2008 Dodge Caliber problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 570 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Caliber year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 7 Caliber years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (113), body & structure (88), and electrical system (66), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
570
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
29
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
19
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Caliber years?
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Caliber problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 113 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 88 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 66 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 56 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 38 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 35 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 31 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 28 | 5% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 27 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 23 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 23 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 14 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 14 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 9 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“LEFT FRONT WHEEL (LEFT TIE ROD ASSEMBLY?) BROKE AND WHEEL/TIRE WAS DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE CAR TO "COLLIDE" WITH THE GROUND (GEICO DEFINITION - POLICY 4324 0054 06, CLAIM [PHONE]10 1019; ADJUSTER CHARLES FINCHER) ) AND LOSING CONTROL BEFORE SKIDDING TO A STOP.…”
“MY CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD UNDER 90,000 MILES AND HAS SERIOUS AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE SUBFRAME (K FRAME) AND DAMAGE THAT IS MAKING THE CAR DEEMED UNSAFE. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED SEEING HOW THE 07 MODELS ARE IN THE SAME DEFECT AND HAS A RECALL”
“I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER, ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON. SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE VENTS INTO THE VEHICLE WENT TO STOP, BRAKES GRABBED FOR A SECOND THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY, EVEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE TO PARK DID NOTHING. STOPPED THE…”
“I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER, ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON. SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE VENTS INTO THE VEHICLE WENT TO STOP, BRAKES GRABBED FOR A SECOND THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY, EVEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE TO PARK DID NOTHING. STOPPED THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN FIRST STARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS DETERMINED A DEFECTIVE PCM. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE PCM REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER…”
2008 Dodge Caliber — common questions
Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 570 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 7 Caliber years. It is one of the Caliber years to avoid.
What are the most common 2008 Caliber problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (113 complaints), body & structure (88 complaints), electrical system (66 complaints).
Does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Dodge Caliber.
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.