2008 Dodge Caliber: harsh or hard shifting

7 of the 360 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Caliber describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 114,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 13 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2011
1
2009
5
2008
7
2007
15
2006
1

What owners say

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 75,000 miles · VA

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

Filed Dec 15, 2016 · Body, Steering · 122,010 miles · OH

I had a dangerous situation. I first noticed a vibration in the wheel at 55 MPH. I then started hearing clunking sounds while steering or going over bumps. I took it in thinking that it's a ball joint, because I had the lower control arms replaced at around 75,000 mile, while they were still under warranty.. The motor cradle was completely rusted out. I had to have that replaced plus 2 lower control arms. It cost me 1458. There's already been a recall of the 2007 model. Mine was manufactured in august of 2007, and the cutoff date was july 2007. I have photos and invoices attached.

Filed Oct 4, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 114,000 miles · MI

My car started making a clunking noise from the front end. The noise happened when turning left and right, then happened just driving the car at all. Mechanic showed me that the subframe is completely rusted through prematurely. Very dangerous to drive! Mileage is 114,000. I called chrysler to see if the recall they had out for 2005-2007 calibers on the same part would cover mine. They extended the warranty for 10 more years on those year cars.they refused to add the 2008 models even though there are plenty of complaints.this is going to cost me close to $1600.00 and a week in the repair shop.

Filed Aug 8, 2016 · Suspension · 121,000 miles · MI

Car started making clunking noise when turning left. Schedule car for inspection at a dealership. 3 days before inspection loss of (drive) power light went on. Took it in early. Informed that I had a rusted out engine cradle and repairs would cost $1400 (this does include a deductible and front end alignment due to suspension repairs). Had max care warranty and was informed that chrysler would not cover the engin cradle. That part has to be replaced to do any other repairs. Looking at site, this is a big issue and some other model years have been recalled for similar issue.car at dealership now waiting on parts. From other comments, this issue makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · 68,000 miles · NY

Sub frame completely rusted out, heard a clunking noise coming from front when going over bumps, took it to my mechanic and told me I was lucky the front of the car didn't fall off as the crossmember was splitting at the seam, car has less than 70,000 miles on it !

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Suspension · 72,000 miles · MI

Front sub frame (crossbar) has rusted and cracked making this vehicle unsafe to drive. Upon driving home the car started vibrating and making loud clunking noise. It was very hard to keep control of the steering

Filed Jul 21, 2015 · Steering · 131,812 miles · AZ

The first day I bought the car I notice the jerking back and forth on the accelerator about 30 miles an hour or so and it also has a bad vibration soon as you start the motor and lot of play in the steering wheel column like the steering wheel is not bolted down is stalled on me about 5-6 times as it was jerking back and forth and when I go over potholes in the road or a small bump it clunks in the front and like the struts are loose