KnownCarProblems2010 Dodge Caliber Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 157 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Caliber, most often about the electrical (20% of complaints, typically around 76,500 miles). It is 5th of 7 Caliber model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2010 Dodge Caliber problems
Electrical
32 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 76,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.
Smoke was coming out of the off and on knob for heat/air.. I also had a cd in my cd player as I was traveling on a royal road, a strange smell was also coming from the smoke. I pulled over lifted the hood and seen no fire. I turned the knob off, removed the cd and waited a few minutes and started my car. I am wary to…
While driving my car my transaxle overheating light will illiminate. My car will slow down and not keep the speed up. I have to pull over until the light goes out then I can continue my driving but it will do it all again 10 miles down the road. This happens about an hour after driving it on the highway at 70 MPH I…
Air bags
31 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the clock spring on the front driver side air bags failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
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…
Engine
26 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles.
Whenever I have the lights on, radio on, fan blower on, and I'm stopped at a light in drive mode (automatic transmission), the engine shakes and dies. It's almost as if the car is experiencing computer overload. Too many things going on for the car to handle so the computer crashes causing the car to die. The car…
While driving home from work the cars speed suddenly decreased and the electronic throttle control light came on. Pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. Light remained on. Took it to a mechanic and was informed that the throttle body must be replaced. The whole thing must be replaced since it's completely…
Suspension
26 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles. Parts named most often: subframe/mounting bracket.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while their son was driving and attempting to make a left turn into a parking lot, the driver's side front wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front crossmember was corroded. The vehicle's…
Front subframe is rusted out with visible holes. Manufacturer only extended warranty and did not issue recall. I just found out and tried to get it repaired but extended warranty is expired and they will not cover costs. Tons of owners complaining about this as it is listed as front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69…
Other or unspecified
22 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles.
Front subframe is rusted out with visible holes. Manufacturer only extended warranty and did not issue recall. I just found out and tried to get it repaired but extended warranty is expired and they will not cover costs. Tons of owners complaining about this as it is listed as front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69…
I've had the arm bar and ball joint replaced twice in a year's time, which causes a grinding noise. I've had the brakes replaced three times along with rattle clips, in the last year, with no prevail in changing the noise nor high speed-braking oscillating. A caliper has also been replaced. While sitting at stop…
Speed control
18 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 77,500 miles.
My car started to suddenly slow down on the highway. I have had 4 incidents where when the car is on accelerated speed suddenly slow down. Am still paying loan on the car and I have maintained service on it.I feel I maybe in danger as the car is now a safety hazard. I have researched online and saw that other people…
While driving my car my transaxle overheating light will illiminate. My car will slow down and not keep the speed up. I have to pull over until the light goes out then I can continue my driving but it will do it all again 10 miles down the road. This happens about an hour after driving it on the highway at 70 MPH I…
Transmission
17 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
Imagine cruising down the tollway at 75 MPH when the entire panel lights up like a christmas tree and you have no power to the engine. I was able to safely pull of on the shoulder of the road. I turned off the ignition and waited. I tried to start the engine and nothing, not a moan, nothing. It is not the battery. In…
My vehicle has a manual transmission. In january 2015 the transmission failed and the powertrain was replaced. After that, when shifting, occasionally the engine would rev as if I hadn't taken my foot off the accelerator when depressing the clutch and it was impossible to shift. Sometimes the vehicle would speed up on…
Seat belts
15 complaints · 10%I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH when I lost consciousness due to adverse reaction to a prescribed medication. Approached retro-style pickup truck stopped at red light & because of being unconscious didn't apply brakes to slow down & stop. Frontal crash into rear end of stopped vehicle. Airbags didn't deploy…
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. While slowing down to approximately 5 MPH towards an intersection, another vehicle collided into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to lock. The contact sustained head, chest, and back injuries that required medical attention. A police…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 Dodge Caliber recalls
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocr, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on october 26, 2016. The recall began on august 15, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s61.
Full defect summary
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, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: An unlatched door could increase the risk of an unbelted front seat passenger being ejected from the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod as required free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
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 repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Active head rest inadvertent deployment
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe19014 on september 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the active head rest (ahr) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (my) 2014 jeep grand cherokee and dodge durango vehicles.when odi opened the investigation, odi was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.a small number of early warning reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat ahr inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.reported safety consequences resulting from the ahr deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of
Questions about the 2010 Dodge Caliber
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Caliber?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (32 complaints, typically around 76,500 miles); air bags (31 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles); engine (26 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 15, 2016 (seat belts). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the Dodge Caliber?
- It is 5th of 7 Caliber model years by number of complaints, with 157 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.