VehicleVerdict

2007 Dodge Caliber problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,396 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median Caliber year — the 2007 model ranks #1 of 7 Caliber years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 50 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (259), electrical system (227), and body & structure (161), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,396

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

73

Crash-involved

28

Fires reported

50

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Caliber years?

Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted1,396 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1,396 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 355 complaints2010: 246 complaints2011: 271 complaints2012: 80 complaints
Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caliber years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Dodge Caliber problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension25919%
Electrical System22716%
Body & Structure16112%
Speed Control1058%
Steering997%
Engine957%
Lighting947%
Transmission806%
Other645%
Airbags473%
Fuel System453%
Brakes423%
Tires & Wheels363%
Visibility & Wipers191%
Seat Belts151%
Latches & Locks30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Seats20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2007 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

10V234000Speed ControlJune 3, 2010 · 24,825 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.

Consequence

SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V196000Tires & WheelsMay 7, 2007 · 410 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V493000BrakesDecember 29, 2006 · 50,665 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONTROL ARM BROKE AND AXLE SNAPPED. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN SEPTEMBER. ALIGNMENT. NEW TIRES. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR STOP. SEEMS THE FRAME CANNOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED VERY UNEXPECTEDLY. I HAD BEEN ON HIGHWAY ALL DAY. BROKE AT HOME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 4, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AND THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY BURNED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 9, 2015 · fire

“VERY BAD DESIGN OF MUFFLER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE ON TOP. THAT HEAT EFFECT THE BATTOM TRUNCK, THE HOOD GET MELTED, HEAT SHEILD GET BURNED AND THE ROAD ASSISTANT TIRE GET MELTED AS WELL. I WAS LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO SMELL IT. ALSO ALL BODY GET VERY RUSTED AND LOOK HOURRIBLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 23, 2022 · fire

“I BOUGHT A 2007, DODGE CALIBER. DROVE IT FOR A WHILE. THEN AS I WAS DRIVING IN A SCHOOL X-ING MY ACCELERATOR STUCK. I HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WITH THE WOMAN STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE ACCELERATOR, AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. I HAVE HAD NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 5, 2010 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 16, 2007 · crash

2007 Dodge Caliber — common questions

Is the 2007 Dodge Caliber reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,396 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 7 Caliber years. It is one of the Caliber years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 Caliber problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (259 complaints), electrical system (227 complaints), body & structure (161 complaints).

Does the 2007 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Dodge Caliber under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Caliber years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caliber years to avoid are 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Caliber years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.