Dodge Caliber problems
232 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Powertrain: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,225–120,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Dodge Caliber? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 53 owner reports · tends to show around 82,871 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- suspension — 49 owner reports · tends to show around 85,675 mi · ~$900 to fix
- body — 34 owner reports · tends to show around 108,332 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
- electrical — 16 owner reports · tends to show around 83,483 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 82,871 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2009 Dodge Caliber
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2009 Dodge Caliber
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~57,718 mitires~$150
- ~63,814 mielectrical~$850
- ~75,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~80,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~84,000 misuspension~$900
- ~102,000 mibody~$1,500
- ~110,000 misteering~$700
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge caliber. While driving long distances, the vehicle overheated and the check engine indicator illuminated. After waiting thirty minutes, the vehicle operated as designed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge caliber. While driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle. The passenger side of the vehicle fractured and dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge caliber. While driving 55 MPH, the transmission warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred on many occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
The 2009 Dodge caliber was deemed unsafe and unable to pass a maine safety inspection. The front and rear cross sub frames were heavily rusted and completely rusted through in several places.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 232 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Dodge Caliber is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
The 2009 Dodge Caliber is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,225–120,000 mi; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 53 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,871 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 232 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 82,871 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 53 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,871 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,871 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Caliber has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 232 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.