KnownCarProblems2008 Dodge Caliber Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 360 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Caliber, most often about the suspension (31% of complaints, typically around 101,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Caliber model year since 2000.
Complaints360
Recalls0
Crashes reported21
Fires reported4
Injuries reported142 deaths reported
Most common 2008 Dodge Caliber problems
Suspension
113 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while reversing out the driveway at approximately 15 MPH, the front driver side tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the under carriage was fractured due to rust. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the sub frame fractured in half. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
Body and structure
87 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 107,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the frame was severely rusted and the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the cross member was rusted and contained holes. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repair. The manufacturer was…
Electrical
58 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 82,500 miles. Parts named most often: horn.
The lights and all dash gauges turn off while driving and all the warning lights on the dash come on. The engine light stays on until the car is turned off. When restarting all lights go away. This happens most often when I am braking. No pattern for when or what speed. Abs seems to kick in for no reason during this…
Car started making popping and creaking sounds when making a right hand turn. We have replaced everything there is as far as tie rods even to the point of motor mounts. Last night I get a call and the car had done something I had never heard of. The harmonic balance pulley had flown off and the car had to be towed…
Engine
56 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 35 MPH, a loud noise emitted from the front of the vehicle. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle veered to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the engine cradle was rusted and caused the…
I had just left for work and after driving for two minutes, the engine, coolant and navigational lights turned on, and would not allow me to drive over 15 MPH. I returned home, checked, and top off the coolant level, which was not very low at all. Reset the panel and once I started to pull out of the parking space…
Transmission
37 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 88,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Car will be at a stop, then when you try and accelerate it won't go and tries pulling forward and kind of jerks. Also the airbag light will go on for a minute then turn off then come back on a minute later over and over the whole time while driving. This car has never been in an accident.
Trouble shifting into 3rd gear. Requires double clutching to enter into 3rd gear and also grinds when entering. It will shift back into neutral if gear shift is not held in 3rd gear position when releasing the clutch. Also has instances of trouble going into 4th with grind when shifting. Only goes into gear 10% or…
Steering
35 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.
I bought my 2008 Dodge Caliber in july 2010. It had 27,000 miles on it. It was a campaign car. It has always had a problem with pickup. Acceleration is not great, but we noticed on a july 4 trip, that the car was not only making the "normal" steering/suspension noise, but it was also making a whirring noise that my…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH around a curve, there was a slight loss of steering control. In addition, the failure occurred when making turns. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The mechanic informed that the rear cross member…
Other or unspecified
28 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 102,000 miles.
There are currently 0 recalls on the 2008 Dodge Caliber 2.0. However, a simple youtube search will bring up common issues with the lower ball joints, which cause extreme tire wear and even severe pulling to the left and right with very little control. The anti-lock breaking system as well as the throttle body are huge…
While my wife was driving, the front subframe crossmember rusted through, causing her to lose control of the car and she could not safely operate it without repair. I managed to get it to a firestone for them to look at and they referred me to a dealer and told me not to drive it anymore because it is unsafe. This is…
Speed control
27 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 69,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The electronic throttle control light began to flash on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was…
Car was already warmed and driven for about 5 miles, after stopping at a gas station to refuel and re-starting, it was idling very inconsistently and running rough, shaking. There was a dash indicator for electronic throttle control flashing. I tried driving it and there was jerking and pulling and the transmission…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Dodge Caliber recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Dodge Caliber
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Caliber?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (113 complaints, typically around 101,000 miles); body and structure (87 complaints, typically around 107,000 miles); electrical (58 complaints, typically around 82,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Dodge Caliber. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Dodge Caliber?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Caliber model year since 2000, with 360 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.