NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 232 owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Most complaints involve power train (64) and suspension (61). The EPA rates it 22–27 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be able to move the vehicle to a safe distance from heavy traffic. Finally, the problem started to occur after the vehicle was supposedly repaired and not driven for 2 -3 days and when it an attempt to start the car it would idle for 3-5 seconds and sound like it was choking before dying, and this was happening 2 weeks after it had been "repaired" by the Dodge dealer. This problem has repeatedly occurred over the two years since the original incident and has been to a Dodge dealership for unsuccessful repairs 4 different times; 11/20; 04/22 &05/22 and it is still at the dealership being inoperable. Each time the car functioned for a few miles and then broke down again. The dealer informs us…”
“My spouse and I owned this vehicle from day one. Front subframe assembly was rotting and was replaced by manufacturer under a recall but rear subframe assembly was not included. The rear subframe assembly is now rotted to the point where it needs to be replaced before vehicle becomes unsafe as it has for others. Vehicle barely has 72,000 miles on it and was garaged for the first 12 years of its life. Image of repaired front subframe assembly included for posterity.”
“● Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. ● Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. ● The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as Monro Auto Service, Jiffy Lube and L&M Motors in Upstate New york regularly. ● No.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 | 329 |
| Caliber Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 | 355 |
| Caliber Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,500 | 370 |
| Caliber Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 | 386 |
| Caliber Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,400 | 404 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 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.
Owners filed 232 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (64), suspension (61), structure (49). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Caliber at 22–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).