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ProblemsByVinFile / 2010-DODGE-CALIBERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2010 Dodge Caliber problems
The 2010 Dodge Caliber has 157 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber has 157 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 30 complaints, typically surfacing around 90,053 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Caliber?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
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 2010 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
airbags — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 90,053 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 26 owner reports
· tends to show around 73,199 mi · ~$850 to fix
suspension — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 102,605 mi · ~$900 to fix
powertrain — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,467 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 90,053 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
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.
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.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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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.
"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
2010 Caliber· suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge caliber. The contact stated that while having a recall repair performed under NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags) at maguire Dodge Ram of syracuse (959 hiawatha blvd w, syracuse, ny 13204, (844) 327-8693) the technician…
I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH when I lost consciousness due to adverse reaction to a prescribed medication. Approached retro-style pickup truck stopped at red light & because of being unconscious didn't apply brakes to slow down & stop. Frontal crash into rear end of…
Started my car this morning and let it run for awhile(5 min) until rpms went down, its 12 degrees outside, I drove through my parking lot maybe 20 ft and throttle warning light came on, I didn't know what it was at first but I researched while letting my car idle it sort of…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Dodge caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of…
Had a problem with your 2010 Dodge Caliber?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Dodge caliber vehicles
An unlatched door could increase the risk of an unbelted front seat passenger being ejected from the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod as required free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 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 2010 Dodge Caliber?
The 2010 Dodge Caliber is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. 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 2010 Dodge Caliber?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 30 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,053 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 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 2010 Dodge Caliber a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 157 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 90,053 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 2010 Dodge Caliber?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 30 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,053 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 90,053 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 2010 Dodge Caliber?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 157 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Dodge/Caliber.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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