HAD TO REPLACE THE WISH BONES. AND AM ON MY 5 TH SET IF TIRES SINCE MAY OF 2012. WHICH ARE NOT CHEAP AT $130 A PIECE FOR THE CHEAPEST. ALIGNMENT IS ALWAYS OFF AND TIRES HAVE TO BE PUMPED EVERY COUPLE MONTHS.
2008 Dodge Caliber steering problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I HAD A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I FIRST NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE WHEEL AT 55 MPH. I THEN STARTED HEARING CLUNKING SOUNDS WHILE STEERING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. I TOOK IT IN THINKING THAT IT'S A BALL JOINT, BECAUSE I HAD THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED AT AROUND 75,000 MILE, WHILE THEY WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY.. THE MOTOR CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I HAD TO HAVE THAT REPLACED PLUS 2 LOWER CONTR…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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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