2008 Dodge Caliber: won't start

Filed Jan 16, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 160,000 miles · IN

Dash warning lights all come on, interior light comes on when using right turn signal, loses power only up to 40mph , sometimes won't start, odometer gauge flapping around, which are current problems,have replaced suspension three times, and replaced computer! Will never purchase a dodge again!

Filed Dec 30, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 106,689 miles · MA

For three sudden engine failures: 1) approximately april 16, 2014 noticed some of the dashboard warning lights blinked a little. Stopped at a traffic light it turned green stepped on the gas, the car jumped and stalled in traffic. Was able to restart the car and go about a 100 yards into a side street. Was met by local police. Got tow truck and had it towed to the local chrysler dealer. After the car was repaired drove out of the dealer but noticed that a dashboard warning light was on. 2) approximately may 2, 2014 the dashboard warning lights blinked again but the car kept running. Drove to my destination. When I returned to my car, turned on the ignition key it would not start again not even to crank the motor. Got tow truck and towed it back to the chrysler dealer. After the car was repaired, the warning lights were double checked, then drove out of the dealer. 3) approximately may 20, 2014 was going down hill hit a small bump causing dashboard warning lights to go on the car stalled, rolled the rest of the way down hill and pushed it into my driveway. I tried myself to fix it. Pulled off the main fuze cover and pulled out some fuzes this brought back some power to restart the car. The fuzes were apparently to the air bags but gave enough power to make the engine run. Made an appointment with an electrical repair specialist. Drove it to there lot. Was asked detailed questions on how I got there. The car was repaired but with problems, the electrical system is not protected in the front of the car and was advised to get a splash guard. But went to the chrysler dealer parts department. Found that it wouldn't do much good and none exist to completely protect it. The car runs fine now but hazardous. I believe I shouldn't be paying repair bills for this fault.

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 Jan 12, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 10,250 miles · VA · fire

While driving a 2008 dodge caliber se in a street between 40mph and 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shutdown itself. Five second later and after pulling over as close as I could to the curve of the road, the car died. I tried to restart the engine to move it out of the way of the traffic, but the vehicle did not start. Smoke started coming out under the hood, and after further examination, I saw sparks and smoke coming out off the fuses' box. I disconnected the battery and waited for the smoke to clear up. Using a flash light, I found out that one of the circuit card in the totally integrated power module (tipm) shorted and melted part of the plastic cover. The vehicle couldn't be put in neutral, and the break pedal and steering wheel were inoperative. If this incident happened in a high way, I am sure that the incoming traffic could have hit my car with speed over 65mph due to suddenly deceleration and lack of vehicle's response to the driver's commands. My wife, three years old daughter and I could have been involved in a fatal crash.

Filed Apr 26, 2009 · Body, Electrical · MD

After purchasing my dodge caliber in february or 2008 I noticed the gas gauge was not consistently accurate. It took a total of 6 months for schaefer and strohminger to "fix" it. I called them afterwards to tell them it was better but not completely correct and they put me off several times. They said they would call the engineer and follow up with me. That never happened even after the ceo of the vehicle maintenance department told me I met the lemon law requirements. During this time the car began to hesitate from time to time when starting. I also asked them about that problem. They could not figure out the problem after having it in the shop twice. About a year later the car wouldn't start and left me stranded at work. It was towed to the nearest dealership. I called ahead to talk to the mechanic who knew exactly what my problem was because he'd had several others need to be replaced already in the caliber. It was the wireless control module. While still under warranty they replaced it. It's been a few months now and the car has hesitated while starting 4 times already. Obviously there is a fault in the wireless control module unit they are using. Finally, I'm taking it back to have them check the water in the driver's side tail light and wet carpet behind the driver's side seat. I'm very dissatisfied with this car and do not plan on buying from dodge or schaefer and strohminger again.