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Body and structurePart report

2008 Dodge Caliber Body and structure Problems

Complaints
87about this part
Share
24%of 360 total for the year
Median mileage
107,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 87 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Dodge Caliber, 24% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“I purchased this vehicle knowing of rust but when I climbed under it I seen the subframe is almost rusted all the way through this is a major issue I've heard of a few other Caliber owners who's whole drivetrain fell out of engine bay due to this, this could be a dangerous problem if someone is driving at highway speeds Dodge needs to take action and recall this part and put a better component on the vehicles they produce”

NHTSA complaint #11222009, filed 2019-06, 140,000 miles

“I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber garage kept 49000 miles with a rusted busted frame. Didn't realize until knocking in front end. Always done repairs and recalls and this is dangerous. Called to request chrysler to be accountable and they basically told me its my problem. Where do you go from here in liability.”

NHTSA complaint #10883319, filed 2016-07, 49,000 miles

“While driving car I heard a loud noise coming from beneath the car. I looked under car and saw that the drivers side connection of the sway bar had come loose from the front cross member. This was caused by the cross member being in a severe state of rust and corrosion. I brought the car to a local Dodge dealership and the service dept. Verified the rusted cross member and recommended immediate replacement.”

NHTSA complaint #10845623, filed 2016-03, 113,000 miles

“Took vehicle to a reputable shop for required yearly state inspection. Shop found dangerously corroded front and rear sub frame assemblies. Research revealed that 2007 model year cars are being treated under an extended warranty for this identical problem, but 2008 cars are not covered. Both our dealer and the chrysler customer assistance center have been informed, and refused to extend the coverage to our vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10876438, filed 2016-06, 106,000 miles

“Rotten subframe - my control arm separated from the frame and my tire/wheel went sideways causing me to screech to a stop, luckily I was coming to a stop anyway but it easily could have happened at a high speed and killed myself and others”

NHTSA complaint #10836379, filed 2016-02, 180,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2012612%
20112113%
2010106%
20094921%
20088724%
200715818%

Other parts of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Suspension
113 complaints
Electrical system
58 complaints
Engine
43 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
37 complaints
Steering
35 complaints
Other or unknown
28 complaints
Vehicle speed control
27 complaints
Air bags
22 complaints
Brakes
22 complaints
Wheels
16 complaints
Exterior lighting
14 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge Caliber

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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