Research · Small Station Wagons

2007 Dodge CaliberRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 958 owner complaints for the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Most complaints involve suspension (281) and electrical system (210). The EPA rates it 22–26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–26mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Dec 2017
Owner complaints
958
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

EquipmentReported Dec 21, 2017NHTSA 17V824000

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.

Vehicle speed controlReported Jun 3, 2010NHTSA 10V234000

Wheels: hub

Free remedy

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.

WheelsReported May 7, 2007NHTSA 07V196000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

958 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2006 – May 2026
  1. Suspension281
  2. Electrical system210
  3. Structure170
  4. Vehicle speed control117
  5. Steering101
  6. Exterior lighting97
  7. Power train85
  8. Engine67
  9. Air bags48

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Caliber model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007958
2008377
2009232
2010157
2011165
201249
Crashes reported
57
Fires reported
18
Injuries reported
40
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

281 reports10 crashes1 fire
“This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original repair invoice with notations for Magna plant manager; page 10 notice of having received complaint; page 11 Defective lug nut issue; page 12 Complaint #11591104; page 13 Service invoice noting replacement of two defective lug nuts. Second pdf file: pages 1-2 Copy of original complaint #11459461; page 3 Copy of towing receipt due to defective lug nut. Third pdf file: Picture of three of four defective lug nut covers that I had to remove due to flat tires. First one not shown due to being damaged while attempting to remove beyond recognition. Upper left lug nut cover came off just in handling of removed lug nuts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2024Suspension, Structure, EngineODI 11619474

Electrical system

210 reports3 crashes6 fires
“Vehicle tipm shut off transmission while driving an cause a traffic jam on a busy intersection caused the transmission system to go in limp mode an no breaks. Was very dangerous lucky I had a hand break that worked cause engine to shut off an studder had to get towed an transported the vehicle home an got it inspected by a mobile mechanic an says the fuse box had blown internal components due to failing internal electrical components or weak points in the tipm system”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 8, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11736456

Structure

170 reports4 crashes2 fires
“I was informed on 09/29/2025 by my Chrysler dealer that a second critical component of my 2007 Caliber frame had rusted to the point that it broke. The first critical component was reported in my complaint tracking number 11459461 submitted on 04/03/2022. The component in that filing was the engine pan that supported the engine. On this latest failure, I was told the same thing by the shop manager: "If you hit a bump while driving this vehicle you could lose your back wheels". In the first incident, the engine could have fallen out of my vehicle. He was not going to let me drive it home. Then he changed his mind and told me it was "at my discretion". I did drive it home (4.5 miles) with no problem. He told me he was going to try and find a new or used part to fix the issue. He made it clear that he was not hopeful of finding one. This is twice now that my life and the lives of any drivers on the road at the same time were placed in danger from excessive rusting problems. I submitted files in the first incident showing that Chrysler was aware of the issue. A copy of the corporate service bulletin was attached. To my knowledge nothing was ever done. Is anything…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2025Power train, Structure, WheelsODI 11691736
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Caliber
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
242926$2,400342
Caliber
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232825$2,500355
Caliber
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, VMODE CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive
232724$2,600370
Caliber
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, CMODE VLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive
212523$2,700386
Caliber
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, VMODE CLKUP · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
202422$2,850404
  • Caliber
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    24 city · 29 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, VMODE CLKUP
    23 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, CMODE VLKUP
    21 city · 25 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, VMODE CLKUP
    20 city · 24 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Dodge Caliber as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1907
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2007 Caliber questions

How many recalls does the 2007 Dodge Caliber have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2007 Dodge Caliber problems?

Owners filed 958 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (281), electrical system (210), structure (170). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2007 Dodge Caliber get?

The EPA rates the 2007 Dodge Caliber at 22–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026