2007 Dodge Caliber: complete transmission failure

Filed Nov 11, 2015 · Transmission · 143,751 miles · MO

I purchased a used 2007 dodge caliber for $4500as is, drove it 3 miles from place of purchase when the check engine light came on. I took it to a mechanic who ran the code and informed me the transmission needed serviced. I paid $358. To service it and was told that the light would go out on its own after a few cycles. Light went out only to come back on with in the month while driving on the highway and losing all power and transmission temp light coming on. Took car back and was told it would be $4000. More to replace transmission. Cvts are junk and need recalled!!!!!!

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 92,600 miles · NV

The car will lose all power when driving, almost at a complete stop. The first 2 times it happened were at night (the second during a complete downpour) and since I lose all power, the hazard lights won't even work so I have to get out of the car to alert other drivers so that they won't hit me!! So dangerous!! The first "fix" was to do a full computer system re-flash ($300). The second "fix" was to replace the transmission control module ($600). The third time this happened was 3 days after the second "fix" as I'd driven not even 100 feet from a parking spot, I turned the volume up on my radio and the car died! The 3rd "fix" will be upwards of $1500!!! Dodge knows about this problem. In fact, it is the faulty placement of the tipm that has caused this!! It was placed in a spot where it constantly receives damage from water and dirt on the road, which causes corrosion and then bam! Loss of power!!!! Dodge has not created any recalls for this which is unacceptable! This problem, if it happens on any highways or in major intersections, could kill someone!!! I've done a ton of research and this is happening to too many people with the same exact model year car!!! I've contacted dodge corporation to request a recall and/or financial assistance in this matter and they won"t do anything! I've owned this car for less than 3 months and I've already had it in the shop 3 times for this problem. When will dodge realize that they have to do something about this? When someone dies????? I'm going to reach out to as many people as I can who have had/are having the same problem so we can get a lawyer involved!!! Someone needs to do something about this problem and that someone is dodge!!!!!!!

Filed Aug 1, 2013 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. The contact stated that the transmission over temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer cleaned the coolant lines, replaced the transmission fluid and the trans axle however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 39,000. Updated 10/24/13*cn the transmission over temp light illuminated in july 2009 and again in october 2009. Both times the vehicle slowed down and barely move. The transaxle was replaced in october 2009 and again in august 2013

Filed Dec 15, 2011 · Transmission · NJ

Started hearing grinding noise when car was de-accelerating. Brought car to garage where I was told I needed a new transmission. I was told the CVT transmission was a sealed unit so it couldn't be repaired. It took two weeks in a chrysler dealership to get repaired at chrysler's expense (lifetime powertrain warranty). Even though the repair was free, I still had to pay for two weeks of car rentals since the dealership did not have any loaner cars available (amazingly there were two in the lot when I picked the car up). This car has been nothing but a nightmare since purchasing in october 2007. Seeing all of the other complaints on this site, it still amazes me there hasn't been any recalls for any of the problems associated with this car. But then again the us government owns chrysler..........

Filed Nov 8, 2011 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · MI

While driving on the freeway on the way home, the engine shut off because of the transmission failure. Both power steering and brakes were lost. Had to quickly get over on the shoulder. Fortunately, not a lot of traffic. Both my grandchildren were in the car and an accident could have happened....unsafe. Took the car in and at 98000 miles was informed I needed a new transmission because the mechanic shop stated the transmission is no good and it needs replaced (diagnostic testing revealed the transmission issue).

Filed Jun 23, 2011 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · MD

2007 dodge caliber 2.0 CVT transmission: bought june 13/2007 brand new VIN [xxx] 5 mi on vehicle when purchased we are senior citizens on social security 31,000 miles scraping , grinding noise not brakes- has gotten worse -much worse. Grinding starts as soon as car put in gear, worse as speed increases. Talked with dodge dealers service departments -in albany ny and baltimore md they know of the problem:turns out to be inside the transmission. Not repairable. We were blessed to make it home safe from trip to upstate ny from maryland. Eras still ringing 24 hrs later. Told out of warranty and cost will be $6,000 to replace transmission!! This is now a well known problem for the 'word class powertrain. Daimler chrysler, nissan and hyundai - all used this transmission they jointly developed. Is ntsb going to demand a recall?? [xxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 26, 2011 · Electrical, Transmission · 53,000 miles · PA

The turn signal stayed on, everything electric shut off, then when I put the car in park and took out my key, the car was still running!! This happened twice and no one can figure out what could possibly be wrong. Then my check engine light went on. The diagnostic test read p0708. I was told I cannot simply fix this sensor, that I would need a whole new transmission. My car is 4 years old and has 53,000 miles on it! How could I need a new transmission, who can afford a new transmission!? The car has been extremely well taken car of, normal oil changes, inspections, I just bought 2 new front tires! This is unbelievable.

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Electrical, Transmission · 42,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. While driving approximate 30 MPH the vehicle stalled and the transmission light illuminated. She drove onto the emergency lane for 20 minutes and the vehicle began to function normally. The dealer replaced the computer chip. The failure happened a week later and was taken back to dealer who stated that they did not know how to fix the failure. She then took the vehicle to another dealer who replaced the transmission. Two weeks later the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated the dealership advised her that they would call her when special technicians came from chrysler. The dealer never notified her. The failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 43,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2009 · Body, Transmission · 16,000 miles · ME

My 2007 caliber has leaking problems, it has been in the shop twice and still not fixed, also I just brought it in for a grinding noise, at 16,000 miles. The dealer 1st told me nothing is wrong come and get it, I did not get it I told them to keep it and drive it 1st thing in the morn. They did and heard the loud vibrating noise. They called me and told me it needed swaybar bushings and a new transmission. This caliber is junk. With each supposed repair for leaking they had my car for 2 weeks total. Also this time with the transmission it has be 3 days. I have to pay for a rental car each time. The power door locks make a weird loud noise at times when unlocking the doors. I do not feel safe with my 4 kids in the car with me. I need a safe vehicle.

Filed Jun 9, 2008 · Transmission · 31,966 miles · MA

I purchased a 2007 dodge caliber in june 2006. I noticed this car's road noise increased over time, the brakes are horrible, the windows squeal putting them up or down, and the door hinges sound as if they have been rotting in a junk yard somewhere for years, and let's not forget the weird smell coming through the vents when the heat or AC is on. My complaint, however, is about the transmission. On my way to work, while I came to a brief stop and proceeded to turn onto another road when my car lurched and slowed right back down. I immediately pulled off the road. My check engine light was on. I called the service department from where I purchased my car and after speaking to them decided to drive my car there. As I pulled forward another light popped on. This time it was the transmission over temperature light. (I was barely going 10mph and it was 70 degrees out). From there the car was very sluggish taking forever to get up to speed and I went through this process every time I had to come to a stop. I brought it to the dealer who would not give me or cover a rental. I got my car back 3 days later after they replaced the transmission control module. (by the way there is no recall, but chrysler has a bulletin out on this issue). Sunday june 8, 2008, I was driving for 2 minutes when it happened again. My car lurched, the engine and transmission lights came on and this time the park, reverse, neutral, and drive indicators all lit up as if I was in every gear at once. My appointment is tomorrow. I argued to get a rental, on them this time and will update as soon as I have any news. I will tell you one thing, after reading everyone else.