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 ↗2009 Dodge Caliber powertrain problems
severe 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
1fire
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 53 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 53 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Caliber in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/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 2009 Caliber's powertrain is a documented failure point. The CVT transmission overheats repeatedly, forcing owners to pull over and wait 15–60 minutes for it to cool before the car will move again. Engine RPMs race while the vehicle loses power, sometimes locking into first gear or dropping to 20–30 mph on busy highways. This happens as early as 7,000 miles and recurs throughout the vehicle's life, with some owners replacing the transmission multiple times (one reports four replacements under warranty with no root cause found).
Stalling is common—engine cuts out at traffic lights, stop signs, or highway speeds without warning, and won't restart for 1–3 minutes. Dealers have attempted repairs 4+ times in single cases, yet failures resume within days or weeks. The transmission fluid and filter replacement lasts only months before the problem returns. Transmission rebuilds ($2,800) or replacements ($4,000+) have the same outcome.
Powertrain control modules fail, causing loss of acceleration or complete shutdown on the highway. Owners discover their VINs aren't listed on the NHTSA 08V528000 recall—even when their symptoms exactly match the recall—and Chrysler refuses warranty service. One owner printed the NHTSA recall notice from the agency's own website and showed it to Chrysler; they denied knowing about it.
Safety concerns are real: sudden deceleration from 60+ mph to 20 mph, loss of brakes during stalls, and gear shift failures that caused the vehicle to reverse into a driver. Dealers cannot diagnose the issues on short test drives, so failures go unexplained. Chrysler has told owners the parts needed to fix the car are no longer manufactured.
Same Dodge Caliber powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Overheating and Limp Mode
CVT transmission repeatedly overheats, triggering limp mode that restricts vehicle speed to 5–50 mph depending on severity. Owners report loss of power and inability to accelerate when the transmission temperature warning illuminates. Problem recurs after brief cooling periods (15–60 minutes of shutoff). Some owners cite multiple transmission rebuilds or replacements with no permanent resolution.
When: Varies; typically after 30 minutes to over 60 minutes of highway or extended driving; occurs as early as 7,371 miles, recurs at 25,882 miles, 43,000 miles, 50,000–70,000 miles, and beyond 100,000 miles in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPMs race abnormally while vehicle speed drops; Transmission warning light illuminates on dash; Vehicle locked into first gear or unable to shift properly; Loud whining, humming, or clunking noise from engine/transmission area; Transmission must cool (parked, engine off) for 15–60 minutes before vehicle can move again; Loss of power; cannot exceed 20–50 mph during failure; Transmission overheating light comes on even when coolant temperature is normal
Codes mentioned: P0218 (Transmission Overheated), P0722 (Transmission Output Speed Sensor), P0717 (Input Speed Sensor 1 Circuit No Signal), P0700 (Transaxle Control System Malfunction), P0712 (Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Low Input), U0402 (Implausible Data Received from TCM), U1146 (Communication Error)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid and filter replacements (lasted 2–10 months before failure recurred); transmission valve replacement (problem continued); full transmission rebuild at $2,800–$4,200; transmission replacement; one owner reports four transmission replacements under lifetime warranty at 17,000, 92,000, 117,000, and 135,000 miles with no root cause identified. Dealers often cannot diagnose because they will not perform extended test drives. No lasting repair achieved in multiple narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged the CVT transmission failures but repeatedly refused warranty coverage beyond 3 years/36,000 miles, stating 'not worth putting the money into it.' Dealers state technical service bulletins cannot be found for the problem. Chrysler told some owners parts (throttle control and powertrain control modules) are no longer manufactured and car cannot be fixed.
Stalling and No-Start / Delayed Restart
Vehicle stalls without warning at traffic lights, stop signs, or during highway driving. After stalling, the engine will not restart immediately; owners must wait 1–3 minutes before the vehicle will crank. Problem recurs within 2–3 miles of restart in some cases. Occurs both immediately after dealer repair attempts and months later.
When: Initial occurrences starting in early November 2020 in one narrative; failures throughout 2020–2024 in that case; other narratives span 2009–2016. Mileage ranges 1,627 to 199,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Unpredictable stalling at idle (traffic lights, stop signs); Engine will not restart for 1–3 minutes after stall; Rough idle; engine sounds like it is 'choking' before dying; Stalling recurs after brief periods of driving (2–3 miles); Powertrain warning light illuminates; Vehicle unsafe in traffic; cannot move to safe distance
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Control Module failure code (specific codes not always stated in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted repairs 4 times over 3 years with no resolution; vehicle remains inoperable. One owner reports new engine, gas tank, and fuel lines installed by independent mechanic, but stalling continues with no dash lights indicating fault. Another narrative mentions TCM software update at dealer followed by continued failures and false EVAP leak code.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer stated in one case that parts (Throttle Control Module and Powertrain Control Module) are no longer available from manufacturer, making the car unfixable. Multiple narratives indicate manufacturer refuses to assist when VIN is not listed on recall NHTSA 08V528000 (Power Train). In one case, Chrysler initially denied knowledge of a powertrain module recall that the owner printed directly from NHTSA website.
Transmission Deceleration / Loss of Acceleration
Vehicle loses power and decelerates unpredictably during highway driving or acceleration attempts. Engine RPMs increase but vehicle fails to accelerate or maintain speed, creating a dangerous situation where the car slows from 60–75 mph to 20–30 mph on busy highways. Some owners describe the transmission 'slipping' or refusing to shift out of first gear. Problem is often intermittent and difficult for dealers to diagnose.
When: Reported across mileage range 35,799 to 199,000+ miles; onset varies from early in ownership to high mileage; can occur after 30 minutes of highway driving or at any time
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; vehicle will not go above 20–50 mph despite full throttle; Transmission warning light or check engine light illuminates; Engine RPMs race to maximum but vehicle does not accelerate; Transmission slips or stalls in first gear; Vehicle must be shut off and allowed to cool 15–45 minutes; Humming or whining noise from engine before failure; After restart, vehicle accelerates briefly before failure recurs within 1 mile
Codes mentioned: P0218 (Transmission Overheated), Transmission Control Module fault codes (various)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve replacement (failure continued); transmission fluid and filter change (failure recurred); TCM replacement (failure recurred); one owner took vehicle to dealer 18 times without repair. One shop rebuilt transmission for $2,800; problem recurred in 1 year. Independent mechanics unable to fix; several told owners dealer must perform repair. No successful long-term repair documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer often claims vehicle is not covered by NHTSA 08V528000 recall when owner's VIN is checked. Dealers cite inability to duplicate problem during short test drives. No technical service bulletins available per dealer statements. Manufacturer offered no assistance to multiple owners who contacted them.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failures
Powertrain control module fails, causing vehicle to stall on highway, rough idle, steering wheel shake, or inability to control vehicle speed. Multiple owners report diagnostic confirmation of PCM failure, but vehicle not covered by or included in NHTSA recall 08V528000 despite symptom overlap with recall campaign. Some owners note faulty adhesive in PCM printed circuit board per NHTSA literature but receive no recall notice for their VIN.
When: Mileage 55,000 to 199,000+ miles; failures reported 2009–2014 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving; Steering wheel shakes out of control after engine start; Rough idle; vehicle limited to ~30 mph; Electronic throttle control light illuminates; Check engine light on; Vehicle unable to restart on highway (safety hazard)
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Control Module fault (specific codes vary by case)
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement recommended but not performed in most narratives due to warranty denial or lack of recall eligibility. One case indicates alternator was replaced first (at dealer diagnosis), but failure recurred and mechanic then identified PCM as true cause; dealer verified but did not repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer repeatedly state that VIN is not included in NHTSA 08V528000 recall despite owner's symptoms matching recall description. Owner in one narrative printed NHTSA recall document and presented it to Chrysler; they still denied knowledge of it. No warranty coverage offered.
Gear Shift Failure / Unintended Reverse
Gear shift mechanism fails, causing vehicle to reverse without warning or input from driver. Multiple instances on 12/26/2009 resulted in the vehicle rolling backward and striking the driver with the door, causing bodily injury. Vehicle then parked itself against a snow embankment.
When: 12/26/2009; mileage approximately 1,627–16,027 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift fails while driver is outside vehicle loading packages; Vehicle goes into reverse without any action by driver; Vehicle rolls backward and strikes driver with door; Parking brake does not prevent rollback
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced shifter assembly in all reported instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was traded in by owner after repair; no indication of broader manufacturer response.
Accelerator Pedal Breakage
Accelerator pedal breaks off at the spring-action pivot point during highway driving while owner is attempting a lane change, rendering the throttle inoperative. Owner was able to coast to shoulder safely.
When: During highway driving at high speed; exact date not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal breaks at pivot point when driver depresses it; Spring attachment point fails; Vehicle loses all ability to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; owner coasted to safety.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Brake Failure / Loss of Braking During Stall
Vehicle stalls without warning and brakes become inoperative; owner cannot slow or stop vehicle despite pressing, pumping, or pressing brake pedal hard. Owner was involved in accident in May 2016. Owner attributes problem to NHTSA 08V528000 recall condition (powertrain/fuel pump relay failure) and notes dealership initially blamed use of cheap gasoline despite owner using name-brand fuel.
When: Initial occurrence first month of ownership; subsequent occurrences near full stop; accident May 7, 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly; Brakes become unresponsive; no braking pressure; Problem initially occurs near full stop; later progresses to occurring at higher speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership blamed cheap gasoline (later clarified by owner as unfounded); no repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed fuel quality rather than investigating powertrain control/fuel pump issue.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 was not notified. The failure mileage was 179,000.
Transmission noise loud and slipping I have another 09 Dodge caliber making the same noise and very slow to make it up to speed from a stop. *tr
When I started my 09 Dodge caliber up one morning . I back up ,then put the car in drive and it hesitated and jump or jolt.it scared me .the engine came on,so I went to a auto parts store down the street from my house to get a reading or codes read on my caliber, it gave me a code about the power train.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 43,225 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,225; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/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.