THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Caliber engine problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Dodge Caliber engine cluster shows a pattern of catastrophic failures that leave owners stranded and endangered. Most common: complete shutdown while driving on highways or in city traffic, with owners losing all power, speed, and steering assist. Temperature warning lights often illuminate before shutdown, but temperature gauges sometimes read normal despite the warning. Dealerships repeatedly cannot reproduce these failures or find fault codes, even immediately after towing vehicles that just died.
A second major failure mode strikes on long highway drives after 3+ hours: the engine whines loudly, RPMs stick at 4.0, transmission overheat lights come on, and speed drops from highway speeds to 25-45 mph. Owners must pull over and wait 20-30 minutes to continue. One recall (#08V528000 from November 2008) addressed this same issue, but some vehicle VINs were excluded despite matching the problem description. Multiple dealership visits and even computer replacements have failed to resolve this.
Additional complaints include jerking transmission engagement, engine overheating with stuck thermostats, stalling (worse in rain), and one report of an engine running uncontrollably after the key was removed. One owner's mechanic identified a stuck intake runner. Engine cradle mounts have rusted through completely. Warranty coverage disputes and $100 diagnostic fees have forced some owners to pay out of pocket for repairs that don't stick.
Same Dodge Caliber engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss and stalling while driving
Engine shuts down completely during highway driving or city traffic, causing sudden loss of power, speed, steering assist, and electrical systems. Vehicle must be restarted after cooling.
When: June 2013 at unspecified mileage; September 2009; August 2010; September 2010; multiple occurrences on long highway drives
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature warning light illuminates before shutdown; Vehicle stalls in traffic or on highway; Complete loss of power and steering; Engine will not restart immediately; Hazard lights fail due to battery drain; Jerking before stall
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (intermittent or absent despite failure), Temperature light, Engine light, Throttle light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships report no codes found despite failures occurring. One owner returned car to finance company. Battery and alternator replacements ($100+ diagnostic fee mentioned) did not resolve underlying issue.
Power loss and speed reduction on long highway drives
Vehicle automatically loses power and slows from 60-70 mph to 25-45 mph after 3+ hours of highway driving, accompanied by whining or high-pitched engine noise. Requires 30-minute cooldown to resume normal operation.
When: Multiple incidents from 2004 onward; 69,000 miles (complaint #8); 79,000 miles (complaint #7); 176,417 miles (complaint #13)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine whining or high-pitched wheezing noise before power loss; RPMs rise to 4.0 and stick; Transmission overheat light illuminates; Speed drops to 25-45 mph on inclines; Unable to climb grades or maintain highway speed; Vehicle recovers after 20-30 minute rest
Codes mentioned: Transmission overheat light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits found no fault codes or mechanical problems. One dealership replaced engine computer with no resolution. Owners pull over and wait rather than continue driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #08V528000 issued November 10, 2008, for same issue, but some vehicle VINs excluded despite matching problem profile
Transmission jerking and engagement difficulty
Transmission jerks when shifting into and out of gear, occurring at stops, red lights, and while driving between 10-60 mph. Jerking may occur once or repeatedly each time engine runs.
When: August 2014; December 2013 (lightning bolt on dash); occurring over roughly one year
Symptoms owners cite: RPM jerks up to 4.0 then drops; Jerking when entering gear at stop lights and red lights; Jerking during acceleration and driving; Jerking occurs every time car runs; Lightning bolt warning light on dash (check engine equivalent)
Codes mentioned: Lightning bolt warning light, Check Engine Light (absent despite symptoms)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership test drive did not reproduce jerking; no computer codes found despite consistent owner-reported failures. Difficulty removing key from ignition also noted.
Engine overheating on extended drives
Engine overheats and temperature gauge remains stuck in center position despite temperature warning light activation. Occurs after 1-3 hours of highway driving.
When: First incident June 2013; September 2010; August 2004; August 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature warning light illuminates; Temperature gauge does not move past center (normal) position despite overheating; Engine tugging sounds; Loss of power when overheating; Winding down sounds during braking
Codes mentioned: Engine temperature light, Check Engine Light (may be absent)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had thermostat replaced (non-opening thermostat suspected). Dealer reportedly stated car was sold with bad engine. Coolant leaks found in one case.
Engine fails to start or start-stall cycle
Engine cranks but does not turn over, or starts and immediately stalls after 5 miles of driving. Stalling occurs more frequently during rainy weather but unpredictable otherwise.
When: September 2010 (5 miles after restart); less than one year after purchase; 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not crank or turn over; Engine starts then stalls immediately; Vehicle vibrates before stalling; Stalling at idle, highway, or red lights; More common in rainy conditions; Service Engine warning light illuminates intermittently; Stalling worsens progressively
Codes mentioned: Service Engine warning light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: No reason for stalling found by dealer despite warranty coverage attempt. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired in some cases.
Engine idles and runs uncontrollably without key engagement
Engine starts and continues running after key is removed and parking brake is set. Runs for 20-30 minutes uncontrollably without driver intervention, then stops on its own.
When: January 30, 2009 (rental vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts without key being turned; Motor continues running after key removal; Key does not control shutdown; No remote ignition switch in vehicle; Engine stops after 20-30 minutes without intervention
Stuck intake runner restricting fuel delivery
Intake runner becomes stuck or sticks closed, restricting air/fuel flow and preventing engine from operating normally. Owner cannot pass emissions testing.
When: Mileage and timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss while idling at red lights; Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly; Fails emissions testing; Multiple mechanics confirm stuck intake runner
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold/runner replacement needed but not completed
Engine cradle support mount corrosion
Engine support mount becomes completely rusted, creating structural integrity concern for engine mounting.
When: Discovered at 96,702 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete rust on engine cradle support mount
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 176,417.
Had engine trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 134,946 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 134,946. 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/2009/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.