What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2007–2012) Caliber?

Caliber owners have made 630 complaints about the 2007–2012 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 45th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with real suspension and engine concerns.

Common 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Caliber owners have to deal with.

  1. AHR Randomly Deploys

    The active head restraints in some Dodge vehicles are handing out free concussions. A mechanical breakdown inside the restraint means they could deploy randomly at any time.

    Continue reading article "AHR Randomly Deploys" A Dodge head restraint

  3. Stuck in Park

    Can't shift the car into reverse or drive! Now what? This is most commonly reported from Dodge Avenger owners, but there have also been similar complaints about other Dodge makes as well as other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles having a similar …

    Continue reading article "Stuck in Park" Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2007–2012) Caliber Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 630 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 45th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2007–2012) Caliber News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) owners are worried that their vehicles may not pass the next state inspection. And for good reason.

    Last month, FCA announced that nearly 900,000 vehicles fail to meet emissions standards and will need new catalytic converters. That’s a lot of parts to come up with all at once, so FCA’s plan is to split the recall into stages with older vehicles getting repaired first. Some owners have filed a lawsuit because they will could fail their next state inspection before parts are available.…

    keep reading article "Dodge Vehicles May Not Pass Inspection As Owners Wait for Replacement Catalytic Converters"

  2. The EPA has announced Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) will recall over 863,000 vehicles for failing to meet U.S. emissions standards.

    The affected vehicles are from the 2011-2016 model years, with front-wheel-drive and gasoline engines. Each will need a new catalytic converter. Given the scope and complexity of the repair, FCA plans on splitting the recall into phases with the oldest models getting repaired first.

    keep reading article "Some Dodge Vehicles Will Need New Catalytic Converters After Failing to Meet Emissions Standards"

  3. Three fatalities. Five injuries. One massive recall for Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) vehicles.

    The automaker says it opened an investigation in April 2015 after 10 crashes were reported, and after months of research, engineers determined the occupant restraint control modules may short-circuit and prevent the frontal airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and side air bags from deploying in a crash.…

    keep reading article "Three Fatalities. Five Injuries. One Massive Airbag Recall."