2009 DODGE CALIBER Suspension Problems

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

Rear subframe rotted in half, causing rear driver side tire to sit sideways and loss of rear end

I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through

Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and H Frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and A Arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! Only have 68,000 on vehicle.

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

Mileage: 64,049

The front sub frame rusted out and almost killed everyone in the car the wheels turned out and lost all steering was really scary is there any way we can get this fixed by dodge this should be a recall I’ve looked at 6 calibers and all of them are rusted out

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

Mileage: 109,000

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

Mileage: 109,000

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

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

Mileage: 145,000

SPEED SENSORS, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS, HUB ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, INTAKE VALVE, TIRES WERE DIFFERENT SIZES, MORE PROBLEMS AROSE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE HOME AND EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND MORE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS REPAIRED OR REPLACED. MINOT AUTOMOTIVE CENTER (3615 S BROADWAY, MINOT, ND 58701, (701) 401-1019) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,005. *LN*JB

Mileage: 64,005

FRONT SUBFRAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND BROKEN

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER WAS CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,795.

Mileage: 100,795

SUBFRAME ROTTED AWAY. CAUSING THE DRIVERS SIDE A-ARM TO RIP OUT. THE WHEEL WAS AT AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE ANGLE FROM NORMAL POSITION. CAUSED THE DRIVESHAFT TO PULL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR TO IMMEDIATELY STOP.

Mileage: 127,000

TRANSMISSION OVER HEATING ON HIGHWAY.. FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION KEEP NEEDS REPAIRED. NOISE IN FRONT WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT.

Mileage: 25

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS QUICKLY AND CAR LOSES POWER. AAMCO HAS REPLACED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. ADDED EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLER. PROBLEM PERSISTS. SUSPENSION IS INSUFFICIENT FOR THIS CAR.

Mileage: 80,000

GOT OIL CHANGE & WAS TOLD MY FRAME WAS RUSTING BAD. TOOK TO MY MECHANIC TO PUT UP ON RACKS AND I LOOKED AT IT. HE SAID IT WAS GETTING VERY RUSTED, HAD HOLES, INCLUDING THE "ARMS" THAT CONNECTED TO WHEELS.

SUBFRAME RUSTED CRACKS VERY DANGEROUS FREQUENT NOISES!

Mileage: 117,075

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND STOPPING, GOT HOME THINKING THE STRUT WAS BROKEN AND FOUND THAT THE SUB-FRAME FOR ENGINE, SWAY BAR AND TIRE ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY ROTTED AND CRACKED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE READY TO BREAK IN TWO. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MILEAGE 91K.

Mileage: 91,000

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE UNUSUAL SOUNDS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DODGE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. TOLD THAT THE FRONT CROSS-MEMBER WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CUSTOMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM CHRYSLER. WAS THEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY COULD NOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER AUTHORIZED IT. THE REASON GIVEN WAS THAT THERE WAS ADDITIONAL RUST FOUND THAT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. INFORMED THAT THIS DECISION COULD BE EXPECTED IN 2 TO 3 WEEKS. WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT OFFER AND TRANSPORTATION WHILE THEY WAITED FOR A DECISION. STILL WAITING.

Mileage: 135,000

THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. A LOSS OF CONTROL AND LOUD NOISE FELT AND HEARD WHILE DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR WHILE TURNING . AFTER DOING MY OWN UNDER VEHICLE INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THIS WAS MY FRIENDS SON'S CAR AND I RECOMMEND TO HIM NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT WAS VERY UNSAFE AND THAT HE COULD LOOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR.

Mileage: 129,000

I TOOK MY WIFE'S 2009 CALIBER TO OUR MECHANIC BECAUSE SHE HEARD CLUNKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT END. WE WERE INFORMED BY OUR MECHANIC THAT A PIECE OF FRAME STRETCHING ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE STEERING RACK AND SWAY BARS ATTACH TO THIS FRAME WORK. ALSO FRONT END COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE MAKES LOUD PLUNKING NOICES WHEN GOING OVER SMALL AND LARGE BUMPS AND MUCH WORSE WHEN HITTING POT HOLES. NO OTHER RUST IS APPARENT ON ANY FRAM WORK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY NINE YEARS OLD. I THINK THAT'S EXTREMELY ODD FOR SUCH A YOUNG VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS MAY BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE VERY SOON AND THINK THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A RECALL THAT I AM UNAWARE OF.

Mileage: 132,656

ENTIRE SUB FRAME IN FRONT IS ROTTED TO THE POINT VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE, DO OTHER RUSET IS VISIBLE IN FRONT. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SQUEAL WHEN DRIVING AND FRONT LEFT TIRE CLOSE TO FELL OFF

Mileage: 83,000

WE HAD TO HAVE A CONTROL ARM AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PUT IN OUR CAR AND OUR MECHANIC INFORMS US THAT THE SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED OUT PRETTY BAD AND WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND IT'S ONLY 8 YRS OLD I DON'T THINK IT'S OUR PLACE TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY NEITHER WE GOT THE CAR AT BOB SWOPE FORD IN ELIZABETHTOWN KENTUCKY WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THEM BUT THEY DO NOT RESPOND COULD YOU PLEASE HELP US GET THIS PROBLEM SOLVED IT WAS CHECKED BY SWOPE ON OR AROUND THE FIRST OF OCTOBER AND THEY DIDN'T SAY A WORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM

MY HUSBAND FILED A COMPLAINT THIS MORNING ON OUR 2009 DODGE CALIBER AND HE ALSO WENT TO TALK TO PEOPLE AT BOB SWOPE FORD IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY AND THEY INFORMED HIM THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME ON OUR CAR WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR YEARS AND WE STILL ARE IN DEBT ON IT UBIQUITOUS FRAME IS SO RUSTY IT IS ABOUT TO BUST OPEN AND IT IS TO DANGEROUS FOR US TO DRIVE HIM & I BOTH ARE ON DISABILITY AND WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AN WE ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THERE IS NO WAY THIS COULD HAVE RUSTED THAT BAD IN 2 YEARS SO THERE FOR IT HAD TO BE LIKE THIS WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING BUT I JUST FEEL THAT THIS IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY GO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THERE IS NO WAY OTHER WISE THAT WE CAN DRIVE THIS CAR AND IT IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION BACK ; FORTH TO THE DR. AND I AM ALSO ON HOME OXYGEN SO I NEED THIS VEHICLE TO GET TO AND FRO I CAN'T TRADE THIS ONE IN BECAUSE WE OWE TO MUCH ON IT THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

THE K FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED FROM RUST.

Mileage: 119,000

THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND I HAVE ORDERED A NEW ONE TO REPLACE THE OLD ONE.

TWO DAYS AGO I REALIZED WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, IF I TURNED RIGHT MY STEERING WHEEL FELT AS THOUGH I HAD NO POWER STEERING. ROTATING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER WAY, WAS CAUSING A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. WHEN TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC, WE CAME TO FIND THE ENTIRE RACK SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED/RUSTED. THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING THE CAR, BECAUSE IT COULD BREAK AT ANY MINUTE. THE 07 CALIBER HAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. AT ANY MOMENT IT COULD HAVE BROKE, AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE/INJURY. I'M ALSO PREGNANT SO CANNOT FEAR MY CAR ISN'T SAFER

Mileage: 140,000

MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS THE 2007 AND 2008 CALIBERS IN THAT THE MAIN CROSSMEMBER IN THE FRONT STEERING/SUSPENSION HAS ROTTED THROUGH. THE REST OF THE CAR IS RUST FREE BUT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR MEMBERS HAVE ROTTED OUT. THIS CAR WAS IN COLORADO SPRINGS FOR THE FIRST 4 YEARS OF ITS LIFE WHERE THEY DO NOT USE SALT AND MOVED TO VERMONT AFTER THAT. AT 59K MILES DODGE WILL NOT COVER THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE REPLACED THEM ON 2007 MODELS EXTENSIVELY. THERE ARE STORIES OF ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES BUT DODGE IS STILL NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POOR QUALITY AND PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE INFERIOR STEEL PARTS. I HAVE BEEN A TECH IN THE AUTO AND TRUCK INDUSTRY FOR 40 YEARS AND AM DISGUSTED THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF STORIES ONLINE ABOUT THESE AND MILLIONS OF CARS IN THE 2007-2009 YEARS THAT ARE FAILING. CAN WE ASK THAT NHTSA CALL THEM OUT ON THIS BEFORE THERE ARE MORE ACCIDENTS. I AM AFRAID THAT I AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR SAFETY ISSUES THAT IS CLEARLY A FAILURE ON DODGE THAT THEY ARE SO FAR SUCESSFULY HIDING FROM. ISSUES ALSO INCLUDE 2007 JEEPS AND STX VEHICLES.

Mileage: 48,000

MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER STARTED EMITTING SOME TERRIBLE SOUNDS WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN THE CITY YESTERDAY (10/20/2016). THIS OCCURRED WHEN TURNING AND DRIVING OVER ANYTHING BUT SMOOTH ROAD. STEERING AND BRAKING WERE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED. AFTER STOPPING I LIFTED IT UP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER STABILIZER BAR HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE BOLTS HADN'T SIMPLY COME LOOSE; THE SECTION OF THE SUBFRAME TO WHICH THE STABILIZER BAR ATTACHES HAD TORN AWAY. THERE IS VERY LITTLE RUST ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR YET I CAN BASICALLY POKE HOLES THROUGH THE SUBFRAME WITH MY FINGER. *TR

Mileage: 93,325

MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER STARTED EMITTING SOME TERRIBLE SOUNDS WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN THE CITY YESTERDAY (10/20/2016). THIS OCCURRED WHEN TURNING AND DRIVING OVER ANYTHING BUT SMOOTH ROAD. STEERING AND BRAKING WERE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED. AFTER STOPPING I LIFTED IT UP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER STABILIZER BAR HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE BOLTS HADN'T SIMPLY COME LOOSE; THE SECTION OF THE SUBFRAME TO WHICH THE STABILIZER BAR ATTACHES HAD TORN AWAY. THERE IS VERY LITTLE RUST ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR YET I CAN BASICALLY POKE HOLES THROUGH THE SUBFRAME WITH MY FINGER. *TR

Mileage: 93,325

THIS CAR ATTEMPTED TO KILL ME TWICE. FIRST THE SUBFRAME ROTTED OUT DUE TO BAD DESIGN. WE NOTICED THIS AS THE STRUTS WERE BEING REPLACED - ALSO BECAUSE OF BAD DESIGN. THIS WAS NOTICED IN 2014 (ON A 2009 VEHICLE!) COST ME OVER $1,000 TO FIX - DODGE OFFERED NO HELP AT ALL. LATER IN 2014 - THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE ARM SEPARATED FROM WHEEL, CAUSING WHEEL TO POP OFF. IF I WAS GOING ANY FASTER THAN THE 10 MPH I WAS GOING (HEADED TO HIGHWAY!), I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. AGAIN CONTACTED DODGE AND NO ASSISTANCE. THEY RECALLED THE 2007 BUT NOT THIS MODEL YEAR FOR THESE PROBLEMS. PICTURES ATTACHED. I HOPE SOMEONE HOLDS THIS COMPANY ACCOUNTABLE! CARS SHOULD NOT COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR IN YEAR 5!!!

Mileage: 110,000

THE CROSS MEMBER/CRADLE/MODULE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN ONE SECTION AND SEVERE RUST/CORROSION ON MOST OF PART. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IN FOR ROUTINE REPAIR WHEN INFORMED VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. THIS ISSUE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER.

Mileage: 48,000

CUSTOMER BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR PA STATE INSPECTION. AND FRONT CROSS-MEMBER IS RUSTED OUT AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THERE IS 101,000 MILES ON IT, AND NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMER THINKS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD COVER 2007 - 2009 VEHICLES, BECAUSE IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM ON ALL THESE MODELS. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 101,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. A YEAR AGO, THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A WEEK AGO AND A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS PREMATURELY RUSTED EXTENSIVELY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MORE THAN THREE TIMES, BUT PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ..UPDATED 11/21/16 *BF *TR

Mileage: 60,000

SUMMARY: THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC THINKING THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MECHANIC STATES THE THE FLUID NEDEDED CHANGED AND FOUND A FRONT CROSSMEMBER OF THE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED APART NEXT TO THE SWAY BAR. THE 2007 MODEL HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WAS GIVEN TO EXTEND IT 10 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSMEMBER, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO DO THIS WITH THE 2009 MODEL. OBVIOUSLY, THE ISSUE HAS CONTINUED WITH SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS AND IS ABSOLUTELY UNREASONABLE TO THINK A VEHICLE THAT IS 7 YEARS OLD WITH NO OTHER RUST, SHOULD HAVE SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE.

Mileage: 778,000

MY SON WAS DRIVING THIS CAR TO WORK NOTICED A SEVERE CHANGE TO THE STEERING. IT CAUSE HIM TO VEER INTO THE OTHER LANE AND LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT ONTO WORK AND CALLED ME TO LET ME KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER DRIVING JUST 10 FEET IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT IT WAS UN-DRIVABLE AND UNSAFE. AFTER CALLING THE TOWING SERVICE THEY SUGGESTED THAT I CALL DODGE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL SINCE THEY HAD ALREADY TOWED OTHER DODGES OF SIMILAR YEARS WITH A RUSTED/ BROKEN SUB FRAMES. CALL LOCAL DEALER WITH THE VIN AND ASK TO IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS FOR A BROKEN SUB FRAME. THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER TO MAKE A REPAIR EVEN AT MY COST. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER WHO HAD SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE ON OTHER DODGES AND WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE REPAIR. AFTER $600 FOR THE PART AND $600 FOR LABOR THE REPAIR WAS MADE ON A CAR WITH 89,000 MILES. WHILE THE CAR WAS GETTING REPAIRED I WAS ABLE TO TELL A CO-WORKER ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ON HER 2007 CALIBER WHICH I DISCOVERED WHILE RESEARCHING. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET HERS REPAIRED WITH NO CHARGE. CONTACTED DODGE AND SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AT THIS POINT. THEY KNOW THAT THERE IS PROBLEM SO I GUESS THAT MEANS DODGE STANDS FOR DODGE RESPONSIBILITY AT THE COST OF THE CONSUMER. I NOT BE PURCHASING ANY MOPAR PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE.

Mileage: 89,000

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC THINKING THERE WAS A BRAKE ISSUE AS THERE WAS A CLUNKING AND SHAKING WHILE BRAKING AND TURNING. MECHANIC STATES THE BRAKES ARE FINE AND FOUND A FRONT CROSSMEMBER OF THE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED APART NEXT TO THE SWAY BAR. THE 2007 MODEL HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WAS GIVEN TO EXTEND IT 10 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSMEMBER, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO DO THIS WITH THE 2009 MODEL. OBVIOUSLY, THE ISSUE HAS CONTINUED WITH SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS AND IS ABSOLUTELY UNREASONABLE TO THINK A VEHICLE THAT IS 7 YEARS OLD WITH NO OTHER RUST, SHOULD HAVE SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE.

Mileage: 183,000

RUSTED FRONT SUBFRAME RESULTING IN STEERING VIBRATION AND TIRE RUBBING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS PULLING HARD TO ONE SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. UNSTABLE RIDE DUE TO PREMATURE RUSTING OF SUBFRAME

Mileage: 114,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CREAKING SOUND. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN CROSS MEMBER WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

UPON INSPECTION OF MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER IS ALMOST COMPLETELY CORRODED OUT.WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 55 MPH THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS YEAR IS NOT RECALLED SO BASICALLY THERE'S NOTHING THEY'RE WILLING TO DO. IF THE 2007 WAS RECALLED AND THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY IS MY 2009 CROSS MEMBER RUSTED OUT? BECAUSE THE SAME PARTS WERE USED AND DEALERSHIPS NEVER WARNED CUSTOMERS THAT THIS WAS A HUGE AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES. WHAT HAPPENED TO SATISFIED CUSTOMERS??? I'M LIVID ABOUT THIS. 8 MONTHS AGO BEFORE MY VEHICLE HAD 50X MILES ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AND THIS CAR ISN'T A PIECE OF CRAP RIGHT? MADE IN CHINA?? I CAN'T BELIEVE THE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT CHRYSLER UTILIZES. SO ARE THEY WAITING FOR A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT THAT KILLS SOMEBODY BEFORE THEY ARE WILING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE WERE TOLD WHEN WE CALLED THAT "THERE'S NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT WOULD WARRANT A RECALL." REALLY???? SO WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN HERE IS I'M GOING TO CONTACT MY ATTORNEY AND CONTACT THE LOCAL NEWS. I AM DEFINITELY NOT THE 1ST PERSON WITH THIS SAME ISSUE AND SAFETY DEFECT. CHRYSLER WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX YOUR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY TAKE THE LIFE OF INNOCENT PEOPLE??? I'M DISGUSTED BEYOND BELIEF!! CAN YOU TELL???

Mileage: 57,885

UPON INSPECTION OF MY DODGE CALIBER SUSPENSION AND FRONT UNDERCARRIAGE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD SEVER CORROSION. THE CORROSION HAS CREATED A SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING THE STABILITY OF THE ENGINE AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE CAR HAS 58,500 MILES. THE DEALER AND FIAT CHRYSLER REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY STATED IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. FIAT CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN 23-012-14 FOR FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBER CORROSION (X58 10 YEARS UNLIMITED) FOR M.Y 2007 DODGE CALIBERS FOR THE SAME DEFECT. MY 2009 CALIBER USES THE SAME PART NUMBER, SAME PART THAT IS BEING REPLACED IN EARLIER VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PREMATURE CORROSION PRESENTS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE IS BECOMING UNSTABLE WHILE TURNING CORNERS.

Mileage: 58,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A PART OF THE SUSPENSION HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. .....UPDATED 04/15/16 *BF *CN

Mileage: 70,000

2009 DODGE CALIBER, WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF BUYING VEHICLE, AS IS, STARTED HAVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, BRAKE AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WAS INFORMED I NEEDED SUSPENSION BAR AND STRUTS REPLACED WHICH WOULD COST OVER $800. ABOUT THE SAME TIME MY TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT LIGHT STARTED COMING ON, I LOOSE POWER AND HAVE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 15-30 MINUTES BEFORE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE AGAIN. GO APPROX. 23 MILES AT A TIME WHEN SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. WORSE IN THE SUMMER TIME. TODAY, MY ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT, MALFUNCTION INDICATION LIGHT AND ENGINE OVERHEAT LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINS ON EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WITHOUT GETTING UP BETWEEN 3 & 4 RPM'S. NOT MUCH POWER. WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR ICE AT STOPPING POINT, VEHICLE JUMPS AHEAD INSTEAD OF STOPPING, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO REAR END SEVERAL TIMES. TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. I PAID $10700 FOR MY VEHICLE. CANT EVEN AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED AS REPAIRS ARE NOW ESTIMATED OVER $4200. THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO DO TO PEOPLE...

Mileage: 68,000

TOOK MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER IN FOR INSPECTION. FRONT SUB-FRAME / CROSS MEMBER IS ROTTING AWAY AND ALMOST RUSTED. REST OF THE CAR HAS VERY LITTLE RUST. CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE. DODGE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE 07 BUT NOT THE 09 KNOWING THE ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP (WHO ARE AWESOME) TO INSPECT THE PROBLEM FURTHER.

Mileage: 75,062

THE 2009 DODGE CALIBER WAS DEEMED UNSAFE AND UNABLE TO PASS A MAINE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE FRONT AND REAR CROSS SUB FRAMES WERE HEAVILY RUSTED AND COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES.

TOOK CAR IN FOR INSPECTION, WAS TOLD CRADLE , SUBFRAME IS ROTTED. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL. CHRYSLER DID RECALL 2007 2008 .BUT NOT 2009 . CAR HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. BODY IS NOT RUSTED. CALLED CUSTOMER CARE AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE AWARE THERE IS A PROBLEM AND GET MANY COMPLAINT BUT HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO EXTEND RECALL. EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. ALMOST EVERY COMPLAINT ON THIS WEBSITE IS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 55,000

TOOK MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER IN FOR ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION, FAILED BECAUSE OF A CRACKED K MEMBER (SUB FRAME) ON THE LEFT SIDE AND LOOSE LEFT TIE ROD. SHOP DOES NOT DO REPAIRS. TOOK TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP IN VERMONT FOR A SECOND LOOK. HE FOUND THAT THE K MEMBER CORRODED WITH HOLES NEAR THE MOUNTING BOLT ON THE K MEMBER AND CORROSION ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. HE ORDERED PARTS TO REPLACE THE K MEMBER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. HE ALSO REPLACED THE OUTER TIE ROD WHICH I HAD PURCHASED AFTER THE FAILED INSPECTION. STEERING QUICKER TO LEFT THAN TO THE RIGHT BEFORE TAKING THE CAR IN FOR THE FAILED INSPECTION

Mileage: 97,420

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE REAR TRAILING ARM BUSHING WAS STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Mileage: 99,000

AFTER SUSPECTING SOME FRONT END SUSPENSION ISSUES I TOOK MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC. UPON INSPECTION HE REPORTED THAT, ALONG WITH CONTROL ARMS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, THE SUBFRAME WAS UNUSUALLY RUSTED AND CORRODED TO A POINT THAT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I INVESTIGATED THE MATTER AND FOUND THAT CHRYSLER ISSUED AN EXTENSION ON THE FACTORY WARRANTY TO COVER THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2007 CALIBERS BUT WHEN I CONTACTED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY INFORMED MY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE 2009 CALIBER. THE CAR IS AT THE GARAGE AND WILL BE GETTING FIXED TOMORROW. I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AND WILL PURSUE THE ISSUE FURTHER.

Mileage: 90,000

ROTTED OUT.CORRODED IN 6 YEARS CAR UNSAFE.

WHILE BRAKING ON THE EXIT RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY I FELT A POP UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CROSS MEMBER FROM EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION.

Mileage: 62,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT AN OBJECT FRACTURED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND CONTAINED HOLES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Mileage: 54,000

I BOUGHT MY CAR USED IN JUNE OF 2014 AND THOUGHT IT WAS IN PRETTY DECENT SHAPE AT THE TIME, LITTLE DID I KNOW. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR (2009 DODGE CALIBER) AND HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND HEARD SOME RATTLING AFTERWARDS. I ASSUMED IT WAS MAYBE A CLAMP ON MY EXHAUST AND SO WASN'T REAL WORRIED ABOUT IT AND FIGURED I WOULD HAVE MY MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT IN A WEEK OF SO. I GOT CONCERNED AFTER A COUPLE DAYS BECAUSE THE RATTLING TURNED INTO CLUNKING. I SENT IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THERE WAS MAJOR ROT ON THE ENGINE CRADLE WHICH WAS ROTTED AND BROKEN AND BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS WERE NO GOOD AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS ALSO NEEDED REPLACING, TWO DAYS BEFORE THIS NOISE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT SPEED LIMIT, HAD THIS ALL FALLEN APART I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE COST TO REPAIR ALL THE PARTS WHICH WERE, AS FAR AS MY MECHANIC IS CONCERNED, FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED, WAS $1920.13 !!! THIS CAR IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH 86,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THE ROT IN THESE PLACES AS SEVERE AS IT IS. I KNOW ON THE DODGE CALIBER FORUMS MANY OWNERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE MAJOR FRONT END PARTS ROTTING. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND I WOULDN'T EVEN HAVE NOTICED HAD MY MECHANIC NOT PUT IT ON A LIFT AND LOOKED AT IT AND EVEN THEN ONCE HE TOOK OFF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO REPLACE IT HE NOTICED THE ROTTED PARTS THAT WERE COVERED BY THE CRADLE, THANK GOD I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL AND GET KILLED AS I TRAVEL A LOT ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO LIGHT AND CALIBER OWNERS NEED TO HAVE THEIR MECHANICS CHECK OUT THEIR CARS BEFORE SOMEONE'S ENGINE FALLS OUT AND THEY GET KILLED. WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR IT WAS MOST LIKELY ROTTED PRETTY BAD AND I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS A DEFECT IN THEM AT THE TIME. I SEE LOTS OF THESE CARS FOR SALE STILL ON LOTS, PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE THE FRONT ENDS INSPECTED THOROUGHLY BEFORE THEY PURCHASE ONE . *TR

Mileage: 86,501

UPON INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE, MY MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE FRAME CROSSMEMBERS WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NEEDING IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. HE STATED THE CAR WAS UNSAFE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *JS

Mileage: 132,000

CAR STARTED FALLING APART AT AROUND 48K TIE RODS. CONTROL ARMS. STRUTS. BUSHINGS. BALL JOINTS. BEARINGS. SWAY BAR LINKS. LATERAL ARM BUSHINGS. UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. UPPER TOW LINKS. FRONT STRUT MOUNTS. MY LATEST REPAIR BILL (TODAY) IS 1500.00 AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 60K ON IT. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS ALSO SLATED FOR REPLACEMENT AS SOON AS THE DEALER GETS IT IN. I AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER AND ALWAYS KEEP MY CAR SERVICED. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. THE SUSPENSION ON THIS CAR IS A MENACE. THE BLOWER MOTOR ALSO WENT AT 48K (A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY NORTHERN MN WINTERS) AND THE REAR DEFROSTER ONLY HAS TWO OR THREE LINES THAT WORK. THE POWER STEERING UNIT IS ALSO LOSING FLUID AND I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THAT REPAIRED AS WELL. I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO PROVIDE A PRINT OUT FROM FIRESTONE AUTO REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

LOWER DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 44,950

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE CONTINUED TO GO FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TIRES AND NOTICED BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,822.

Mileage: 28,822

FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS TOTALLY WORN AND IN DANGER OF SEPARATING FROM CONTROL ARM. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE 50,000 MILES RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE INNER TIRE TREAD WEAR. OTHER POSSIBLE RESULTS: LOSS OF STEERING, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES.

Mileage: 55,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVING REPAIRS FOR STATE INSPECTION WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN PREMATURELY AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000. DEALER REFUSED TO DO WORK. WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND HAD CAR FIXED. UPDATED 09/07/2011 *LN *TR

Mileage: 33,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED. AFTER INSPECTING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SINGLE BOLT THAT ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM ARM WHICH HAD LOOSENED AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL TO MOVE OUTWARD. THE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL PULLED THE DRIVESHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

Mileage: 25,000

2009 DODGE CALIBER HAS NO ADJUSTMENTS FOR REAR CAMBER AND REQUIRES AN AFTER-MARKET BOLT INSTALLATION FOR FRONT. MY 2009 DODGE CALIBER [XXX], HAS EATEN THE INSIDE EDGES OFF ALL 4 TIRES (SCOOPED) THIS WAS WRITTEN OFF AS TIRE WEAR-OK ON EACH CHRYSLER SERVICE. I NOTICED THAT THE INSIDES OF THE TIRES WERE SCOOPED OUT WHEN THE WHEELS WERE TURNED OUT WHEN I PARKED RECENTLY. ESSENTIALLY, YOU AS THE OWNER GET TO REPLACE FOUR TIRES EVERY 24,000 MILES AND THERE SEEMS TO BE NO SOLID REPAIR. MY CAR HAS 17,425 MILES AND I AM DISGUSTED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT ESSENTIALLY HAS NO REPAIR. THE BOLT THE INSTALLED IN THE R FRONT ALLOWS FOR A + OR - 1 DEGREE ADJUSTMENT. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OWNER DOESN'T FIND THE PROBLEM? BLOWOUTS AND CRASHES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 17,425