2009 Dodge Caliber problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Caliber, most often about suspension. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 38
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 5
Fires: 0
Injuries: 1
Median mileage: 122,637 mi

Key facts

Suspension is the most-reported problem area, named in 11 of 38 complaints (29%).
Transmission & Drivetrain (8) and body & structure (6) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 122,637 mi.
Owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury.
It ranks 3rd of 6 Dodge Caliber model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 58% more complaints than the 2008 model year (24).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Unknown or other	12
Suspension	10
Power train	8
Engine	4
Service brakes	3
Structure:body	3
Fuel/propulsion system	2
Air bags	2

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2009 Dodge Caliber complaints that list mileage.

2009 Dodge Caliber recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2009 Dodge Caliber complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Jun 13, 2024PAOther / Unknown
Check frame - known rot concerns Hole has started to open up center rear of engine subframe on the weld line. Subframe doesn’t appear to be in immediate failure, but will not pass inspection. Called dealer and was told parts aren’t available! No incident just getting inspected!
NHTSA complaint #11594174 · source
Filed Nov 27, 2023NHSuspension
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.
NHTSA complaint #11556949 · source
Filed Dec 16, 2022NEOther / Unknown
The transmission doesn't shift so if I am on the interstate doing 65 to 70 miles per hr.the transmission fluid heats up .Dodges answer to this is slow down or pull off interstate @ wait till it cools down then continue on your way,so in 50 miles I had to pull over 3 times my opinion not safe..
NHTSA complaint #11497796 · source
Filed Dec 15, 2022NYBody & Structure
● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ● The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as…
NHTSA complaint #11497535 · source
Filed Oct 28, 2022MAOther / Unknown
Brought 2009 Caliber with 34,000 original miles to have breaks checked, the owner showed me there is not a brake issue, but the Sub Frame was extremely rotted and needed to be attended to as it could cause a serious accident. I had a Lifetime Added Care Plus warranty, but of course wasn't covered. I have been the only driver since vehicle was purchased.
NHTSA complaint #11491301 · source
Filed Sep 17, 2022ILBody & Structure
It started as a popping noise while driving which evolved into a louder sound and I was able to feel it click with my feet as I was driving, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was causing the issue at first. After going to a mechanics and having them look at it the subframe of the car was absolutely covered in rust to the point where it was falling apart and I could see inside. The air conditioning unit was badly designed, and the residual water from that caused the entire…
NHTSA complaint #11484985 · source
Filed Aug 15, 2022WAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be…
NHTSA complaint #11479281 · source
Filed Jun 29, 2022INCrashTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown
The car was in park on a hill, when I turned off the engine, it rolled down the steep hill and the brakes or emergency brake would not work. I crashed through a fence across the street and into a building. The car was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11471526 · source

Compare the 2009 Dodge Caliber with another vehicle →

Other 2009 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology