NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 165 owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Caliber. Most complaints involve air bags (36) and suspension (30). The EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
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. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
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 & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND JUMPED A DITCH AND STRUCK A POLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS PUSHED UP TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BEND THE STEERING WHEEL BY IMPACT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT ANY POINT DURING THIS.*DT*JB THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE.”
“I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was OK, and then Belle tire, which I tried to get a Alignment for him because it’s so bad and separating. I can’t get an alignment it hydroplanes and back in bounces up and down and it’s not for me to drive. I’m [XXX] and I need a good safe vehicle and I need something done with this or someone to take it back so that I can get a different car that is safe for me to drive.”
“** From Dealer - diagnosis says - Primary Line B: D1 C/S Multiple warning lights came on in dash (like a X-mas tree) and vehicle will not want to drive after that. C/S has to turn off and turn back on to get to move. C/A TIPM – Total integrated power module – verified customer concern found vehicle with loss of comm dts with tipm no vin mis match dtc present and more than one module aginst tipm recommend replacement of tipm and retesting at this time. The TIPM module controls most if not all of the body functions of the car or truck. Everything from wipers and headlights, starting system and so on. It accepts signals from many diff switches and modules in the car and translates them to the connected systems. $2128.00 is total cost of repair at Dodge Lithia – this should be a recall. There are only about 63,000 miles on her vehicle. ** Safety of driver (my mother in law who is [XXX] or niece) put at risk because car just slows down and stops WHILE driving. She pulls over, stops car, then when she starts car again it's okay for a while until it does this again. ** Safety of those on the road, if her car dies while she's driving it and she has to pull off, if car…”
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, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Caliber Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 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 | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 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 165 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (36), suspension (30), engine (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Dodge Caliber at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Dodge Caliber 3 out of 5 stars overall.