2010 Dodge Caliber Problems
Compared with other Dodge Caliber years
Typical for this model
46/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× 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.
- 12 of its 157 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Stalling and no-start electrical faults (49 complaints, median 73,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns 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
- 157filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles, 115 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Dodge Caliber (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical gremlins and air bag warning lights, along with a front crossmember that rusts through, and throttle or transmission behavior that limits speed. Many reports come in between roughly 70,000 and 130,000 miles, and the crossmember corrosion has been noted as a slow, weather-driven problem rather than a sudden one.
- Suspension
Front crossmember rusted through
- 25 complaints (16%)
- median 112,780 mi at 10.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe the front and sometimes rear crossmember (subframe) rusting through, producing creaking or vibration and, in several cases, a wheel losing alignment or an axle separating. Complaints mention an extended warranty on the part that has since expired, and that dealers or the manufacturer declined further coverage. Inspections at tire shops or during other repairs are how many found it. Reported from roughly 49,000 to 186,000 miles, on older vehicles in rust-belt conditions.
What to check: Have the front and rear crossmembers inspected for perforation or heavy flaking rust before purchase, especially on a vehicle from a snowy region, and ask whether the crossmember warranty extension work was ever done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Frame where lower control arm bolts on rusted through and cracked. Wheel on front driver side suddenly lost alignment while driving straight down a road in lansing. I'm lucky it didn't come completely off as I was driving at 45 MPH directly after driving at slower speeds with many turns in east lansing.”
NHTSA complaint #11079948, filed 2018-03, 120,560 miles“Ok so let me start by saving lives there is a serious problem with all these Caliber the subframes are rotting in half I know because I have 3 other people who have this stupid car and they rusted in half on them also things to add to this car is there is no upper ball joint which cause the lower control arms to go bad is the shocks are bad I had to replace pretty much everything and also had to replace CVT 20k miles into this hunk of crap CVT is bad and the bands they use are cheap but also seems to be a cooling problem with there set up for …”
NHTSA complaint #11373191, filed 2020-11, 178,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Electronic throttle light, loss of power
- 33 complaints (21%)
- median 68,500 mi at 4.8 yrs old (30 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2019
Complaints describe the electronic throttle control light coming on, the car shuddering and dropping to low speed or refusing to accelerate, sometimes stalling. Several owners say a throttle body replacement was recommended or performed, others report the dealer could not reproduce the problem and found no codes, and some note it happens in cold or wet weather. Spanning about 12,000 to 190,000 miles, with many reports in the 50,000 to 110,000 mile range and some in cold or rainy conditions.
What to check: During a test drive, watch for the throttle warning light and any hesitation; ask whether the throttle body or its connector has been replaced, and have stored codes read.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Noticed loss in acceleration power here and there over a few months time as well as the ect light flash on for a quick moment a few times. One day I was driving and came to a stop light and when I tried to take off from the stop the whole car started shaking and knocking then cut off all while having the etc light illuminated. Once this happened I could barely make it up the steep hill back to my home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606384, filed 2014-06, 55,000 miles“Started my car this morning and let it run for awhile(5 min) until rpms went down, its 12 degrees outside, I drove through my parking lot maybe 20 ft and throttle warning light came on, I didn't know what it was at first but I researched while letting my car idle it sort of pulsated. When I went to accelerate it would barely move, thank god I was not on the highway as I was about to go to work. I've had nothing but problems with this car since I bought it 2 yrs ago!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10668468, filed 2014-12, 83,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling and no-start electrical faults
- 49 complaints (31%)
- median 73,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2025
Owners report the car failing to start intermittently, sometimes with no sound at all, and stalling at speed with the instrument panel lighting up. Complaints point at the integrated power module or relay box near the front wheel well corroding from road splash, and at ignition key programming. Dealers are described as reprogramming keys, replacing batteries, or being unable to duplicate the fault. Reported from very low miles (about 1,700) up to roughly 130,000, with several cases on vehicles parked or driven in wet, snowy conditions.
What to check: Check that the car starts reliably hot and cold, test the horn and headlights, and ask whether the fuse/relay box or integrated power module has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2010 Dodge Caliber with headlight failures caused by faulty fuse box (tipm). I replace bulbs and one headlight will not light low beam or high beam. All the fuses are good. It has also affected how the car runs and has stalled on the road. This is the 4th or fifth incident I have had with the car, headlights, stalling, turn signals, air bag indicators. The headlights will not work moving or sitting still and turn signals.”
NHTSA complaint #11337076, filed 2020-07, 94,500 miles“The passenger side headlight will not work. I have tried a new one and nothing. I have power to the socket but the light will not work. I have read that the problem is the fuse box. It's been a problem since they made the car in 2007. $1000.00 or better to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11115670, filed 2018-08, 109,250 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light after recall repair
- 37 complaints (24%)
- median 83,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Complaints describe the air bag warning light coming on intermittently or staying on after the occupant restraint recall work was performed. Some owners say the dealer diagnosed a clock spring or wiring fault and quoted a repair, while others report being told the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. In a few accounts the light appeared with no other warning before a collision. Mostly reported between about 78,000 and 153,000 miles, often after recall service.
What to check: Ask for the recall repair paperwork and whether the occupant restraint module and clock spring were checked; confirm the warning light does a normal self-test and goes out after start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Air bag problems, recall s-61 module I dont understand how an air bag rusted over time when the car is used on a daily bases. I have contacted Dodge since 2/18/17 and was told a manager was going to give me a call back it is now 3/8/17 and I have not received a call back from a manger.”
NHTSA complaint #10959547, filed 2017-03, 79,856 miles“My airbag light is going on and off randomly while I am driving. If I am on a highway for a distance the light will go off until I brake or hit a small bump then it will ding and come on again. When driving on city streets it will go off and on quite a bit.”
NHTSA complaint #11373885, filed 2020-11, 130,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission overheating and failure
- 16 complaints (10%)
- median 78,500 mi at 5.2 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2020
Complaints describe the transmission temperature light coming on during highway driving with a burning smell and loss of speed, requiring repeated stops. Others report transmission replacement or CVT failure at relatively low mileage, with shops saying the unit is not commonly rebuilt. Some describe jerking and delayed engagement before the light appears. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 100,000 miles, often after sustained highway driving.
What to check: Ask about transmission fluid service history and any CVT work; on a test drive include a stretch of highway speed and watch for the temperature light or a burning smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We got on the freeway for 30mins and the transmission temp light came on. Then it started smelling like something was burning. The car stopped gaining speed and we took it back too the dealership. We feel this car is not safe for the family. There is tapping sounds coming from the dashboard and it happen all the time, even when the car is not running. They need recall this car-”
NHTSA complaint #10625804, filed 2014-08, 89,000 miles“I had been driving for a few hours at approximate 65 MPH. Some of which was on cruise. All of a sudden my vehicle started slowing down. My speedometer said 60 MPH. However, I was probably at 30. I stepped on the gas and the RPM went high but I didn't get any speed. Basically, the speedometer wasn't recording the speed I was at and the transmission was not working in increasing speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10519753, filed 2013-06, 35,950 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the crossmembers for rust, a scan for stored throttle and transmission codes, and confirmation that the air bag recall work was completed would cover most of what owners report. Records of transmission and electrical repairs are worth asking for, since several of these symptoms recur.
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 157 consumer complaints for the 2010 Dodge Caliber. 115 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,000 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 15 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 44 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 46 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Electrical system32 20%
- Air bags31 20%
- Suspension26 17%
- Other or unknown22 14%
- Engine20 13%
- Vehicle speed control18 11%
- Seat belts15 9.6%
- Steering12 7.6%
- Fuel system11 7.0%
Also reported: Body and structure (10), Exterior lighting (7), Electronic stability control (6), Engine cooling (6), Brakes (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Seats (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving vehicle during winter, heat shut off. After turning heat back on (moving knob to off position and then back on) there was an electrical smoke smell in the cabin. Once the vehicle was parked, a large amount of smoke appeared to be coming from the air conditioner blower control knob and the area above the knob was hot to the touch almost to the point where I was concerned that I may need to call the fire department to have them check for fire. When car was turned on again, the blower motor would not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11180249, filed 2019-02, 117,777 milesAir bags: “This is my second complaint to you in regards to a faulty airbag that was installed at your yorkville, ny carbone location. On december 28 ,2018 I went into the yorkville, ny location to have an airbag recall taken care of. Then I had to return to carbone in yorkville, ny on december 30 , 2019 because my airbag light was on. They charged me $107.66 to diagnose the issue and were going to charge me an additional $438.50 for a faulty airbag that they installed, stating this was my problem not there problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300458, filed 2020-01, 84,000 milesSuspension: “My subframe rusted out affecting my steering. I had to pull off the interstate since I almost lost all control. Since my car came from a salt state the subframe is being replaced due to a warranty extension from Dodge, however the control arms need to be replaced as well. They have prematurely worn out due to thr incorrect support of the subframe. Dodge refuses to fix this as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11121584, filed 2018-08, 132,000 milesOther or unknown: “Takata recall on hwy 59 4 miles south of fairfax mo a deer ran across hwy and my vehicle split the deer in half and my side airbags did not deploy also my knees were injured and cut from the bottom air bag but no airbag ever hit my upper body. Also a code for fault wor bag deploy was always on with my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11241063, filed 2019-08, 147,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
23% of the 115 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,234 and 109,000 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 2010 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 2010 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Caliber FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Air bagsCovers: Dodge Caliber 2010–2012, Avenger 2010–2014, Jeep Patriot 2010–2014 +3 more
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit…
- 10V197000May 11, 2010Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Dodge Caliber 2010
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 dodge caliber vehicles. Some vehicles may have been built with an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door.
Recall details for the 2010 Dodge Caliber → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 44 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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…
- 10242717Jul 27, 2023Equipment. Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
- 10227983Apr 2, 2022Engine cooling, Equipment. If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
- 10212248Mar 30, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator…
- 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…
- 10187667Dec 17, 2020Seats. Warranty Bulletin D-20-21 (X91) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010 Dodge Journey (JC), Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring (JS), Dodge Nitro (KA), Jeep Liberty (KK), Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot (MK)…
- 10187658Dec 7, 2020Seats. Warranty Bulletin D-20-21 (X91) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010 Dodge Journey (JC), Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring (JS), Dodge Nitro (KA), Jeep Liberty (KK), Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot (MK)…
- 10187691Dec 5, 2020Equipment, Seats. Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X91 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has…
- 10224059Nov 11, 2020Seats, Equipment. Warranty Bulletin D-20-18 (X86) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010-2017 Jeep Compass (MK) and 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber (PM)
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 2010 Dodge Caliber?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical gremlins and air bag warning lights, along with a front crossmember that rusts through, and throttle or transmission behavior that limits speed. The issues reported most often: Front crossmember rusted through; Electronic throttle light, loss of power; Stalling and no-start electrical faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have?
NHTSA recorded 157 consumer complaints for the 2010 Dodge Caliber as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Dodge Caliber is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 32 complaints (20% of the total), followed by air bags with 31.
Has the 2010 Dodge Caliber been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Dodge Caliber get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Dodge Caliber (Caliber, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Dodge Caliber reported?
Among the 115 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,000 miles and the middle half falls between 51,234 and 109,000 miles; 23% 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.