EZ Swap LLC services the Dodge Caliber in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2006 to 2012. If your Caliber has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Caliber owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,939 owner complaints on file for the Caliber and 8 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are suspension (522), electrical system (357), structure (345).
Most-Reported Dodge Caliber Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Caliber (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 522 | 26% | |
| Electrical System | 357 | 18% | |
| Structure | 345 | 17% | |
| Power Train | 227 | 11% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 201 | 10% | |
| Engine | 183 | 9% | |
| Steering | 177 | 9% | |
| Air Bags | 161 | 8% |
Suspension
522 of the 1,939 complaints (26%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
357 of the 1,939 complaints (18%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Structure
345 of the 1,939 complaints (17%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Dodge Caliber Complaints by Model Year
The Caliber model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2008, 2009. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 958 | |
| 2008 | 377 | |
| 2009 | 232 | |
| 2010 | 157 | |
| 2011 | 165 | |
| 2012 | 49 |
Most Common Dodge Caliber Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Caliber. The most-cited is P0717 (powertrain code), mentioned in 3 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0717 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P0722 | Output speed sensor no signal Failed sensor or wiring. | 3 |
| P1607 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P2006 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P2110 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| U0402 | Network code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Dodge Caliber Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Caliber in these model years, most often involving equipment, vehicle speed control, wheels. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2017 recall, Equipment (campaign 17V824000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
- 2016 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 16V668000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
- 2011 recall, Steering (campaign 11V315000): CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN &...
- 2010 recall, Vehicle Speed Control (campaign 10V234000): CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006.
- 2010 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 10V197000): CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.
- 2008 recall, Power Train (campaign 08V528000): CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Caliber, 121 involved a crash, 32 involved a fire, 95 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Caliber Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Caliber that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Caliber owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Caliber, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Caliber Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Caliber repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Dodge Caliber FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Caliber?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Caliber are suspension (522), electrical system (357), structure (345). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Caliber model years have the most complaints?
The Caliber model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2008, 2009. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Dodge Caliber?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Dodge Caliber, the codes cited most often are P0717 (powertrain code), P0722 (output speed sensor no signal), P1607 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Dodge Caliber have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Dodge Caliber across model years 2006 to 2012. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Caliber in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Caliber, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Caliber?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Caliber in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.