THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Dodge Caliber engine problems
moderate 55 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 55 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Caliber, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Dodge Caliber we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 55.
Owners have filed 55 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Caliber's engine department is a minefield. Stalling is the dominant complaint—it happens at traffic lights, during low-speed driving, in stop-and-go traffic, and especially after refueling. RPMs drop before the stall; you lose power steering when it happens at speed, which is dangerous. Owners report 20+ stall events in some cases, often early in the vehicle's life and continuing unpredictably through higher mileage.
The electronic throttle control system misfires regularly. The throttle light flashes, the car jerks violently, and acceleration fails—sometimes it won't exceed 15 MPH. Replacing the throttle body doesn't always fix it; jerking resumes within 30 miles.
Engine rattle is severe: sounds like a diesel, starts as ticking when cold and warms into a loud grinding. Owners can't mask it even with AC full blast. Dealers blamed fuel type (disproven after switching brands); repairs include idler pulley replacement, exhaust isolator work, and PCM reprogramming—results are hit-or-miss.
Sensor failures are common. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors fail, causing misfire and stalling. Diagnosis is straightforward, but repairs often don't hold. Two fire incidents are documented: one after a stall at 40 mph, one involving a stuck starter. Fried fuel pump connectors have been found. Oil pressure lights illuminate falsely or precede shutdown. Intake manifolds fail. In one case, a torque converter locked up at 79k miles with a $4,500 repair quote on a $3,000 car.
Dealers frequently cannot duplicate intermittent stalls, even on test drives. Multiple service visits are typical; one owner made 8 trips. Software updates and PCM resets sometimes work temporarily. Warranty coverage is inconsistent—sensors are denied as "not moving parts."
Same Dodge Caliber engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling - Intermittent at Idle/Low Speed
Engine stalls when coming to a stop, at idle, in stop-and-go traffic, or during low-speed driving. Stalls frequently occur after fuel fill-ups or when the clutch is engaged. RPMs drop abnormally before stall. Some owners report stalling while in neutral or reverse, and in unsafe conditions such as during left-hand turns across traffic or on highways. Occurs intermittently and often cannot be duplicated at dealership.
When: Occurs from very early mileage (as low as 20 miles) through higher mileage; some reports at 13k, 40k, 52k-71k, 130k-165k miles. Common throughout vehicle life.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at idle or low speed in traffic; RPM fluctuation before stall (drops to ~500 RPM then returns to 800-1000); Engine shuts down with no warning while at stop lights or signs; Loss of power steering when stall occurs while driving; Stalling specifically after fuel fill-ups; Stalling when clutch is engaged (manual transmission); Stalling in neutral or reverse; Check engine light may illuminate or stall codes stored; Difficulty restarting but usually restarts quickly; Stalling up to 20+ times in various situations
Codes mentioned: Stall code (stored, nature not specified), P2119 (Electronic Throttle Control), Multiple misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships often unable to duplicate. Repairs attempted include: PCM reprogramming/replacement, spark plug replacement, camshaft/crankshaft sensor replacement ($amounts not stated). One owner reports throttle body replacement did not resolve jerking-to-stall behavior. GPEC powertrain control module re-programmed with new software in some cases but stalling persisted. One narrative mentions torque converter lockup diagnosis at ~79k miles with $4,500 repair quote.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service manager stated 'car is working the way it was designed' and said fixes are sent via software updates. One consumer filed Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act claim. Some complaints reference unknown recalls. Dodge customer assistance file opened (15156132). No recalls issued for this issue based on narratives.
Engine Rattle/Knocking Noise
Persistent engine rattle that sounds like a diesel engine, starting as a ticking sound while idling and progressing to a growl or roaring during acceleration. Grinding/knocking noise occurs when stopped in gear. Noise is severe enough that even full AC blast cannot mask it. Occurs when engine is warm; cold engine does not rattle. Some reports attribute noise to alternator pulley or belt-related issues on the left side of engine where belts spin.
When: Reported from as early as 200 miles through normal vehicle operation. One case found missing fender bolt at first service. Multiple attempts to repair at different mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking sound at idle; Rattle/growl after starting engine; Loud roaring/grinding upon acceleration; Knocking when vehicle is stopped in gear; Noise only when engine is warm/at operating temperature; No noise when engine is cold; Noise audible on left side of engine under hood; Noise severe enough to be embarrassing at red lights
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs attempted include: missing fender bolt tightening, exhaust mid-pipe isolator replacement, mid-pipe clamp re-torquing, idler pulley replacement (found to cause excessive vibration), GPEC powertrain control module re-programming with new software, MOPAR fuel additive addition. One dealership suggested it was winter/summer fuel issue (proved incorrect after owner tried multiple fuel brands/stations). One case resolved after PCM reset per recall. After idler pulley replacement, rattling became 'minimal' but not eliminated; customer reported other noises subsequently appeared.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership stated no repair was available and fix would come via software update. Service manager at one dealer blamed fuel type. One owner reports rattle was resolved after recall-related PCM reprogramming. No formal recalls mentioned in most narratives, though #17 references a recall for faulty PCM related to thermostat malfunction.
Electronic Throttle Control Failure
Electronic throttle control sensor/light fails, causing throttle malfunction. Vehicle experiences loss of power, jerking, violent jerk/hesitation, sudden deceleration, or inability to accelerate properly. Check engine light or electronic throttle control light (lightning bolt symbol) may illuminate, sometimes intermittently. In some cases vehicle cannot exceed 15 MPH or decelerates from highway speed (70 MPH down to 45 MPH).
When: Reported across various mileages: 33k, 42.6k, 50k-70k, early in ownership (1-2 months new). One case occurred while driving on interstate at 67 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic throttle control light illuminates (flashing lightning bolt symbol); Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle jerks violently as if to stall; Loss of acceleration power; Vehicle cannot exceed 15 MPH; Sudden deceleration from highway speeds (70 MPH to 45 MPH then stall); Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; Jerking occurs within 30 miles/30 minutes of throttle body replacement; Jerking without warning light remaining on after repair
Codes mentioned: Throttle body fault code, P2119 (Electronic Throttle Control error)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement performed at dealer but failure recurred within 30 miles/30 minutes. One owner replaced throttle body and jerking to stall continued without light illuminating. Costs not stated in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised 'light not staying lit' so owner could continue driving; light began flashing intermittently (~1x/month). Manufacturer made aware in at least one case but offered no assistance.
Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensor Failure
Crankshaft position sensor, camshaft sensor, or both fail, causing engine performance issues or stalling. Sensors either malfunction completely or require replacement to resolve intermittent failures.
When: Reported at various mileages: 42.6k miles (camshaft), 68k miles (crankshaft), 50k miles. Some early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine misfire (multiple misfires on all cylinders reported); Engine stalls; Vehicle jerks violently; Vehicle will not exceed 35 MPH with blinking check engine light; Rough idle
Codes mentioned: Camshaft sensor fault (coverage issue: claimed not under 50k-mile engine/powertrain warranty as 'not a moving part'), Crankshaft position sensor fault, Control board (crankshaft sensor) blown (control board described as needed replacement)
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor replacement at ~42.6k miles (owner had to pay out-of-warranty). Crankshaft sensor replacement performed. One case describes 'control board for crankshaft' needing replacement (at cost unspecified). Spark plugs also replaced in one case when misfire codes appeared.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not directly responsive in narratives. One owner notes camshaft sensor replacement not covered under 50k-mile engine/powertrain warranty.
Engine Fire
Engine compartment/fuel system catches fire while vehicle is stalled or immediately after stall. Two separate incidents reported where vehicle caught fire, destroying the vehicle or creating life-threatening situation.
When: One fire at 80k miles after vehicle stalled at 40 MPH. Another fire after vehicle stalled while attempting U-turn; starter engaged and caught fire early in ownership of used vehicle (~within first month).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls first; Fire erupts from engine compartment; Flames too intense for water to extinguish; Vehicle doors difficult to open during fire; Vehicle destroyed by fire; Smoke/heat from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; no repairs attempted. Fire department called. One vehicle involved: owner stranded, traumatic experience, lost job, potential post-traumatic stress evaluation needed. Insurance/investigative damages claims filed. One case involved stuck starter engaged while driving that caught fire (unrelated to main stall issue but indicates ignition/electrical hazard).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for fire incidents.
Fuel Pump Connector Overheating/Failure
Fuel pump electrical connectors become fried or severely corroded, creating fire hazard. Fuel pump becomes unable to supply fuel or operation is intermittent.
When: Reported at unknown mileage on vehicle with prior repair history; issue discovered during troubleshooting for no-start condition.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start (acts like it wants to start but won't); Fuel pump connectors visibly fried/burned; Fire risk from fried connectors; Repeated starter replacement due to being fried (six replacements reported in related issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump connectors replaced/repaired. Owner performed fuel pump removal diagnosis themselves. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated no recall exists; told owner to take vehicle to dealer but would have to pay for repairs due to vehicle age/mileage. No assistance offered.
Starter Failure/Repetitive Engagement
Starter either stuck engaged or repeatedly fails and requires replacement multiple times. In one case, starter becomes engaged while driving and catches fire. In another, starter is replaced repeatedly (six times) and continues to fail; connectors become fried.
When: Early in ownership of used vehicle (within first two weeks); also reported in 2015 (vehicle several years old at that point, recurring over 4-month period).
Symptoms owners cite: Starter stuck engaged while driving; Engine still running after key removed from ignition; Loud sound during startup/driving; Starter fried repeatedly despite replacements; Engine bogs down and dies after loud sound
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced multiple times (at least six replacements reported). Cost not specified for individual repairs. Problem recurred; lasted 2 days to 1 week to 1 month between failures over 4-month period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Oil Pressure Warning Light / Oil System Issues
Oil pressure warning light illuminates falsely or in response to low oil situations. One case of oil indicator falsely illuminating after oil was added. One case of oil light flashing during driving followed by engine shutdown. One case of oil pan rusting through.
When: Reported across mileages: 53k, 106k, and during highway/street driving at unknown mileage. Oil pan rust at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illuminates; Oil light flashes and engine shuts down; Oil indicator falsely illuminates despite adequate oil; Oil pan visibly rusted/rotting out; Transmission cover also showing rust
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changed/oil added in some cases. Oil pan rust discovered during oil change service; technician refused to perform oil change due to pan condition. Transmission cover also noted as needing attention. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheats during operation, sometimes followed by stalling. Symptoms include engine running hot, check engine light illumination, and occasionally inability to accelerate normally.
When: Reported after 2-hour driving period; also at 50k miles and 130k-150k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine begins to run hot; Vehicle stalls after overheating; Check engine light illuminates; Oxygen sensor warning illuminates; Vehicle will not accelerate normally; Vehicle overheats and decelerates without warning at 50+ MPH; Engine overheating followed by stall with 25-minute cool-down required before restart
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensors replaced (had been diagnosed as faulty but replacement did not resolve failures). One repair estimate: $550 for overheating issue (not performed). Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose overheating at 130k+ miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented.
Intake Manifold Failure
Intake manifold becomes faulty, causing poor engine performance or inability to accelerate. Check engine light illuminates. One case involves intake manifold rust/deterioration.
When: Reported at 79k miles and at unknown mileage early in ownership (service engine light came on upon startup).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (service engine light) illuminates upon startup or during driving; Vehicle unable to exceed 15 MPH while accelerating; Poor acceleration; Intake manifold visibly faulty on inspection; Faulty manifold also noted in another complaint
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold replacement diagnosed and advised. In one case, replacement not covered under warranty. Owner not informed of specific cost; told 'it wasn't covered under warranty.' In another case, independent mechanic diagnosed need for replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not assist. Warranty did not cover replacement.
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure
PCM module malfunctions or requires replacement/reprogramming. Check engine light illuminates. In some cases reprogramming resolves rattle issue; in others PCM replacement is required.
When: Reported at various mileages: 92k miles (check engine light on startup), 65k miles (violent lunge then stall), and throughout vehicle operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates immediately upon startup; Engine rattling/noise (resolved in one case after PCM reset per recall); Vehicle lunges forward violently then stalls; Stalling recurs after PCM replacement; Check engine light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: PCM module reprogrammed with new software via recall procedure in one case (rattle resolved). PCM module replacement advised in multiple cases but some vehicles not repaired. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall mentioned (faulty PCM for engine thermostat malfunction detection); PCM reprogramming resolved rattle in that case. Manufacturer offered no assistance in other PCM cases.
Transmission - Torque Converter Lockup
Torque converter lockup failure prevents vehicle from moving despite engine running normally. Vehicle completely loses drive capability.
When: Reported at approximately 79k miles on 2007 vehicle (after 9 years of operation with only 79k miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to move forward despite engine running; Engine revving sounds heard but no forward motion; Complete loss of drive
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as torque converter lockup. Multiple mechanics unable to fix; finally diagnosed at dealership. Repair quote: $4,500 (vehicle worth approximately $3,000 at that time).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered. Repairs not covered under warranty.
Speedometer/Odometer Malfunction
Speedometer displays erratic readings (racing between 0 and 20 MPH, 0 and 40 MPH repeatedly) while vehicle is idle in traffic. Odometer ceases to display or work.
When: Reported at approximately 20k miles (early ownership); also reported when vehicle acceleration lost power.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer races from 0 to 20 MPH and back to 0 repeatedly; Speedometer races from 0 to 40 MPH and back to 0 repeatedly; Odometer no longer displaying; Odometer stops working when vehicle shuts off and turned back on
Repairs/costs cited: Issues reported; no repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Dealership acknowledged 4 other 2007 Dodge Calibers in US with same stalling problems when investigating stalling issue.
Engine Noise - Valve Tickling/Ticking
Engine produces ticking noise (not the main rattle complaint), particularly on passenger side. Noise persists after rattle repairs.
When: Reported at early service visits (November through April service history in one case).
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise on passenger side while idling; Ticking noise in passenger side of engine area; Nerve-wracking ticking on passenger side persists after rattle repairs; Constant ticking heard while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Missing fender bolt found and tightened in one case (related to rattling). Ticking persisted even after multiple repairs for main rattle. No specific repair identified for ticking noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response.
Idle/Stall with Loss of Power Steering
When vehicle stalls while driving, power steering is lost, creating hazardous condition. Vehicle requires significant steering wheel force to control.
When: Reported during manual transmission downshift while making left-hand turn (stop-and-go traffic situation).
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering when engine stalls; Difficulty steering vehicle during stall; Stall while broadside to oncoming traffic (unsafe situation)
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering system does not have independent assist; loss occurs with engine shutdown. Issue is related to stalling failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response.
Synthesized from 55 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge caliber. The contact was driving 40 MPH when the engine stalled and failed to restart. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 60,000.
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Dodge Caliber?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 55 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 44,000 and 92,318 miles, with the median around 70,539. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 92,318. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Dodge/Caliber.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.