2007 Dodge Caliber AWD suspension problems

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Suspension · 74,900 miles · PA

This is the 2nd complaint I filled with chrysler corp. Thru the federal safety agency concerning this issue, 1st complaint was #11186050 concerning the rear cross members/rear axle cradle rotting out (chrysler action 23-012-14 this action extended the warranty to 10 years). I found out about this action thru talking with a friend who went thru this same issue. Chrysler corp. Contacted me to state "that all owners were notified !" this car was bought new in 2007 at berger motors in hazelton, pa. Neither berger motors or chrysler contacted us on this issue, so how can chrysler corp make this statement that all owners were notified !!! This car has less than 75,000 original miles on it !

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Suspension · 74,900 miles · PA

While driving this vehicle I heard a noise from the rear of vehicle, I took the car to a garage, the mechanic checked it then called me ' not to drive it ' that the rear axle/suspension cradle was rotted out. I contacted a chrysler dealer and they told me that chrysler corporation extended the warranty due to this issue for 10 years which ended in 2017. I contacted chrysler only to find out my vehicle was not one of the recalls, I asked how can that be since my vehicle has the same problem and I asked why wasn't the owners of these cars notified to get them checked (no answer), I told this woman that they knew of this problem (using substandard steel) and I know that someone will be hurt or killed due due to their negligence.

Filed Dec 23, 2018 · Suspension · PA

Rear crossmember subframe rusted and broken causing driveshaft and the rear differential to shift during acceleration. Noticed a thumbing sound when driving on local city street at approximately 25 MPH on dec. 12, 2018.

Filed Jun 30, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · MD

Rusted sub frame

Filed May 4, 2016 · Acceleration, Suspension · 95,000 miles · MI

The cross member on the underside is badly corroded and should be replaced but is a little expensive. I have had to already replace both control arms, both ball joints and one had already been replaced by after market ball joint. The struts have had to be replaced as well. A car with these miles should not need all this front end work. I have seen this to be not just my situation. My cruise control worked when we bought this vehicle with 85,000 now does not work.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Suspension · 20,147 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber awd. While driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's side lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the passenger side lower control arm needed to be replaced a year later due to the same failure. While driving at various speeds and attempting to turn right, the vehicle would shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shaft axle assembly and driver side lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however the failure recurred. The contact stated that shortly after the passenger side lower control arm needed to be replaced due to fracturing. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, there was an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt, idler pulley, alternator, and tensioner pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,147.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Suspension · 142,838 miles · ME

Front end felt like it would wobble and the drivers side tire started wearing badly. Brought it in to get the inner and outer tie rod and a arm with ball joint replaced mechanic told me to park it and don't drive it till I got it fixed.

Filed Dec 8, 2014 · Body, Engine · 71,000 miles · NY

Car only has 71,000 miles on it. On my way home from work I heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of my car so I took it to a mechanic. After inspection, mechanic reported that sub frame around lower a arm was rotted and entire back side of cradle also was rotted. Everything else under car looks new, we just don't understand why just this part of car is rotting. Chrysler should have this vehicle recalled, after doing research on this vehicle and finding this being one of the common defects.

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Suspension, Wheels · 120,000 miles · MI

While turning the corner the rear tire leaned in and rubbed against the strut spring causing tire damage and damage to the strut spring. The cars sub frame is completely rusted and will not hold the suspension parts that hold the rear tire in place and straight. Tire falls in and rubs on strut spring. Under body parts are rusting from air conditioning draining into sub frame. Car was so bad it had to be loaded onto a flat bed and be hauled to the mechanic to see if it repairable and to see how bad the other side is. This should not happen with only 100,000 miles on the frame. Dodge should be held accountable for this!

Filed Aug 22, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 129,000 miles · NY

I also had the same problem with my 2007 dodge caliber with the front subframe. I had it in for an oil change and my mechanic (private, not dealer) said the subframe was so corroded that is was unsafe to drive. I had it repaired for approx $500.00. I waited for my letter from dodge stating my VIN # was part of the recall and when I called today - they said it was not. They also stated had I taken the car to my dealer, perhaps something could have been done.