Caliber (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Dodge Caliber Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
2.4T-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Diesel
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.2-I4-Gas
2.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Dodge Caliber, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber
On a used 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (518), the electrical system (382) and the body and structure (352). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 518 owner complaints on the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber about the suspension.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 382 owner complaints on the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 352 owner complaints on the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 266 owner complaints on the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 227 owner complaints on the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (8)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Show 3 older recalls
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact Hatchback
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber complaints?
Owners have filed 1,932 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the electrical system and the body and trim.
Is the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,932 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber have?
NHTSA has 1,932 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Dodge Caliber?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the electrical system and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Caliber?
The 2012 Dodge Caliber received an overall 3-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 3 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,932 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.