Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2009 Dodge Caliber sits mid-pack among Caliber years: 355 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 271, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (64), suspension (63), and body & structure (49), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
355
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
21
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
19
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 64 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 63 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 49 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 31 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 27 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Other | 26 | 7% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 21 | 6% | — flat |
| Steering | 16 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 11 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 10 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 10 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 9 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 0% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. ON DECEMBER 26, 2009 WHILE TAKING PACKAGES OUT THE VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE REVERSED ON ITS OWN AND SHE WAS STRUCK BY THE DRIVER'S DOOR. SHE RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT COLLIDED INTO A SNOW…”
“The front sub frame rusted out and almost killed everyone in the car the wheels turned out and lost all steering was really scary is there any way we can get this fixed by dodge this should be a recall Iâve looked at 6 calibers and all of them are rusted out ”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KNOCKER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”
“ELECTRIC FAULT STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD RESULTING IN ALL COMPONENTS TO COMPLETELY BURN. A BURNING SMELL STARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND THE NEEDLE WAS UNDER THE COLD TICK. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO THE NEAREST PARKING WHICH TOOK ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND SMOKE WAS…”
“ELECTRIC FAULT STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD RESULTING IN ALL COMPONENTS TO COMPLETELY BURN. A BURNING SMELL STARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND THE NEEDLE WAS UNDER THE COLD TICK. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO THE NEAREST PARKING WHICH TOOK ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND SMOKE WAS…”
It is close to typical for the Caliber: 355 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (64 complaints), suspension (63 complaints), body & structure (49 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caliber years to avoid are 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Caliber years belongs to 2006.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.