2009 Dodge Caliber Problems
Compared with other Dodge Caliber years
More complaints than typical for this model
66/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Dodge Caliber year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 26 of its 232 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Rusted-through front/rear crossmember (subframe) (79 complaints, median 96,710 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 232filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 184 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Dodge Caliber (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around two long-running themes: corroded crossmembers and subframes underneath the car, and transmission faults that put the vehicle into limp mode or cause hard shifting. Subframe complaints often surface during state inspections or routine service rather than after a breakdown, while transmission reports tend to appear on the road at speed or during long drives. Mileage for most reports runs from roughly 50,000 to 130,000, with a number of corrosion findings appearing well under 60,000.
- Body and structure
Rusted-through front/rear crossmember (subframe)
- 79 complaints (34%)
- median 96,710 mi at 7.9 yrs old (60 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2023
Owners describe front or rear crossmembers and engine cradles that have rusted through with holes or cracked, often while the rest of the body shows little corrosion. Many learned of it during a state inspection or routine dealer service, and some report steering vibration, creaking, or a wheel detaching where the frame had weakened. Complaints frequently note that the crossmember was not replaced and that the vehicle could not pass inspection. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 130,000 miles, often on cars driven in areas that use road salt.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect both crossmembers for perforation, especially near the mounting points, before buying; a service bulletin describes an inspection and warranty-extension program for front and rear crossmember corrosion, so ask whether that inspection was ever performed on the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Heard a loud noise that sounded like a broken spring on my car and took it to my mechanic, where I found out my engine cradle is completely rotted and broken in several places. I drive 30 miles to work on a major freeway, doing 70 - 80 MPH 5-7 days a week. If this engine cradle had broke completely during my commute, I would have crashed or flipped my car!! This is beyond a safety concern. I recently got rid of a 1998 vehicle that didnt have even 1/10th this amound of rust on its frame. …”
NHTSA complaint #10885166, filed 2016-07, 103,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10917812, filed 2016-10, 93,325 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission limp mode and delayed/hard shifting
- 55 complaints (24%)
- median 62,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (48 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,200 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2010–2022
Owners describe the transmission warning light coming on, the car dropping into limp mode or refusing to shift out of first gear, and speeds capped at 20 to 50 mph. Some report shuddering, jerking, a whining or clunking noise, and loss of reverse. Complaints mention dealer attempts such as fluid and filter replacement, and a few describe being told the transmission or control module needed replacement. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 130,000 miles, often during longer drives or on inclines.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the powertrain control module was ever addressed; during a test drive, watch for delayed engagement, a lingering warning light, or a reluctance to shift on a hill.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Started out when I drive more than 23 miles, trans. Overheat light comes on, loose power. Going up hills, very little power. Rpm wraps between 3 & 4, normal driving, when stopping car jumps ahead if I hit a bump. Breaks squeak after replacing brand new, now engine overheat light, electronic throttle control light & malfunction indication light on. Had transmission filter and fluid replaced. Lasted 2 weeks. Worse now..”
NHTSA complaint #10820121, filed 2016-01, 86,000 miles“I was driving down the road and the vehicle just stopped. Then when I started it, it would only go 5 miles a hour. Almost caused me to get into a wreck with my 3 yr. Old granddaughter with me. I had a code reader put on it and it reads u0402-implausible data received from TCM.”
NHTSA complaint #11373981, filed 2020-11, 122,637 miles - Electrical system
Lights and electrical glitches (TIPM-related)
- 22 complaints (9%)
- median 63,814 mi at 6.4 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2021
Owners report flickering interior and exterior lights, headlights that work only after shifting into gear, tail lights filling with water, wipers stopping mid-use, and occasional no-starts. Some complaints mention the totally integrated power module (TIPM) being replaced, with symptoms returning afterward. Reported from about 40,000 to 130,000 miles, often intermittently and in wet weather.
What to check: Cycle the lights, wipers, and turn signals several times and check the tail light housings for moisture; ask whether the TIPM or any wiring connectors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“It was raining and as it was raining my car started to blink all lights and started slowing down no mechanic can seem to figure out what was going on but as I was driving every warning light started going crazy the tachometer went crazy and so did my speedometer eventually my car started to slow down even though it the accelorator was pushed to the floor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11043057, filed 2017-11, 187,042 miles“I notice a few after my car inspection, water was in my driver tail light housing. Housing was drained. After about 2 month my daughter ask what that dark looking stuff was in my driver tail light housing was. Of course it was water again, and the lights stop working. Please fix this problem soon. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10704943, filed 2015-04, 52,099 miles - Suspension
Worn suspension and steering parts
- 51 complaints (22%)
- median 86,501 mi at 7.3 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2021
Owners describe noises while turning, vibration through the steering wheel, and a list of worn parts replaced at relatively low mileage, including struts, tie rods, control arms, bushings, and sway bar links. Some get advice that the car should not be driven, and a few complaints tie the play directly to corrosion of the crossmember. Mostly reported between about 34,000 and 120,000 miles, often noticed while turning or at highway speed.
What to check: Listen for clunks or creaks over bumps and while turning, and check front-end play and the rear stabilizer bar end links; service bulletins describe torque checks on those fasteners and on the lower control arm bolts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574166, filed 2014-03, 48,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11265468, filed 2019-10, 100,795 miles - Engine
Stalling at idle and while driving
- 17 complaints (7%)
- median 80,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2022
Complaints describe the engine shutting off at red lights, while idling, or at highway speed, sometimes along with a service engine light and rough running. Several owners report no cause being found at the dealer, and one links it to a stuck intake runner that also blocked an emissions test. Spread from low mileage up to about 125,000 miles, with several reports at idle after a stop.
What to check: Ask whether the check engine light has come on or the car has cut out at stops; a scan tool check for stored misfire and intake codes is worthwhile before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My mechanic and multiple others have stated that the intake runner is stuck and the intake needs to be replaced making it impossible to receive emissions on my vehicle. When in drive waiting at red lights and also to turn on multiple occasions my vehicle lost complete power, shutting off almost causing accidents. Luckily accidents were avoided.”
NHTSA complaint #10704016, filed 2015-04, 80,000 miles“The car started having stalling problems less than a year after purchase. Stalling problems are more common during rainy periods but could happen at any time. Most incidents happen while car is on idle, no movement, in the highway or at a red light. The car will vibrate and immediately stall or try to. Car has been taken to dealer under warranty but no reason for the stalling has been found; car is still under warranty. No recall notice is available at the Dodge personalize website. …”
NHTSA complaint #10456390, filed 2012-04, 8,587 miles
Buying note. The two areas worth real attention on this model year are the crossmembers underneath the car and the transmission, so a pre-purchase inspection on a lift plus a scan for transmission codes is worth the cost. Records showing that the crossmember inspection was performed and any transmission service history are useful to ask for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 232 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. 184 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 35 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Dodge Caliber model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 66 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension61 26%
- Body and structure49 21%
- Other or unknown25 11%
- Electrical system23 9.9%
- Engine22 9.5%
- Steering16 6.9%
- Fuel system11 4.7%
- Wheels11 4.7%
- Tires10 4.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (10), Brakes (9), Engine cooling (8), Air bags (7), Exterior lighting (5), Seat belts (5), Electronic stability control (4), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle for my year has a recall for the transmission power control module, I called to get it sorted out and everyone tells me my specific VIN does not match any recalls, ironically my check gone light has come on for this exact reason. I was driving and from what I experienced the car did shut off and I had to restart it on the side of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11186138, filed 2019-03, 5 milesSuspension: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692407, filed 2015-03, 86,501 milesBody and structure: “2009 Dodge Caliber sxt- a gust of wind hit my door as I proceeded to exit the vehicle. The door hinges exploded, sending a spring into my face, and hyper-extending the door range. The dealer appraised the damage at $600 dollars for replacement of the hinges and cosmetic repair. It will be filed as a warranty claim but it will most likely be kicked back .”
NHTSA complaint #10286690, filed 2009-10, 16,922 milesOther or unknown: “I've had multiple repairs involving the throttle body, PCM and fuel peddle all with no effect on the issue of shaking, dying, periodic engine light and safety concern over the intermittent loss of power. Now I'm told it's probably the computer. The build date falls within a safety recall but I'm told it won't be honored because the VIN isn't under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10956140, filed 2017-02, 128,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 184 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 118,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Dodge Caliber version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Dodge Caliber 2009, Journey 2009, Jeep Compass 2009 +3 more
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Recall details for the 2009 Dodge Caliber → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 35 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10223512Jun 24, 2020Fuel system. THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
- 10177457Jun 24, 2020Engine. THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
- 10223509Jun 17, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
- 10177454Jun 17, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Other model years of the Dodge Caliber
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 49 | 70,284 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 165 | 61,710 | 2 | 3 | 25 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 157 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 232 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 24 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 360 | 85,500 | 0 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 884 | 83,000 | 4 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Dodge Caliber model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Complaints on this model year cluster around two long-running themes: corroded crossmembers and subframes underneath the car, and transmission faults that put the vehicle into limp mode or cause hard shifting. The issues reported most often: Rusted-through front/rear crossmember (subframe); Transmission limp mode and delayed/hard shifting; Lights and electrical glitches (TIPM-related).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have?
NHTSA recorded 232 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge Caliber as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Dodge Caliber is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 64 complaints (28% of the total), followed by suspension with 61.
Has the 2009 Dodge Caliber been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Caliber get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Caliber (Caliber, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Dodge Caliber reported?
Among the 184 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 118,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.