2008 Dodge Caliber: sudden loss of power

Filed May 11, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 90,000 miles · MO

Luckily, I was on a city street. The vehicle lost power and slowed significantly, almost stopping completely and began to reboot as if it were just being started. I am complaining because I do not feel it to be safe for consumers on any road. I have a 3 year old son and I would very much like dodge to fix this problem before my, or anyone else's family, gets whiplash from a rear collision. I'm reaching out to the federal safety agency because, I lack the tools and knowledge to fix it myself, and don't find it fair that I pay for a mistake that dodge made in making the car.

Filed Feb 11, 2018 · 80,000 miles · TX

The electronic throttle light came on while driving on ih35, I lost power and myvehicle went on 5 miles per hour then stopped in the middle of the highway.

Filed Jul 16, 2017 · Electrical, Transmission · 135,000 miles · MI

Losing power and all idiot lights flashing on highway or driving around the city very dangerous can not go over 45 on highway

Filed May 22, 2017 · 76,000 miles · MI

After starting engine,and beginning to drive. Car kept losing power and had an extremely rough idle. Could not get to go over 25 MPH. Etc indicator light was on the entire time. Drove it immediately to my local garage.

Filed Mar 11, 2016 · Transmission · 144,000 miles · AL

"takata recall" in the year 2014 I experienced the loss of power while driving it . The vehicle would drive but suddenly would loose power and stop pulling. I took my car to the dealership and was that I needed a transmission replacement. Also I inquired about this vehicle being on recall and was told that it wasn't but after reading several complaints, I feel that something should be done about this problem because a transmission replacement is very costly. I have not been able to drive my vehicle for two years because of this problem.

Filed Nov 16, 2015 · Acceleration · 104,216 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck. The contact coasted over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,216.

Filed May 11, 2015 · Electrical · 114,325 miles · MI

For the second time, I lost power to the turn signals, windshield wipers and washer, rear wiper and washer. I also lost the ability to set cruise control and the mileage display was blank. About 20 minutes into a rainy drive the wipers and turn signals came back. Then the wipers stayed on and would not turn off. I stopped for gas the the key fob would not lock/unlock doors. Problems went away and came back, but not all of them. I drove to the chrysler / dodge dealer and asked about any service bulletin. They didn't find anything specific on the computer. Made an appointment to have car trouble-shot on 5/23/2015. I am concerned that the air bag maybe not deploying should I need it.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 75,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 3/12/15 the consumer stated while driving around 25 MPH, when suddenly the vehicle started to vibrate uncontrollably, lost power and the electronic throttle control light illuminated. He shut the vehicle down and eventually re-started it. The consumer experienced the issued two more times. Updated 04/02/15

Filed Oct 24, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

I first experienced the electronic throttle control problem last month when I was on my way home and lost power while driving took it to a local mechanic and he said he would look at it.. When I got the car back he said he cleaned the throttle sensor and shouldn't have any issues paid $75. Well a couple of days ago the battery light came on and was on the entire day then went off. Now when it came back on and the electronic throttle light came on with it. The car would not go over 2 miles as I was driving towards the light I had to immediately turned off the car and turn back on. Thankfully there was no one at the light behind me when I did that. But I researched online and seen that many other has had this issue with their cars dating back 2007. My car is a 2008 which seem to have been fine till now. I have had the alternator go out and replaced followed by the battery being replaced that same week. I'm afraid to get on the highway with the car now. It's kind of scary to be on the road and have the car just stop on you. And have someone behind you not prepared to be stopping so quickly. I pick my grand baby up from school and I would hate to have this happen while she is in the car. I want to see if there was a recall on these vehicles with this problem but don't know where to look. I haven't put the mileage down because im at work putting in this report and its dark. But the mileage is well over 150,000.

Filed May 14, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 129,000 miles · FL

First time dodge owner and never again...as I was driving at 45 MPH first my battery light came on then 10 seconds later all the panel lights came in car lost all power but never shut down I pulled off 6 lane intersection to a safe location and turned car off and it would not start back I wait 2 hrs in 90degree heat 6 months pregnant for a tow truck I call dodge dealer and they said 160 to look at it but sounds like fuse box or something like that. Said typical in these cars so I just had the car towed home because I can't afford to dish out all kinds of money. Just under a year ago I replaced the alternator and battery again not cheap.... Nothing but problems with this car and as soon as I am able I am getting rid of it.

Filed Feb 4, 2014 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

Driving vehicle on main road approx 40mph .. Electronic throttle body indicator flashed , vehicle immediately lost power .. Had to pull over for safety reasons.. Vehicle "bucked" with a rough idle .. Turned the vehicle off , restarted ; all seemed ok. This scenario occurred multiple times each time on the road disabling power and unexpected , local mechanic replaced spark plugs and coil packs .. The vehicle started but few days passed , again the etc indicator came on , immediately losing power , bucking on a highway / biway 45 MPH , pulled over shoulder .. Restarted approx 15 min later all seemed ok.. The latest occurrence and most impacted ., vehicle will not go beyond 10 MPH, no power, bucking .. Phoned dealership .. Etc is on back order and not enough parts available to fill outstanding log of b/o .. (region is out of stock ) phoned chrysler addressed issue is multiple across forums and suggested recall.. This issue is a safety concern and costly when codes are not accurate( misfire ignition coils, catalyst below threshold , overheated o2 sensor , never indicating relating to faulty etc .. But the dealership wouldn't order so many nor would they be out I stock and back ordered if this wasn't "recall worthy" chrysler was helpful in assisting and hopefully they will expedite part and all will be well ..

Filed Dec 25, 2013 · Engine · 65,234 miles · OH

Second time this as happened in less then 3 yrs. Driving car no warning light ever came on the first time. Lost power car died. Had it towed to dealership $600 cost no real answer from dealer ship. Now dec 25th 2013 driving home and light electronic throttle control indicator light comes on . Car putt's along . Again this is the second time this has happened, someone is going to get killed and dodge will have a law suit on their hands. I and many others will tell our friends and families not to buy anything made by dodge . Pretty sad someone will have to die to get this company to do a recall and fix the problem.