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 INCLU…
2008 dodge Caliber engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
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 DOD…
THE CAR STARTS, DROPS RPMS TO 700 WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, THEN STALLS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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