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 pulsated. When I went to accelerate it would barely move, thank god I was not on the highway as I was about to go to work.…
2010 Dodge Caliber electrical problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 26 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 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 26 electrical 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 electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2010 Dodge Caliber has pervasive electrical system problems including no-start failures, ETC throttle control faults causing limp-mode power loss, power drain on highway drives, and a corroded relay box design that accelerates failures. Headlight failures tie to the TIPM module, a notoriously expensive component with no manufacturer remedy despite widespread reports.
Owners of 2010 Dodge Calibers describe a constellation of electrical faults starting early in ownership. No-start and intermittent crank issues occur even after battery, starter, and alternator replacement, often triggered by cold weather or parked position. The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light frequently flashes during highway driving, accompanied by severe shaking, loss of acceleration, and limp-mode operation—dealership throttle body cleaning provides only temporary relief.
Power drain at highway speeds is documented across multiple mileages (35,000 to 55,000 miles), causing radio loss and dimmed lights while the alternator tests normal. Rough idle and stalling occur at red lights when AC is engaged, with no fault codes appearing on diagnostic scans. The relay box is mounted behind the driver-side wheel well, where road salt and moisture corrode relays and wiring, causing sudden no-start failures.
Headlight failures stem from TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults—owners report multiple failures per vehicle, with socket testing showing zero power despite working bulbs and good fuses. Engine shutdown without warning codes recurs across dozens of reports. CVT transmission limp mode occurs on sustained highway climbs, with the dealer acknowledging the issue but stating no repair exists. Owners also report electrical fires in the climate control area, blown fuses in multiple circuits, and keyless entry failures where neither factory nor replacement keys work for 20+ minutes.
Same Dodge Caliber electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
No-start / intermittent start crank
Engine fails to turn over or cranks weakly on ignition. Most common during cold weather or when parked on inclines. Battery, starter, and alternator test normal. Some owners replace batteries and starters without resolution.
When: Multiple instances reported; earliest at 1,713 miles, recurring across mileage range up to 103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key turns but engine makes no sound or weak cranking noise; Occurs intermittently; may succeed on second or third attempt; More likely when parked on slopes or in cold temperatures; Sometimes resolves after 20+ minute wait; Dealership unable to replicate in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement ($150), starter replacement attempted, reprogrammed ignition key (no success reported)
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light flashing with power loss
ETC warning light illuminates (often flashing) accompanied by engine shaking, severe loss of acceleration, and limp-mode operation. Occurs during highway driving or acceleration from stops. Throttle body cleaning provides only temporary relief.
When: Multiple instances ranging from 83,000 to unspecified higher mileages; one narrative shows repeated occurrence within days of repair
Symptoms owners cite: ETC light flashes or illuminates steady; Severe engine shaking and jerking; Vehicle speed drops or fails to accelerate despite high RPM; Car enters limp mode, limiting speed to 2-5 mph; May occur during freeway merging or hill climbing; Occurs at both idle and highway speeds
Codes mentioned: ETC light (Electronic Throttle Control)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning ($cost not specified), throttle body control unit replacement ($700)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledge throttle body issues but cleaning only provides temporary fix; extended warranty does not cover throttle body assembly
Electrical power drain at highway speed
Vehicle power progressively drains while driving at freeway speeds (60+ mph), causing radio loss, dimmed lights, and near-stall conditions. Problem occurs in cold weather and persists across multiple trips. Battery and charging system test normal.
When: First reported at 35,000 miles, recurring at 44,000 miles; also reported in warmer climates at 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power gradually drains during sustained highway driving; Radio loses power; All dashboard and headlights dim completely; Engine nearly stalls; Radio may take 30+ minutes to regain power after stopping; Requires driving without accessories (heater, radio) to limp home; More frequent in winter or cold conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostics quoted at $100; alternator function verified as normal by tire shop
Engine stall at idle with AC on (rough idle, unresponsive)
Engine runs rough at idle and stalls when stopped with AC engaged, especially in automatic transmission cars. Tachometer bounces erratically. Turning AC off resolves issue. No fault codes found on scan.
When: Ongoing for past year at time of reporting; another instance notes issue when transitioning from reverse to drive
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, loud idle at red lights with AC on; Tachometer needle bounces up and down; Engine stalls after AC is activated; Engine stalls when foot moves from brake to gas pedal; No warning lights illuminated; Turning AC off prevents stalling; Dealer unable to replicate or find fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended fuel and other flushes but issue persisted; no repairs completed
Electrical system reset / power cycling on transmission shift
When shifting from reverse to drive, all electrical power momentarily cuts (10 seconds), causing dashboard and radio to lose power. System resets without losing radio presets. Occurs in automatic transmission vehicles.
When: Reported as ongoing issue during transmission shifts
Symptoms owners cite: Radio turns off during shift from reverse to drive; Dashboard warning lights illuminate; All electrical power drops for approximately 10 seconds; System self-resets without losing radio presets; No engine stall occurs
Headlight failure (no power to socket)
Headlight fails with no power reaching the socket despite good bulb and fuses. Owners report this is a widespread issue linked to TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults. One or both headlights may be affected (low beam and/or high beam).
When: Reports indicate issue spans 2007–2010 model years; diagnostic attempt at 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: One or both headlights fail to illuminate; Replacement bulbs do not work; Socket has no electrical power when tested; All fuses check good; No low beam or high beam operation
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic fee quoted at $114/hour labor; parts and labor costs not fully specified but noted as expensive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge acknowledges issue but states not a safety concern; no recall issued; TIPM replacement expensive and not covered under standard warranty
CVT transmission limp mode (loss of acceleration above 30 mph)
During highway driving, CVT transmission enters limp mode unprompted, severely limiting speed despite high RPM. Speedometer may display higher speed than actual vehicle speed. Occurs on long inclines or sustained highway travel. Dealer confirms known issue but states no repair available.
When: Reported at high mileage after hours of driving; common on Phoenix-to-Flagstaff route (sustained climb)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration power; Speedometer reading inaccurate (shows higher speed than actual); RPM spikes but vehicle speed does not increase; Vehicle slows drastically to 2-30 mph despite driver stepping on accelerator; Limp mode activates without warning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges CVT is prone to 'fluke' limp-mode events on sustained climbs; stated no repair available; acknowledged seeing 'a lot' of this issue
Engine stall during normal driving with no warning codes
Engine unexpectedly shuts down while driving at various speeds. Vehicle restarts immediately but power loss is abrupt and unexplained. No diagnostic codes set. Multiple owners report recurrence.
When: Reported across mileage range (68,000 to 103,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts off while driving; No warning lights before shutdown; Vehicle restarts after stalling; Electronic components may briefly fail; Occurs at highway and city speeds; Dealer unable to replicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in one case; dealer could not replicate or diagnose
Electrical fire hazard in climate control (blower motor control area)
Heat/AC blower control knob and surrounding area becomes hot enough to produce smoke and electrical odor. Smoke visible from the control knob region; adjacent area too hot to touch safely. Blower motor fails after incident.
When: Reported during winter use; incident occurred after toggling heat knob
Symptoms owners cite: Heat shuts off unexpectedly; Turning knob back on produces electrical smoke; Strong electrical smell in cabin; Smoke rises from control knob and surrounding dash area; Area above control knob becomes very hot to touch; Blower motor fails to operate after incident
Multiple fuse blowouts (front/rear lights, outlets, accessories)
Repeated fuse failures affecting multiple circuits: front blinkers and lights, rear blinkers and brake lights, cigarette lighter outlet. Fuses blow without apparent overload or short. Pattern suggests electrical system instability.
When: Reported as ongoing issue; 2012 model mentioned but overlaps with 2010 complaint cluster
Symptoms owners cite: Front turn signal and light fuses blow; Rear turn signal, brake light fuses blow; Cigarette lighter outlet fuse blows; Multiple independent fuse failures over time; No apparent cause (no overload or user damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses replaced; alternator replaced twice; battery replaced; starter replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice received but specific recall not identified in narratives
Dashboard and accessory power loss after air bag module recall service
After air bag module recall service, instrument panel illumination fails, radio shuts down with popping noise, heater and AC become inoperable. Issues appear directly post-recall service.
When: Immediately after air bag recall service completion; failure mileage 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel fails to illuminate; Radio shuts off with popping noise; Heater and AC no longer function; Failures occur directly after air bag module recall work
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired due to diagnostic/repair fees
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership did not pursue repair; manufacturer not contacted
Transaxle overheating light with speed loss (limp mode)
Transaxle overheating warning illuminates during highway driving, forcing vehicle to limp and lose ability to maintain speed. Warning recurs every 10 miles and requires pulling over to reset. Occurs repeatedly within short timeframe.
When: Recurring after approximately 1 hour of highway driving at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Transaxle overheating light illuminates; Vehicle speed drops and cannot be maintained; Must pull over until light extinguishes; Warning recurs approximately every 10 miles; In 30-minute period, required 6 stops due to warning
Repairs/costs cited: Not taken to dealership; not repaired
Flickering instrument panel indicators and electrical shortage
Dashboard gauges and indicators flicker intermittently during operation. Dealer diagnosis identifies electrical shortage in instrument panel wiring or connections, but repair not pursued due to cost.
When: Reported at 99,532 miles; another instance reports flickering temperature gauge
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel indicators flicker; Failure recurs multiple times; Temperature gauge above steering wheel flickers constantly; May occur at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed electrical shortage in panel but repair not completed
Horn inoperative (TIPM relay integration failure)
Horn produces no sound. Horn itself tests functional when moved to another vehicle. Fuses are good and have power, but horn relay is integrated into the TIPM unit (no standalone relay available), making diagnosis and replacement difficult.
When: Reported on parked vehicle at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not produce any sound; Horn unit tests functional on another vehicle; Fuses have power but horn still inoperative; Horn relay integral to TIPM, not separately replaceable
Repairs/costs cited: Horn relay cannot be replaced independently; would require TIPM replacement
ECU/computer failure during jump-start attempt
Vehicle computer fails when receiving a jump-start from another car. Computer must be replaced, resulting in high repair cost. Cause unclear but may relate to electrical system sensitivity.
When: Incident occurred during jump-start attempt; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Computer fails when jump-starting from another vehicle; No other electrical damage reported
Repairs/costs cited: Computer replacement cost under $900
Keyless entry/ignition failure (both keys inoperative)
Both factory and replacement keys fail to crank the engine. Vehicle will not start with either key. Issue resolves after 20-minute wait. Has recurred three times over one-year period with replacement key.
When: Recurring issue; replacement key obtained 1 year prior; third occurrence at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Neither factory nor replacement key turns the engine over; Vehicle will not crank with any key; Issue resolves after extended wait (20+ minutes); Occurs intermittently without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement key obtained approximately 1 year before third failure
Abnormal acceleration during CVT gear transitions (jumping/lurching)
Vehicle accelerates abruptly or jumps in speed when struggling to shift into second gear. Occurs during normal acceleration and suggests CVT control instability.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Speed jumps or surges when vehicle struggles to reach second gear; Abnormal acceleration during transition
Engine shutdown with electronic component failure
Engine unexpectedly shuts down with simultaneous failure of electronic systems. Vehicle can be restarted. Engine oil warning light intermittently illuminates before shutdown.
When: Failure mileage approximately 103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving; Electronic components fail simultaneously; Engine oil warning light intermittently illuminates; Vehicle restarts successfully
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; independent mechanic found no cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner related failure to NHTSA recall 14V373000 but VIN not included in recall
CD player and dashboard controls failure (blackout on disc insertion)
CD player and control panel display black out or flicker when CD is inserted. Controls become unresponsive. Issue may relate to power drain or electrical ground fault.
When: Reported on vehicle with multiple electrical issues; 2012 model in cluster of 2010 complaints
Symptoms owners cite: CD player display and controls black out on disc insertion; Display flickers intermittently; Controls become unresponsive
Door locks fail to unlock
Power door locks do not respond to unlock commands. Owner describes this as a persistent nuisance affecting vehicle access.
When: Reported on vehicle with multiple electrical failures; 2012 model
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks will not unlock when commanded; Occurs as part of broader electrical issues
Corroded relay box and relay contacts (weather exposure)
Relay box location behind driver-side wheel well allows snow, water, ice, and road moisture to corrode internal relays and wiring. Corrosion degrades electrical connections and triggers no-start conditions without warning. Problem documented in Calibers from 2007 onward.
When: Issues documented in 2007+ Calibers; no specific mileage given for this failure mode
Symptoms owners cite: No-start condition occurs suddenly with no prior warning or symptoms; Corrosion visible on relays and relay box contacts; Wiring from fuse box to relay box corrodes; Vehicle will not start despite good battery and starter
Repairs/costs cited: Relay box and relay replacement required; cost noted as potentially very high
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Purchased this car four months ago with 79,300 miles on it. Within a couple of days it started acting up, not wanting to start. I went to the advance and they checked the battery, starter, and alternator. Machine said replace battery so I did for $150 with 5 year warranty. Left and within an hour still did not want to start. Seemed like it was prone to doing this while sitting up or down hill and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge caliber. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to illuminate while driving at various speeds. Also, the radio, heater, and air conditioner failed to function. The radio would shut off and made a popping noise. The contact stated that the failures occurred after replacing the air bag module recall. The vehicle was taken back to ed martin Chrysler…
Horn isnt working at all. Checked horn to see if it was broken , removed and tested on another truck, they worked. Checked fuses and there is no power to ether fuse. There is no horn relay. It is part of the tipm. The relay is on the tipm unit. Vehicle was parked. When I found out the horn failed.
Power in vehicle began to drain 47 miles from my house going 60 to 75mph after going 75 to 80 MPH temperature out side is about 50 degrees. The car acts as if it were going to stall the radio power went out. After that I tested to see if it were the lights still worked and upon turning the lights on all lights in the car dimmed completely. I went 28 miles to my appointment with no accessories on…
We purchased vechicle 2012. Have had numberous fuses blown; front blinkers and lights rear blinkers and brake lights also the plug in where ciggerate lighter. Another issue is with car randomly not starting. Turning over for 5-10 secs. I have had to replace altanator twice, newer battery and starter. At one point it did work. The cd player and controls panel goes black when inserting cd it…
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 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 electrical problem on the 2010 Dodge Caliber?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 54,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2010/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.