2008 Dodge CaliberRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 377 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Caliber. Most complaints involve suspension (118) and structure (89). The EPA rates it 22–26 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Suspension118
- Structure89
- Electrical system63
- Engine43
- Power train39
- Steering37
- Vehicle speed control28
- Air bags22
- Wheels16
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Suspension
“Rear subframe rusted right through control rods snapped rear end of car dropped down. Upon researching they know that this is bad and unsafe even gave a 10 year extended warranty for front and rear subframe so how long will and how many complaints before this is an actual recall. I see here in your complaints that there is a large number of complaints on this issue. How are they getting away with this and nothing being done. I will have photos also police had said if this happened while it was on interstate would have crashed and could have been fatal. The tire would have ripped right off. So not only was my safety but the safety of the others being jeopardized cause everyone just keeps looking away at this issue. I would love to know how many of these subframes have had to be replaced I bet if you do research there is not one of them out there that either should be replaced have been replaced or will need to be replaced. Stop allowing these car companies to use sub standard parts. I am sure this will fall to the wayside along with the other 100 complaints. I will try my hardest to make sure everyone knows this is a problem that the car company is fully aware…”
Structure
“The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as I’m driving! The sunroof leaks when it rains and half the time the electricity doesn’t work on the sunroof button. My doors have completely stopped auto locking and my hazards will randomly start flashing without pushing the button. Steering is absolutely terrible, it feels like you’re skidding on ice or hydroplaning the entire drive.”
Electrical system
“THE FRONT CALIPERS WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL SINKS TO THE FLOOR AND HAS NO STOPPING POWER. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND CALIPERS ARE NEW REPLACEMENTS. AFTER REPLACING THESE PARTS IT NOW SMELL OF BURNT BRAKE FLUID BUT THERE IS NO LEAK AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO WORSEN. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DOING 45-50 ON A COUNTY RD WHEN A ANOTHER CAR PULLED OUT 20 FEET AWAY AND I WAS TRYING TO SLOW DOWN WHEN I LOST THE FRONT BRAKES AS PISHED IN ON THE PUSHED IN ON THE BRAKES THE PEDAL SANK AND THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE. I THEN BOUGHT THE NEW CALIPERS AND IT WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE SECOND TIME I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY CITY STREET WHEN THE ABS BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN ME RUNNING A RED LIGHT AND ALMOST GETTING HIT. IT HAS CORRODED AND TOOK HUNKS OFF ALUMINUM FROM MY FRONT DRIVER RIM. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM AND KEEP REPLACING PARTS FOR IT TO TEAR UP NEW ONES”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Caliber Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Caliber Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Caliber Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Caliber Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Caliber AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2008 Caliber questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Caliber problems?
Owners filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (118), structure (89), electrical system (63). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Dodge Caliber get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Caliber at 22–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).