VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Caliber problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Dodge Caliber sits mid-pack among Caliber years: 271 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 271, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (42), airbags (36), and electrical system (36), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. Its NCAP crash-test rating is 3 of 5 stars overall.

271

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

3

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Caliber years?

Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted1,396 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1,396 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 355 complaints2010: 246 complaints2011: 271 complaints2012: 80 complaints
Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caliber years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Caliber problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4215%
Airbags3613%
Electrical System3613%
Suspension3011%
Seat Belts259%
Speed Control218%
Body & Structure218%
Transmission176%
Other135%
Steering93%
Lighting62%
Brakes62%
Tires & Wheels52%
Seats21%
Fuel System21%

Does the 2011 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.

11V315000SteeringJune 8, 2011 · 11,096 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence

A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. 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 2011 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 2016 · fire

“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND JUMPED A DITCH AND STRUCK A POLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS PUSHED UP TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BEND THE STEERING WHEEL BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 12, 2020 · crash

“DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 8:15PM. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2014. I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO ONE OF THE STREETS THE LEADS ME TO MY HOME AS I ALWAYS DO. AS I AM MAKING THE LEFT TURN I FELT MY STEERING WHEEL LOSING CONTROL AS I AM TURNING AND THE CAR SHIFTING TO THE LEFT OF THE ROAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 12, 2014 · crash

“I PURCHASED THIS CAR JANUARY 26, 2016. 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE I CONTACTED THE DEALER BECAUSE A WEIRD NOISE CAME OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, LIKE A CLINK. I WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG, THAT THE CAR WAS THOROUGHLY INSPECTED PRIOR TO SELL AND ACCORDING TO THEM, EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I SUFFERED A MINOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 15, 2017 · crash

“I PURCHASED THIS CAR JANUARY 26, 2016. 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE I CONTACTED THE DEALER BECAUSE A WEIRD NOISE CAME OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, LIKE A CLINK. I WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG, THAT THE CAR WAS THOROUGHLY INSPECTED PRIOR TO SELL AND ACCORDING TO THEM, EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I SUFFERED A MINOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 15, 2017 · crash

2011 Dodge Caliber — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Caliber reliable?

It is close to typical for the Caliber: 271 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2011 Caliber problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (42 complaints), airbags (36 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 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.

How safe is the 2011 Dodge Caliber?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Dodge Caliber earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

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.