2008 Dodge Caliber recalls & problems
The 2008 Dodge Caliber has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 360 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is suspension (113 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2008 Dodge Caliber.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2008 Dodge Caliber 4-DR. w/SAB
| Overall | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Caliber
| City / highway | 24 / 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
Caliber
| City / highway | 23 / 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Caliber
| City / highway | 23 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Caliber
| City / highway | 21 / 25 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Caliber AWD
| City / highway | 21 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Caliber
| City / highway | 19 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension Front; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint | 113 | 100,999 mi |
| Structure Body; Frame and members | 88 | 107,000 mi |
| Electrical system Horn | 59 | 78,000 mi |
| Engine | 43 | 89,788 mi |
| Power train Automatic transmission | 38 | 86,500 mi |
| Steering | 35 | 105,000 mi |
| Unknown or other | 28 | 102,196 mi |
| Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal | 27 | 69,122 mi |
| Air bags Frontal; Knee bolster | 23 | 68,218 mi |
| Wheels | 16 | 80,000 mi |
| Service brakes | 15 | 100,000 mi |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 78,000 mi |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Jul 10, 2023Engine
My vehicle has created a rotten subframe that holds my engine - Feb 1, 2019 · 120,000 milesEngine
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the mechanics has not found a resolution to the problem yet. - Jan 6, 2023Unknown or other
My car shuts down while driving These cars recalled July10 2008 Mine was made April18 2008 but has the same issue It could cost lives - Dec 1, 2022Suspension
Rear subframe rusted right through control rods snapped rear end of car dropped down. Upon researching they know that this is bad and unsafe even gave a 10 year extended warranty for front and rear subframe so how long will and how many complaints before this is an actual recall. I see here in your complaints that there is a large number of complaints on this issue. How are they getting away with this and nothing being done. I will have photos also police had said if this happened while it was on interstate would have crashed and could have been fatal. The tire would have ripped right off. So not only was my safety but the safety of the others being jeopardized cause everyone just keeps… - Dec 8, 2022Suspension
Iâve only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the wheel became loose ,and started pulling ALOT. I was on my way to get an alignment this morning and the whole front end began to buckle not even a minute down the road. I tmade it in back the driveway before the front end collapsed completely - Oct 24, 2022Structure › Body
The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as Iâm driving! The sunroof leaks when it rains and half the time the electricity doesnât work on the sunroof button. My doors have completely stopped auto locking and my hazards will randomly start flashing without pushing the button. Steering is absolutely terrible, it feels like youâre skidding on ice or hydroplaning the entire drive. - Nov 11, 2022Suspension
Rear crossmember/ subframe rusted thru and broke. Replaced front several years ago. Car has always been garaged. - Sep 15, 2021Unknown or other
2008 Dodge Caliber with approx. 135,000 miles on it. Rotted subframe and rusted crossbar. Vehicle started swerving as if driving on ice (in the summertime!). Took it to a reputable mechanic and he wouldn't even put it on a lift. He said it was too much of a risk. I understand this is common on this vehicle, it's dangerous and should be recalled! NO more Dodge vehicles for me, ever!
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.