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Electrical systemPart report

2008 Dodge Caliber AWD Electrical system Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
29%of 17 total for the year
Median mileage
98,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Dodge Caliber AWD, 29% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Electronic throttle control picture came on dash as I was trying to start car to leave from my home. Car shut off and does the same thing again and again. Dont want to run battery down. Car still in garage at home.”

NHTSA complaint #10821772, filed 2016-01, 100,000 miles

“If it is 80 degrees or hotter, the automatic locks will not lock/unlock by pushing the button on the driver door or by pushing the button on the key. They will not perform the automatic lock when you first start driving. When this occurs I have no way of opening the hatch because there is no key hole. I'm afraid this is a fire hazard. Only happens when it is hot weather or when I have been driving for a long trip. Has anyone else had this problem?”

NHTSA complaint #10521776, filed 2013-06, 53,000 miles

“Coming home from a trip and stopped to put gas in and it was night time and the dash lights would not come on. It happened 3 times now. I do not like driving home with a flashlight. Also the other problem we have is we had. Our oil changed and we're told that the front subframe is rusting out and the oil pan will need to be replaced soon”

NHTSA complaint #11110581, filed 2018-07

“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber Awd. The contact stated that the wiring in the heated seat failed causing the seats to overheat leaving a hole approximately 7 inches behind the seat. The contact stated the rear of the seat was warm and an abnormal odor was detected. In addition, the wiring in the steering column failed causing the wiper blades to fail and the windshield wiper fluid to activate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the main wiring in the steering column failed and the heated pad, wiring, zone, cover, and seat would need to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10759726, filed 2015-08, 97,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2008529%
20071318%

Other parts of the 2008 Dodge Caliber AWD

Suspension
5 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge Caliber AWD

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology