Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge caliber. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, it jerked violently. The contact also mentioned that acceleration power was reduced. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not…
2008 Dodge Caliber engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2008 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
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Caliber in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2008 Dodge Calibers report recurring engine control failures—stalling, uncontrolled acceleration, power loss, and ETC malfunctions—often leaving drivers stranded. O2 sensor and electrical issues plague these vehicles across mileage ranges, with Dodge offering little help despite multiple complaints and acknowledged systemic problems.
The 2008 Dodge Caliber 2.0L engine complaints center on two main failure patterns: uncontrolled power delivery and unexpected shutdown.
Oxygen sensor failures cause wild speed swings—owners report the car lurching from 7 mph to 50 mph unpredictably, with excessive backfiring and catalytic converter noises. One owner's diagnostic reader showed code P0132 (O2 sensor); another owner had sensors replaced at least ten times starting at 5,500 miles.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) malfunctions create the most dangerous scenario: the warning light illuminates and the engine loses power or limits speed to 10 mph or less while driving at highway speeds. Owners describe being cut off by traffic, having mechanics misdiagnose coil packs and spark plugs, and finding ETC components on extended backorder—suggesting Dodge knows this is widespread.
Random stalling happens at idle, at red lights, and during highway driving (65 mph reported). Some owners wait 10-15 minutes for restart; others get no check engine light at all. Engine cradle rust is premature and severe, cracking and allowing the engine to shift, creating noise and pulling the car left under braking.
Multiple dashboard warning lights fire simultaneously (check engine, coolant, battery) with no actual problems found. One owner's fresh battery and newly checked oil didn't stop false warning lights. Loud clicking noise and violent startup jerking round out the complaints; mechanics often cannot diagnose root causes.
Same Dodge Caliber engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Oxygen sensor failure causing uncontrolled acceleration/deceleration
O2 sensor failures trigger rapid speed swings and loss of engine control, creating dangerous highway conditions. Owners report the vehicle lurching from 7 mph to 50 mph unpredictably, often accompanied by excessive backfiring and catalytic converter noise.
When: Varies; one report at 45 mph, another starting at 5,500 miles with ongoing failure through 18,438 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid acceleration then sudden deceleration (7-50 mph swings); Engine stalling or loss of power; Rough idle; Excessive backfiring; Loud explosion-like noise from catalytic converter area; Rough driving behavior
Codes mentioned: P0132
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced with Bosch part #15124. One owner had sensors replaced at repair shop at least ten times with repeated failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge declined recall and warranty work on at least one case. No recall listed for this issue despite multiple failures.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) malfunction with power loss
ETC warning light illuminates and vehicle loses power or is severely limited (often to 10 mph max). Occurs intermittently on roads at various speeds. Multiple owners report repeated failures, misdiagnoses pointing to spark plugs/coil packs, and parts being on backorder due to high demand.
When: Various speeds (25-45 mph); one case at 86k miles; recurring episodes days/months apart
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light illumination (flashing or steady); Immediate loss of power or severe power reduction; Vehicle bucking with rough idle; Unable to exceed 10 mph in severe cases; Issue resolves temporarily after restart or 10-15 minutes; Intermittent on-road disabling
Codes mentioned: ETC indicator light
Repairs/costs cited: ETC component on backorder; initial misdiagnoses included spark plugs, coil packs, misfire codes, catalyst below threshold, and O2 sensor overheating.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged the issue is multiple across forums and suggested recall. Parts shortage and backorder status noted, indicating widespread problem.
Engine stalling while driving or at idle
Engine shuts down without warning at various speeds or at stoplights. Owners report being left stranded in traffic or on highways. Stalling occurs intermittently and unpredictably, sometimes requiring 10-15 minutes before restart.
When: At idle/red lights (89k miles, 75k miles); at 25-65 mph during driving; recurring over 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; No restart for 10-15 minutes; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Happens at stoplights and during highway driving; Repeated episodes across multiple occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Brake Plus found no issue on first occurrence. No diagnosis provided on repeat incidents. Not repaired in several cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall information available. Owner stated Dodge informed them the vehicle was not included in manufacturer's recall.
Engine cradle rust/corrosion with structural failure
Engine cradle develops premature rust and corrosion, leading to cracks and structural failure. The rusted cradle causes the engine to shift into a lower position, creating noise and affecting vehicle handling under braking.
When: 84k-89k miles; unknown mileage in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from front of engine; Visible rust and corrosion on cradle; Vehicle veers to the left when brake is applied; Engine shifts to lower position; Premature cracking of cradle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shops diagnosed need for engine cradle replacement. Vehicles not repaired in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall indicated. One 2007 Dodge covered but 2008 model not covered for this issue.
Check engine/coolant/battery warning lights with power restriction
Multiple warning lights illuminate on instrument panel (check engine, coolant, battery, navigation) causing severe power limitation. Vehicle may be restricted to 15 mph or unable to exceed certain speeds despite no actual problems found.
When: 57k miles (one case); varies across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Coolant warning light comes on; Battery charging light illuminates; All panel lights come on at once; Vehicle speed limited to 15 mph or below; Power loss or severe power restriction
Repairs/costs cited: One case: new battery installed but lights continued; starter confirmed OK. Change oil light comes on repeatedly even after fresh oil changes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
Loud clicking noise from engine; dealer diagnosed TIPM requiring replacement. TIPM controls multiple engine and electrical functions, and failure creates dangerous undrivable conditions.
When: 100k miles (failure); 120k miles (current)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed TIPM replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no recall or further action documented.
Engine misfire with loss of control
Vehicle begins to misfire on highway during merging, making acceleration impossible and forcing other vehicles to swerve. Lightning bolt indicator appears on cluster panel.
When: During highway merge
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle begins to misfire; Unable to speed up; Lightning bolt indicator on cluster panel
Rough idle and ticking engine noise
Engine ticks while idling; not present when vehicle was purchased. Dealer claims normal but owner reports this is abnormal for the vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine ticking while idling; Gas gauge jumps; Rough idle characteristics
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer twice stated no problem and claimed all cars sound this way.
Violent jerking during startup with reduced acceleration power
Vehicle jerks violently when started; acceleration power is noticeably reduced. Mechanic could not diagnose the failure.
When: 107k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking on startup; Reduced acceleration power
Repairs/costs cited: Private mechanic could not diagnose; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed owner vehicle not included in recall.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Second time this as happened in less then 3 yrs. Driving car no warning light ever came on the first time. Lost power car died. Had it towed to dealership $600 cost no real answer from dealer ship. Now dec 25th 2013 driving home and light electronic throttle control indicator light comes on . Car putt's along . Again this is the second time this has happened, someone is going to get killed and…
The car starts, drops rpms to 700 when put in reverse, then stalls while driving. *tr
Had engine trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 89,577 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 89,577. 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/2008/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.