8.7
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,710
- Average Mileage:
- 76,700 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace front subframe, cross member (6 reports)
- replaced front end suspension and tires (4 reports)
- replaced struts, tie rods/sway bars (2 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.
what a sight to see the sub frame almost totally rusted out.
- Joseph P., Antioch, US
Took my 2008 Dodge Caliber in for an inspection. Mechanic said can't be inspected because sub frame is completely rotted. He said it holds the engine and suspension. He said it was a big job to repair. I looked it up on internet and found this site, plus tons of other information about this problem.Apparently 2007 model years are covered by an extended warranty but 2008 are not. I think it might be time for a class auction lawsuit. I do not have any money to fix my car, let alone hire an attorney, but if any lawyer reads this and wants to take the case pro bono, I think they can get a lot of money. Just wait until there are some deaths from this issue, Dodge/Chrysler in going to be in for a rude awakening.
- Sue M., Spencerport, NY, US
click to see larger images
This is my complaint and warning to anyone considering purchasing a used Dodge Caliber. The front suspension is total garbage on this vehicle. Don't buy one! There are big holes in the subframe of my Caliber.
Chrysler recalled the 2007's for this problem. It is very obvious that the 2008's have the same problem and that the same poor quality parts were used in both years. Therefore, the 2008 should be recalled as well.
I still owe money on this vehicle and I haven't got the money to repair the subframe, let alone the other issues with the front end suspension. ie. tie rods, ball joints and once those repairs are complete, new tires and alignment.
Come on Chrysler! This is bad!
- Linda A., Barrie, Canada
Have had this car since new, 3 sets of tie rods, 3 sets of tires, and now a new sub frame. This will be a very expensive repair.
- Elizabeth H., Port Colborne, ON, Canada
Took 2008 Caliber in for inspection and was informed the front cradle was completely rotted. This car is only 8 years old with less than 79,000 miles on it! This is ridiculous ! Why is this not a recall? This should not be happening to a car that age. I seen where there's a recall for 2007 Caliber for the same issue but not for 2008! That is not right! COME ON CHRYSLER DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!!!!
- Sandra M., Clearfield, PA, US
All front end issues, this was still under warranty at this time so I got lucky. I have replaced struts, tie rods/sway bars on this car going on time number four now, it has 125,000 miles on it. Most problems focus on the right front tire area first, and it totally eats tires and goes out of alignment
- lmilliken, Canton, OH, US
THIS IS MORE THAN ANNOYING ESPECIALLY SINCE I UNDERSTAND THAT THE 2007 CALIBERS HAD THERE EXTENDED WARRANTY LENGTHENED TO COVER THIS REPAIR BUT NOT THE 2008 MODEL
WHICH IS A COMPLETE RIPOFF. IF YOU'VE GOT A PROBLEM FIX THE PROBLEM. EITHER ISSUE A
RECALL OR EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO COVER ALL OF THE DAMNED CALIBERS ON THE ROAD ... YOU CAN'T JUST PICK A DATE OUT OF THE AIR AND SAY THERE .... THAT FIXES THE PROBLEM CAUSE OBVIOUSLY IT DIDN'T ....
- Marilyn T., Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
I have had my suspension on my Dodge Caliber fixed 4 times in the 6 years. I believe this is an error by Dodge
- Onie B., Mesa, AZ, US
I have only owned this car for 2 years, a 2008 and by 2012 I had to replace both front tie rods, rear wheel barring, both rear upper control arms, 2 alignments, and because of all of this 2 sets of tires within 2 months. I can't afford to fix this sh*t, plus have a car payment AND new tires that frequently.
- mmgoza, Cheboygan, MI, US
I took my car in for a regularly scheduled oil change. I received a call stating I needed my struts fixed! I hadn't noticed anything feeling different while I drove, but I had noticed my tires and gone bad pretty quickly. So along with my struts needing to be replaced, I also had to replace the new tires I hadn't had for very long!
- Amanda L., Central Point, OR, US
Griping, ranting & yelling accomplishes nothing. I hope that by identifying this problem it gets to Chrysler. This car had a little over 39,000 miles (39,300). It was just out of warranty in June. The whole front end was shot. Bad ball joints, tie rods and brakes.
This was the third set of front brake pads. With the suspension being shot it prematurely it wore out the tires. (bald on the inside tread only). The work was performed by Grismer Tire Company Springfield, Ohio. The mechanic said it was the worst case he has seen for a 2 year old vehicle. It could have caused a serious accident should the wheel have fallen off. TOTAL expense over $1,300. This was for ball joints, tie rods, front brake pads, 2 new tires, adjusting the rear brakes and alignment. I have talked to the dealer, they can do nothing. If Chrysler wants to sell more cars they need to show they care to their customers by offering a compensation (of some $ amount ) to fix this problem
- Alicia K., Springfield, OH, US
replaced tie rod ends, sway bars, axle, tires. 2008 caliber sxt. tire broke from axle k frame and cross-member rotted. original mechanic should of not even fixed it. My new mechanic told me to look for a new car.
- scubamidge11, Marathon, US