2008 Dodge Caliber cruise control problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Among the 5 model years of Dodge Caliber in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Dodge Caliber has a chronic electronic throttle control (ETC) problem. Owners describe sudden engine stalls at highway speeds (35–70 mph), often with the ETC warning light flashing on the dash. The vehicle loses power completely and maxes out around 20 mph in limp mode until it cools down and restarts after a few minutes. Some owners report the vehicle stalled multiple times before repair; one driver was on an interstate on-ramp when it shut off completely.
The go-to fix is throttle body replacement, running $367–$900 per job. The problem is it doesn't always stick. One owner had the throttle body replaced three times and the stalling returned each time. Another spent $600 on a PCM replacement with no luck. Some dealers tried reprogramming the ETC chip or ECM; that didn't work either. In at least one case, a throttle body was on back order for three months, suggesting the part shortage indicates a widespread issue.
There's also a cruise control malfunction where the system activates on its own and the driver can't shut it off, forcing the vehicle to dangerous speeds. One owner's accelerator pedal stuck at 35 mph, killing engine power.
Owners note a 2007 Dodge Caliber recall existed for this exact ETC failure, but the 2008 wasn't recalled despite identical complaints. Dealers tell owners it's "just a glitch" without explanation. Manufacturer response has been minimal.
Same Dodge Caliber cruise control reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) System Failure — Stalling and Loss of Power
The ETC system malfunctions, causing the engine to stall without warning during highway driving or acceleration. The vehicle loses power and requires several minutes to restart. In some cases, the vehicle becomes stuck in limp mode with a maximum speed around 20 mph. The ETC warning light on the dashboard typically illuminates before or during the event.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 31,000–176,000 miles; failures can be occasional at first and then become more frequent.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving 35–70 mph; Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates on dash; Vehicle stuck in limp mode, maxes out around 20 mph; Complete loss of power while accelerating or on highways; Vehicle requires restart and a few minutes rest before functioning normally; Jerking forward motion when stalled; Entire instrument panel illuminates before stall
Codes mentioned: ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) failure, Engine Control Module (ECM) faults
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report throttle body replacement at $367–$900 per repair; some throttle bodies were on back order (3-month delay). One owner had throttle body replaced three times with recurring failures. One owner had PCM replaced for ~$600 with no resolution. Reprogramming ECM and ETC chip attempted without success in at least one case. Alternator replacement attempted in one case but did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealerships told owners this is 'just a glitch that happens to some cars' but could not explain the cause. A 2007 Dodge Caliber recall existed for ETC failure, but 2008 model year was not recalled despite similar complaints.
Cruise Control Malfunction — Unintended Acceleration
Cruise control activates and the vehicle accelerates independently to restore preset speed after power loss. The driver cannot deactivate the system, forcing the vehicle to dangerous speeds.
When: At 56,000 miles; occurred at 70 mph on highway with cruise control engaged.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control activates unexpectedly; Vehicle accelerates independently to restore preset speed; Unable to deactivate cruise control; Vehicle attempts to return to 70 mph after power loss
Codes mentioned: Cruise control system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; no assistance provided.
Accelerator Pedal Stuck — Loss of Power During Acceleration
The accelerator pedal becomes physically stuck and the vehicle loses power during acceleration, forcing the driver to coast to a stop.
When: At 104,216 miles; occurred while driving 35 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal becomes stuck; Vehicle loses power; Inability to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; towed to owner's residence.
Power Loss and Sudden Deceleration — Non-ETC Related
Vehicle experiences sudden power loss and deceleration unrelated to visible ETC warning light. In one case, the entire electrical system appeared to lose power temporarily before returning.
When: At 31,000–94,000 miles; one case occurred at 70 mph on interstate.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power loss while driving 45–70 mph; Unexpected deceleration to 20–30 mph; Entire instrument panel illuminates; Vehicle stalls then restarts after a few minutes; Jerking motion at low speed after restart; One case: power returned and vehicle took off trying to restore cruise control speed
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had alternator replaced but failure recurred nine months later; ETC replacement was then needed. In another case, throttle body control replacement was recommended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified in multiple cases; no recalls issued for 2008 model despite similar complaints in 2007 Caliber recall.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2008 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 44,168 and 74,056 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,168; a quarter make it past 74,056. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.