2009 Dodge Caliber: sudden loss of power

Filed May 7, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 37,000 miles · AZ

The transmission continuously overheats causing the vehicle to lose power. The is no notification other than a light at the time it starts to slow down. At this point you have to maneuver cautiously through fast moving traffic to pull over for about 15 minutes each time. I have almost been in multiple accidents (and almost caused a few) because of the unannounced extreme loss of power. I've taken the car for multiple transmission flushes and filter changes. Nothing works and I'm repeatedly told that many calibers are having the same issue but the manufacturer has not created a solution. The vehicle has remained parked for the last 2 years. My daughter took it out for a drive today and was stuck on the freeway twice in a 30 mile trip due to the transmission. I cannot sell or use the vehicle for obvious safety reasons.

Filed Feb 21, 2017 · 128,000 miles · CA

I've had multiple repairs involving the throttle body, PCM and fuel peddle all with no effect on the issue of shaking, dying, periodic engine light and safety concern over the intermittent loss of power. Now I'm told it's probably the computer. The build date falls within a safety recall but I'm told it won't be honored because the VIN isn't under the recall.

Filed Jul 19, 2015 · Engine · 134,946 miles · OH

Vehicle automatically slows down at speeds of 60 to 70 MPH when car is driven for a minimum of 3 hours. Feel this is very dangerous. Example: driving with my grandchildren on expressway; temperature light came on, car lost power and slowed down to 45. Called wrecker, towed to a dodge dealer,. They found nothing wrong. Vehicle does this on a continual basis. Speeds of 60 to 70 MPH while traveling for a minimum of 3 hours. Very dangerous on expressways. Had my grandchildren with vehicles coming up on me at 70, had my father in the car a couple of times. When it comes on now, I pull off road, wait 30 minutes or so and then continue on my way which affects my long distance trips. Called dodge website (?) they said to take it in to a dealer when it does this. I do take it in and they can't find anything wrong. Please help me, this car is used on long distance trips. This is a very dangerous car and hope it is recalled before someone is seriously injured. If it is not a car to be driven long distance than they should recall everyone of them! Thank you. I hope you can help me.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Engine · 87,000 miles · MI

In june of 2013 while driving down I-75 heading up north, my temp light came on, the temp gage never moved past the normal range (directly between cold and hot) after I noticed the light I was watching the temp gage and my car just shut down. I lost all power, speed, steering, everything. Thankfully I was already in the right hand lane and I was close to an exit so that I could exit the highway. I called the dealership where I got the car and they had no idea what happened. After sitting for an hour I was able to drive back downstate. I got the car april 1 2013. In december of 2013 the lightning bolt popped up on my dash, I have no clue what that means since my car did not come with an owners manual when I got it used. The rpms jerked up to 4, then dropped back down. This happened roughly 10 times over the past year. In august of 2014 the car began to jerk like it was having a hard time getting into gear. At first it only happened at stop signs and red lights, then it began to do it while I drove. Anywhere between 10 to 60 MPH. Normally it would only do it a couple a times and then it began doing it every time the car was running. I took it to the local dodge dealership, they checked it on the computer and even test drove it, according to them it didn't do anything while they were driving it and since the check engine light doesn't come it the computers didn't pick up any issues. Also have a hard time getting the key out of the ignition after I shut off the car.

Filed Feb 18, 2012 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 65,000 miles · LA

I bought my 2009 dodge caliber brand new in july 2009. I made my decision based on the 5-yr powertrain warranty, assuming the car must be mechanically dependable. Well needless to say, I was wrong for making that assumption. I began to have serious mechanical problems within the first 2 years of owning the car. I replaced the battery 3 times, had a tune-up at 65,000 miles and replaced the alternator twice after the dealership informed me that my warranty would not cover any repairs since the car had over 36,000 miles on the engine and that I would have to pay $100.00 for a diagnostic check to see if the powertrain warranty would cover a repair for my car to run. Since this car was my only transportation to and from work and living paycheck to paycheck, I had no choice but to attempt repairs with the battery and alternator replacements just to make it to work and be able to pay my mortgage and car note. Those repairs seem to work at first until 2 weeks after the second alternator replacement, when I was driving home from work on the interstate when my car suddenly lost power and I managed to make my way to the shoulder. It was turning dark and my hazard lights were no longer visible due to the battery being drained. I was on side of the interstate in dark freezing weather for at least an hour before a co-worker could find me to help me to safety. I returned the car to the finance company.