Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Dodge Caliber owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the ECU had been hacked. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the brakes applied without application, but I was able to move to the right lane. The vehicle was able to pull over safely, and it stalled. While parking with the foot on the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a small pole. There was no reported fire, airbag deployment, police report filed, or injuries. While in neutral, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver was able to shift to neutral. The vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. There was no light inside. While using the headlights, the windshield wipers turned on for five minutes. After locking the vehicle, the headlights remain on. While using the turn signal, the windshield wipers engaged without application. While driving in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned. …
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that after driving approximately a block from her residence, she noticed that the vehicle was unable to exceed 15 MPH while accelerating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to her residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and she was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle subframe was rusted. The contact stated that she was informed of an unknown recall however, she was informed that the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original repair invoice with notations for Magna plant manager; page 10 notice of having received complaint; page 11 Defective lug nut issue; page 12 Complaint #11591104; page 13 Service invoice noting replacement of two defective lug nuts. Second pdf file: pages 1-2 Copy of original complaint #11459461; page 3 Copy of towing receipt due to defective lug nut. Third pdf file: Picture of three of four defective lug nut covers that I had to remove due to flat tires. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. While driving 55 MPH, the horn independently activated and the steering wheel seized. All the warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminated and the gauges and meters provided inaccurate readings. The vehicle stalled as it veered into a ditch. In addition, the contact noticed smoke underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,023.
I was approaching an intersection to make u-turn, when my car went into a stall. The engine sounded to me, as if it was still revving. But my foot wasn't on the pedal. I came to a halt in the middle of the road. Put my car in park, tried to restart the vehicle twice. Then my car caught fire. In shock I could feel the car getting hot. So I unbuckled my seat belt, and tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. I panicked for my life and proceeded to try and get out the car from the trunk. It wouldn't open either. But a wittiness who saw my horrible fate helped me and open the door from the outside. I was saved, and relieved. He then ran to his car and got a gallon of water and tried to put out the fire. But the flames were to strong for a gush of water. An other wittiness tried to help put out the flames with some more water. Still the flames would not die down. …
Driving on the highway at 70 MPH and car transmission temperature light came on and the power to the car declined to a coast and I had to try and pull to the shoulder in heavy traffic with snow on the road which almost caused me to get hit by other vehicles going the speed of 70 MPH. This has happened numerous times I have taken it in to the dealer whom recommended that I have the transmission service done by the dealer which I paid for and complied to have performed. It continued to happen and still looses power going highway speed of 65. I have taken it to the dealer over and over and they deny any liability and say everything is OK. I have the lifetime powertrain warranty on the vehicle. I am going to end up dead thanks to a faulty transmission in the car. It has never towed anything so no stress is ever applied to the transmission. …
I have had issues with this vehicle such as the o2 sensors that has to be repaired every year. The safety issues with this vehicle if you are at stop sign or just idle in traffic- the engine light will begin to blink and the car begins to move back and forth..also, it constantly over heats after much repairs- these symptoms continue to persist-the gentleman at good year told me that some of your parts o2 sensor was recalled- failed to get assistance from Chrysler- the overheating is annoying- I can not drive over 45 miles without over heating. …
I'm writing this complaint about my 2007 Dodge Caliber. After nine years and only 79K miles of working very well for me, I suddenly had problems with the transmission on my way to work. At a stop light in the left turning lane off of a highway, about one minute from my job, the light turned green and I pressed the accelerator but my car didn't move forward. The engine was on and I could hear revving sounds from the engine but my car just didn't move. I was stuck. After getting it towed to several mechanics, one was actually able to check the problem. They told me I had a torque converter lockup. Of course, they couldn't fix it and referred me to another shop. That shop couldn't fix it either and my only choice was to go to the Dodge dealership! Naturally, their price to fix it was huge at a whopping $4,500! …
I've owned the car since new, recently we had a problem with a dead battery. After replacing the battery, the car would not go more than 20 miles per hour and we had engine fault codes. Once we cleared out the codes, the car ran fine. However, we now had a front headlight that was out. Replacing the bulb didn't work. The only way to get the front headlights both on was to turn on the high beams. After doing some research from a Dodge dealership and on the internet, I have found the issue is widespread and due to poor design of the fuse box on these vehicles, also known as the TIPM. I believe the drain on the battery was caused by the poor design of the TIPM and with that one incident, started the failure process. This vehicle has 150,000 miles on it and has been well maintained. …
Engine stalled after filling up with fuel. The first incident happened while pulling into traffic, from the gas station where I just filled up. At later dates, it happened several more times while both moving and idling in park, but always right after filling up the tank. The car would shutter and stall for the first minute or so. If I was able to punch the throttle quickly enough I could sometimes avoid the stall. If the car stalled, it would always restart and eventually clear up after running for a few minutes. Once I realized when and why this was happening, I began stopping a gallon short from a full tank whenever fueling up. This has stopped the issue, but not fixed the problem. I see where this issue has been addressed with other Dodge and Chrysler models, but nothing seems to have been done for the Caliber/avenger vehicle class. …
Engine complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 107 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Dodge Caliber, 11% of the model year's 958 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Caliber engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Dodge Caliber, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Dodge Caliber engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.