2009 Dodge Caliber: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 2, 2021 · Suspension · 109,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2020 · Engine, Suspension · FL

Speed sensors, inner/outer tie rods, hub assembly, radiator, intake valve, tires were different sizes, more problems arose.

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · Suspension · 129,000 miles · MI

The car is difficult to keep on the road while driving at any speed. A loss of control and loud noise felt and heard while driving over small bumps or while turning . After doing my own under vehicle inspection I noticed that the subframe where the lower control arm mounts was completely rusted through. This was my friends son's car and I recommend to him not to drive it because it was very unsafe and that he could loose complete control of the car.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Suspension · KY

We had to have a control arm and lower ball joints put in our car and our mechanic informs us that the subframe has rusted out pretty bad and we have only had this car for 2 years and it's only 8 yrs old I don't think it's our place to replace the sub frame I don't have that kind of money neither we got the car at bob swope ford in elizabethtown kentucky we have complained to them but they do not respond could you please help us get this problem solved it was checked by swope on or around the first of october and they didn't say a word about this problem

Filed Feb 6, 2017 · Body · 136,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because the ball joints had to be replaced three times in the past two years. While the vehicle was on the lift, the mechanic noticed the subframe cradle was rotted severely, front and back. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 60,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge caliber. A year ago, the lower control arms failed and were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a week ago and a mechanic diagnosed that the front cross member was prematurely rusted extensively and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure more than three times, but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. ..updated 11/21/16 *bf

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Suspension · 58,500 miles · MI

Upon inspection of my dodge caliber suspension and front undercarriage it was determined that the engine cradle had sever corrosion. The corrosion has created a safety concern regarding the stability of the engine and lower control arms. The car has 58,500 miles. The dealer and fiat chrysler refuse to fix the issue because they stated it's out of warranty. Fiat chrysler has issued a technical bulletin 23-012-14 for front and rear crossmember corrosion (x58 10 years unlimited) for m.y 2007 dodge calibers for the same defect. My 2009 caliber uses the same part number, same part that is being replaced in earlier vehicles for the same problem. The premature corrosion presents a safety concern for the vehicle occupants. The vehicle is becoming unstable while turning corners.

Filed Nov 8, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 97,420 miles · NY

Took my 2009 dodge caliber in for annual state inspection, failed because of a cracked k member (sub frame) on the left side and loose left tie rod. Shop does not do repairs. Took to another repair shop in vermont for a second look. He found that the k member corroded with holes near the mounting bolt on the k member and corrosion on the lower control arms. He ordered parts to replace the k member and lower control arms. He also replaced the outer tie rod which I had purchased after the failed inspection. Steering quicker to left than to the right before taking the car in for the failed inspection

Filed Sep 2, 2015 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · OH

After suspecting some front end suspension issues I took my 2009 dodge caliber to my regular mechanic. Upon inspection he reported that, along with control arms needing to be replaced, the subframe was unusually rusted and corroded to a point that was unsafe to drive. I investigated the matter and found that chrysler issued an extension on the factory warranty to cover the same issue on the 2007 calibers but when I contacted chrysler customer service they informed my that there has been no recall or warranty extension for the 2009 caliber. The car is at the garage and will be getting fixed tomorrow. I have taken pictures and will pursue the issue further.

Filed Jun 23, 2015 · Suspension · 62,500 miles · OH

While braking on the exit ramp from the highway I felt a pop under the front of the car. The drivers side lower control arm broke away from the cross member due to a failure of the cross member from excessive rust and corrosion.

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 54,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge caliber. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed that an object fractured from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact heard a noise underneath the vehicle. The dealer stated that the subframe was corroded and contained holes. The technician diagnosed that the subframe and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2015 · Engine, Suspension · 86,501 miles · MA

I bought my car used in june of 2014 and thought it was in pretty decent shape at the time, little did I know. I was driving my car (2009 dodge caliber) and hit a small pothole and heard some rattling afterwards. I assumed it was maybe a clamp on my exhaust and so wasn't real worried about it and figured I would have my mechanic check it out in a week of so. I got concerned after a couple days because the rattling turned into clunking. I sent it to my mechanic and he said there was major rot on the engine cradle which was rotted and broken and both front control arms were no good and sway bar bushings also needed replacing, two days before this noise I was on the highway traveling at speed limit, had this all fallen apart I could have been killed. The cost to repair all the parts which were, as far as my mechanic is concerned, faulty and should be recalled, was $1920.13 !!! This car is 6 years old with 86,000 miles on it and should not have the rot in these places as severe as it is. I know on the dodge caliber forums many owners have similar problems with the major front end parts rotting. This is a major problem and I wouldn't even have noticed had my mechanic not put it on a lift and looked at it and even then once he took off the engine cradle to replace it he noticed the rotted parts that were covered by the cradle, thank god I didn't lose control and get killed as I travel a lot on the highway, this problem needs to be brought to light and caliber owners need to have their mechanics check out their cars before someone's engine falls out and they get killed. When I purchased this car it was most likely rotted pretty bad and I didn't know that was a defect in them at the time. I see lots of these cars for sale still on lots, people need to have the front ends inspected thoroughly before they purchase one .