact they do not provide a spare and jack for the vehicle. the vehicle suffered a flat tire and the contact was stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. the contact stated if a spare tire was provided the tire could have been changed. in the event of a flat tire the manufacturer provided a pump to inflate the tire but the contact stated the it's very dangerous to be on the side of the road without a spare tire with vehicle passing by at high speeds. the contact stated the manufacturer should provide a spare tire for the vehicle. the failure mileage was 37,000. jo
Reported in: BRADFORD MA || Crash: N || VIN #:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
when turning over the key to start the vehicle, nothing would happen. turning back the key and trying again would typically result in the car starting. after 2-3 months of this intermittent behavior, the vehicle also began to act as if the key was in the ignition after it was removed (it would ding when the door was opened and not allow me to lock my doors).
Reported in: GIRARD KS || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
the car starts, drops rpms to 700 when put in reverse, then stalls while driving.
Reported in: ATLANTA GA || Crash: N || VIN #:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
complained on numerous occasions to the stone mountain dodge dealer that there was something wrong with my fuel gauge. it does not keep an accurate account of the fuel in my fuel tank. upon filling up my car on full with fuel, it would give an inaccurate reading right away. as soon as i drove out of the parking lot. i explained this to the dealer on a number of different occasions and each time i was told that there was a part that my car needed, and it was on order and would be in a couple of months. i would wait a couple of months, and return to the dealer, and at that time i was told the same story again, that this part would be ordered, but now, they could not find a manufacturer to get the part from, but that corporate knew about this. on various visits to the dealer service department, there was never a resolution, and finally i was told to contact their corporate customer service. upon contact to their corporate customer service, i was offered a deal for dodge to pay two of my car notes, and i had 30 days to accept. i did not accept that offer because that meant that there was still no resolution in fixing my car. when i purchased my car, it had approximately 18,000 miles on my car, and i was told that my car had been serviced and looked at by their mechanics, and everything was fine before driving it off the lot. two to three months later is when i noticed this problem, and i feel that the dodge dealer lied to me when i was told that everything was fine, and later again, when i was told on a consistent basis that a part was coming in and my car would be fixed. i do not feel that it is fair to me as a consumer that i am literally paying for something that is not true. i have consistently been lied to by their service people, and still no resolution to either fix my car, or to even give me another car for the same value of when i purchased my car. updated 01/21/11
Reported in: DULUTH GA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
front left tire pressure dropped to 25 psi in early december 2010. car is equipped with factory tire pressure monitoring system which provides numeric pressure for all 4 tires plus an amber warning light if pressure drops below safe levels. assumed pressure drop was due to low air temperature - approx. 20 degf. added air to all 4 tires the next day, front left was found to be 25 psi confirmed with a hand-held mechanical gauge, remaining 3 tires were 30-31 psi. filled all tires to 32-33 psi (factory placard specifies 32 psi cold) over the course of 2 days the front left tire pressure again dropped. tpm showed 28 psi at front left tire, 32-33 psi in remaining tires. refilled front left to 34 psi. removed front left tire and inspected for leaks using soapy water. no leaks found. reinstalled front left tire. over 2 weeks, pressure dropped to low 20's psi on front left tire. refilled to 34-35 psi each time. after the final refill, pressure dropped to 19 psi over a 12 hour period. drove car to service station and valve stem snapped near the base of the threads while adding air. resulted in immediate tire deflation. center check valve came out with it. will retain all pieces for inspection upon request, plus plastic valve stem cap. all parts are oem. valve stem is part of the tire pressure monitor sensor assembly which is a common part for most jeep dodge chrysler vehicles. have read numerous complaints about this same failure. suspected root cause was using metallic valve caps that could cause corrosion, however, suspect valve cap on my car is plastic as shipped from the factory.
Reported in: OSHKOSH WI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K88D
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2008 dodge caliber - currently at the dealership for $700 in repairs. they state that the throttle body assembly needs to be replaced. the car would randomly and suddenly bogg down upon normal acceleration--very dangerous when pulling into traffic-- and the electronic throttle control light would illuminate either momentarily or flash. it would not go above 10 mph when this happened. research on the internet has revealed many, many complaints about the same issue. dodge takes no responsibility for this claiming it not to be a covered part of the powertrain warranty. when questioned, the dealership stated that when carbon begins to form that "apparently the entire inside of the throttle body unit carbs up". i asked, "do you mean normal carbon formation that happens in all engines." the response was, yes and that they recommend a "carb cleanout" every 30,000 miles (mine is at 53,000). i then asked (knowing the answer) if that was maintenance that was included with other maintenance in the manual. of course, the reply was "no". this failure, when it happens, presents and extremely dangerous situation. it only had to put me in a bad predicament once before i headed to the dealership. the mere fact that the dealership seemed to be aware of this excessive carbon problem makes me feel that they do, indeed, have some responsibility to this issue. i have read complaint after complaint on the internet regarding this problem. one unfortunate man was hit by a gasoline truck when this occurred. it's unfortunate that more people don't know to come here and file a formal complaint rather than posting on blogs to try to help others. i implore whomever has the authority to investigate this matter before someone is killed.
Reported in: CHARLOTTESVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #:
POWER TRAIN
2008 dodge caliber - currently at the dealership for $700 in repairs. they state that the throttle body assembly needs to be replaced. the car would randomly and suddenly bogg down upon normal acceleration--very dangerous when pulling into traffic-- and the electronic throttle control light would illuminate either momentarily or flash. it would not go above 10 mph when this happened. research on the internet has revealed many, many complaints about the same issue. dodge takes no responsibility for this claiming it not to be a covered part of the powertrain warranty. when questioned, the dealership stated that when carbon begins to form that "apparently the entire inside of the throttle body unit carbs up". i asked, "do you mean normal carbon formation that happens in all engines." the response was, yes and that they recommend a "carb cleanout" every 30,000 miles (mine is at 53,000). i then asked (knowing the answer) if that was maintenance that was included with other maintenance in the manual. of course, the reply was "no". this failure, when it happens, presents and extremely dangerous situation. it only had to put me in a bad predicament once before i headed to the dealership. the mere fact that the dealership seemed to be aware of this excessive carbon problem makes me feel that they do, indeed, have some responsibility to this issue. i have read complaint after complaint on the internet regarding this problem. one unfortunate man was hit by a gasoline truck when this occurred. it's unfortunate that more people don't know to come here and file a formal complaint rather than posting on blogs to try to help others. i implore whomever has the authority to investigate this matter before someone is killed.
Reported in: CHARLOTTESVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION
tl* the contact owns 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the lower control arm and ball joints were continuously failing and being replaced. the contact stated that he believed that the bulk of the stress was on the passenger side. the failure mileage was 1,358 and the current mileage was 57,990. updated 03/16/11 *bf the consumer stated the struts were replaced and the control arm was replaced three times.
Reported in: GOLDONNA LA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
went shopping came out from shopping my car left me stranded had it towed to the dealer i bought it from after being stranded for over 3 hours they had to sent it to a dodge dealer they said the issue was from a static lock which cased my module to have to be rest but then they told me if it happens again i just need to unplug the positive cable to the battery and it should work which it does but they said they had to reset my key to it so i was charged for them to do nothing and the car is still not fixed it happened again on january 7 2011 and so i called the dealer i bought if from and they told me to bring in and they would look at some components and install a ground wire well i did that but then the they told me the car couldn't be working so in other words they were not going to do anything to fix this problem i bought it from jerrery kia i need a reliable car to drive and i don't have one and i too will never buy a dodge again.
Reported in: WARREN MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
the tire pressure sensor broke on my dodge caliber. the dealership wants to charge me close to $200 for this. i think its ridiculous for how poorly they were made. this item should be recalled with all the discussions online about them.
Reported in: CORPUS CHRISTI TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION:FRONT
i have been told by the dealership that, the front axles and, ball joints on my car are in need of replacement. i have talked to several other dodge caliber owner's that have had the same problem. what do i need to do?
Reported in: AURORA IL || Crash: N || VIN #:
STEERING
2008 dodge caliber steering wheel issue. over a period of time my dodge caliber srt4 steering wheel became loose and moves forward and back called the dodge dealership and they had told me that my car was out of warranty and they would not replace it free of charge and that they would have to replace the whole steering column. when i turn the steering wheel has about a half inch play in it.
Reported in: FORT WORTH TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB68F78D
STEERING
i have replaced alternator, drive belt, ball joints, wheel bearings, tire rods on my 2008 dodge. it is making a horrible noise now under the hood. i am one of many who have this same issue.
Reported in: COLUMBUS OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION
i have replaced alternator, drive belt, ball joints, wheel bearings, tire rods on my 2008 dodge. it is making a horrible noise now under the hood. i am one of many who have this same issue.
Reported in: COLUMBUS OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
i have replaced alternator, drive belt, ball joints, wheel bearings, tire rods on my 2008 dodge. it is making a horrible noise now under the hood. i am one of many who have this same issue.
Reported in: COLUMBUS OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2008 dodge caliber with 44,000 miles. both front lower ball joints were severely worn, and needed to be replaced. this car had only normal driving (no severe use). this would have been a severe safety issue if i had not happened to notice the suspension looseness when rotating the tires. there was no obvious symptom when driving the car.
Reported in: TRUMANSBURG NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48C38D
POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated to 10 mph. during the failure, the electronic throttle control system warning light began illuminating on the dashboard. the vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the failure because the warning light was no longer illuminated. the vehicle was not repaired. approximately three weeks later, the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 49,000 and the current mileage was 50,000. updated 05/26/11 *bf updated 2/9/12 *cn
Reported in: NAPERVILLE IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle lost power and the electric throttle control warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the technicians informed the contact that the computer and the throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Reported in: DEXTER MI || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle lost power and the electric throttle control warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the technicians informed the contact that the computer and the throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Reported in: DEXTER MI || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
horn defect on 2008 dodge caliber. horn does not work despite 3 attempts to repair by dealer. purchased at heritage ford in corydon, indiana and repaired by gerdon chrysler/dodge in corydon. horn sounds on first push, then will not sound for several hours or days when pushed.
Reported in: CORYDON IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY
horn defect on 2008 dodge caliber. horn does not work despite 3 attempts to repair by dealer. purchased at heritage ford in corydon, indiana and repaired by gerdon chrysler/dodge in corydon. horn sounds on first push, then will not sound for several hours or days when pushed.
Reported in: CORYDON IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, the entire instrument panel illuminated and the engine stalled. the vehicle restarted within a few minutes and resumed in a jerking motion at an extremely low speed of 20 mph. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the alternator was replaced. nine months later, the failure recurred. the vehicle was currently at the dealer who stated the electronic throttle control needed to be replaced. the vehicle will be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the failure mileage was 31,000.
Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48BX8D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 to 45 mph the vehicle suddenly slowed down to 30 mph. she attempted to shift gears and that did not assist with decreasing the speed of the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the throttle body needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 59,000. the vin was unavailable.
Reported in: ROUND LAKE BEACH IL || Crash: N || VIN #:
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
checking tire pressure tmps broke - filed by jiffy lube.
Reported in: RENSSELAER NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION
the front tires were vibrating and my steering wheel was shaking, so i thought the tires needed balancing. i brought the car into a firestone dealership and they told me the front right strut was blown out and had to be replaced. they said that this was a safety issue, and that struts help hold the wheels to the road. also, my friend who is an ase certified mechanic checked the strut and he verified that the strut was broken.
Reported in: WEST SUFFIELD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
SUSPENSION:FRONT
had my tires rotated and the mechanic showed me how much my ball joints were wore out at only 50,000 miles. dodge caliber 2008 model.
Reported in: COLEMAN MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
WHEELS
at around 35000 miles is when this started: when i would slow down i would notice that it felt like my driver front tire would wobble, this went on for a while, and no one could figure out what it was, blamed it on bad tires. i even took it to my dealership because my warranty was going to be up soon and asked them to look over everything and they never found anything. so i got new tires and it would still sometimes seem to wobble but it wasn't consistent. fast forward to this summer (2011) i start to notice that it is really bad pulling out of my works driveway turning left so i think my shocks are going bad. also i start to notice that when i start moving again from a stop it seems like the car has a little jerk. so i go to get my oil changed and tires rotated (different places) and at the dealership for the oil they fill out a little inspection sheet, only thing marked is a bad air filter. shocks are good they said. time to change the brakes too, so i buy some with the air filter and tell my husband when he is changing them to please look good because something is not right. well, he finds out that he can completely move the whole wheel assembly on its own! so i take it to a local shop and both lower ball joints are bad and maybe a tire rod! at approx 48,000 miles (current) this is ridiculous!!! so call dodge dealership and out of warranty so... unless we bring it down and all these other instructions they might be able to pay for some of it. not driving the vehicle 45 miles when the wheels might snap off and for them to most likely say "too bad"! after seeing how many people have the same problem something is obliviously wrong with the design of the caliber, and for dodge to do nothing, we will never even consider a dodge, or maybe even a chrysler (never had issues with past jeeps) again!
Reported in: CLARKSVILLE OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B98D
SUSPENSION
at around 35000 miles is when this started: when i would slow down i would notice that it felt like my driver front tire would wobble, this went on for a while, and no one could figure out what it was, blamed it on bad tires. i even took it to my dealership because my warranty was going to be up soon and asked them to look over everything and they never found anything. so i got new tires and it would still sometimes seem to wobble but it wasn't consistent. fast forward to this summer (2011) i start to notice that it is really bad pulling out of my works driveway turning left so i think my shocks are going bad. also i start to notice that when i start moving again from a stop it seems like the car has a little jerk. so i go to get my oil changed and tires rotated (different places) and at the dealership for the oil they fill out a little inspection sheet, only thing marked is a bad air filter. shocks are good they said. time to change the brakes too, so i buy some with the air filter and tell my husband when he is changing them to please look good because something is not right. well, he finds out that he can completely move the whole wheel assembly on its own! so i take it to a local shop and both lower ball joints are bad and maybe a tire rod! at approx 48,000 miles (current) this is ridiculous!!! so call dodge dealership and out of warranty so... unless we bring it down and all these other instructions they might be able to pay for some of it. not driving the vehicle 45 miles when the wheels might snap off and for them to most likely say "too bad"! after seeing how many people have the same problem something is obliviously wrong with the design of the caliber, and for dodge to do nothing, we will never even consider a dodge, or maybe even a chrysler (never had issues with past jeeps) again!
Reported in: CLARKSVILLE OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B98D
SUSPENSION:FRONT
started having noisy front end/brake issue @16000 miles one year after purchase, have had the car in 7 different times for the same complaint, the dealer just kept replacing different parts hoping the noise would go away, it hasn't, now that the car is 2000 miles out of warranty, the dealer treats us like we abused the car, it only has 37000 miles on it!! a new car should last longer thatn 3 years without major suspension problems !! dodge has a reputation of using defective suspension parts and should be responsible for hard-working consumers that bailed them out!!!! all i want is my car fixed they choose to use inferior parts and now they should have to pay for their hindsite. *tt
Reported in: NEW YORK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B78D
COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that she depressed the horn, but the horn did not sound. the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer and they informed the contact that she needed a new horn. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 60,000. updated 10/07/11
Reported in: BATESVILLE IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K18D
SUSPENSION
i recently purchased this vehicle about three months ago with aircheck. little did i know i was buying a more defective car than i originally had. about a week ago my a/c goes to crap i ask the dealership to fix it and all he says is i know a guy that can fix it for you for alittle charge. and to top it off the a/c goes out on the hottest freaking day of the month. then my engine makes this rattling noise my freaking radio doesn't accept cd's what kind of whole did i get my self into. and for this car to be a 4 cylinder it drinks gas as if it where a v8.
Reported in: ROSENBERG TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
i recently purchased this vehicle about three months ago with aircheck. little did i know i was buying a more defective car than i originally had. about a week ago my a/c goes to crap i ask the dealership to fix it and all he says is i know a guy that can fix it for you for alittle charge. and to top it off the a/c goes out on the hottest freaking day of the month. then my engine makes this rattling noise my freaking radio doesn't accept cd's what kind of whole did i get my self into. and for this car to be a 4 cylinder it drinks gas as if it where a v8.
Reported in: ROSENBERG TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
i recently purchased this vehicle about three months ago with aircheck. little did i know i was buying a more defective car than i originally had. about a week ago my a/c goes to crap i ask the dealership to fix it and all he says is i know a guy that can fix it for you for alittle charge. and to top it off the a/c goes out on the hottest freaking day of the month. then my engine makes this rattling noise my freaking radio doesn't accept cd's what kind of whole did i get my self into. and for this car to be a 4 cylinder it drinks gas as if it where a v8.
Reported in: ROSENBERG TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
EQUIPMENT
i recently purchased this vehicle about three months ago with aircheck. little did i know i was buying a more defective car than i originally had. about a week ago my a/c goes to crap i ask the dealership to fix it and all he says is i know a guy that can fix it for you for alittle charge. and to top it off the a/c goes out on the hottest freaking day of the month. then my engine makes this rattling noise my freaking radio doesn't accept cd's what kind of whole did i get my self into. and for this car to be a 4 cylinder it drinks gas as if it where a v8.
Reported in: ROSENBERG TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle suddenly decelerated. the electronic throttle control light began to flash on the instrument panel. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Reported in: LAWRENCEVILLE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B08D
TIRES
2008 dodge caliber sxt: bought the car from dealer in morehead city, nc. after 24k miles had to replace tires because they were already worn. when tires were replaced out of my pocket the service dept failed to do an alignment. now 19k miles later my tires bridgestone turanza's p215/60r17 are already worn out again. upon inspection by the dealership, they determined that it was air pressure problem that caused it to wear and also my inner tire rods were already worn. i told them i had seen complaints on the internet that the 2008 caliber was having premature wearing of tire rods and they claimed they never heard of this. of course now that my car is at 43k miles and out of warranty they don't want to take care of it, i have to. also, the fact they missed doing an alignment the first time they did not find the tie rod wearing premature before my warranty was up or either they did know it and they didn't tell me. i don't trust the dealer or their service team now because they missed doing an alignment, they missed a rotation when they were supposed to, they missed finding the premature wearing of tie rods. these are dangerous issues when you are out driving on the road now i wonder every time i get out there are my tires going to blow or are my tie rods going to break. shame on the dealership and shame on bridgestone for not wanting to stand behind their products. what will it take, loss of life. the only thing the dealership will offer to do is pay for 2 tires and i have to pay for everything else.
Reported in: NEW BERN NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B08D
WHEELS
2008 dodge caliber sxt: bought the car from dealer in morehead city, nc. after 24k miles had to replace tires because they were already worn. when tires were replaced out of my pocket the service dept failed to do an alignment. now 19k miles later my tires bridgestone turanza's p215/60r17 are already worn out again. upon inspection by the dealership, they determined that it was air pressure problem that caused it to wear and also my inner tire rods were already worn. i told them i had seen complaints on the internet that the 2008 caliber was having premature wearing of tire rods and they claimed they never heard of this. of course now that my car is at 43k miles and out of warranty they don't want to take care of it, i have to. also, the fact they missed doing an alignment the first time they did not find the tie rod wearing premature before my warranty was up or either they did know it and they didn't tell me. i don't trust the dealer or their service team now because they missed doing an alignment, they missed a rotation when they were supposed to, they missed finding the premature wearing of tie rods. these are dangerous issues when you are out driving on the road now i wonder every time i get out there are my tires going to blow or are my tie rods going to break. shame on the dealership and shame on bridgestone for not wanting to stand behind their products. what will it take, loss of life. the only thing the dealership will offer to do is pay for 2 tires and i have to pay for everything else.
Reported in: NEW BERN NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B08D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while operating the 2008 dodge caliber 2.0l engine at approximately 45mph, the car instantly stopped without applying the brakes. then the car would go from 7mph to 50mph in a rapid acceleration and then back down to 7mph. this was rather dangerous as i was almost rear ended numerous times despite having my emergency signal flashing lights on as well as driving in the far right lane. the car also experienced excessive back firing and one loud explosion sounded as if it occurred in the catalytic converter directly underneath the car. i was lucky enough to find an auto parts store last night and was able to have the tech there use the odbii reader and it indicated the error p0132 which is the oxygen sensor as the failing unit. the failure of the oxygen sensor nearly resulted in an accident as the dodge caliber was almost impacted by other cars in traffic as the other cars were not prepared for the dodge caliber to rapidly decelerate from 45mph to 7mph. the part was replaced asap the next day with bosch part # 15124 and upon testing for 20 minutes the car operated without error. i called dodge to inquire about a recall or warranty work and they declined both. in regard to public safety, i request that a case be opened to investigate this situation and others like it. the desired outcome is to have dodge recall the o2 sensors as this type of failure can be catastrophic when traveling on the highway at higher speeds with traffic.
Reported in: DALLAS TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
while operating the 2008 dodge caliber 2.0l engine at approximately 45mph, the car instantly stopped without applying the brakes. then the car would go from 7mph to 50mph in a rapid acceleration and then back down to 7mph. this was rather dangerous as i was almost rear ended numerous times despite having my emergency signal flashing lights on as well as driving in the far right lane. the car also experienced excessive back firing and one loud explosion sounded as if it occurred in the catalytic converter directly underneath the car. i was lucky enough to find an auto parts store last night and was able to have the tech there use the odbii reader and it indicated the error p0132 which is the oxygen sensor as the failing unit. the failure of the oxygen sensor nearly resulted in an accident as the dodge caliber was almost impacted by other cars in traffic as the other cars were not prepared for the dodge caliber to rapidly decelerate from 45mph to 7mph. the part was replaced asap the next day with bosch part # 15124 and upon testing for 20 minutes the car operated without error. i called dodge to inquire about a recall or warranty work and they declined both. in regard to public safety, i request that a case be opened to investigate this situation and others like it. the desired outcome is to have dodge recall the o2 sensors as this type of failure can be catastrophic when traveling on the highway at higher speeds with traffic.
Reported in: DALLAS TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
while operating the 2008 dodge caliber 2.0l engine at approximately 45mph, the car instantly stopped without applying the brakes. then the car would go from 7mph to 50mph in a rapid acceleration and then back down to 7mph. this was rather dangerous as i was almost rear ended numerous times despite having my emergency signal flashing lights on as well as driving in the far right lane. the car also experienced excessive back firing and one loud explosion sounded as if it occurred in the catalytic converter directly underneath the car. i was lucky enough to find an auto parts store last night and was able to have the tech there use the odbii reader and it indicated the error p0132 which is the oxygen sensor as the failing unit. the failure of the oxygen sensor nearly resulted in an accident as the dodge caliber was almost impacted by other cars in traffic as the other cars were not prepared for the dodge caliber to rapidly decelerate from 45mph to 7mph. the part was replaced asap the next day with bosch part # 15124 and upon testing for 20 minutes the car operated without error. i called dodge to inquire about a recall or warranty work and they declined both. in regard to public safety, i request that a case be opened to investigate this situation and others like it. the desired outcome is to have dodge recall the o2 sensors as this type of failure can be catastrophic when traveling on the highway at higher speeds with traffic.
Reported in: DALLAS TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
had come to a stop at an intersection for a red light. green light making left hand turn, car stalled out in intersection, able to restart car. i am at 89k now ever since then the car has been randomly stalling out at stops. i keep up with my vehicle maintenance. by doing some research this problem is a cause for concern, multiple complaints about this problem around the internet. this a safety issue and i believe it should be looked into and corrected. these problems can be prevented. *tt
Reported in: BAY SHORE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B28D
SUSPENSION
there is a serious growling road noise coming from the wheel bearings. if you check "car forums and automotive chat" there is a fix under chat labeled "stwsti" date 10-19-2008... i feel this is a serious enough problem for dodge to recall these vehicles or at least to notify owners of the problem of bearing failure at highway speeds...
Reported in: PEORIA AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B68D
SUSPENSION
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact noticed a knocking coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. the contact inspected the vehicle and found that the ball joints needed to be replaced. the contact was unable to purchase the ball joints separately. the front passenger side control arm and ball joints were replaced. the contact stated that the control arm and ball joints had to be replaced on both the front driver and passenger sides because the tire was wearing rapidly and the knocking noise was still heard. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Reported in: BUNKER MO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
SUSPENSION
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while the tires were being rotated by a private mechanic, the mechanic advised that steel was showing through both front tires. the mechanic attributed the failure to the front lower control arms, which has failed. the manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure and the current mileages were 60,000.
Reported in: AMBOY IN || Crash: N || VIN #:
SUSPENSION
both front and rear suspension-struts/shocks leaking and both need to be replaced-mechanic stated they have replaced so many suspensions on these vehicles, they cant keep parts instock.
Reported in: BALTIMORE MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i have 2 2008 vehicles the first one is a dodge avenger and the 2nd one is a caliber. i bought both of these cars from the same dealership new. i have issues with the tire pressure sensors in all the tires. they are corroding causing the tire pressure to drop, are they any current issues or recalls on these type of devices.
Reported in: BRIMFIELD OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
WHEELS
i have 2 2008 vehicles the first one is a dodge avenger and the 2nd one is a caliber. i bought both of these cars from the same dealership new. i have issues with the tire pressure sensors in all the tires. they are corroding causing the tire pressure to drop, are they any current issues or recalls on these type of devices.
Reported in: BRIMFIELD OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
TIRES
i have 2 2008 vehicles the first one is a dodge avenger and the 2nd one is a caliber. i bought both of these cars from the same dealership new. i have issues with the tire pressure sensors in all the tires. they are corroding causing the tire pressure to drop, are they any current issues or recalls on these type of devices.
Reported in: BRIMFIELD OH || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 25 mph, the contact noticed that the etc warning indicator was illuminating on the instrument panel on an intermittentl basis. the engine began to exhibit a significantly reduced amount of power and the road performance was extremely poor. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the computerized system was reset. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure was 86,000.
Reported in: GRAND FORKS ND || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
the electronic throttle control failed on this 2008 dodge caliber. the car stalled and lost all power while being driven. this problem was a recall item on the 2007 dodge caliber. dodge should now make this electronic throttle control a recall item for the 2008 model year.
Reported in: WEST SUFFIELD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while traveling 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed and no repairs were performed. the current and the failure mileages were 75,000.
Reported in: HUMANSVILLE MO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C48D
VISIBILITY
we parked our 2008 dodge caliper for three days and when we drove next the head light switch would not activate the head lights at all, the auxiliary driving lights would not work, the wind shied wipers will not work (front or back) the wind shield washer will not work. the head lights do come on automatic when you start the vehicle and then they stay on until you turn the ignition switch off. the hazard lights will come on and flash but that is the only thing that is connected to the driver¿¿s column that will work. this is a safety problem because of the lack of lighting capability, the wind shield washers not working. i have goggled this problem and the same problem has happened on the dodge avenger and there are several entries of the problem happening on the dodge caliper.
Reported in: TONKAWA OK || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
we parked our 2008 dodge caliper for three days and when we drove next the head light switch would not activate the head lights at all, the auxiliary driving lights would not work, the wind shied wipers will not work (front or back) the wind shield washer will not work. the head lights do come on automatic when you start the vehicle and then they stay on until you turn the ignition switch off. the hazard lights will come on and flash but that is the only thing that is connected to the driver¿¿s column that will work. this is a safety problem because of the lack of lighting capability, the wind shield washers not working. i have goggled this problem and the same problem has happened on the dodge avenger and there are several entries of the problem happening on the dodge caliper.
Reported in: TONKAWA OK || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
we parked our 2008 dodge caliper for three days and when we drove next the head light switch would not activate the head lights at all, the auxiliary driving lights would not work, the wind shied wipers will not work (front or back) the wind shield washer will not work. the head lights do come on automatic when you start the vehicle and then they stay on until you turn the ignition switch off. the hazard lights will come on and flash but that is the only thing that is connected to the driver¿¿s column that will work. this is a safety problem because of the lack of lighting capability, the wind shield washers not working. i have goggled this problem and the same problem has happened on the dodge avenger and there are several entries of the problem happening on the dodge caliper.
Reported in: TONKAWA OK || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
POWER TRAIN
while driving at approximately 60mph my car lost power and would only go about 10-15 mph for approximately 15 miles, when i finally found a place that i could leave the car it was only idling. upon taking it to the chrysler dealer was told it will cost approximately $500 to fix that the throttle body does not know what it wants to do. i asked if it would be covered under the lifetime power train warranty as the warranty does not exclude it and was advised that it is not covered. i have read on the internet that there is a major issue with both the 2007 and 2008 throttle body going out. this is rediculous that chrysler has not addressed this issue and is not covering it under the warranty since the car will not drive safely under these conditions, does it take someone being killed because they all of a sudden lose power and get hit. if they are going to give this type of warranty then they should cover it and if it is not covered they should be responsible to list it as a non covered item and people should be informed when purchasing the vehicle. power train....throttle body.....without the throttle body you have no power. sounds pretty simple to me.. this should be covered. *js
Reported in: GRAVOIS MILLS MO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B88D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 dodge caliber stopped accelerating normally in september 2010 at about 43,000 miles (and about 6 months after i bought it from a mazda dealership). i took it to several transmission shops who all said they couldn't help, but had heard of many similar problems with this vehicle. i finally took it to the dealership for a diagnosis and was told the whole transmission needed to be replaced (at about $4000). this diagnosis seems to be very different from the throttle issue that i've read about online. i was told it might hurt the powertrain further to continue driving it, so the car is still sitting in my drive way as a non-op. i don't understand how dodge is getting away with this, when so many similar complaints exist (most of which are within the warranty). *js
Reported in: BAKERSFIELD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
POWER TRAIN
2008 dodge caliber stopped accelerating normally in september 2010 at about 43,000 miles (and about 6 months after i bought it from a mazda dealership). i took it to several transmission shops who all said they couldn't help, but had heard of many similar problems with this vehicle. i finally took it to the dealership for a diagnosis and was told the whole transmission needed to be replaced (at about $4000). this diagnosis seems to be very different from the throttle issue that i've read about online. i was told it might hurt the powertrain further to continue driving it, so the car is still sitting in my drive way as a non-op. i don't understand how dodge is getting away with this, when so many similar complaints exist (most of which are within the warranty). *js
Reported in: BAKERSFIELD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
SERVICE BRAKES
i bought this vehicle used from ganley dodge in bedford ohio. we have driven this vehicle aprox 12000 miles and have replaced or serviced the rear brakes six times at two separate dealers. the rear brakes have made a howling noise since the day it left the lot. chrysler has attempted to repair this problem six times to no avail. both dealers that have serviced the caliber say that there is nothing that can be done to fix the problem, they also say it is cosmetic. after dealing with the dealers nonsense i called chrysler directly, after a week of dealing with them they finally call me back to tell me that an engineer has stated that rear brakes making noise is a normal thing for this car to do. and that there is nothing they will do to fix the problem. i suppose this is what happens when you allow and american car company to be owned by an italian and german companies.
Reported in: LAKEWOOD OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B68D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
sitting on i-10 stopped when a tractor trailer rear ended me. his speed was 40 miles per and no airbags deployed. the front air bags should have helped me from getting my face cut and prevented my injury. i wish the bags would have worked. we just had the car checked out at the dodge dealer a few months prior. the driver front bag burning me would have been better then the blunt force to my face.
Reported in: GLENDALE AZ || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
AIR BAGS
sitting on i-10 stopped when a tractor trailer rear ended me. his speed was 40 miles per and no airbags deployed. the front air bags should have helped me from getting my face cut and prevented my injury. i wish the bags would have worked. we just had the car checked out at the dodge dealer a few months prior. the driver front bag burning me would have been better then the blunt force to my face.
Reported in: GLENDALE AZ || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while driving, the vehicle made a clucking noise. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. the failure was located at the rear tie rod and strut having defective material. the ignition also failed and could not be turned. the rear tie rod strut and ignition was replaced. the vehicle was repaired but continued exhibiting a noise from the rear. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 74,176.
Reported in: KALAMAZOO MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B78D
SUSPENSION
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while driving, the vehicle made a clucking noise. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. the failure was located at the rear tie rod and strut having defective material. the ignition also failed and could not be turned. the rear tie rod strut and ignition was replaced. the vehicle was repaired but continued exhibiting a noise from the rear. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 74,176.
Reported in: KALAMAZOO MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B78D
SUSPENSION
the ball joints have prematurely worn out on our 2008 dodge caliber. at 40,000 miles i also had to replace the tie rod ends and the brake pads. *tt
Reported in: FINDLAY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K48D
STEERING
the ball joints have prematurely worn out on our 2008 dodge caliber. at 40,000 miles i also had to replace the tie rod ends and the brake pads. *tt
Reported in: FINDLAY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K48D
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle decelerated. lost power, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate over 35 mph. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated to the contact that the failure was caused due by the transmission fluid overheating. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. the failure and the current mileage was 55,000. the dealer replaced the transmission fluid. updated 08/06/12
Reported in: SCOTTSDALE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48BX8D
SERVICE BRAKES
my fiancee and i got into the car and after i started it, it wouldn't shift out of park. luckily we were close to home and i had internet on my phone so i could look up how to manually override the issue. if there's a manual override, it seems like they knew it would/could happen. my fiancee is disabled, if she had been driving the car (it is her car) and got stuck out in this 100 degree heat wave, she wouldn't have known what to do or have even been able to do it had she known what to do. i'm irritated because my research shows that this is a very common dodge issue amongst many different models yet they have only issued recalls on certain models. i did call dodge hq to find out if this model had a recall for this issue and obviously it hasn't. the drone just did their job of getting the information they needed. i can't stress this part enough, if they provide an override, they know there is an issue!
Reported in: HICKORY NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
STEERING
at 41000 miles, our 4 year old vehicle, should not have needed new ball joints. research tells me dodge has been very aware of a problem for years, but have not done any type of a recall. all i can say is thank god we found the problem before we went to the mountains.
Reported in: OMAHA NE || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C98D
SUSPENSION
at 41000 miles, our 4 year old vehicle, should not have needed new ball joints. research tells me dodge has been very aware of a problem for years, but have not done any type of a recall. all i can say is thank god we found the problem before we went to the mountains.
Reported in: OMAHA NE || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C98D
ENGINE
the car has just shut down 3 different times now (while driving) and has left us stranded in the arizona desert each time. we will be driving and suddenly no matter how hard i press the gas pedal the car comes to a stop and will not turn back on until about 10 minutes later. i took it to brakes plus after it happened the first time and they said nothing was wrong. it then happened again a few months ago, and now again today. i am scared to put my family in the family car. something has to be done about this. i'm going to call dodge and get to the bottom of this. i came on here to see if anyone has had the same issue. apparently they do. i will never buy a dodge again unless they come up with an answer to this.
Reported in: BUCKEYE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28BX8D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the throttle control light illuminated on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. when this occurred, the vehicle would either decelerate or stall. the contact stated that the vehicle would need to rest for a few moments before it would function as normal again. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the throttle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.
Reported in: PORTSMOUTH VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
ENGINE
driving the car down the road at approximately 35 mph and all of a sudden the electronic throttle control light comes on. the car lost engine power will running very rough. car would not accelerate and became hard to handle. was eventually able to get the car to the side of the road. i was on a city street. if this had happened on a very busy street or the highway i could have been stuck right in the middle of traffic with no or very little power to get it out of the road. this could have been a very dangerous situation at higher speeds or more traffic. there was no warning other then the light that came on when it happened.
Reported in: BURNSVILLE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B28D
POWER TRAIN
driving the car down the road at approximately 35 mph and all of a sudden the electronic throttle control light comes on. the car lost engine power will running very rough. car would not accelerate and became hard to handle. was eventually able to get the car to the side of the road. i was on a city street. if this had happened on a very busy street or the highway i could have been stuck right in the middle of traffic with no or very little power to get it out of the road. this could have been a very dangerous situation at higher speeds or more traffic. there was no warning other then the light that came on when it happened.
Reported in: BURNSVILLE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B28D
VISIBILITY/WIPER
while driving on an interstate at 60 miles per hour at night in a heavy rain, my windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. i could not see but i luckily stopped on the shoulder. after several minutes the wipers started up. i traveled 20-30 minutes and it happened again. after pulling over and waiting several minutes, they restarted. i drove off and soon it happened for a third time. after waiting several minutes, the rain stopped and i traveled home. this failure is very similar to the cause listed in the 2008 jeep liberty recall due to a defective windshield wiper motor. i am being charged $343 by a dealer to replace the wiper motor.
Reported in: FANWOOD NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K48D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 dodge caliber. while driving at 60 mph the battery charging light came on. next day took car to auto store to have battery tested and they replaced the battery. next morning at 2:00 am while driving my husband to work, all lights on panel started coming on one at a time and car lost power and we coasted to the side of the freeway. the car is at the shop today and mechanics are trying to figure out what happened. they noted the battery was bad, but i just had a new battery put in and they stated the started was not bad. what is wrong so i can get it fixed. also change oil light always comes on even when i have just had the oil changed; which i do every 3,000 miles. the current mileage on vehicle is 57,000 miles.
Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3H28B08D6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2008 dodge caliber. while driving at 60 mph the battery charging light came on. next day took car to auto store to have battery tested and they replaced the battery. next morning at 2:00 am while driving my husband to work, all lights on panel started coming on one at a time and car lost power and we coasted to the side of the freeway. the car is at the shop today and mechanics are trying to figure out what happened. they noted the battery was bad, but i just had a new battery put in and they stated the started was not bad. what is wrong so i can get it fixed. also change oil light always comes on even when i have just had the oil changed; which i do every 3,000 miles. the current mileage on vehicle is 57,000 miles.
Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3H28B08D6
WHEELS
i was in georgetown ontario on the weekend and got in my car to drive back to windsor on monday oct 8th. the tire pressure light came on but we had frost overnight and knew this was a normal change in tire pressures. i stopped at the gas station and put air in tires and made sure they were all the same pressure. the tire pressure warning light immediately went out. we drove for about an hour and the tire pressure light went on again. i stopped at the next service center on the 401 and checked the tires. i could see the right front valve stem was cracked. when i turned it, the air started to quickly exit the tire. i had my wife put her thumb on it while i got the jack out and installed the spare tire. i had to have the tpm sensor and valve stem replaced @ $150. reading on the internet, this seems to be a common problem. the service manager told me its due to corrosion and has had to replace some. he said chrysler has not come up with a solution to the problem on my model vehicle. this car only has 38,000 km and is just over three years old! the valve stem should not be cracking! this is a big safety hazard, if that stem had let loose when i was passing someone on the 401 in the left lane, i could have lost control of the vehicle. i am now worried about the other three valve stems.
Reported in: PALM SPRINGS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
TIRES
i was in georgetown ontario on the weekend and got in my car to drive back to windsor on monday oct 8th. the tire pressure light came on but we had frost overnight and knew this was a normal change in tire pressures. i stopped at the gas station and put air in tires and made sure they were all the same pressure. the tire pressure warning light immediately went out. we drove for about an hour and the tire pressure light went on again. i stopped at the next service center on the 401 and checked the tires. i could see the right front valve stem was cracked. when i turned it, the air started to quickly exit the tire. i had my wife put her thumb on it while i got the jack out and installed the spare tire. i had to have the tpm sensor and valve stem replaced @ $150. reading on the internet, this seems to be a common problem. the service manager told me its due to corrosion and has had to replace some. he said chrysler has not come up with a solution to the problem on my model vehicle. this car only has 38,000 km and is just over three years old! the valve stem should not be cracking! this is a big safety hazard, if that stem had let loose when i was passing someone on the 401 in the left lane, i could have lost control of the vehicle. i am now worried about the other three valve stems.
Reported in: PALM SPRINGS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
POWER TRAIN
as you start to drive the transmission begins to make a loud whinning noise as you speed up it got higher pitched. took to dealer 10/12/12 after paying $112 for them to tell me the transmission was bad and needed replaced. the cost of that was going to be $3700 and there was no assistants by dealership. informed me that it is a problem with cvt trans because it is unservicable. took to local trans shop paid $3200 for a remanufactured, was suggested that we get rid of car because they feel it will happen again. worst warr. ever an trans of 18month 18,000 mile. called dodge directly and the declined to help in anyway told me that there is no problem listed with these cars or trans.
Reported in: SOUTH BEND IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
POWER TRAIN
my 17 yr old daughter was driving our 2008 dodge caliber when acceleration was lost. the car started shaking when she tried to give it fuel and the electronic throttle system like came on. needless to say, she was very shaken by this ordeal. we have an extended warranty that we purchased through carmax, with a 300.00 deductible, however the warranty company would only pay 144.00 dollars of the 647.00 total bill. the car has approx 70,000 miles so i don't understand why the throttle system would be defective. according to the repair shop, the needle inside the throttle that feeds the fuel was defective. luckily my daughter was not on the main highway when it went out, otherwise it could have been more serious. i am voicing my complaint on this part and all be ware of the throttle needle going bad. i will also make this a formal complaint with dodge as well.
Reported in: KINGSTON SPRINGS TN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
my 17 yr old daughter was driving our 2008 dodge caliber when acceleration was lost. the car started shaking when she tried to give it fuel and the electronic throttle system like came on. needless to say, she was very shaken by this ordeal. we have an extended warranty that we purchased through carmax, with a 300.00 deductible, however the warranty company would only pay 144.00 dollars of the 647.00 total bill. the car has approx 70,000 miles so i don't understand why the throttle system would be defective. according to the repair shop, the needle inside the throttle that feeds the fuel was defective. luckily my daughter was not on the main highway when it went out, otherwise it could have been more serious. i am voicing my complaint on this part and all be ware of the throttle needle going bad. i will also make this a formal complaint with dodge as well.
Reported in: KINGSTON SPRINGS TN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
ENGINE
my 17 yr old daughter was driving our 2008 dodge caliber when acceleration was lost. the car started shaking when she tried to give it fuel and the electronic throttle system like came on. needless to say, she was very shaken by this ordeal. we have an extended warranty that we purchased through carmax, with a 300.00 deductible, however the warranty company would only pay 144.00 dollars of the 647.00 total bill. the car has approx 70,000 miles so i don't understand why the throttle system would be defective. according to the repair shop, the needle inside the throttle that feeds the fuel was defective. luckily my daughter was not on the main highway when it went out, otherwise it could have been more serious. i am voicing my complaint on this part and all be ware of the throttle needle going bad. i will also make this a formal complaint with dodge as well.
Reported in: KINGSTON SPRINGS TN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
SERVICE BRAKES
i was on my way to work, headlights and dash lights started to flicker, all the indicator light on the dash came on. smoke started coming in the vents into the vehicle went to stop, brakes grabbed for a second then went out completely, even shifting the vehicle to park did nothing. stopped the vehicle by hitting guard rail called police, within minutes the entire front end was in flames.
Reported in: BLOSSBURG PA || Crash: Y || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i was on my way to work, headlights and dash lights started to flicker, all the indicator light on the dash came on. smoke started coming in the vents into the vehicle went to stop, brakes grabbed for a second then went out completely, even shifting the vehicle to park did nothing. stopped the vehicle by hitting guard rail called police, within minutes the entire front end was in flames.
Reported in: BLOSSBURG PA || Crash: Y || VIN #:
ENGINE
i was on my way to work, headlights and dash lights started to flicker, all the indicator light on the dash came on. smoke started coming in the vents into the vehicle went to stop, brakes grabbed for a second then went out completely, even shifting the vehicle to park did nothing. stopped the vehicle by hitting guard rail called police, within minutes the entire front end was in flames.
Reported in: BLOSSBURG PA || Crash: Y || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while driving a 2008 dodge caliber se in a street between 40mph and 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly shutdown itself. five second later and after pulling over as close as i could to the curve of the road, the car died. i tried to restart the engine to move it out of the way of the traffic, but the vehicle did not start. smoke started coming out under the hood, and after further examination, i saw sparks and smoke coming out off the fuses' box. i disconnected the battery and waited for the smoke to clear up. using a flash light, i found out that one of the circuit card in the totally integrated power module (tipm) shorted and melted part of the plastic cover. the vehicle couldn't be put in neutral, and the break pedal and steering wheel were inoperative. if this incident happened in a high way, i am sure that the incoming traffic could have hit my car with speed over 65mph due to suddenly deceleration and lack of vehicle's response to the driver's commands. my wife, three years old daughter and i could have been involved in a fatal crash.
Reported in: NORFOLK VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving a 2008 dodge caliber se in a street between 40mph and 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly shutdown itself. five second later and after pulling over as close as i could to the curve of the road, the car died. i tried to restart the engine to move it out of the way of the traffic, but the vehicle did not start. smoke started coming out under the hood, and after further examination, i saw sparks and smoke coming out off the fuses' box. i disconnected the battery and waited for the smoke to clear up. using a flash light, i found out that one of the circuit card in the totally integrated power module (tipm) shorted and melted part of the plastic cover. the vehicle couldn't be put in neutral, and the break pedal and steering wheel were inoperative. if this incident happened in a high way, i am sure that the incoming traffic could have hit my car with speed over 65mph due to suddenly deceleration and lack of vehicle's response to the driver's commands. my wife, three years old daughter and i could have been involved in a fatal crash.
Reported in: NORFOLK VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B88D
ENGINE
i had just left for work and after driving for two minutes, the engine, coolant and navigational lights turned on, and would not allow me to drive over 15 mph. i returned home, checked, and top off the coolant level, which was not very low at all. reset the panel and once i started to pull out of the parking space, the same lights turned on. this is not the first incident i have had with this car. please refer to the other incidents i have submitted, affecting other parts of this car.
Reported in: BRONX NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
SUSPENSION
i was on my way to work and drove approximately 5 minutes. as i was making a left turn to approach the entrance of the exressway, the car starting swerving and screeching and during my manuvering and engaging of the brakes, it came to a holt. the left driver's side axle had snapped and the tire was side-ways. i had to get the car towed to my mechanic, who stated that in all his years in his profession he has never seen anything like that. the axle which is made of steel was broken in half. thank god i was able to safely manuver it without crashing into something, it was quite a scary experience. if i would have experienced this occurrence on the highway, it would have been a fatal accident. this is not the only incident i have had with this car, please refer to my other submissions for this car.
Reported in: BRONX NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B6D7
WHEELS
i was on my way to work and drove approximately 5 minutes. as i was making a left turn to approach the entrance of the exressway, the car starting swerving and screeching and during my manuvering and engaging of the brakes, it came to a holt. the left driver's side axle had snapped and the tire was side-ways. i had to get the car towed to my mechanic, who stated that in all his years in his profession he has never seen anything like that. the axle which is made of steel was broken in half. thank god i was able to safely manuver it without crashing into something, it was quite a scary experience. if i would have experienced this occurrence on the highway, it would have been a fatal accident. this is not the only incident i have had with this car, please refer to my other submissions for this car.
Reported in: BRONX NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B6D7
STEERING
i was on the highway on my way to work, and i went to change from the left to the middle lane and the car kept on going pass the middle lane and toward the wall in the right lane. thank god the lanes had enough clearly between and i was able to gain control and straigtened out the wheels without crashing into other cars and before i hit the wall. i took it to my mechainic and he changed the tire rod on the driver left side wheel. this same tire rod was changed approximately six months prior to this incident. another scary experience i have endured with this car, which could have been fatal for myself as well as others. i have had four incidents with this car already, i am very scared to drive it. i brought this car in august of 2009, i am still making payments on it, and still have to take out of pocket expense for its' faulty workmanship. today is february 11, 2013 and i am ready to get rid of it...after this i will never buy another dodge made car.
Reported in: BRONX NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
WHEELS
i was on the highway on my way to work, and i went to change from the left to the middle lane and the car kept on going pass the middle lane and toward the wall in the right lane. thank god the lanes had enough clearly between and i was able to gain control and straigtened out the wheels without crashing into other cars and before i hit the wall. i took it to my mechainic and he changed the tire rod on the driver left side wheel. this same tire rod was changed approximately six months prior to this incident. another scary experience i have endured with this car, which could have been fatal for myself as well as others. i have had four incidents with this car already, i am very scared to drive it. i brought this car in august of 2009, i am still making payments on it, and still have to take out of pocket expense for its' faulty workmanship. today is february 11, 2013 and i am ready to get rid of it...after this i will never buy another dodge made car.
Reported in: BRONX NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B68D
AIR BAGS
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the driver's side frontal air bag failed to deploy when the driver crashed into a tree. the driver suffered injuries to the knee and arms. the vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not inspected for the air bag failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 63,000.
Reported in: MACUNGIE PA || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB48BX8D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that he was at a complete stop and attempted to accelerate but the vehicle would not respond. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. the failure mileage was 74,056. the vin was unavailable.
Reported in: OAKGROVE MO || Crash: N || VIN #:
STEERING
i was making a turn and the passenger side tie rod broke. this is the third time i have had to replace a tie rod. thank god my kids were not in the car or i wasn't on the highway. when is some gonna do something about this. people have had more than one bad experience with this. dodge needs to step up and fix these cars!! this will b the last dodge i ever buy.
Reported in: VALPARAISO IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B77D
POWER TRAIN
i was making a turn and the passenger side tie rod broke. this is the third time i have had to replace a tie rod. thank god my kids were not in the car or i wasn't on the highway. when is some gonna do something about this. people have had more than one bad experience with this. dodge needs to step up and fix these cars!! this will b the last dodge i ever buy.
Reported in: VALPARAISO IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B77D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the rear driver's side taillight became filled with water, causing the taillight to fail. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic, who removed the light but was unable to determine the cause of the failure.. the failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 77,000.
Reported in: PALM BAY FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
SEATS
it is raining in my vehicle. rain is pouring in through the sunroof and entering my car through the dome light, passenger and driver side support pillars, and onto the passenger and driver side floor and seats through a faulty drainage system. there is already a service bulletin out for the 2007 model for this issue. i went to dodge today and they will not fix my car per their service bulletin: 23-043-06 subject: water leak from headliner, because it is out for the 2007 model. they said the extended warranty i bought through chrysler will not cover the parts or labor and they will not apply the service bulletin to my vehicle because i own a 2008 vehicle. the issue, not taken care of leads to electrical problems, as reported by other owners on various blogs that pertain to this same problem. this company has irresponsibly produced a 2008 model with the same problem as the 2007 model, however, they will not fix the problem. in addition, the particular dealership i went to at 9600 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl, wanted me to pay at $105 diagnostic fee in addition to the warranty deductible of $100 if the warranty was to cover the problem that dodge created in their counterproductive manufacturing methods.
Reported in: ST AUGUSTINE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
STRUCTURE
it is raining in my vehicle. rain is pouring in through the sunroof and entering my car through the dome light, passenger and driver side support pillars, and onto the passenger and driver side floor and seats through a faulty drainage system. there is already a service bulletin out for the 2007 model for this issue. i went to dodge today and they will not fix my car per their service bulletin: 23-043-06 subject: water leak from headliner, because it is out for the 2007 model. they said the extended warranty i bought through chrysler will not cover the parts or labor and they will not apply the service bulletin to my vehicle because i own a 2008 vehicle. the issue, not taken care of leads to electrical problems, as reported by other owners on various blogs that pertain to this same problem. this company has irresponsibly produced a 2008 model with the same problem as the 2007 model, however, they will not fix the problem. in addition, the particular dealership i went to at 9600 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl, wanted me to pay at $105 diagnostic fee in addition to the warranty deductible of $100 if the warranty was to cover the problem that dodge created in their counterproductive manufacturing methods.
Reported in: ST AUGUSTINE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B38D
POWER TRAIN
while driving on the freeway, the 2008 dodge caliber loss power and began to decrease speed. i stepped on the accelerator but the car did not respond. i exited the freeway, and after i was stopped at a light, i attempted to accelerate, but again, the vehicle would not respond. when it did, it jerked repeatedly until it was able to accelerate. while driving the car loss power again. additionally, the check engine light was on for a few months prior, a knocking noise would come from the engine, and a mechanic advised me that the transmission needed to be replaced. lastly, when it rains, the back seat passenger side and floor was inundated with water.
Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
ENGINE
while driving on the freeway, the 2008 dodge caliber loss power and began to decrease speed. i stepped on the accelerator but the car did not respond. i exited the freeway, and after i was stopped at a light, i attempted to accelerate, but again, the vehicle would not respond. when it did, it jerked repeatedly until it was able to accelerate. while driving the car loss power again. additionally, the check engine light was on for a few months prior, a knocking noise would come from the engine, and a mechanic advised me that the transmission needed to be replaced. lastly, when it rains, the back seat passenger side and floor was inundated with water.
Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
cpsc: i1340364a. 2008 dodge caliber. consumer stated while driving the car at 70 mph down the interstate the power suddenly went out, and the car was decelerating speed at the same time. *ln the consumer stated the cruise control was activated, and just as she was trying to pull over, the power returned, and the vehicle took off, trying to get back to 70 mph. ever since the incident, the vehicle would stall while accelerating. the consumer found numerous complaints on the internet, from other owners experiencing problems with the electronic throttle control.
Reported in: CLINTON IL || Crash: N || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
car will be at a stop, then when you try and accelerate it won't go and tries pulling forward and kind of jerks. also the airbag light will go on for a minute then turn off then come back on a minute later over and over the whole time while driving. this car has never been in an accident.
Reported in: POCATELLO ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
AIR BAGS
car will be at a stop, then when you try and accelerate it won't go and tries pulling forward and kind of jerks. also the airbag light will go on for a minute then turn off then come back on a minute later over and over the whole time while driving. this car has never been in an accident.
Reported in: POCATELLO ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
POWER TRAIN
car will be at a stop, then when you try and accelerate it won't go and tries pulling forward and kind of jerks. also the airbag light will go on for a minute then turn off then come back on a minute later over and over the whole time while driving. this car has never been in an accident.
Reported in: POCATELLO ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B38D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
after turning on my car it began to lunge while in idle. as i attempted to back it out of the driveway the accelerator pedal had little to no effect. the car would not drive more than 10 mph, still lunging. the indicator light for the electronic throttle control (etc) lit up and started blinking. i took it into the dealer and the diagnostic ($150) proved it to be the etc. the etc kit needed to be replaced which apparently is a "dealer only" part. this is such a common occurrence for dodge that the etc kit is on back order and will not be available for 2 weeks! not to mention the part costs $600+. and by the way, i had to have the transmission replaced in 2011!
Reported in: MARTINEZ CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28BX8D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
after turning on my car it began to lunge while in idle. as i attempted to back it out of the driveway the accelerator pedal had little to no effect. the car would not drive more than 10 mph, still lunging. the indicator light for the electronic throttle control (etc) lit up and started blinking. i took it into the dealer and the diagnostic ($150) proved it to be the etc. the etc kit needed to be replaced which apparently is a "dealer only" part. this is such a common occurrence for dodge that the etc kit is on back order and will not be available for 2 weeks! not to mention the part costs $600+. and by the way, i had to have the transmission replaced in 2011!
Reported in: MARTINEZ CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28BX8D
POWER TRAIN
after turning on my car it began to lunge while in idle. as i attempted to back it out of the driveway the accelerator pedal had little to no effect. the car would not drive more than 10 mph, still lunging. the indicator light for the electronic throttle control (etc) lit up and started blinking. i took it into the dealer and the diagnostic ($150) proved it to be the etc. the etc kit needed to be replaced which apparently is a "dealer only" part. this is such a common occurrence for dodge that the etc kit is on back order and will not be available for 2 weeks! not to mention the part costs $600+. and by the way, i had to have the transmission replaced in 2011!
Reported in: MARTINEZ CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28BX8D
VISIBILITY/WIPER
the main issue is not being able to take the car out of "park" when it is running. for the past year it has happened intermittently. the last 2 days none of my trying and retrying to get it out of park works. also, my windshield wipers come on whenever they feel like it. mostly upon starting. i also cannot reset my change oil light.
Reported in: CRESCENT VALLEY NV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
POWER TRAIN
the main issue is not being able to take the car out of "park" when it is running. for the past year it has happened intermittently. the last 2 days none of my trying and retrying to get it out of park works. also, my windshield wipers come on whenever they feel like it. mostly upon starting. i also cannot reset my change oil light.
Reported in: CRESCENT VALLEY NV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the main issue is not being able to take the car out of "park" when it is running. for the past year it has happened intermittently. the last 2 days none of my trying and retrying to get it out of park works. also, my windshield wipers come on whenever they feel like it. mostly upon starting. i also cannot reset my change oil light.
Reported in: CRESCENT VALLEY NV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B48D
ENGINE
going down the highway and when down shifting to merge in traffic the car died. got it to the shoulder of the road & it started but was making a horrible noise. got it towed home & to garage where they took the motor apart & found it had 2 burnt valves. took the head to engine shop & found that the head seats are broken and the other 2 are worn & also have to be replaced. cannot find parts from dodge & mechanic said he had to order them from japan. now a job that should have been around $100 is costing us over $500. very disappointed that a car with that low mileage would have something like this happen. i still owe 2 years on the car & by the looks of the complaints on the caliber i should have never bought it in the first place.
Reported in: BROCKWAY PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C08D
POWER TRAIN
going down the highway and when down shifting to merge in traffic the car died. got it to the shoulder of the road & it started but was making a horrible noise. got it towed home & to garage where they took the motor apart & found it had 2 burnt valves. took the head to engine shop & found that the head seats are broken and the other 2 are worn & also have to be replaced. cannot find parts from dodge & mechanic said he had to order them from japan. now a job that should have been around $100 is costing us over $500. very disappointed that a car with that low mileage would have something like this happen. i still owe 2 years on the car & by the looks of the complaints on the caliber i should have never bought it in the first place.
Reported in: BROCKWAY PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C08D
STRUCTURE
i bought this vehicle on 09/11/2013 and a day later i noticed the back drivers side floor & mat was sopping wet.(it was raining the day i purchased the vehicle) i felt under the drivers seat & that was wet as well but not as wet as the back. feeling the front drivers side mat i noticed that was wet too as was the carpet underneath! i ran the shop vac to get all the water out. i was going away for three days so when i got to my destination i checked the floor again & it was sopping wet again!! there was no rain that day! i will be calling the dealership where i bought this "used" vehicle today. so far i cleared the water out twice & it just reappears. with cooler temperatures coming this could be a very hazardous condition due to the floor & mats freezing under your feet when your driving the vehicle!!
Reported in: KULPMONT PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
this is the third time in less than a year i am having trouble with this. i look this up online and a lot. hundreds of people are having this problem. my etc (electronic throttle control light) comes on. my car loses power and sometime stop running in the middle of the highway. i have the pcm replace in the car that cost about $600 and i am having the same problem again. losing power in a vehicle is very dangerous. i started having the same problem in my 2011 dodge caravan the dealer saying the cylinders are misfiring. something needs to done about this.
Reported in: WEST PORTSMOUTH OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
this is the third time in less than a year i am having trouble with this. i look this up online and a lot. hundreds of people are having this problem. my etc (electronic throttle control light) comes on. my car loses power and sometime stop running in the middle of the highway. i have the pcm replace in the car that cost about $600 and i am having the same problem again. losing power in a vehicle is very dangerous. i started having the same problem in my 2011 dodge caravan the dealer saying the cylinders are misfiring. something needs to done about this.
Reported in: WEST PORTSMOUTH OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B18D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
i have replaced the bulbs multiple times on the turn signals. the brake lights continue to come on and off at their leisure . sometimes, the turn signals on the front work and sometimes not. this is becoming a regular incident and is very dangerous since i drive long distances frequently. i also have been stopped by law enforcement several times for defective bulbs, luckily only warnings so far.
Reported in: SNEADS FL || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i have replaced the bulbs multiple times on the turn signals. the brake lights continue to come on and off at their leisure . sometimes, the turn signals on the front work and sometimes not. this is becoming a regular incident and is very dangerous since i drive long distances frequently. i also have been stopped by law enforcement several times for defective bulbs, luckily only warnings so far.
Reported in: SNEADS FL || Crash: N || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES
abs light came on, found righet rear wheel senser was defictive. *js
Reported in: BAY SHORE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
STEERING
left and right ball joints worn and had to be replaced. this caused excessive play in the streeing.*js
Reported in: BAY SHORE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
POWER TRAIN
vehicle is an automatic, 2.0l engine. while at a stop, in any gear, foot on or off the brake, my car will idle roughly, rpms fluctuate rapidly between 200-900 or higher, and the vehicle will sometimes stall and shut down while doing this. this rough idle and stalling out will also happen while slowing down/decelerating, as well as accelerating from a stop or slower speeds. the issue tends to happen more when the engine temperature has warmed up a bit from normal driving, but has occurred at lower temperatures as well. i have taken the vehicle to my local dodge dealership at least three times in the past three months; on the first visit, they replaced the pcv valve, ignition coil, and spark plugs ($400); on the next two visits, they claim they cannot replicate the issue, and no error codes appear on their diagnostic computers. i have had the fuel injectors cleaned, and had other mechanics inspect the car; they cannot find any needed repairs or error codes, but they have been able to replicate the issue. the car continues to experience this issue, no matter what repairs i have done. i am in contact with chrysler/dodge corporate customer relations, and have an open case with them, though they and the dealership state my car "has no warranty with dodge," and thus the issue isn't covered, nor do i have any claim to financial support from chrysler/dodge. my vehicle is currently at my local dodge dealership, in hopes they might finally be able to replicate the issue and find a cause/fix.
Reported in: HUDSON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
vehicle is an automatic, 2.0l engine. while at a stop, in any gear, foot on or off the brake, my car will idle roughly, rpms fluctuate rapidly between 200-900 or higher, and the vehicle will sometimes stall and shut down while doing this. this rough idle and stalling out will also happen while slowing down/decelerating, as well as accelerating from a stop or slower speeds. the issue tends to happen more when the engine temperature has warmed up a bit from normal driving, but has occurred at lower temperatures as well. i have taken the vehicle to my local dodge dealership at least three times in the past three months; on the first visit, they replaced the pcv valve, ignition coil, and spark plugs ($400); on the next two visits, they claim they cannot replicate the issue, and no error codes appear on their diagnostic computers. i have had the fuel injectors cleaned, and had other mechanics inspect the car; they cannot find any needed repairs or error codes, but they have been able to replicate the issue. the car continues to experience this issue, no matter what repairs i have done. i am in contact with chrysler/dodge corporate customer relations, and have an open case with them, though they and the dealership state my car "has no warranty with dodge," and thus the issue isn't covered, nor do i have any claim to financial support from chrysler/dodge. my vehicle is currently at my local dodge dealership, in hopes they might finally be able to replicate the issue and find a cause/fix.
Reported in: HUDSON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ENGINE
vehicle is an automatic, 2.0l engine. while at a stop, in any gear, foot on or off the brake, my car will idle roughly, rpms fluctuate rapidly between 200-900 or higher, and the vehicle will sometimes stall and shut down while doing this. this rough idle and stalling out will also happen while slowing down/decelerating, as well as accelerating from a stop or slower speeds. the issue tends to happen more when the engine temperature has warmed up a bit from normal driving, but has occurred at lower temperatures as well. i have taken the vehicle to my local dodge dealership at least three times in the past three months; on the first visit, they replaced the pcv valve, ignition coil, and spark plugs ($400); on the next two visits, they claim they cannot replicate the issue, and no error codes appear on their diagnostic computers. i have had the fuel injectors cleaned, and had other mechanics inspect the car; they cannot find any needed repairs or error codes, but they have been able to replicate the issue. the car continues to experience this issue, no matter what repairs i have done. i am in contact with chrysler/dodge corporate customer relations, and have an open case with them, though they and the dealership state my car "has no warranty with dodge," and thus the issue isn't covered, nor do i have any claim to financial support from chrysler/dodge. my vehicle is currently at my local dodge dealership, in hopes they might finally be able to replicate the issue and find a cause/fix.
Reported in: HUDSON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
STEERING
failure of both front lower ball joints. caused pulling while drive and turning.
Reported in: FREEPORT PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
failure of both front lower ball joints. caused pulling while drive and turning.
Reported in: FREEPORT PA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
SUSPENSION
front lower ball joint assembly and outer tie rod very bad affecting steering and handling. shimmies on the highway, could be difficult to control. mechanic recommends a trip to the dealer immediately since i did buy extended warranty.
Reported in: MINNEAPOLIS MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ENGINE
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, a loud clicking noise was heard from the engine. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (tipm) needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
Reported in: EL MIRAGE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ENGINE
second time this as happened in less then 3 yrs. driving car no warning light ever came on the first time. lost power car died. had it towed to dealership $600 cost no real answer from dealer ship. now dec 25th 2013 driving home and light electronic throttle control indicator light comes on . car putt's along . again this is the second time this has happened, someone is going to get killed and dodge will have a law suit on their hands. i and many others will tell our friends and families not to buy anything made by dodge . pretty sad someone will have to die to get this company to do a recall and fix the problem.
Reported in: MT VERNON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28C48D
SUSPENSION
have issues with both front struts, both ball joints, and both inner and outer tie rods. while driving you can feel shaking and vibrations. also steering is starting to become bad because of this issue. there needs to be a recall on this before an accident occurs and someone gets seriously injured or killed.
Reported in: SAINT PAUL MN || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, it jerked violently. the contact also mentioned that acceleration power was reduced. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's recall. the failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Reported in: PORTLAND ME || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B88D
POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated the vehicle stalled when first started. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. the test results determined a defective pcm. the contact did not have the pcm replaced. the contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. the failure mileage was 110,000.
Reported in: WESTLAKE VILLAGE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B78D
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
reference chrysler tsb 23-035-07 for some (possibly) valuable, related information. tail light lens condensing and containing water. i have complained to my local dodge dealer about this matter twice. the second time i reported it, i had gone in for regular service and, by chance, was given a 2011 dodge caliber as a rental. both tail lights had condensation and at least 1/2" of water in them. i pointed this out the general manager, telling him i thought it was a defect, without letting him even know that it was 'his' car. he only nodded in agreement. i told him that the service representative said that there was nothing that could be done about it except for me to purchase a replacement lens assembly. i was also told that there were no tsb's related to this. when i told the service department about the tsb i found, they said the reference to "exterior lamp" is to the 'headlamps' and no others. though my dealer is willing to help me with the cost of a replacement lens assembly, and since i feel this is a manufacturer's defect, and i do not think it is fair to them to carry the burden. finally, if one were to perform a google search relating to this issue they would find that there is clearly an ongoing and pervasive issue with not only the dodge caliber line of most years since production started, but many other models as well. in particular, the caliber forum sites have many complaints posted regarding this matter and the lengths the owners have had to go through to resolve the matter on their own. thank you for your time.
Reported in: CAPITOLA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B28D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i was on my way to work and getting onto a freeway entrance, when right when i was merging, my car completely lost throttle control and bogged down. it was very foggy outside and a semi truck almost ran into the back of my car. i was able to get off the freeway and home with my car in what is known as limp mode. there was no check engine light, only a red lightning bolt light, and my esp (traction control) was on also. upon doing some research i have found that the electronic throttle body goes out in these cars quite a bit. no body in my city had one and luckily i was able to source one from another state. everyone that was out said they were on back order. this further confirmed my thoughts that this is a common problem along with reading about 10 other cases and a car forum where this has happened to many member there also. i understand things wear down and break and need to be replaced, but with my car only having 70,000 miles on it i find it a little ridiculous, and on that forum there are some where their throttle bodies have gone out at 30,000 miles. i'm just surprised that no body has been seriously injured or killed in accident because of this issue. one particular member on the forum i read he stated that the car had completely died on him in the middle of a busy intersection. i have a 4 year old son and it just bugs me to think that what if i had him in the car and that semi wasn't able to move out of the way in time? all i'm asking is that dodge either makes a better quality throttle body and puts out a recall or at least replaces the throttle body under the recall for free. i have wrote to dodges customer complaint department, but have not heard anything back so i figured maybe i would try here and see if anything can be done.
Reported in: MERIDIAN ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB68F38D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
i was on my way to work and getting onto a freeway entrance, when right when i was merging, my car completely lost throttle control and bogged down. it was very foggy outside and a semi truck almost ran into the back of my car. i was able to get off the freeway and home with my car in what is known as limp mode. there was no check engine light, only a red lightning bolt light, and my esp (traction control) was on also. upon doing some research i have found that the electronic throttle body goes out in these cars quite a bit. no body in my city had one and luckily i was able to source one from another state. everyone that was out said they were on back order. this further confirmed my thoughts that this is a common problem along with reading about 10 other cases and a car forum where this has happened to many member there also. i understand things wear down and break and need to be replaced, but with my car only having 70,000 miles on it i find it a little ridiculous, and on that forum there are some where their throttle bodies have gone out at 30,000 miles. i'm just surprised that no body has been seriously injured or killed in accident because of this issue. one particular member on the forum i read he stated that the car had completely died on him in the middle of a busy intersection. i have a 4 year old son and it just bugs me to think that what if i had him in the car and that semi wasn't able to move out of the way in time? all i'm asking is that dodge either makes a better quality throttle body and puts out a recall or at least replaces the throttle body under the recall for free. i have wrote to dodges customer complaint department, but have not heard anything back so i figured maybe i would try here and see if anything can be done.
Reported in: MERIDIAN ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB68F38D
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
i was on my way to work and getting onto a freeway entrance, when right when i was merging, my car completely lost throttle control and bogged down. it was very foggy outside and a semi truck almost ran into the back of my car. i was able to get off the freeway and home with my car in what is known as limp mode. there was no check engine light, only a red lightning bolt light, and my esp (traction control) was on also. upon doing some research i have found that the electronic throttle body goes out in these cars quite a bit. no body in my city had one and luckily i was able to source one from another state. everyone that was out said they were on back order. this further confirmed my thoughts that this is a common problem along with reading about 10 other cases and a car forum where this has happened to many member there also. i understand things wear down and break and need to be replaced, but with my car only having 70,000 miles on it i find it a little ridiculous, and on that forum there are some where their throttle bodies have gone out at 30,000 miles. i'm just surprised that no body has been seriously injured or killed in accident because of this issue. one particular member on the forum i read he stated that the car had completely died on him in the middle of a busy intersection. i have a 4 year old son and it just bugs me to think that what if i had him in the car and that semi wasn't able to move out of the way in time? all i'm asking is that dodge either makes a better quality throttle body and puts out a recall or at least replaces the throttle body under the recall for free. i have wrote to dodges customer complaint department, but have not heard anything back so i figured maybe i would try here and see if anything can be done.
Reported in: MERIDIAN ID || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB68F38D
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
car was already warmed and driven for about 5 miles, after stopping at a gas station to refuel and re-starting, it was idling very inconsistently and running rough, shaking. there was a dash indicator for electronic throttle control flashing. i tried driving it and there was jerking and pulling and the transmission wouldn't shift past 2nd, car would not accelerate beyond 12-15 mph. i made it home (about 2 miles) and left the car for about 6 hours. upon restarting and warming, the car drove fine. about 1 1/2 weeks later, the same dash light came on, steady not flashing, car rumbled, then light went off and the car was fine. this happened on and off for about 2 weeks. then, when ready to leave from work one day, i started the car to warm it and the indicator light came on and stayed on, the car was running very rough, idle was fluctuating between about 500-1500 rpms and shaking. i left the car, assuming when i came back the next day it would start and be fine just like the 2 times before, but that was not the case. i drove the car to a nearby mechanic, maxing out at about 15 mph, strangely the car seemed to pick up speed when i eased off the accelerator, and steady loss of speed while going up hill. the mechanic could not fix or even diagnose the problem, said it has to go to the dealer. it seems to be something to do with the throttle control. i will update it once i hear from the dealer later today.
Reported in: POUGHKEEPSIE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
car was already warmed and driven for about 5 miles, after stopping at a gas station to refuel and re-starting, it was idling very inconsistently and running rough, shaking. there was a dash indicator for electronic throttle control flashing. i tried driving it and there was jerking and pulling and the transmission wouldn't shift past 2nd, car would not accelerate beyond 12-15 mph. i made it home (about 2 miles) and left the car for about 6 hours. upon restarting and warming, the car drove fine. about 1 1/2 weeks later, the same dash light came on, steady not flashing, car rumbled, then light went off and the car was fine. this happened on and off for about 2 weeks. then, when ready to leave from work one day, i started the car to warm it and the indicator light came on and stayed on, the car was running very rough, idle was fluctuating between about 500-1500 rpms and shaking. i left the car, assuming when i came back the next day it would start and be fine just like the 2 times before, but that was not the case. i drove the car to a nearby mechanic, maxing out at about 15 mph, strangely the car seemed to pick up speed when i eased off the accelerator, and steady loss of speed while going up hill. the mechanic could not fix or even diagnose the problem, said it has to go to the dealer. it seems to be something to do with the throttle control. i will update it once i hear from the dealer later today.
Reported in: POUGHKEEPSIE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
car was already warmed and driven for about 5 miles, after stopping at a gas station to refuel and re-starting, it was idling very inconsistently and running rough, shaking. there was a dash indicator for electronic throttle control flashing. i tried driving it and there was jerking and pulling and the transmission wouldn't shift past 2nd, car would not accelerate beyond 12-15 mph. i made it home (about 2 miles) and left the car for about 6 hours. upon restarting and warming, the car drove fine. about 1 1/2 weeks later, the same dash light came on, steady not flashing, car rumbled, then light went off and the car was fine. this happened on and off for about 2 weeks. then, when ready to leave from work one day, i started the car to warm it and the indicator light came on and stayed on, the car was running very rough, idle was fluctuating between about 500-1500 rpms and shaking. i left the car, assuming when i came back the next day it would start and be fine just like the 2 times before, but that was not the case. i drove the car to a nearby mechanic, maxing out at about 15 mph, strangely the car seemed to pick up speed when i eased off the accelerator, and steady loss of speed while going up hill. the mechanic could not fix or even diagnose the problem, said it has to go to the dealer. it seems to be something to do with the throttle control. i will update it once i hear from the dealer later today.
Reported in: POUGHKEEPSIE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
car was already warmed and driven for about 5 miles, after stopping at a gas station to refuel and re-starting, it was idling very inconsistently and running rough, shaking. there was a dash indicator for electronic throttle control flashing. i tried driving it and there was jerking and pulling and the transmission wouldn't shift past 2nd, car would not accelerate beyond 12-15 mph. i made it home (about 2 miles) and left the car for about 6 hours. upon restarting and warming, the car drove fine. about 1 1/2 weeks later, the same dash light came on, steady not flashing, car rumbled, then light went off and the car was fine. this happened on and off for about 2 weeks. then, when ready to leave from work one day, i started the car to warm it and the indicator light came on and stayed on, the car was running very rough, idle was fluctuating between about 500-1500 rpms and shaking. i left the car, assuming when i came back the next day it would start and be fine just like the 2 times before, but that was not the case. i drove the car to a nearby mechanic, maxing out at about 15 mph, strangely the car seemed to pick up speed when i eased off the accelerator, and steady loss of speed while going up hill. the mechanic could not fix or even diagnose the problem, said it has to go to the dealer. it seems to be something to do with the throttle control. i will update it once i hear from the dealer later today.
Reported in: POUGHKEEPSIE NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
AIR BAGS
traveling on highway in winter road conditions. driver lost control on black ice. hit highway guardrail head on, then on the pax front side, then on driver front side. major damage to front costing approx $6000.00 in damage. air bag did not deploy even thought lights on dash were activated as deployed. with seat belt on passenger was thrown forward hitting steering wheel and knees to lower dashboard. sever concussion as result, bruising and soreness. vehicle was purchased in 2011 from enterprise/national car rental with 31k miles on it.
Reported in: MIDWAY UT || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
STRUCTURE:BODY
traveling on highway in winter road conditions. driver lost control on black ice. hit highway guardrail head on, then on the pax front side, then on driver front side. major damage to front costing approx $6000.00 in damage. air bag did not deploy even thought lights on dash were activated as deployed. with seat belt on passenger was thrown forward hitting steering wheel and knees to lower dashboard. sever concussion as result, bruising and soreness. vehicle was purchased in 2011 from enterprise/national car rental with 31k miles on it.
Reported in: MIDWAY UT || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
ENGINE
driving vehicle on main road approx 40mph .. electronic throttle body indicator flashed , vehicle immediately lost power .. had to pull over for safety reasons.. vehicle "bucked" with a rough idle .. turned the vehicle off , restarted ; all seemed ok. this scenario occurred multiple times each time on the road disabling power and unexpected , local mechanic replaced spark plugs and coil packs .. the vehicle started but few days passed , again the etc indicator came on , immediately losing power , bucking on a highway / biway 45 mph , pulled over shoulder .. restarted approx 15 min later all seemed ok.. the latest occurrence and most impacted ., vehicle will not go beyond 10 mph, no power, bucking .. phoned dealership .. etc is on back order and not enough parts available to fill outstanding log of b/o .. (region is out of stock ) phoned chrysler addressed issue is multiple across forums and suggested recall.. this issue is a safety concern and costly when codes are not accurate( misfire ignition coils, catalyst below threshold , overheated o2 sensor , never indicating relating to faulty etc .. but the dealership wouldn't order so many nor would they be out i stock and back ordered if this wasn't "recall worthy" chrysler was helpful in assisting and hopefully they will expedite part and all will be well ..
Reported in: SCHENECTADY NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
SEATS
drivers seat heater stayed on after car key was turned off. it continued to stay on after i got off and went shopping..the whole drivers seat burnt a big hole. burned all the way to the bottom and burned the carpet and part of the door panel. smoked the whole car .appraiser .said it was a short.in back part of heating wiring in back of seat. that stayed on.
Reported in: BAKERSFIELD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB78K87D
POWER TRAIN
driving car at ~35 mph - entire dashboard indicator lights come on - vehicle immediately slows down to 5 mph - no power when pressing on gas - rpm to up to 3 or 4 (like i'm driving 80 mph) malfunction indicator light and trans oil temp light comes on - almost rear-ended because of drastic reduction in speed in ~5 seconds. took to mechanic codes u0101 (loss of communication with transmission control module and code u0402 (invalid data received from transmission control module) mechanic was able to clear codes but indicated that this is a common problem with dodge calibers - happened again on february 27th - called dodge (800-423-6343) and they said to take to dealership for $112 diagnostic (already know the diagnosis) - they could not provide any information on an actual fix for this problem - still want customer to pay for diagnosis with no actual fix - they can clear the codes (like my mechanic did for $50) and wait for it to happen again - only to (again) do the $112 diagnostic with no fix for this issue. i do not want to die driving this car. dodge totally unresponsive - upon internet search - lots of complaints and talk of class-action and recall. please recall - this is clearly a manufacturer computer software problem - a very dangerous computer software problem that should be fixed by the manufacturer.
Reported in: BALTIMORE MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B48D
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
vehicle was purchased brand new in 2008. december 24th 2013 at only 43,000 miles i had to replace the throttle body which wasn't covered under a warranty and i had to pay $367 to have fixed. my car is in excellent condition & when i spoke with different dodge dealerships i was told that it's just a glitch that happens to some cars but nobody could tell me why at 43,000 miles i was experiencing a major repair! also the dealership who fixed the car said that the part was on back order it could take up to 3 months to get part cause evidently the part was in high demand. that tells that there is something faulty goin on with dodge vehicles. this needs to be researched further to see if a recall should happen! i will never purchase another dodge not only because the cars are horribly made but there dealerships are not customer friendly (i even contacted the dodge co. & got nowhere) after the vehicle has been purchased. i wanted to support & buy american but i've found out the hard way that maybe by buying foreign will get a reliable car!
Reported in: SENECA SC || Crash: N || VIN #:
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
vehicle was purchased brand new in 2008. december 24th 2013 at only 43,000 miles i had to replace the throttle body which wasn't covered under a warranty and i had to pay $367 to have fixed. my car is in excellent condition & when i spoke with different dodge dealerships i was told that it's just a glitch that happens to some cars but nobody could tell me why at 43,000 miles i was experiencing a major repair! also the dealership who fixed the car said that the part was on back order it could take up to 3 months to get part cause evidently the part was in high demand. that tells that there is something faulty goin on with dodge vehicles. this needs to be researched further to see if a recall should happen! i will never purchase another dodge not only because the cars are horribly made but there dealerships are not customer friendly (i even contacted the dodge co. & got nowhere) after the vehicle has been purchased. i wanted to support & buy american but i've found out the hard way that maybe by buying foreign will get a reliable car!
Reported in: SENECA SC || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
tl - the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning lamp illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician was unable to diagnosed the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 95,000. pm
Reported in: MIAMI FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28BX8D
ENGINE
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the stated that the engine stalled with the illumination of the engine and electronic throttle control warning indicators while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop. the engine restarted and the vehicle resumed normally after several minutes however, the failure was recurring. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reprogrammed the electronic throttle control and engine control module. the failure persisted after the repair was performed. the vehicle had not been further repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 63,000. the vin was unavailable.
Reported in: MECHANICSBURG PA || Crash: N || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the stated that the engine stalled with the illumination of the engine and electronic throttle control warning indicators while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop. the engine restarted and the vehicle resumed normally after several minutes however, the failure was recurring. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reprogrammed the electronic throttle control and engine control module. the failure persisted after the repair was performed. the vehicle had not been further repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 63,000. the vin was unavailable.
Reported in: MECHANICSBURG PA || Crash: N || VIN #:
WHEELS
the nut that holds the tire valve stem corroded, cracked in half, and fell off the tire. the result is that the valve stem fell inside the rim, and all of the air suddenly leaked out of the tire. luckily there was no light traffic on the road otherwise there could have been a serious accident. this has happened again on a second tire; this occurrence i was driving at a low speed in a parking lot. after a brief internet search for "dodge valve stem problems" and viewing online forums it seems to be an issue across several dodge vehicles. this defect should be recalled as it has potential for significant safety implications. i can only imagine what kind of disaster could have happened if one blew out during rush hour. thank you
Reported in: OMAHA NE || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
while driving my children to school, my car began shutting down on a major road putting mychildren and myself in danger. the throttle control light came on. after turning the car off and waiting a couple of minutes i was able to drive extremly slow to ge them to school safely. this sounds similar to the same problems currently happening with the chevy cobalts. is it going to take chrysler/dodge killing people before this gets recalled? i encourage everyone to contact their local news stations along with national news stations! car companies are only interested in making their money and not looking at the safety issues of the death traps they are selling to consumers. i will be endlessly pursuing this matter until dodge steps up and pay for the repair! i will call every news station until some attention is brought to this matter and holding car companies like dodge/chrysler responsible for selling and manufacturing faulty vehicles. i have gone through all complaints listed on this site and numerous others. someone is not doing their job!
Reported in: WACO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving my children to school, my car began shutting down on a major road putting mychildren and myself in danger. the throttle control light came on. after turning the car off and waiting a couple of minutes i was able to drive extremly slow to ge them to school safely. this sounds similar to the same problems currently happening with the chevy cobalts. is it going to take chrysler/dodge killing people before this gets recalled? i encourage everyone to contact their local news stations along with national news stations! car companies are only interested in making their money and not looking at the safety issues of the death traps they are selling to consumers. i will be endlessly pursuing this matter until dodge steps up and pay for the repair! i will call every news station until some attention is brought to this matter and holding car companies like dodge/chrysler responsible for selling and manufacturing faulty vehicles. i have gone through all complaints listed on this site and numerous others. someone is not doing their job!
Reported in: WACO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving my children to school, my car began shutting down on a major road putting mychildren and myself in danger. the throttle control light came on. after turning the car off and waiting a couple of minutes i was able to drive extremly slow to ge them to school safely. this sounds similar to the same problems currently happening with the chevy cobalts. is it going to take chrysler/dodge killing people before this gets recalled? i encourage everyone to contact their local news stations along with national news stations! car companies are only interested in making their money and not looking at the safety issues of the death traps they are selling to consumers. i will be endlessly pursuing this matter until dodge steps up and pay for the repair! i will call every news station until some attention is brought to this matter and holding car companies like dodge/chrysler responsible for selling and manufacturing faulty vehicles. i have gone through all complaints listed on this site and numerous others. someone is not doing their job!
Reported in: WACO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
first time dodge owner and never again...as i was driving at 45 mph first my battery light came on then 10 seconds laterlater all the panel lights came in car lost all power but never shut down i pulled off 6 lane intersection to a safe location and turned car off and it would not start back i wait 2 hrs in 90degree heat 6 months pregnant for a tow truck i call dodge dealer and they said 160 to look at it but sounds like fuse box or something like that. said typical in these cars so i just had the car towed home because i can't afford to dish out all kinds of money. just under a year ago i replaced the alternator and battery again not cheap.... nothing but problems with this car and as soon as i am able i am getting rid of it.
Reported in: JACKSONVILLE FL || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
first time dodge owner and never again...as i was driving at 45 mph first my battery light came on then 10 seconds laterlater all the panel lights came in car lost all power but never shut down i pulled off 6 lane intersection to a safe location and turned car off and it would not start back i wait 2 hrs in 90degree heat 6 months pregnant for a tow truck i call dodge dealer and they said 160 to look at it but sounds like fuse box or something like that. said typical in these cars so i just had the car towed home because i can't afford to dish out all kinds of money. just under a year ago i replaced the alternator and battery again not cheap.... nothing but problems with this car and as soon as i am able i am getting rid of it.
Reported in: JACKSONVILLE FL || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
first time dodge owner and never again...as i was driving at 45 mph first my battery light came on then 10 seconds laterlater all the panel lights came in car lost all power but never shut down i pulled off 6 lane intersection to a safe location and turned car off and it would not start back i wait 2 hrs in 90degree heat 6 months pregnant for a tow truck i call dodge dealer and they said 160 to look at it but sounds like fuse box or something like that. said typical in these cars so i just had the car towed home because i can't afford to dish out all kinds of money. just under a year ago i replaced the alternator and battery again not cheap.... nothing but problems with this car and as soon as i am able i am getting rid of it.
Reported in: JACKSONVILLE FL || Crash: N || VIN #:
STRUCTURE:BODY
i've had sooo many issues with my 2008 dodge caliber that i've lost count. the most recent ones are really bothering me, as i have one more payment and the car is paid off. about two months ago, my etc light came on and i just knew it had to be an error because i had it totally replaced in 2011 and paid over $500. so i did some research and found that a whole lot of people has had the same issue so i emailed dodge to let them know this and to see if there was a recall on the etc. of course they didn't really address the issue and they told me there was nothing they can do. so i ended up paying over $500 to have it replaced again. now, i have an issue with my driver door, the spring has popped out and now it won't close! i took it in and they said it's going to cost between $1200-$1400 to have it fixed because i need a new door! again, i did some research and find out that this has also happened to a lot of people with this same car! and both of these issues poses extreme safety risks, as with the etc, the car automatically stops accelerating. then with the door, if the spring is just popping out at any given moment, i feel that the door could easily swing open while you are driving. i'm a single mother with two children and now i have no car since the door can't close.this is extremely frustrating and unfair! how can these cars be so defective and no one is addressing it? this is in addition to countless other issues i've had over the years. i would like for dodge to be held accountable for the cost of my repairs. this just isn't right. and i can see if this was an isolated incident with a few people, but in researching and finding out how many people has had the same issue, both of these issues, is extremely alarming. it's probably one of the reasons they no longer make this car! i truly believe it's a lemon!!
Reported in: NAPERVILLE IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
WHEELS
had a second occasion of the valve stem corroding and failing in that the actual stem broke free of the housing and dislidges the plastic cap. this latest incident resulted in a total lose of air pressure and control of the car on a 65 mph on an interstate highway .
Reported in: FAIR HAVEN NJ || Crash: N || VIN #:
AIR BAGS
my daughter was involved in a front to rear collision where she rear ended a stationary vehicle square on at 40mph. none of her airbags in any part of the car deployed at 40mph. complete failure of the system. car was never tampered with, nor had it ever had a deployment or accident prior to this. the consumer stated his daughter recieved deep tissue trauma in her chest from the seat belt. the vehicle was totaled. the manufacturer was not contacted. updated 06/06/2014 *js
Reported in: PHOENIX AZ || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
SUSPENSION
ball joint separation on the drivers side
Reported in: SMITHTOWN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB68F78D
VISIBILITY/WIPER
during a severe rainstorm in my area, i was leaving an event parking lot to drive home. while waiting at the stop light i attempted to turn on my windshield wipers because of the severe rain. they failed to start. while sitting at the light i restarted my car hoping that would alleviate the apparent 'short' in the windshield wipers, but it did not. as the light turned green, i was forced to move forward. while driving slow, i rolled my window down and attempted to guide the car to a safe spot to pull over. i couldn't identify a place through all of the rain, and also i was driving in busy downtown traffic. i started to slow down more but looked forward and all i could see were trees coming up quickly through the blurry windshield; i immediately jolted to a stop as i hit an island/median in the middle of the road. my car was scraped by trees and parking cones which were laying in the median. i heard scraping and a large thud as my car came to a stop. still in the rain, i put my hazards on and waited until the police arrived. my airbags did not deploy and i am extremely irritated that my windshield wipers suddenly stopped working in a terrible rainstorm. this accident could have been much worse. my vehicle is 6 years old; at the 5 year mark i took it in for a full-system maintenance where i was told that everything was working fine. i am very disappointed in my choice in purchasing dodge.
Reported in: TAMPA FL || Crash: Y || VIN #:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
driving down the street at about 30mph and the car started jerking really bad the soon it died i went down and diagnosed it, come to find out the throttlebody is bad and seems to have happened to almost every caliber sebring owner.
Reported in: BARLING AR || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
driving down the street at about 30mph and the car started jerking really bad the soon it died i went down and diagnosed it, come to find out the throttlebody is bad and seems to have happened to almost every caliber sebring owner.
Reported in: BARLING AR || Crash: N || VIN #:
POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the vehicle started to jerk violently intermittently. after the initial failure the vehicle decelerated independently and failed to accelerate. the contact mentioned that the integrated power module light was illuminated on the instrumental panel. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 58,000. the vin was not available.
Reported in: MEDFORD OR || Crash: N || VIN #:
COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the horn malfunctioned. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the air bag was defective causing the horn to malfunction. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 44,500.
Reported in: EAST ST LOUIS IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1D3HD48B28D
AIR BAGS
tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the horn malfunctioned. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the air bag was defective causing the horn to malfunction. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 44,500.
Reported in: EAST ST LOUIS IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1D3HD48B28D
WHEELS
we were noticing the car being sluggish and not wanting to pick up speed so we made an appointment to get it looked at. before that could happen the electronic throttle control light popped on when i was going through an intersection, the car wouldn't go above 20mph and felt like it wanted to stall out. i took my foot off the gas and the etc light went off after a few seconds. i was lucky it was very early in the morning and the intersection was empty. i continued on my way to work about 1/2 mile and the etc came back on. i managed to get it to work and parked it. i looked up what the light means and proceeded to google what it was for my car. i was socked by how many people have had this exact problem for the make and model. i couldn't believe this issue was not known or recalled. car owners should have been made aware of this issue before it became a hazard. i left work and prayed my car would make it the 1/2 mile to my home. unfortunately , the etc light came back on then started flashing. after reading other car owners posts i decided not to risk staling it on a bridge so i coasted it into a gas station were it chugged out. i walked the rest of the way home in 85 degree weather. we towed the car to our repair place, they hooked it up to the computer to read the codes, then they reset the controls hoping it would by pass a glitch. it didn't. they then had us bring the car to a dodge dealer to be repaired. the dealer was familiar with he problem "this happens all the time with these cars." they couldn't get to it until after the fourth of july weekend. they installed the replacement throttle body $272.42 (part 4891735ac) at a cost of 566.00 total. we just got the car back today. it is running smoother but only time will tell if the problem was fixed.
Reported in: BIDDEFORD ME || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
we were noticing the car being sluggish and not wanting to pick up speed so we made an appointment to get it looked at. before that could happen the electronic throttle control light popped on when i was going through an intersection, the car wouldn't go above 20mph and felt like it wanted to stall out. i took my foot off the gas and the etc light went off after a few seconds. i was lucky it was very early in the morning and the intersection was empty. i continued on my way to work about 1/2 mile and the etc came back on. i managed to get it to work and parked it. i looked up what the light means and proceeded to google what it was for my car. i was socked by how many people have had this exact problem for the make and model. i couldn't believe this issue was not known or recalled. car owners should have been made aware of this issue before it became a hazard. i left work and prayed my car would make it the 1/2 mile to my home. unfortunately , the etc light came back on then started flashing. after reading other car owners posts i decided not to risk staling it on a bridge so i coasted it into a gas station were it chugged out. i walked the rest of the way home in 85 degree weather. we towed the car to our repair place, they hooked it up to the computer to read the codes, then they reset the controls hoping it would by pass a glitch. it didn't. they then had us bring the car to a dodge dealer to be repaired. the dealer was familiar with he problem "this happens all the time with these cars." they couldn't get to it until after the fourth of july weekend. they installed the replacement throttle body $272.42 (part 4891735ac) at a cost of 566.00 total. we just got the car back today. it is running smoother but only time will tell if the problem was fixed.
Reported in: BIDDEFORD ME || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B08D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
horn started going off randomly. sometimes short bursts and sometimes long sustained honks. took car to the dealer and was told the tipm is failing. car has also just shut down while driving.
Reported in: LAS VEGAS NV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
horn started going off randomly. sometimes short bursts and sometimes long sustained honks. took car to the dealer and was told the tipm is failing. car has also just shut down while driving.
Reported in: LAS VEGAS NV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB28B98D
POWER TRAIN
i am writing to discuss a possible danger in the design of the fuse box. the fuse box under the hood of the dodge caliber appears to allow too much moisture beyond the upper seal. every 10,15, and 20 amp mini fuse develops excessive oxidation on the contacts. the oxidation may cause malfunctions in two ways. the first is phantom error codes and check engine lights. the second is the cvt transmission may slip out of gear while driving causing sudden loss of drive power and lead to collisions. another issue that concerns me is the potential for circuits to overheat resulting in electrical fires under the dash and under the hood of the caliber.
Reported in: ROCHESTER NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i am writing to discuss a possible danger in the design of the fuse box. the fuse box under the hood of the dodge caliber appears to allow too much moisture beyond the upper seal. every 10,15, and 20 amp mini fuse develops excessive oxidation on the contacts. the oxidation may cause malfunctions in two ways. the first is phantom error codes and check engine lights. the second is the cvt transmission may slip out of gear while driving causing sudden loss of drive power and lead to collisions. another issue that concerns me is the potential for circuits to overheat resulting in electrical fires under the dash and under the hood of the caliber.
Reported in: ROCHESTER NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1B3HB48B58D