8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$600
Average Mileage:
57,850 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced all tie rods and ball joints (7 reports)
  2. replace ball joints,tie rods, control arms and bushings (5 reports)
  3. replaced control ares and ball joints. aligned wheels (4 reports)
  4. they want us to replace arm and ball joints (4 reports)
  5. not sure (2 reports)
  6. Dodge should issue a recall (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

problem #24

Jan 182017

Caliber SXT 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 153,000 miles

2007 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0L..... Car Fax shows 3 times steering components have been replaced. This should be addressed by Dodge! My vehicle started jerking to the right and left at approx. 40 mph. Carried it straight to shop! About 10 miles after it started jerking! I was to scared to drive it, & I wasn't chancing it! Mechanic couldn't understand how I hadn't crashed or wrecked. It drove fine and then all at once the jerking began, no noise just poor steering and jerking. It drove like it had just had an alignment, then no warning at all, I told him! He advised me that several complaints have been made on the same issue! This issue is reoccurring and still has not been addressed. This will be my last Dodge! (3 past Dodge purchases) Car Fax should have alerted me but I figured it was time for the 2 other replacements not thinking it would keep happening. (premature failure of lower control arm, tie rod ends, etc) 3 times before 153,000! 15,000 between 2nd-3rd fix! PLEASE, if you are having this issue, or anything similar, don't drive it, PLEASE, carry it to a certified mechanic for repair immediately!!!!! My car fax showed it was replaced just 15,000 miles ago, don't assume any amount of miles, on when they should be replaced or how long they should last. Dodge has to be aware of this and from the looks of it, it's still not been addressed. I realize it's 10 yrs old but it shouldn't be happening over and over again, it's several of them, not just a few and some with very few miles on them! SHAME, because my other Dodge's were overall reliable but this one, has become a pain in my A**! Sad thing is it appears the owner before me babied it, as do I! Maintenance was very regular, every 3 months on average! Never Again, NO DODGE for me! DRIVE SAFE!!

- Dolly H., Bolivar, TN, US

problem #23

Mar 012011

Caliber EX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

I had the problem fixed last year and now it has happened again, also ruined two new tires that I got in January. I now have over $1,000 to repair both sides, including tires and wheel alignment, this car is a piece of junk.

- Michelle Z., Woodridge, NY, US

problem #22

Jul 122012

Caliber SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Had the the tire rods replaced by Firestone in July 2012. Waited approx. 8 hours. Was given a $19.00 coupon at the end of the day for a free oil change because of the long wait (cheap asses). Then had to turn around in April 2013 and get the rack and pinion replaced (under warranty still), but had to pay $100.00 deductible.

- grandmom3, Alexandria, VA, US

problem #21

Sep 142012

Caliber SXT 2.0L Ltr

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,800 miles

Took my car in for a 5-year check-up! Great news my car is a real POS!! Not even 50K yet and needs the second set of contol arms! My door started on fire...dodge says they won't do anything about that because my car is more than 3 years old. Had the tie rods done. Needs tires and brakes. The cv boots were leaking and he shafts were bad. Bought the car brand new with 12 miles on it...worst mistake I ever made.

- Jennifer T., West Allis, WI, US

problem #20

Sep 242010

Caliber

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,522 miles

My mother purchased a new 2007 Dodge Caliber, and started having problems before the car had 10,000 miles on it. The left front outer tie rod end was replaced at 9,522 miles; however my mom complained to the dealer that the car continued to "shake" whenever she would drive above a certain speed. After their mechanic could not reproduce the "shaking" she spoke of, she was told there was nothing mechanically wrong with the car and advised her to have the car aligned. The car was then taken to another automobile shop to be aligned. However, the problem persisted and my mom continued to drive the car. On January 31, 2011, a sunny, dry winter day my mom was killed driving the Dodge Caliber that she was told was okay. A witness said the car seemed to "shake" before my mom lost control and hit an embankment, was airborne for eighteen feet, and then came to rest on the drivers side. She was not speeding, and the police report gives no indication for the cause of the accident. (The car had less than 11,000 miles) I am sure the car was responsible for her death! Although I have not been able to substantiate this, I hope this will in some way warn others to the dangers of this automobile, and perhaps even prevent another tragedy.

- marigold2954, Summerhill, PA, US

problem #19

Mar 052012

Caliber

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

Just got a car full of groceries, put the car in reverse out of my parking spot and into drive and nothing happened...it was awesome having my car stuck in the middle of the parking lot in a packed grocery store! Had to have the car towed and am currently waiting for it to be fixed. Private garage just called and i need to have my tire rods and ball joints replaced. When I asked the guy what I did, assuming I must have done something for this to happen, he said "it's a quality of this car around this mileage". Seriously?! 37000 miles..this is unbelievable! If it happened 5 minutes later, I could be dead right now!!!

Glad I found this site. I really needed to vent and it seems I'm not the only one. And if you're thinking of buying a dodge, DON'T!

- Amanda B., Watervliet, NY, US

problem #18

Dec 302011

Caliber

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

I love my 2007 Dodge Caliber but it looks like I am getting rid of it. I took it in today because I noticed squeaking with the steering wheel and the dealership says it needs $3,600.00 in repairs! It has 71,000 miles on it and the dealership said that I should just get a new car. I've only had this car for like 2 years! The darn thing isn't even paid off yet! Not sure if this is under warranty but I have about 24 hours to figure it out apparently. Based on what I am finding this looks like it should be a recall issue! I'm heartbroken about having to get rid of this car.

- Stephani K., Chatham, IL, US

problem #17

Sep 062011

Caliber RT

  • CVT transmission
  • 58,000 miles

I went in for preventive maintaince and came out needing a major repair job after I went for a ride on the interstate and dang near killed myself. I took the car back to the dealer and asked them how could they send this vehecle out of the garage in that condition. They then checked my car out and told me I needed new ball joints and tie rods. I found out that this is really a recall issue. I called at least 6 different service centers and all of them told me that it was too soon for me to be having this issue with my car. my car has 58,000 miles on it.

I have lodged a complaint with the office of comsumer affairs which i was advise to do by another dealership due to this is a safety issue. When enough people complain then the dealer will be forced to do a recall. So come on people if your issue amounts to a safety issue report it to the office of consumer affairs and let make them give us our money back. Chrysler you keep treating people like this and you will be filing bankruptcy again.

- Daphne B., Portsmouth, VA, US

problem #16

Nov 152011

Caliber SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Bought my Caliber brand new in the end of 06. In 09 had the drivers side tie rod fixed under warranty and they told me it wouldn't last and the othe rside would go. Well today is that day. Both front tie rods, control arms and ball joints need to be replaced. This is a joke i have 64000 miles on the car. I will get it fixed at about $1100. I makes me feel a little better that i am not alone, but I would think twice before buying a dodge. This is the only real problem I have had with the car besides a battery.

- Luke L., Milwaukee, WI, US

problem #15

Jun 012011

Caliber SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

I’ve gone through the proper channels with Dodge/Chrysler to try to get a resolution on this matter but have been advised there is nothing they can do for me. At this point I just want it on record what my experience as a consumer has been like dealing with them on a manufacturing issue.

I found out a few months ago that my car was in need of ball joints and control arms. The car was less than 5 years old with less than 60k miles when the problem started to occur. The dealership gave me a quote for repairs of $895.36. I am single mother just barely getting by so naturally I didn’t pay for the repairs because I don’t have that type of money. So week after week I just had to drive the car and hope and pray I didn’t lose control of my car and cause serious harm to myself, my daughter or someone else. I started doing research on the problem and realized the severity and the danger I was putting us in so I started asking around about getting it fixed attempting to find a cheaper rate. In addition to my research I googled “2007 Dodge Caliber ball joints” and found hundreds of complaints not only on the ball joints but on the front tie rods as well. With all these people complaining you would think there would be some type of recall but none has been issued.

So after receiving different quotes I decided to have my local Dobbs service location make the repairs because they were close to $200 cheaper than what the dealership was charging. I had to take out a line of credit with Dobbs in order to pay for the repairs but felt I had no other choice because I could no longer take the risk driving my car. Later at home I decided to send Dodge a message inquiring about reimbursement. Clearly with so many complaints this is a manufacturing issue. I’ve never driven recklessly in my car and have never been in an accident. I felt that Dodge/Chrysler needed to own up and take responsibility. I got an email back the next morning telling me to send them my invoice and proof of payment. About two hours later I received a call from them telling me that I wouldn’t be reimbursed because I voided the warranty by using different parts than what were originally on the car. At this point I was completely confused because from my understanding the car was no longer under warranty so I requested that a supervisor call me. While waiting on a call back I called the dealership for an explanation, if there was some type of warranty why were they trying to bill me. The mechanic explained to me that in this type of situation they will do what is called a “Good Will Reimbursement” which is similar to a warranty payment but you are only reimbursed when you have the repairs done at the dealer. Of course I had no idea that was the case and wouldn’t have known that. I was trying to find the best deal for me, there was no guarantee there would be any reimbursement at all so why would I chance having service done at the shop paying $200 more when I have no way of knowing for sure that I am going to get my money back. Later the supervisor called me back and said that the only option available for reimbursement is the Good Will Reimbursement which I already voided or they issue a recall and he doesn’t know if that will ever happen.

Bottom line, this car is a piece of crap. It was manufactured poorly and Dodge/Chrysler refuses to take responsibility for their faulty product. This will be the last time they receive any business from me and I hope that my experience will deter future business from them as well.

- Tiffany L., Bridgeton, MO, US

problem #14

Jul 192011

Caliber SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,800 miles

Bought this Caliber new in 2007, and it has under 27,000 miles on it. Took it in for an oil change today, and they did the 21 (or whatever #) point safety inspection and I find out I've been driving around with a "loose" tie rod and a "loose" ball joint that will require what I assume is an expensive repair job. We've had eight new vehicles and several used high milage trucks and never had any serious problems like this with any of them, especially with so few miles. A broken tie rod or ball joint while you're driving down the road could cause a fatal accident, and I drive my granddaughter around all the time. This is obviously a serious defect in these cars, and I THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER.

Update from Nov 11, 2011: While Dodge/Chrysler did not cover any of the cost, they contacted the local dealership, and they did fix it at no cost to me. Chrysler did not seem to think this was an issue worthy of a recall investigation. I let them know that I felt the manufacturer should be paying to fix this, not the dealership.

- Kathy B., Boscobel, WI, US

problem #13

Oct 242011

Caliber SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

Spoke with Chrysler at least 10 times or more. They wanted me to take it to one of their dealers to analyze @ $110 per hour to determine if the problem was from abuse or neglect. Called the local Dodge dealer who told me 2 to 3 hours to properly analyze. Two other mechanics showed me the problem in less than 5 minutes. Can't maintain the part because there are lube fittings. It ball joints people. Only way to abuse them is if you go four wheeling with the car, not. Let's be real. Chrysler products suck. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY ANYTHING RELATED TO CHRYSLER.....

- jeffl426, Peru, IL, US

problem #12

Dec 312010

Caliber 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

I bought this 2007 Caliber new in Feb 2006 and am VERY disappointed that with only 43,000 miles the tie rods and ball joints would need to be replaced. The car still makes noises in the front end. Buy American?!!! What a joke! This is exactly why not to buy American! I had a 1991 Toyota pick up truck that had over 175,000 miles and NEVER had any problems with it! It still had all original parts when I got ride of it in 2009. With the number of complaints on these newer, low mileage vehicles, Dodge/Chrysler should step up to the plate and admit they have a problem and reimburse us for these repairs! Too co-incidental that so many 2007's are having tie rod and ball joint problems!

- blst, Brunswick, OH, US

problem #11

Mar 282011

Caliber R/T 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 27,500 miles

I started hearing a clunking under the front end,started looking around and discovered a little play in the tie rod ends but was so close to needing tires(which is retarded for a tire with under 30k miles) that i would let the local shop take a good look. They discovered that the outer tie rods were shot and the ball joints were in the first throes of death also! It Is UNIMAGINABLE that any car with this kind of mileage should have ANY problems ESPECIALLY THE WHOLE FRONT END! I work for a company that is getting ready to buy about three new heavy duty service trucks and they were looking at Dodge Rams, Key word being WERE. This was my first Dodge and will be my last. Even if they step up on it, I will derive intense pleasure from taking every dollar that i can from them and to date my estimate is at $155,500.(3 Heavy Duty Rams and one Nitro) Not one of my large family,friends or co-workers will ever give Chrysler one dime!

- Tony H., Hamilton, OH, US

problem #10

May 152010

Caliber SE 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 53,808 miles

I've had junk that ran better than this new Dodge. Will be the last dodge I own.

- Jennifer T., Browns Mills, NJ, US

problem #9

Oct 012010

Caliber SXT 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I had my car inspected in March of 2010 at a big name garage. I usually like to support the local mechanics in the area, however a friend of mine works at this garage. He let me know that my ball joint on the left side had some play in it and if I was anybody else he would have made me fix the problem before he handed over the inspection sticker, but I needed to get it fixed in the near future. After about 2 weeks the problem went from barely noticeable to VERY noticeable. Another 2 weeks later I had purchased and replaced (with his help) the whole control arm with the ball joint. While we were replacing that we noticed that the outer tie rod end on that side was also worn and needed to be replaced... so we did.

I took the car into his garage once again for an alignment, and they THEN noticed that the inner tie rod on the right side had become worn and I wouldn't get a true alignment if we went ahead. My friend ended up having another Dodge Caliber come into the shop two destroyed ball joints/control arms later that week which sparked my interest in looking into whether this is a reoccurring problem or not... and that looks to be JUST the case.

For the record, I've replaced the control arm/ball joint and the outer tie rod on the left side of my car, and I am gearing up to replace the inner tie rod on the right (I'm about $250 into it). My guess is that within the next 2 months I'll have the other 50% of the system replaced as well... saving my receipts and crossing my fingers that Dodge will start caring about their customers sometime soon. Until then, I'm seriously considering cutting my losses, selling this car and buying from a company that won't rip me off to make up for their mistakes.

- Robin G., West Lawn, PA, US

problem #8

Sep 122009

Caliber CXT 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,232 miles

Bought the car with 34,000 Km on it an at 50,000 Km, we noticed a clunking in the front end and took it to a Dodge Dealership in Kingston Ontario where they looked after the problem under warranty, but it would have cost me $2800.00.

I don't know about you, but the average person like me doesn't have $2800.00 in their pocket.

So here I am with 113029 Km on my car and I now have that same sound coming from my front end.

It's no wonder why people are going to,Kia,Toyota,Nissan,BMW,Suzuki,(GET THE PICTURE), CARS...

Wonder why North American Auto makers have been in trouble???????

- Kim K., Edmonton, Alberta, canada

problem #7

Jan 172011

Caliber RT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

My daughter owns an 07 Dodge Caiber RT. It has around 70,miles on it. We took it in today to have tires rotated and I was called in to look at the problem. The ball joints were pathetic. We were told they were very dangerous and would have to be replaced. I couldn't understand how a new car , that is driven on smooth roads should have this problem. And ot make matters worse we were told that the only place to purchase the arm and the ball joints--which are together were at the dealership. The cost would be around 300.00 each side and of course labor. And to add to this--New tires which were purchase a few months ago and now ruined--the front onces because of this problem GEEZ I can't believe this. I have a Honda accord which has 150,000 and I have had absolutely no trouble. I'm looking for a recall since I see several others with the same complaint. Please someone help! I can't put out that kind of money..... Attorney General needs to hear about this.

- dtyler, Charleston, WV, US

problem #6

Dec 172010

Caliber LX 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 66,000 miles

ball joints on a four year old car, my grandmothers car is 6 years old and nothing has been replaced not even the battery and she drives as much as i do. this is awful.

- Amanda P., Lexington Park, MD, US

problem #5

Jan 052011

Caliber LX 6 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Took car to dealer for routine maintenance. told that both lower control arms need to be replaced. estimated cost $992.36. This is an 07 dodge caliber awd that I purchased new. it has never seen rough use and has been maintained by the book. 65,000 miles.

I was told that the situation was so dangerous that it would be to risky to drive it home. it now sits in my driveway until I can do some research to see if I can get it repaired for less cost and if parts are now available that will keep this from happening again. as it looks now, this is a manufacturing defect and a bad one. I wish I would have bought a Toyota. I am shocked. I have never had these parts wear out at this mileage on any car or truck.

Update from Feb 2, 2011: contacted dodge help line to ask if dodge would be willing to fix this or at least reduce the cost which was estimated at $950. matter was refered to higher management. response next day. "sorry, but you drove the car home and could therefore have caused further damage". no help forthcoming. duh. the ball joints were already shot, what damage are you talking about. all reasoning was rejected. the entire bill was mine to bear. I found a private shop that did the job for $750.

- James R., Kansas City, MO, US

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