2007 Dodge Caliber engine problems

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 154,000 miles · CA · crash

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.

Filed Oct 12, 2024 · Body, Engine · IA

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.

Filed May 5, 2022 · Engine · 79,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Apr 4, 2020 · Engine · NE

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.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Body, Engine · 177,000 miles · IA

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.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Engine · 165,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed May 26, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 144,061 miles · WI

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.

Filed May 13, 2019 · Engine · 110,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 10, 2019 · Body, Engine · 125,978 miles · NY

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.

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 73,000 miles · CA

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.