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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2006–2012

Dodge Caliber recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 1,848 owner complaints for the Dodge Caliber, covering model years 2006 to 2012. The 2007 model year drew the most complaints (884), and Suspension is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Dodge Caliber VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,848 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 7 model years with data (2006–2012)
  • most complaints: 2007 (884 for that model year)
  • top component: Suspension (491 complaints)
  • latest recall 17V824000 (reported Dec 21, 2017)
  • 118 complaints reporting a crash (6.4%)
  • 31 complaints reporting a fire (1.7%)
  • 70 complaints reporting an injury (3.8%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Dodge Caliber complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2007 model year has the most complaints: 884 of 1,848, or 47.8%. Next come 2008 (360) and 2009 (232). The fewest are for 2006, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Dodge Caliber owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2006–2012Column chart of 1,848 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2007 with 884. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2006: 1 complaint120062007: 884 complaints88420072008: 360 complaints36020082009: 232 complaints23220092010: 157 complaints15720102011: 165 complaints16520112012: 49 complaints492012
Dodge Caliber complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Dodge Caliber complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200610000
20078845418280
2008360214121
200923213290
201015712391
20111659180
2012499340
All model years1,84811831702

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Dodge Caliber components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Suspension is the component named most often, in 491 complaints (26.6% of all 1,848), followed by Electrical System (339) and Structure (331).

Components named most often in Dodge Caliber complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Dodge Caliber complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Suspension49126.6%
Electrical System33918.3%
Structure33117.9%
Power Train22011.9%
Vehicle Speed Control18710.1%
Engine1759.5%
Steering1729.3%
Air Bags1598.6%
Unknown or Other1508.1%
Exterior Lighting1276.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling784.2%
Seat Belts754.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System542.9%
Wheels542.9%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)512.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Dodge Caliber recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Caliber, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 2007 to 2012. The 2007 model year appears in the most campaigns (4).

  • 8 recall campaigns
Dodge Caliber recall campaigns covering each model year
2007: 4 campaigns2008: no campaigns2009: 1 campaign2010: 2 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns2012: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.
  1. NHTSA campaign 17V824000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model year 2007

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    Consequence:
    If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  2. NHTSA campaign 16V668000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Air Bags

    Model years 2010–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  3. NHTSA campaign 11V315000

    Reported

    Steering › Column

    Model year 2011

    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.

    Consequence:
    A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  4. NHTSA campaign 10V234000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model year 2007

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass passenger vehicles manufactured from March 7 through May 19, 2006. The pivot bushings in vehicles with oversized accelerator pedal bearing pockets may become dislodged and potentially cause the accelerator pedal to bind or stick.

    Consequence:
    Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions.
    Remedy:
    Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace all affected accelerator pedal assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on June 29, 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  5. NHTSA campaign 10V197000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model year 2010

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Dodge Caliber vehicles. Some vehicles may have been built with an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door.

    Consequence:
    An unlatched door could increase the risk of an unbelted front seat passenger being ejected from the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod as required free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  6. NHTSA campaign 08V528000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Model year 2009

    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.

    Consequence:
    This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  7. NHTSA campaign 07V196000

    Reported

    Wheels › Hub

    Model year 2007

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "light vehicle brake systems." The length of the rear wheel hub mounting bolts may prevent actuation of the park brake.

    Consequence:
    This could allow unintended movement of the vehicle under certain conditions and cause a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rear wheel hub mounting bolts and repair the park brake free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2007. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  8. NHTSA campaign 06V493000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model year 2007

    On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit. The recall began on February 19, 2007. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Dodge Caliber questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Dodge Caliber have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the Dodge Caliber, covering model years 2006 to 2012. The most recent, 17V824000, was reported on December 21, 2017 and is filed under “Equipment”. The 2007 model year is covered by the most campaigns (4).

Which Dodge Caliber model year has the most complaints?

The 2007 model year, with 884 of the 1,848 complaints in NHTSA’s file (47.8%). The next are 2008 (360) and 2009 (232). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Dodge Caliber complaint?

Suspension is the component named most often: 491 complaints, or 26.6% of all 1,848. Electrical System (339) and Structure (331) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Dodge Caliber?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Dodge dealer.

How many Dodge Caliber complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,848 complaints, 118 report a crash, 31 a fire, 70 at least one injury and 2 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Dodge models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Dodge VIN decoder with every Dodge model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Dodge models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.