Research · Small Station Wagons

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.

Combined MPG
22–26mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
377
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Dodge Caliber as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

377 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2007 – Aug 2023
  1. Suspension118
  2. Structure89
  3. Electrical system63
  4. Engine43
  5. Power train39
  6. Steering37
  7. Vehicle speed control28
  8. Air bags22
  9. Wheels16

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
21
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
14
Deaths reported
2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

118 reports3 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2022SuspensionODI 11496934

Structure

89 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2022Suspension, Electrical system, StructureODI 11494825

Electrical system

63 reports1 crash3 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2021Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11386118
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 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
232925$2,500355
Caliber
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232724$2,600370
Caliber
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212523$2,700386
Caliber
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850404
Caliber AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
212422$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 · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 25 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Caliber AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 24 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 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 2008 Dodge Caliber as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 2652
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

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026