Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Caliber powertrain problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Caliber in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Dodge Caliber powertrain complaints center on three main killers: electronic throttle body failures, CVT transmission collapse, and transmission control module communication loss.
Throttle body malfunctions hit between 43,000 and 70,000 miles. Vehicle suddenly loses power mid-acceleration, hits a 10 MPH ceiling, and triggers the Electronic Throttle Control warning light. Owners report the dealership acknowledges excessive carbon buildup causes this but recommends carbon cleanout every 30,000 miles—not a maintenance item in the owner's manual. Dodge refuses warranty coverage, claiming the throttle body isn't a covered powertrain part. Repair runs $500–$700 per complaint.
CVT transmission failures emerge early and often. One owner replaced the transmission at 30,000 miles for $6,000 after surging began at 1,471 miles (essentially brand new). Others faced $3,200–$4,000 bills between 55,000 and 100,000 miles. The whining noise, jerking, loss of acceleration, and outright failure to drive happen repeatedly. Dealership says the CVT is unserviceable. A mechanic who rebuilt one advised the owner to scrap the car because it'll happen again.
Transmission control module communication failure triggers sudden loss of power with all warning lights flashing—transmission temp, ESP, traction control, throttle. Vehicle limps along at 35–40 MPH. Codes U0101 and U0402 appear. A $112 diagnostic clears them temporarily. The problem reoccurs with no permanent fix offered.
Multiple owners describe near-collisions. One child driver was shaken badly. Owners note the lack of warning before power drops—it just happens.
Same Dodge Caliber powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) / Throttle Body Failure
Throttle body assembly malfunctions causing sudden loss of engine power, bogging down during acceleration, inability to exceed 10 MPH, and rough running. Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates. Owners report carbon buildup inside throttle body; dealerships recommend carbon cleanout every 30,000 miles despite it not being listed in owner maintenance schedules. Dodge denies warranty coverage claiming throttle body is not a covered powertrain component.
When: Various mileages from 43,000 to 70,000 miles; symptoms can occur when warm or cold
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle will not exceed 10–15 MPH; Electronic Throttle Control light illuminates or flashes; Rough idle and jerking; Vehicle shakes when accelerating; No response to throttle pedal
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement costs $500–$700; throttle needle replacement reported; ETC kit replacement costs $600+ and noted as dealer-only part with extended back-order delays
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denies warranty coverage; claims throttle body not covered under powertrain warranty; dealership recommends carbon cleanout every 30,000 miles (not in owner manual)
CVT Transmission Failure
Continuously variable transmission exhibits whining noise, surging at stops, jerking, loss of acceleration, and complete failure requiring replacement. Multiple owners report transmission replacement costs of $3,200–$6,000 well within warranty period or shortly after. Transmission fluid overheating reported at highway speeds. Owners note that CVT is unserviceable and difficult to diagnose.
When: Between 30,000 and 100,000 miles; some failures reported as early as 1,471 miles (brand new) and within 7 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise, especially on acceleration; Surging at stop lights; Vehicle jerks and lacks power on acceleration; Transmission will not shift or respond; Loss of drive power while on highway or in traffic; Transmission overheats at highway speeds above 65 MPH; Check Engine light on prior to failure
Codes mentioned: U0101 (Loss of communication with transmission control module), U0402 (Invalid data received from transmission control module)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement $3,200–$6,000; one owner reported $4,000 replacement cost; transmission fluid flush at 100K miles preceded overheating issues; one owner paid $480 for brake/sensor repair at 11,000 miles then $6,000 transmission replacement at 30,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge declines assistance and claims no known problem with CVT; warranty on remanufactured transmission only 18 months/18,000 miles; transmission shop advised owner this will likely happen again
Transmission Control Module / Power Loss in Limp Mode
Loss of power with transmission control module communication failure; vehicle enters limp mode (limited speed 35–40 MPH) triggered by transmission warning light, transmission temperature light, ESP light, traction control light, and Electronic Throttle Body module light illuminating simultaneously. Mechanic notes indicate this is a common Dodge Caliber problem. Codes clear temporarily but reoccur.
When: Between 49,000 and 58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power on highway or city driving; Vehicle slows to 5–40 MPH and will not accelerate; All dashboard warning lights illuminate (transmission temp, ESP, traction control, ETB); RPM runs high (3–4) despite low vehicle speed; Vehicle enters limp mode; Almost rear-ended due to drastic speed reduction
Codes mentioned: U0101 (Loss of communication with transmission control module), U0402 (Invalid data received from transmission control module)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic can clear codes for $50; Dodge dealership charges $112 diagnostic with no actual fix provided; codes clear but problem reoccurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge offers only code-clearing fix with no permanent resolution; mechanic notes this is a known common problem with Dodge Calibers
Rough Idle and Stalling
Vehicle idles roughly with RPM fluctuation between 200–900+ causing lurching and stalling at stops, during deceleration, and during acceleration from a stop. Occurs more when engine is warm but also at cold temperatures. Dealership unable to replicate despite three visits; no diagnostic error codes appear. Other mechanics can replicate the issue but cannot identify root cause or permanent fix.
When: Multiple occurrences; no specific mileage provided in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle with rapid RPM fluctuation (200–900 or higher); Vehicle stalls while idling; Stalling during deceleration and acceleration from stop; Lurching and jerking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced PCV valve, ignition coil, spark plugs ($400); independent mechanics cleaned fuel injectors; no permanent fix found despite multiple repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Dodge Customer Relations has open case but states vehicle has no warranty coverage; dealership states issue cannot be diagnosed
Engine Valve and Head Damage
Burnt valves, broken cylinder head seats, and worn valve seats requiring complete head replacement. Failure occurred during highway downshift and was accompanied by horrible noise from engine. Parts ordered from Japan; repair costs escalated significantly.
When: Low mileage not specified but described as 'low mileage' vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies on highway during downshift to merge; Horrible noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Engine taken apart; 2 burnt valves found; head seats broken; other 2 valve seats worn and require replacement; parts ordered from Japan; repair cost over $500 when job should have been approximately $100
Transmission Grinding and Gear Synchronizer Failure
Manual transmission grinds when shifting into 3rd and 4th gears; requires double-clutching to enter 3rd gear; will pop back into neutral if not held in 3rd position; only goes into gear 10% of the time. Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge service bulletin recommends replacement of synchronizer rings.
When: Unknown specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when entering 3rd gear; Grinding noise when entering 4th gear; Trouble shifting into 3rd gear; Double-clutching required to enter 3rd gear; Gear slips back to neutral if not held; Only achieves proper gear engagement 10% of the time
Repairs/costs cited: Service Bulletin #21-011-08 (March 7, 2008) recommends replacement of 3rd/4th/5th & Reverse gear synchronizer rings; recommends replacement of all rings if transmission is opened for any service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued but not proactively recalled
Fuse Box Oxidation and Electrical Failures
Hood-mounted fuse box allows excessive moisture past the upper seal causing heavy oxidation on contact points of 10, 15, and 20 amp mini fuses. Results in phantom error codes, Check Engine lights, and potential CVT transmission slip (loss of drive power). Risk of electrical fires under dash and hood due to circuit overheating.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Phantom error codes and Check Engine lights; CVT transmission may slip out of gear causing sudden loss of drive power; Risk of electrical fire under dash and hood
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Defect
Defective TIPM prevents vehicle from starting and causes brief pauses in fuel system during acceleration on freeway. Owner reports this is a known common issue across variety of Dodge models and presents safety hazard.
When: Unknown specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not start; Brief pause in fuel system during acceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes company is aware of defects but does nothing to protect consumers
Transmission Shift Lock and Electrical Gremlins
Unable to shift from Park when engine is running; occurs intermittently then continuously. Windshield wipers activate on their own, primarily on startup. Change Oil light cannot be reset. Indicates multiple electrical/control module issues.
When: Intermittent over past year; then persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift out of Park while engine running; Windshield wipers activate unprompted; Cannot reset Change Oil light
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2008 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 58,000 and 112,000 miles, with the median around 77,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 112,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.