2007 Dodge Caliber Body & structure Problems

I was informed on 09/29/2025 by my Chrysler dealer that a second critical component of my 2007 Caliber frame had rusted to the point that it broke. The first critical component was reported in my complaint tracking number 11459461 submitted on 04/03/2022. The component in that filing was the engine pan that supported the engine. On this latest failure, I was told the same thing by the shop manager: "If you hit a bump while driving this vehicle you could lose your back wheels". In the first incident, the engine could have fallen out of my vehicle. He was not going to let me drive it home. Then he changed his mind and told me it was "at my discretion". I did drive it home (4.5 miles) with no problem. He told me he was going to try and find a new or used part to fix the issue. He made it clear that he was not hopeful of finding one. This is twice now that my life and the lives of any drivers on the road at the same time were placed in danger from excessive rusting problems. I submitted files in the first incident showing that Chrysler was aware of the issue. A copy of the corporate service bulletin was attached. To my knowledge nothing was ever done. Is anything going to be done this time?

NHTSA ID

11691736

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original repair invoice with notations for Magna plant manager; page 10 notice of having received complaint; page 11 Defective lug nut issue; page 12 Complaint #11591104; page 13 Service invoice noting replacement of two defective lug nuts. Second pdf file: pages 1-2 Copy of original complaint #11459461; page 3 Copy of towing receipt due to defective lug nut. Third pdf file: Picture of three of four defective lug nut covers that I had to remove due to flat tires. First one not shown due to being damaged while attempting to remove beyond recognition. Upper left lug nut cover came off just in handling of removed lug nuts.

NHTSA ID

11619474

Incident

Oct 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while it was raining, there was water entering through the sunroof and doors into the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there were no related recalls for the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall coverage for the failures and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11595439

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Mileage

70,000 mi

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe was severely rusted and there was a piece of metal hanging down in the rear of the vehicle. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11574312

Incident

Feb 25, 2024

Mileage

175,000 mi

The window regulators of this car (& other vehicles of the same model) is a poor product of productivity. The cable wires that hold the window to guide the window up & down are known to & have become tangled up around the component that is said to properly wrap up the guided cable wires in the correct placement for the windows to continue to be able to roll up & down as intended. It's not just one door, it is literally every single door in this vehicle that has this issue. When I decided to try & save a little bit of money & get some used window regulators, I go to a salvage yard that had another dodge caliber (different model, how ever, same window regulators) just to find upon inspection, that every single door has a spoon in between the window & the rubber guard piece. Took the door panel off to further inspect & that vehicle had the same issue I have at this very moment... Cable wires completely tangled up and completely non salvageable. Removed the spoon & the window fell down. Now I understand that it doesn't sound like a safety issue but when you are driving down the highway, doing the speed limit, and your window falls down, it's very startling and honestly a distraction while driving. Not only is that a distraction but have you ever had a bird fly into your car, from the hole that was once a window? Talk about a distraction. It's like a bee flying into your helmet while riding a motorcycle or 4wheeler. Ah! Main focus is that flying object to come out, so you try to roll down the other windows only to remember after pushing the buttons that, oh wait, they won't roll down. Ever since the window fell, Not only is that a safety issue for the ones in my car, now it's a safety issue for those driving onside of me till I can get onto the shoulder, if there is one. And hopefully the weather is nice Yes, it has been confirmed & inspected by an independent service center, & yes it is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps.

NHTSA ID

11520801

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

Rear suspension rusted and broke during operation; control arm, tie rod and/or wheel bearings rusted and broke during operation causing vehicle to lose control

NHTSA ID

11513652

Incident

Aug 12, 2022

Car has been garage kept entire time of owning. Sub Frame still rotted out causing so much damage to the car, the struts, the tire(s); etc, causing car to shake and tire to bow out. Car has been at a repair shop for over 7 months now trying to get a replacement part to repair it with no luck as of yet. This should NOT be the responsibility of the customer. This has been a known issue for many of these vehicles for years now with nothings done or any warnings sent out regarding this issue being a possible hazard.

NHTSA ID

11495890

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (strictly highway miles) and rear sub frame has completely rusted through causing back alignment to be drastically out, and fish tailing, which also causes hazardous steering control on dry and especially wet roads. Rapid wear and replacement of tires on rear end. I have researched and found this to be a consistent problem on multiple sites and forums.

NHTSA ID

11468503

Incident

Jun 9, 2022

VERY BAD DESIGN OF MUFFLER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE ON TOP. THAT HEAT EFFECT THE BATTOM TRUNCK, THE HOOD GET MELTED, HEAT SHEILD GET BURNED AND THE ROAD ASSISTANT TIRE GET MELTED AS WELL. I WAS LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO SMELL IT. ALSO ALL BODY GET VERY RUSTED AND LOOK HOURRIBLE.

NHTSA ID

11465937

Incident

May 23, 2022

I had brought my 2003 Stratus and 2007 Caliber in to the dealership for their 3000 mile oil change and check-up. When the Stratus was done, I switched it out with the Caliber. The receptionist came into the waiting room to inform me that my vehicle was dangerous to drive. The engine cradle had rotted out. The manager had asked her to tell me: "If you hit a big bump, your engine could fall out." She showed me a picture of the area in question. I asked what I was supposed to be looking for and was shown where the cradle was supposed to be. A post-it note was on the picture saying that the manager "will do some pricing". The invoice states: "We question the structural integrity of it being able to hold up much longer." When I did not hear anything for a few weeks, I called in and was told that it had not been done but the manager would get right on it. I had asked the manager how this could have been missed during all the years I had been bringing it in for any kind of maintenance and was told: "It probably looks worse that what it should because I poked it with a screwdriver a few times to see how bad it was." Invoice total: $1884.20. I have since spoken with a general manager for Magna Corporation who produced the cradle for the Caliber. They were aware of the design flaw of the cradle that did not allow for drainage of water/road chemicals from the cradle. A lawsuit was filed by Magna against Dodge which Magna won. The particulars of the lawsuit were not made known to me other than Magna charges $42 for the cradle, but I was billed $859. I have found numerous customer complaints online over the corrosion of the cradle in other Dodge model years as well. The 2007 Caliber seems to have more overall customer complaints that all othe model years combined.

NHTSA ID

11459461

Incident

Nov 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON HIS DAUGHTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD BEGAN TO RUST UNDERNEATH THE SUBFRAME. DUE TO THE FAILURE, SEVERAL HOLES WERE FORMED WITHIN THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER ADDED TO THE MANUFACTURER RECALL LIST FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11383891

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

FRONT SUBFRAME FAILURE DUE TO PREMATURE CORROSION CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH A SIT HAPPENED WHILE TURNING LEFT ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE FAILURE CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AXLE

NHTSA ID

11374044

Incident

Nov 3, 2020

Mileage

85,000 mi

MY FRONT CARRIAGE THAT HOLDS UP THE ENGINE AND TIRE ALIGNMENT OUTSIDE SHELL RUSTING OUT ON THE BACK SIDE.

NHTSA ID

11363859

Incident

Oct 7, 2020

Mileage

165,000 mi

I I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES THE SWAY BAR LINKS AND HAD TO PUT ON NEW STRUTS TWICE. THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A RECALL ON THE CROSS MEMBER BAR AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO BE FIXED THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL ON THE BAR. IT IS NOW MAKING ONCE AGAIN A POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND I AM WANTING TO ONCE AGAIN GET THE RECALL ON THE CAR THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED BEFORE.

NHTSA ID

11341003

Incident

Jun 18, 2020

Mileage

136,000 mi

THE VEHICLES SUBFRAME WAS ALL ROTTED AND DRIVERS SIDE TIRE PRACTICALLY FELL OFF WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY SAID BECAUSE THERE WASN'T AN OPEN RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. MY QUESTION IS WAS THERE A RECALL ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE IF SO WHEN/WHERE WAS IT FIXED. WE BOUGHT THIS USED AND HAVE NO PRIOR INFORMATION ON IT. IF THIS VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED ON PREVIOUS RECALLS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND THEY SHOULD FIX IT NOW. *TR

NHTSA ID

11331100

Incident

Jun 22, 2020

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWAY DODGE (4747 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60632, (773) 376-8060) WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11324933

Incident

May 15, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

COMMON SUBFRAME CORROSION ON LOW MILEAGE 2007 VEHICLES CAUSING EXTREME SAFETY ISSUES WHILE DRIVING. WAS WARNED BY AUTO SHOP THAT THIS IS COMMON AND RENDERS SAFETY ISSUES TO DRIVER AS ENTIRE ENGINE COULD DROP WHEN DRIVING OR WHEEL SEPARATION, THAT COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. NO RECALL OR WARRANTY ISSUED TO ME. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL AS COMMON AS IT IS.

NHTSA ID

11318967

Incident

Mar 21, 2020

Mileage

85,000 mi

HAVE A 2007 DODGE CALIBER WITH 90K MILES. MY WIFE RECENTLY WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED AND COME TO FIND OUT THE FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBERS AND SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE TERRIBLY CORRODED. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS NOT PASSED. IT'S STARTED SHAKING WHILE DRIVING, ALIGNMENT IS OFF ACCORDING TO TIRE WEAR. I'VE READ TONS OF COMPLAINTS AND SEE THEY ISSUES NOT A RECALL BUT A 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS ISSUE. CURIOUS AS TO WHEN THIS WAS ISSUED AND IF MY CAR FALLS INTO THAT

NHTSA ID

11310886

Incident

Oct 31, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

STARTED HEARING A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHENEVER I WOULD HIT A BUMP OR TURN LEFT COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. AFTER GETTING HOME, I CHECKED AND THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.

NHTSA ID

11306635

Incident

Feb 2, 2020

Mileage

178,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOWED MAJOR CORROSION TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAD WAS DRIVING THERE WAS A VIBRATION WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR WHEEL FELT AS IF WAS ABOUT TO DETACHED. THE DRIVER NOTICED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BOTH CROSS MEMBER WERE CORRODED WITH HOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11300064

Incident

Jan 15, 2020

Mileage

104,000 mi

I WASHED MY CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED MY CARS FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FRAME THAT IS NEAR THE MOTOR. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT AND IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BREAK IN HALF. IT IS WORST WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, LIKE SPEED BUMPS. MY CAR HAS 106K MILES THE BODY HAS LITTLE TO NO RUST. I'VE OWNED IT ONLY A FEW MONTHS.

NHTSA ID

11277824

Incident

Sep 4, 2019

Mileage

106,000 mi

WHILE IN FOR ROUTINE ANNUAL INSPECTON WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT FRONT SUBFRAME ON VEHICLE WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE AND OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON ENOUGH THAT CHRYSLER HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS REPAIR. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND WOULD NOT BE HONORED, EVEN THOUGH SAFETY WAS A FACTOR. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED WITH A RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11277129

Incident

Oct 30, 2019

Mileage

116,200 mi

WHILE GETTING MAINTENENCE DONE ON MY CAR, I WAS INFORMED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT MY FRONT AND REAR SUB FRAMES HAVE RUSTED THROUGH AND THE CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS AN EXISTING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED FOR THE MANY CALIBER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT HONOR THE FORMER WARRANTY ALTHOUGH SAFETY IS AT STAKE.

NHTSA ID

11271548

Incident

Oct 18, 2019

Mileage

133,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD KNOCKING AND CLUNKING NOISES FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TATE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE FREDERICK (5629 BUCKEYSTOWN PIKE, FREDERICK, MD 21704, (301) 663-6126) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11269961

Incident

Oct 1, 2017

Mileage

170,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-45 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SCREECHING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BUT THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE PRESENT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A SIBLING'S HOME WHERE IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO ALMOST SEPARATE FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. SAWYER MOTORS (166 ULSTER AVE, SAUGERTIES, NY 12477, (845) 247-5027) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 64699050. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TR *BF THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ID

11266167

Incident

Oct 2, 2019

Mileage

88,000 mi