2009 Dodge Caliber Body and structure Problems

“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 .”

“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. …”

“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. …”

“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. …”

“While making a left hand turn the vehicle right front collapsed forcing me off the road. Fortunately because I was traveling at a very low speed I was able to stop on the shoulder. Had I been traveling on a multiple lane highway, passing another car or at a higher rate of speed there would have been a serious accident. Upon inspection I found that the front frame had rusted completely through and collapsed the suspension. It is quite apparent that the frame is poorly designed or constructed. Possibly both. At any rate this is a very dangerous condition that should be addressed. …”