Dodge Caliber power steering loss problems

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Steering, Transmission · 154,000 miles · CA

Left lower control arm and upper cv shaft separated from transmission while entering an on ramp, causing loss of steering and driveability. Could have been deadly had the speed been faster and any closer to the overpass barrier. I had to be towed from the side of the on ramp with the police waiving people around. I couldn't even exit my drivers door due to no traffic clearance. I was essentially a sitting duck on the shoulder of an on ramp, just a few feet shy of the overpass of the highway I had just exited to enter another highway.

Filed May 18, 2017 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · IL

Two days ago I realized while driving my car, if I turned right my steering wheel felt as though I had no power steering. Rotating the steering wheel either way, was causing a loud cracking sound. When taken to my mechanic, we came to find the entire rack sub frame was corroded/rusted. They told me I should not be driving the car, because it could break at any minute. The 07 caliber has a recall for the exact same problem. At any moment it could have broke, and caused serious damage/injury. I'm also pregnant so cannot fear my car isn't safer

Filed Apr 18, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 65,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge caliber. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the power steering failed almost causing a crash. The contact stated that the engine cradle was severely rusted, as well as the driver's side ball joint. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 140,000 miles · NY

Crossmember detached from vehicle while driving causing loss of steering due to front drivers wheel and axle becoming detached. Took out control arm,cv joints , transmission cooling lines. It left skid marks in pavement where the tire dug in. Actually ripped the tread on new tire. Come to find out this is an extended warranty through dodge. However if your not the original owner of the vehicle you may not be notified because it is not a recall.

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Body, Steering · 100,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH around a curve, there was a slight loss of steering control. In addition, the failure occurred when making turns. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The mechanic informed that the rear cross member assembly exhibited rust corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Body, Steering · 110,000 miles · OH

Upon hitting a small pothole, the subframe broke causing a loss of steering into oncoming traffic. Luckily there were no accidents. The tires now go two separate directions. After getting the vehicle towed to a repair shop, they discovered the subframe had rusted through due to the air compressor leaking directly onto the subframe. When having our insurance adjuster from state farm out to assess the damage it was determined it was manufacturer's defect and would not be covered. I then contacted dodge who stated that the perforation for rusting was 100,000 miles. Although the incident on the vehicle we are still paying for through an authorized dodge dealer happened on a vehicle that has exceeding the 100,000 miles by only 10,000 miles - we are now stuck with a car that's going to cost over $1,100 to fix due to a manufacturer's defect. This incident could've resulted in a fatality. Dodge needs to be held liable for this issue.

Filed Oct 24, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 104,000 miles · MI

I was slowing down to stop at an intersection and heard a thump on the bottom of the car. As I started to pull forward the steering was very difficult and the I heard a whining sound from the right front tire. I was about a mile from my repair shop so I had my brother follow me with his emergency flashers and drove slowly to the shop where I found out that the subframe was completely rotted through. In the last year, I have had to replace upper and lower control arms and the alternator.

Filed Sep 13, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 172,000 miles · MO

Driving down the highway, all of my dash lights came on-battery, fuel, temp, etc. Car lost speed and became sluggish. Lost power steering and pulled over. Car immediately died and would not go into park. Locked up completely. After about 30 mins, it started back up and ran for pax 3 blocks before doing it again. Had it towed. Replaced the alternator, then 3 weeks later same issues. Replaced the battery. Did not fix it. Now told its a common issue for the dodge caliber and is the control module which is a 1000 dollar part plus labor. And that dodge is aware of the issue and has not recalled them. I do not feel I should be stuck with the costs of a major repair that is a design flaw from the manufacturer that they have been aware of for years and is obviously a hazard when it shuts down immediately while driving with no warning. My two young children and 84 year old grand mother were with me in 100 degree weather on the side of the highway for hours while waiting on a tow and a family member to come get us since we couldn't ride in the tow truck. After reading forums online, hundreds if not thousands of caliber owners have had the same issue. Some had cars that were only two weeks old! I would like to request an investigation and hopefully a recall happen.

Filed Jun 19, 2012 · Suspension · 55,000 miles · NJ

Front lower ball joints totally worn and in danger of separating from control arm. This happened before 50,000 miles resulting in excessive inner tire tread wear. Other possible results: loss of steering, suspension and brakes.

Filed Jun 19, 2012 · Body · 55,000 miles · NJ

Extreme rust on front subframe. Part is weakened and integrity is doubtful. Mounts lower control arm. Failure would affect suspension, drive train, brakes and result in loss of steering, brakes and power to drive wheels.