2007 Dodge Caliber Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the ECU had been hacked. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the brakes applied without application, but I was able to move to the right lane. The vehicle was able to pull over safely, and it stalled. While parking with the foot on the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a small pole. There was no reported fire, airbag deployment, police report filed, or injuries. While in neutral, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver was able to shift to neutral. The vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. There was no light inside. While using the headlights, the windshield wipers turned on for five minutes. After locking the vehicle, the headlights remain on. While using the turn signal, the windshield wipers engaged without application. While driving in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. The contact stated that someone stole the key fob, made copies, hacked into the vehicle, and was controlling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, which confirmed the vehicle was working as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11713355

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

154,000 mi

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 after driving approximately a block from her residence, she noticed that the vehicle was unable to exceed 15 MPH while accelerating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to her residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and she was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle subframe was rusted. The contact stated that she was informed of an unknown recall however, she was informed that the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11463515

Incident

May 5, 2022

Mileage

79,000 mi

THE ENGINE CRADLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS IN PARTICULAR STATES TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL OF CAR. I HAVE REPLACED STRUTS AND ALL DRIVE TRAIN WITH ALL NEW PARTS AND THE SLAMMING IS STILL PRESENT. REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED THE ENGINE CRADLE AFTER REMOVING AND REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS AND FINDING THE RUSTED OUT BALLS JOINTS IN THE ENGINE CRADLE AS THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11320196

Incident

Apr 2, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE CHECK-UP, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOT OF NOISE. THE CONTACT CALLED SHOTTENKIRK CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE AT 888-344-9954 (LOCATED AT 2301 E WASHINGTON ST, MOUNT PLEASANT, IA 52641) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 177,000.

NHTSA ID

11234810

Incident

Jul 25, 2019

Mileage

177,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE ON JULY 18, 2019 AND OCCURRED FOR AT LEAST FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LAKELAND CHRYSLER DODGE (2875 MALL HILL DR, LAKELAND, FL 33810), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11233339

Incident

Jul 19, 2019

Mileage

165,000 mi

HAD CREAKING NOISES FROM FRONT END, AS I WAS INSPECTING NOTICED THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER SEVERELY RUSTED WITH HOLES. DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. ALSO FOUND A CAMPAIGN FROM DODGE STATING THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON BOTH THE REAR AND FRONT SUBFRAMES/CROSS MEMBERS. I HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE REAR. I CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY CAMPAIGNS OR RECALLS THAT ARE ACTIVE FOR MY CALIBER. I STATED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED BEYOND ITS LIFE AND MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 145K MILES. I ALSO ASKED IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN ITS REPAIR AS IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. THEY REPLIED WITH, SINCE ALL WARRANTIES ARE EXPIRED AND NO RECALLS ARE IN EFFECT, THEY WOULD NOT HELP OR PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WITH ANY REPAIRS.

NHTSA ID

11210095

Incident

May 21, 2019

Mileage

144,061 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE ABS SEIZED AS THE RPM'S INCREASED. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COUGHLIN MARYSVILLE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (15777 WATKINS RD, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040 (937) 642-9000) WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST INFORMED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11207361

Incident

May 6, 2019

Mileage

110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS INFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD CORRODED AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,978.

NHTSA ID

11206811

Incident

Nov 6, 2018

Mileage

125,978 mi

WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL AT BETWEEN 70-75 MPH AND GOING UP A LONG INCLINE (CAJON PASS) THE ELECTRICAL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR QUITS RUNNING, AND TO DATE STARTS AGAIN AFTER LOSING ABOUT 5MPH AFTER SEVERAL HEARTBEATS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW WITH LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11186121

Incident

Mar 7, 2019

Mileage

73,000 mi

THIS IS MY THIRD TIME THAT THIS CAR HAS NOT STARTED. FOR NO REASON WITH A NEW BATTERY IT WON'T TURN ON AND HAS NO POWER AT ALL. NO POWER TO THE LIGHTS, LOCKS, RADIO OR DASH. NOW IT HAS LOW POWER AND WHEN IT'S TURNED OFF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION IT'S MAKING A TICKING NOISE EVERY 30 SECONDS. I HAVE TO WAIT AGAIN TO GET THIS JUMPED AND I WANT OUT OF THIS VEHICLE. I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE IN THIS CAR WITHIN 10 MONTHS AND THE FUSE BOX DOESN'T WORK FOR THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR WITHOUT THE DEALERSHIP COMING AFTER ME.

NHTSA ID

11128194

Incident

Sep 7, 2018

Mileage

141,016 mi

THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN THE AIR CONDITION WAS STILL BLOWING BUT THE ACCELERATION LOST POWER! I NOTICED THE ODOMETER WAS NO LONGER DISPLAYING OR WORKING WHEN I SHUT CAR OFF AND TURNED BACK ON! I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTIAL AREA COMING TO A STOP.

NHTSA ID

11102557

Incident

Jun 19, 2018

2007 DODGE CALIBER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED MANIFOLD AND RUSTED SUB FRAME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT HASN'T PROVIDED THE FUNDING. *JS

NHTSA ID

11053249

Incident

Apr 1, 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" WHILE DRIVING THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER, IT SUDDENLY JERKS AND DOWN SHIFTS AND RPMS SEEM TO SKY ROCKET, THE LIGHTNING BOLT SYMBOL ILLUMINATES AND IT DROPS SPEED AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH MAX, IT TENDS TO DO THIS ON HILLS OR AFTER YOU HAVE TO BRAKE SLIGHTLY FOR ANY REASON AND THEN ACCELERATE AGAIN TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR TO GET UP A HILL. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TAKE IT EASY ON THE ACCELERATION OR HOW HARD YOU PUSH IT, IT DOESN'T HELP AFTER IT GOES INTO THIS SLOW MODE. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE NORMAL AGAIN IS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, PUT IT IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND THEN WAIT AND RESTART IT AGAIN, SOME TIMES IT HAS TAKEN UP TO 5 TIMES OR TRYING TO RESTART IT BEFORE IT FINALLY RESTARTS. THIS VEHICLE CARRIES CHILDREN IN IT EVERY DAY, AND IT HAS BECAME VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE, HAVING A GREAT CHANCE OF BEING REARENDED OR HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE SIDE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER UNEXPECTEDLY

NHTSA ID

11082335

Incident

Sep 3, 2017

Mileage

89,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 65 MPH TO 5 MPH, AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE UNTIL MINUTES LATER. THE CONTACT CALLED JOHN ELWAY CHRYSLER AT 970-281-4687 AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

NHTSA ID

11075193

Incident

Feb 26, 2018

Mileage

154,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ADDING OIL TO THE VEHICLE, THE EMPTY OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH OIL, BUT THE OIL INDICATOR FALSELY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID

11032687

Incident

Oct 9, 2017

Mileage

106,000 mi

I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SUCH AS THE O2 SENSORS THAT HAS TO BE REPAIRED EVERY YEAR. THE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE IF YOU ARE AT STOP SIGN OR JUST IDLE IN TRAFFIC- THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL BEGIN TO BLINK AND THE CAR BEGINS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH..ALSO, IT CONSTANTLY OVER HEATS AFTER MUCH REPAIRS- THESE SYMPTOMS CONTINUE TO PERSIST-THE GENTLEMAN AT GOOD YEAR TOLD ME THAT SOME OF YOUR PARTS O2 SENSOR WAS RECALLED- FAILED TO GET ASSISTANCE FROM CHRYSLER- THE OVERHEATING IS ANNOYING- I CAN NOT DRIVE OVER 45 MILES WITHOUT OVER HEATING. I HAD TO PULL OVER AT THE EXIT WHILE OTHER CARS- WITH INCOMING TRAFFIC WAS COMING VERY FAST AND THE CAR IS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OTHER DRIVERS- BECAUSE THE CAR BEGINS TO PULL - I HAVE TO PULL OVER SO THAT THE ENGINE CAN COOL DOWN- ..SOMETIMES IN TRAFFIC- THE ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND BEGIN TO SHIFT GEARS IN TRAFFIC- THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. THE SAFETY ISSUES ARE ENGINE OVERHEATS, START JERKING BACK AND FORTH AT STOP SIGNS OR JUST BEING IDLE IN TRAFFIC, OCCASIONALLY JUST SHIFT ACCELERATION IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. TH MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS LAST NIGHT- I HAD TO PULL OVER- CAR STARTED JERKING- IT OVERHEATED- 07-19-2017 I AM FILING ANOTHER COMPLAINT- CALLED CHRYSLER SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON SOMETHING THAT IS THEIR MANUFACTURER FAULT.

NHTSA ID

11006656

Incident

Jul 19, 2017

Mileage

208,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED AND THE OXYGEN AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSORS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11006612

Incident

Aug 1, 2010

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED, AS WELL AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ID

10979042

Incident

Apr 16, 2017

Mileage

65,000 mi

ON NOV. 22, 2016 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 6:00 AM. MY CALIBER STARTED MAKING A HISSING NOISE, AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES OF THIS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST ALL ELECTRIC POWER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. 2 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS TIME NOTHING WAS REPLACED, DUE TO THE CAR STARTING AT THE GARAGE. AGAIN ON DEC. 20 THE SAME THING WITH THE EXCEPTION OF I WAS ON MY WAY HOME. THE STARTED WAS AGAIN REPLACED. THIS RECURRED ON JAN 9, 2017. THE STARTED WAS REPLACED AGAIN. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JAN. 20, AGAIN THE STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC, THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. LUCKILY I HAVEN'T BEEN DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, BUT IF THIS WOULD OCCUR AT 65 OR 70 MPH IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON-LINE, I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID

10947531

Incident

Nov 22, 2016

Mileage

115,000 mi

I'VE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW, RECENTLY WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH A DEAD BATTERY. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 20 MILES PER HOUR AND WE HAD ENGINE FAULT CODES. ONCE WE CLEARED OUT THE CODES, THE CAR RAN FINE. HOWEVER, WE NOW HAD A FRONT HEADLIGHT THAT WAS OUT. REPLACING THE BULB DIDN'T WORK. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS BOTH ON WAS TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH FROM A DODGE DEALERSHIP AND ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THE ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD AND DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF THE FUSE BOX ON THESE VEHICLES, ALSO KNOWN AS THE TIPM. I BELIEVE THE DRAIN ON THE BATTERY WAS CAUSED BY THE POOR DESIGN OF THE TIPM AND WITH THAT ONE INCIDENT, STARTED THE FAILURE PROCESS. THIS VEHICLE HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. I HAVE REPLACED THE TIPM WITH A USED ONE FROM A AUTO SUPPLY YARD, I STILL GET INTERMITTENT STARTING OF THE VEHICLE AND WHILE BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING, THE HIGH BEAMS ARE NOW NOT WORKING.

NHTSA ID

10946295

Incident

Jun 7, 2016

Mileage

149,000 mi

TIPM MODULE DOES NOT POWER LIGHTS TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AND LED TO POWER DRAINS. LED TO COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID

10937266

Incident

Dec 23, 2016

Mileage

77,000 mi

MY CAR WILL AS I'M DRIVING CUT OFF LOSE ALL POWER STARTS SHAKING JERKING AND WON'T ABOVE 5TO7 MILES AN HOUR HAPPENS ALL TIME DRIVING WITH MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL IT DOES ON FREEWAY VERY UNSAFE ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED A COUPLE TIMES VERY SCARY

NHTSA ID

10924452

Incident

Jun 1, 2016

Mileage

74,000 mi

I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2007 DODGE CALIBER. AFTER NINE YEARS AND ONLY 79K MILES OF WORKING VERY WELL FOR ME, I SUDDENLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION ON MY WAY TO WORK. AT A STOP LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE OFF OF A HIGHWAY, ABOUT ONE MINUTE FROM MY JOB, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR BUT MY CAR DIDN'T MOVE FORWARD. THE ENGINE WAS ON AND I COULD HEAR REVVING SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE BUT MY CAR JUST DIDN'T MOVE. I WAS STUCK. AFTER GETTING IT TOWED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS, ONE WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME I HAD A TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP. OF COURSE, THEY COULDN'T FIX IT AND REFERRED ME TO ANOTHER SHOP. THAT SHOP COULDN'T FIX IT EITHER AND MY ONLY CHOICE WAS TO GO TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP! NATURALLY, THEIR PRICE TO FIX IT WAS HUGE AT A WHOPPING $4,500! I WAS FURIOUS WITH THE COST AND THE FACT THAT MY CAR ISN'T EVEN TEN YEARS OLD AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION! HOW CAN I PAY ALMOST FIVE GRAND TO FIX IT WHEN MY CAR IS BARELY WORTH THREE? PLEASE BE CAREFUL BUYING A DODGE CALIBER. IT MIGHT WORK WELL FOR AWHILE BUT YOU CAN BET AT SOME POINT IN THE NEAR FUTURE IT WILL FALL APART ON YOU!

NHTSA ID

10893644

Incident

Jun 14, 2016

Mileage

79 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR BLINKING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA ID

10882154

Incident

Dec 18, 2015

Mileage

155,000 mi