2007 Dodge Caliber: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 15, 2016 · Body, Electrical · 162,000 miles · MA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. While driving 40 MPH, the subframe fractured on the vehicle. In addition, the contact replaced the tires on three occasions and the rear wheel bearings were replaced three times. Furthermore, the ignition switch caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed and repaired by a dealer and an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Filed May 3, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · IN

I have a 2007 sxt caliber, bought it brand new in 07, but now I have this issue. My husband drove the car to work, on his way home he stopped and filled the tank up then he went to eat at p.hut. After we at he went to start it and nothing. It would act like it wanted to, but wouldn't. Well today we look it up on what it could possibly be and some said it was camshaft and crankshaft sensors. Well we replaced them and still nothing. So we decided to take the fuel pump out and behold the connectors going into the fuel pump were fried. Which could've caught fire. Called dodge to see if they had any recalls and no they don't they said. I told them I wasn't the only one who has had this issue. They said well take it to the dealer but you will have to pay for the repairs, since the car is older and has some miles on it. My 2 children sit in the back of this car and now knowing that it could've started fire with them in it, really pisses me off and there's nothing they are gonna do about it. Really???? I will be going to the dealership and showing them what happened to fuel pump connectors and asking what they are gonna do about it. It's not like I'm taking the fuel pump out and burning it up. This is an issue that needs to be looked at and taken care of before someone gets hurt.

Filed Jun 18, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 152,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. The contact stated that while having the vehicle maintenanced, the mechanic advised that the fuel pump wiring had caught fire, burned through the fuel pump and into the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

Filed Mar 23, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

I purchased this car used from a dealership due to the fact that I have an hour drive to and from work and it appeared to have great gas mileage. Within my first two weeks of ownership the starter was stuck engaged as I drove and caught fire. This I replaced knowing with age, starters and alternators die. A month after servicing the starter, I was driving on the interstate at a speed of 67mph in heavy traffic when a lightening bolt (electronic throttle control sensor light) flashed and the car jerked as if it were to stall. I contacted my local dodge dealer who informed me that it probably was the throttle body and that I might as well drive the car for a bit because the light was not staying lit. Every since then the light has flashed on atleast once a month with the car violently jerking as to stall. I started the car last week and the idle was miserable so figured the throttle body had gone. Took the car to the local dealership to read codes on the pc. Code was for the throttle body. The throttle body was replaced by a certified dealership mechanic. Within 30 miles and 30mins after leaving the garage the car was jerking to stall as before but the light was not on. Seem to be a serious problem considering stall on interstate at those speeds and hit by a semi would cause instant death. The value of my car is no longer high but you can guarantee the loan and payments are. I am a preschool teacher and make a very small income. Took car instantly back to dealership but I know they will find nothing, charge to much, and send me on my way with a death sentence. Seems as though dodge/chrysler has decided that as long as no deaths it is ok to carry on with this refusal to admit that they made a bad product. How about robbing! All I want is my car fixed but of course they will not admit anything. Suppose I will have to call the news, fax the ceo's, and die .

Filed Mar 18, 2012 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · IA

May 2011 heard a clunking noise. 48000 miles on 2007 dodge caliber. Had it checked out and ball joint and control arm needed replaced and 4 new tires that were worn from the vehicle alignment caused from these issues. Now march 2012, we had issues with squeaking noise on left side and had it checked out. Hot burning smell noticed and had broken coil spring and strut that we're causing wear on tire. We will never by a dodge again!

Filed Aug 9, 2011 · Engine · 81,000 miles · CA · fire

I was approaching an intersection to make u-turn, when my car went into a stall. The engine sounded to me, as if it was still revving. But my foot wasn't on the pedal. I came to a halt in the middle of the road. Put my car in park, tried to restart the vehicle twice. Then my car caught fire. In shock I could feel the car getting hot. So I unbuckled my seat belt, and tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. I panicked for my life and proceeded to try and get out the car from the trunk. It wouldn't open either. But a wittiness who saw my horrible fate helped me and open the door from the outside. I was saved, and relieved. He then ran to his car and got a gallon of water and tried to put out the fire. But the flames were to strong for a gush of water. An other wittiness tried to help put out the flames with some more water. Still the flames would not die down. So I decided to call "911" and tell them my reason of calling. Then the fire and police departments came. They put out the fire. I was relieved but afraid for my. New job that I had to report an absence too, and lost wages for my family care and well being. And my own life threatening ordeal, may have to evaluated for post traumatic stress. I then called my family member to pick me up, and to arrange a tow service. The car was towed to my residence. And is now undergoing an investigative damages and insurance claims.

Filed Aug 8, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2007 dodge caliber. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to make a loud noise and it stalled. The contact also stated that she tried to restart the vehicle a total of three times and the vehicle caught fire on the last attempt. The fire department was notified and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was declared destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2011 · Electrical · 62,845 miles · TX

Last week I started noticing a loud rattle in the engine of my caliber. I took it to the dealer and they said it was the belt tensioner. I got it replaced and it got rid of the squeaking noise but not the rattle. I did research online and discovered that many people were having alternator problems and showed similar symptoms as mine did. I contacted the dealer and said that it would be $680 to replace. I decided to go with another mechanic because it was cheaper. This mechanic replaced it and showed me the old part, it was completely burnt. He said that there should be no way that a car with 60,000 miles on it should have an alternator in this condition. He also mention that it could have caught on fire. Why is there not a recall on this?

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. The contact was traveling at an unknown speed when the driver side door panel suddenly caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a bottle of water. The fire department stated that the failure was caused by the power window motor. The dealer advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and would not service the vehicle. The manufacturer advised they had not received any similar complaints to hers and would not provide any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 80,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · FL · crash · fire · 1 injury

I was stopped at red light,I was rear ended at aprox.45mph by SUV. The car started in fire at rear of car,flames touched to of car inside of car. After emptying a fire extinguisher,fire restarted 5 more times,each time using another extinguisher,fireman finally flooded car to stop the fire...just wondering if anyone else has had this happen? The muffler and gas tank arevery close,and were touching after impact..

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Electrical · 29,558 miles · CA

The dealer has had my vehicle a total of 27 days not including the days it is currently at the dealership in 6 occurrences. All occurrences have been electrical problems. Because of the severity of the problems my wife does not any longer feel safe driving the car with my children fearing it will either leave her stranded or even worse catch on fire while driving it.