VehicleVerdict

2010 Dodge Caliber problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Dodge Caliber sits mid-pack among Caliber years: 246 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 270, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 20 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (38), airbags (31), and engine (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

246

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

20

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Caliber years?

Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted1,396 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1,396 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 355 complaints2010: 246 complaints2011: 271 complaints2012: 80 complaints
Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caliber years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Caliber problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3815%
Airbags3113%
Engine2611%
Suspension2611%
Other229%
Speed Control187%
Transmission177%
Seat Belts156%
Steering125%
Fuel System114%
Body & Structure104%
Lighting73%
Tires & Wheels42%
Brakes31%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

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

16V668000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

10V197000Latches & LocksMay 11, 2010 · 123 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS FLICKERED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 14, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BREAKING THE FRONT AXLE. WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO OFFERED NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2012 · crash

“I HAD TOOK MY CAR TO GET SERVICE AT JIFFY LUBE WITH A AIR FILTER AND OIL CHANGE. WHEN DRIVING TO SCHOOL I SLOWLY STARTED TO NOTICE A STRANGE SMELL AND DECIDED TO RETURN TO JIFFY LUBE. WELL ON MY WAY THE PROBLEM INCREASED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES STARTED APPEARING, THAT'S WHEN I QUICKLY GOT OUT THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 3, 2014 · fire

“I NOTICED ON MY 2010 DODGE CALIBER THAT MY FRAME THAT ATTACHES JUST BEHIND THE OIL PAN IS REALLY RUSTY!! I THINK IT IS FROM THE PLACEMENT OF THE AC DRAIN HOSE POINTS DOWN RIGHT ON TOP OF IT. IT HAS SLOWLY DETERIORATE OF THE YEARS FROM RUNNING AC THESE LAST FEW HOT SUMMERS. I AM VERY SCARED TO DRIVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 23, 2021

“TAKATA RECALL ON HWY 59 4 MILES SOUTH OF FAIRFAX MO A DEER RAN ACROSS HWY AND MY VEHICLE SPLIT THE DEER IN HALF AND MY SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALSO MY KNEES WERE INJURED AND CUT FROM THE BOTTOM AIR BAG BUT NO AIRBAG EVER HIT MY UPPER BODY. ALSO A CODE FOR FAULT WOR BAG DEPLOY WAS ALWAYS ON WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 30, 2019 · crash

2010 Dodge Caliber — common questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Caliber reliable?

It is close to typical for the Caliber: 246 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2010 Caliber problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (38 complaints), airbags (31 complaints), engine (26 complaints).

Does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 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.