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severe Owners of the 2007 Dodge Caliber have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 44,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Caliber (this page) | 17 |
| 2008 Caliber | 10 |
| 2011 Caliber | 4 |
This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Owners report two major brake system problems on the 2007 Caliber. The most serious involves the ABS computer module (recall 06V493000), where the software causes rear brakes to lock unexpectedly during normal braking—even light applications in rain at low speeds—resulting in sudden loss of steering control, severe swerving, and multiple vehicle rollovers. Several owners were hospitalized; one driver airlifted for back injuries. Owners consistently report that Chrysler either denied knowledge of the recall, claimed their VIN wasn't covered despite NHTSA listing them as affected, or refused to properly inspect vehicles before dismissing complaints.
Second, premature rotor warping occurs as early as 12,000 miles, causing severe vibration and shudder during braking. Dealers repeatedly misdiagnosed the problem as cupped tires across multiple visits, charged owners for rotor service outside warranty, and attempted shimming instead of replacement. The warping recurred within weeks on replacement rotors.
Additional complaints include brake pedal stiffness, pedals extending to the floor and sticking, complete brake failure at low speeds, and simultaneous ABS and speedometer warning light failures. Several owners reported brake failures that forced them into collisions or curbs; most vehicles were never properly diagnosed because dealers couldn't reproduce intermittent failures.
Same Dodge Caliber brakes reports on nearby years: 2008
ABS control module programming failure causes rear brakes to lock unexpectedly during normal or light braking, leading to loss of vehicle control, unintended swerving, and rollovers. This defect is the subject of NHTSA recall 06V493000.
When: Multiple incidents reported between 8,000 and 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to one side when brakes applied; Sudden loss of steering control after brake application; Vehicle swerves uncontrollably; ABS warning light illuminates; Rear wheels lock up
Codes mentioned: 06V493000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 06V493000 available; owners report Chrysler initially denied awareness of recall or refused to acknowledge their VINs were included in the recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 06V493000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE); however, Chrysler disputed whether certain VINs were included despite NHTSA listing them as affected
Brake rotors warp prematurely, causing severe vibration during braking. Initial rotor damage occurs as early as 12,000 miles. Dealers repeatedly misdiagnose as cupped tires or normal wear and refuse warranty coverage.
When: 12,000 miles and recurring shortly after replacement attempts; 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration when braking; Brake shudder; Continued vibration after tire replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Owners charged $192+ for rotor service; dealers attempted shimming rather than replacement; problem recurred within 7,000 miles of original complaint; owners report dealers refusing warranty coverage citing 'normal wear and tear'
Brake pedal becomes abnormally stiff, making it difficult or impossible to depress with normal force. One owner reported a recall was mentioned at dealer but Chrysler told them their VIN was not included.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes abnormally stiff; Extreme difficulty applying brakes
Codes mentioned: 06V493000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 06V493000 mentioned by dealer; Chrysler manufacturer response stated VIN not included in recall
Brake pedal extends fully to floorboard and becomes stuck in down position, causing unintended hard braking and vehicle collision. Defect occurred twice but dealer could not duplicate failure.
When: Around 76,000 miles, recurred by 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extends to floorboard; Pedal becomes stuck and will not release; Unintended hard braking; Vehicle collision
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated no recalls applied to VIN; unable to reproduce failure
Brakes fail to engage or respond when pedal is depressed at normal or light speeds, leaving driver without braking ability. Incidents resulted in collisions with other vehicles and roadside objects.
When: 42,500 miles; 57,000 miles; 20 MPH incident; light rain conditions noted in separate incident
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to engage when depressed; No brake response with excessive force; Vehicle continues at speed uncontrolled; Front right wheel shake and pulling to right; Complete loss of braking power
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not taken to dealer for diagnosis or repair; one owner used curb to stop; one forced into rear-end collision; insurance companies investigating
ABS and brake warning lights illuminate simultaneously along with speedometer failure. Affects both stationary and moving vehicle. Dealer stated VIN not included in recall 06V493000.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Brake warning light illuminates; Speedometer stops functioning; Failures occur in motion and while parked
Codes mentioned: 06V493000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated VIN not covered by recall; owner responsible for all repair costs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 06V493000 does not cover this VIN per dealer statement
After rear brake service work, vehicle develops complete brake failure with pedal going to floor. Popping sound heard in pedal after service. Subsequent diagnosis suggests power brake booster failure, though work performed was on rear brakes only.
When: Shortly after rear brake service; four days post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Brake shudder before service; Rear wheel cylinder lockup (left rear); Brake pedal makes popping sound after service; Complete brake failure; Continuous brake shudder persists
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brakes replaced; rear left wheel cylinder was locked up; dealer suspected power brake booster failure after service; owner claims shudder was only original issue and problem started after dealer work
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 8,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.