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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-DODGE-CALIBERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2011 Dodge Caliber problems
The 2011 Dodge Caliber has 165 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 2011 Dodge Caliber has 165 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 33 complaints, typically surfacing around 105,833 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Caliber?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Suspension: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–117,521 mi
Reliability score 7.2/10 — 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
3 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★3/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★3/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Optional · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Dodge Caliber 5 HB FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 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 — 33 owner reports
· tends to show around 105,833 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
suspension — 28 owner reports
· tends to show around 83,242 mi · ~$900 to fix
engine — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 20,079 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 70,213 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 105,833 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: 7.2/10 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
2011 Caliber· airbags
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Tl-contact owns a 2011 Dodge caliber ----- received tk holdings postcard ---- contact brought vehicle at a used car dealership knows worcestor Dodge - called dealership and dealership gave contact a case number -- contacted adam at Dodge and he is not responding to phone calls…
I have experienced my car suddenly decreasing speed to around 30 MPH after the throttle body light comes on. The second time I was on the freeway, the other times were on the street. Once I turn off my car and restart it is fine, unfortunately this is occurring more frequently.…
I just bought this vehicle July 28 of 23. It was supposed to have been inspected to be sold. It’s completely rusted out the whole bottom of the car it’s unsafe to drive. I’ve been told by three people the people that did the inspection and said it was OK, and then Belle tire,…
Had a problem with your 2011 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 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles
A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 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 2011 Dodge Caliber?
The 2011 Dodge Caliber is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Suspension: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–117,521 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — 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 2011 Dodge Caliber?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 33 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,833 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 2011 Dodge Caliber a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 165 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 105,833 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 2011 Dodge Caliber?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 33 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,833 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 105,833 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 2011 Dodge Caliber?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 165 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/2011/Dodge/Caliber.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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