While my wife was driving, the front subframe crossmember rusted through, causing her to lose control of the car and she could not safely operate it without repair. I managed to get it to a firestone for them to look at and they referred me to a dealer and told me not to drive it anymore because it is unsafe. This is a problem that dodge knew about, but failed to notify me about. I only found out about the problem from the dealership, who told me that the extended warranty that covers this problem had expired in 2018 and that I would be responsible for the cost of any repairs. I owned the car during that time and I did not know of this problem, so I could not act on getting it repaired. This never should have been an extended warranty, this should have been a recall because of the potential to kill people when the subframe rusts out. My wife was driving in a parking lot at the time at a relatively low speed, but had this happened on a highway it could have killed her and my son, as well as others on the road. Number: 23-007-17 rev. B group: body date: march 10, 2017
2008 Dodge Caliber suspension complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 113, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I previously called regarding odi 11282835. The front and rear cross-members were completely rusted away. There was an extended warranty and the original owner never repaired the issue the warranty expired 04/2018. Chrysler refuses to fix the issue. I purchased the vehicle 09/2019 and discovered the entire suspension had rotted out. This is extremely dangerous. It is pursuant to this bulletin. Chrysler is refusing to repair it. Service bulletin number: 23-012-14 group: body date: may 19, 2014 this bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. Note: this only applies to vehicles in the canadian market and in salt belt states which include connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington, d.c., west virginia and wisconsin. Subject: front and rear crossmember corrosion (x58 10 years unlimited mileage) overview: this bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation / rust through and if necessary, replace the crossmember(s). Models: 2007 pm caliber 2007 mk compass, patriot note: this bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after august 26, 2005 (mdh 0826xx) and on or before july 23, 2007 (mdh 0723xx). Symptom/condition: the customer may describe a vibration at the steering wheel or may have been informed by a technician or state vehicle inspection that the front and / or rear cross-member is severely corroded. Policy: warranty period for cross-member perforation / rust through is extended to 10 years. Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
I was turning in my vehicle for a trade in and during the appraisal test drive the axel broke and it had to be towed. The gentlemen stated that is was due to rust build up. Over the years, I have complain about the power steering feeling off, the car not driving right, etc and it has been in three places where the maintenance folks said nothing was wrong. According to the bulletin, these same issues should have been caught somewhere to prevent this from happening. I may have been notified but I am active duty military and move every two years to include deployments where I easily could have not received the notice. My car value was 1500 dollars before it was wrecked, but I should be reimbursed for the previous maintenance totals and the lost days of not having my car the other times it should have been fixed. Below, I will show pictures of the rust, inspections that was done in june 2018 showing that underneath was good, and previous work on my vehicle when I complaint of issues with steering, tires, suspension. Number: 23-007-17 rev. C group: 23 - body date: july 13, 2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. The contact took the vehicle to a tire store because she heard a grinding noise and thought there was a brake issue. The tire store representative determined that the front and rear cross members were severly corroded and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
Left and right a post much too wide hindering ability to see where the curb is in relation to the car. It also hinders the ability to see if a small animal is in the affected view. In relation to the transmission, my transmission had to be replaced right after the warranty expired. I've had to have 2 tie rods replaced. An engine mount replaced, and a strut replaced, I am also on my second battery. This car has cost me a lot of money so far. I know it's 11 years old but I've never had this many mechanical issues with any car I've owned so far. The newest problem is a grinding noise that sounds like the wheel is going to fall off before I get home safely. There is a new noise as well that almost sounds like a radial tire with an issue but my tires are all fine. I am taking it to a good mechanic tomorrow....again!! At one point while driving at about 35 MPH and starting to turn there was a grinding noise in the front end and it sounded like something fell off, I was turning left at the time. My ABS brake light came on. I slowly went to the auto dealer, and they said there was a connector that broke and also a sensor they had to order. That cost over $400 plus I needed to rent a car to get home. Not a fan of the caliber at all. I do love the style it's sporty and easy to drive, when it's not in the shop that is.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started to shake and a loud sound emerged from the wheels. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was determined that the crossmembers on the front of the vehicle were severely rusted and needed replacement. The vehicle was taken to kolosso jeep dodge (2701 w college ave, appleton, wi 54914) where it was diagnosed that the frontal crossmembers were also rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,200.
The front crossmember has rusted out so much that it will not pass a pa state inspection and is unsafe to drive. After hearing this I found out that it is not a matter "if" it will rust out, just a matter of "when". I was not fortunate enough to have this happen during the warranty extension and feel that dodge should have notified me that there was an extension.
Noticed noise when turning and going over small bumps in road .on city streetlooked under it saw subframe is rusted out with big rust holes in it now parked not save to drive
One headlight doesn't,work sub frame completely rusted, doors lock at different speeds shock and struts are horrible squeaks and makes really bad sounding noises at any speed even backing out
Front cross member completely rusted through. The car runs great but is unsafe to drive. I had to purchase a newer, safer car for my family because dodge refuses to fix their problem that is well documented. The car rattles very loudly while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While the vehicle was at an intersection, the vehicle shook violently when the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact managed to steer the vehicle home while it shook. The contact looked under the vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,321. *bf consumer stated front subframe rusted and corrosion, VIN is xxxx. '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).'
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While driving, the contact heard a loud noise. The contact later discovered that the subframe was rusted through and caused the front driver's side axle to fracture. Also, the top of the driver's side wheel was tilted inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the axle, subframe, one of the brakes, and the transmission fluid line were replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was transferred to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 112,850.
Let me start by saying that I love driving my 2008 dodge caliber and wish that it was worth repairing all of the issues that I am researching are common problems among fellow owners of this year, make and model of vehicle. As a person who pays close attention to my vehicle, repair costs have been adding up over the past couple of years. Starting with a complete repair related to the suspension including the control arms/ bushings, sway bar, ball joints, and tie rods, which has caused my 4 new tires to experience a shortened lifespan due to uneven wearing. Recently, I had my car in the shop to address a loud noise I was hearing while the vehicle was in motion. The mechanic diagnosed a long list of issues, including rusting/corrosion to the engine cradle and further problems with the suspension that in their professional opinion determined the vehicle unsafe to operate. At this point, the mechanic informed me that there had been recalls and an extended warranty implemented to address the rusting/corrosion of the sub frame, as I was unaware and did not receive any notices for any of the listed recalls. Today, I find myself researching the list of problems that the mechanic indicated with the suspension and rotting engine cradle and will unfortunately not be worth putting thousands of dollars into to make it safe, an issue that should be honoured by the manufacturer. I would like to take the proper steps to address this extreme safety concern that has been an obvious issue for many owners like myself. I wonder how many others did not receive the recall notice for the rotting engine cradle and have spent thousands in repairs on that and/or suspension malfunctions? These problems are not minor and need to be addressed, as I am sure there are many owners who have not been made aware of the recall and safety concerns this poses to operators or others in the vehicle presence.
This car has had nothing but problems had to replace all 4 control arms, ball joints bushings springs tie rods have spent more then $2000 between parts and labor and wore out tires do to control arms and other parts never a dodge again got fixed back had be refixed 2 weeks later after control arm rebroke
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!
Motor cradle is rusting out! That's very dangerous and there should be a recall on call calibers. I can not afford to bay over $1,000 to fix my car. And the maker should use poor quality parts knowing how serious it can get. Recall recall recall !!
I purchased the 2008 dodge caliber 2 weeks ago nov 15th 2008 and inspected before purchase. Drove car 1 week and crossmember support beam broke due to poor part from mopar, dodge. They had a 120month unlimited warrenty on part, knowing it was a bad part. I have tried all areas of getting bad part replaced to no avail. They say warrenty "expired" on defective part installed on car. I need car repaired as it is a danger!! Any help is greatly appreciated! I was turning into my driveway at normal speeds when crossmember support beam broke at drivers wheel area.
I bought a 2008 dodge caliber in november 2018, noticed crossmember was rotted away and started causing problems 2 weeks after I purchased from private party. I called dodge, they said sure bring to nearest dealer and have it fixed under extended warrenty.. I did this only to be informed that the extended warrenty expired in may 2018.. I am so disappointed in dodge for telling me its covered when it infact had expired in may 2018. Now I am out cost of car and now cost of repair.. Can you help?? Now car is making popping noice at normal driving at driver wheel from cracks in crossmember support.. Dealership said do not drive long distance.. What does that mean? Dealer is taylor dodge in bourbonaiss, illinois. I need support, help here please!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While driving various speeds, a dragging noise was heard coming from under the front driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (wilmington auto, 1780 rombach ave, wilmington, oh) where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side control arm was fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. While driving various speeds, a clunking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear cross member had separated due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (haley of farmville, 1906 s. Main st., farmville, va) were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. *tt
Subframe rusted through. Diagnosed this past saturday. I've owned the car for 8 years and have never seen such a serious safety issue on a vehicle. Picture attached.
The problem deal with the front crossmember subframe. This part is total junk. It is completed rusted out. It was just a miracle it did not cause an accident prior to our finding it needed replaced. After checking online and finding the 2007 caliber's were handled under a "recall" but nothing has been done on subsequent years. After just leaving home the right front wheel pulled badly to the right, while making screaking noises. The car was limped back into the drive and the problem found. I believe this is a very poorly made part, probably with inferior steel. I have attached two (2) pictures of the old subframe. The car is registered to my daughter [xxx] , I am her father [xxx]. I contacted a local dealer and expressed my concerns and they informed me to contact dodge/chrysler which I did. They informed there was no assistance for this issue. They did take my complaint. I believe this to be a serious safely issue with any vehicle that has this type of crossmember subframe. Please contact me if you need any other information. [xxx]or by cell phone [xxx]. I would appreciated any type of reply. Sincerely [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I took car in to have ball joints replacedplus the steering and struts looked at. Mechanic showed that the frame is totally rusted through. No other work can be done on the car with this huge issue.
Vehicle arrived at our shop for a standard oil change and on inspection we discovered that the sub frame had rotted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. We contacted the dealer for the customer and found that the extended warranty had expired. This is a road hazard and should have no expiration date. Photo is available if there is an investigation.
Took our dodge caliber 2008 (manufacturer date: 11/2007) to a mechanic for repairs thought to be struts and was told the front cradle was rusted out and need to be replaced to continue any safe driving. This was a 2007 recall but was never included in any titled 2008 cars that were manufactured in 2007. This is a very dangerous issue and seems to be reported more often now at the 10 year mark. This is something that is not a traditional problem on most vehicles and seems to be a manufacturers defect. I would like to see it recalled, because the replacement cost on this is in the thousands and it is a severe safety hazard.
Rusted sub-frame , paper thin many complaints listed all over the web, driving in a lot hit a speed bump front right tire came almost all the way off the car. Called chrysler they dont care if my car could have killed me and my child, they have no recall so its my issue not theirs.
Rusted sub-frame & oil pan
A frame rusted out and everything else under the car has no rust and now it's a saggy issue
Premature failure (38560 miles) of left lower control arm found during annual state inspection. Cost $349 to replace lower control arm and $80 for front end alignment.
Sub fram rusted out in less then 9 years and 80k miles. Found out was dangerous to drive.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Dodge Caliber?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history