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 2008 Dodge Caliber owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the mechanics has not found a resolution to the problem yet.
I've only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the wheel became loose ,and started pulling ALOT. I was on my way to get an alignment this morning and the whole front end began to buckle not even a minute down the road. I tmade it in back the driveway before the front end collapsed completely
My car is well maintained. I have it serviced every 3000 miles and have the records to prove it. I had the rusted frame replaced this passed August after my mechanic noticed the corroded frame. I have had almost all of the other problems listed and replaced on my car. I started hearing an odd noise while driving on the highway, and took the car in to my mechanic who replaced a pulley. The car continued to make the noise all the time while driving and I brought it back in for servicing. My mechanic could find nothing wrong. He told me to just drive it til something happened. The electronic throttle control light came on one night driving home on the highway from grocery shopping. The light came on flashing, the car started bucking, the car would not accelerate. I was able to pull the car off the road and had it towed to my mechanic. My mechanic put in a new alternator at a cost of $650. …
I have reported this before and nothing has been done I have a have a 2008 Dodge Caliber and have had to change the electrical throttle this is very serious fir my car have turned off in the middle of driving in traffic this part needed to be recalled before I all some one else get kills or get badly hurt I have had to replace this part 3 times and I'm very tired of this please find out why this part goes bad so fast on these cars I have ready plenty of stories about this part going out on these Dodge calibers and still no recalls do something before some one gets hurts and please look into this matter because its serious when you're driving the car shuts off in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one that have brought this to y'all attention do something before its to late and this is my second Dodge Caliber and having the same issue with the electric throttle and my car was in …
I was driving my 2008 Dodge Caliber in February 2015 traveling roughly 45 MPH when suddenly the battery light and all dash lights began to come on and flash. I was able (just barely) to avoid a head on collision with another vehicle and parked the car; in the previous 30 days I had several repairs made that included the alternator and batter, et cetera. Vehicle was towed to the repairing shop where a new alternator and battery were installed, then tonight 20150411 the batter light has again come on with fluctuating speeds. I have researched and read about multiple problems with the Dodge Caliber regarding the tipms system or such; the fact that the Chrysler corporation has been able to consistently fail to make the required repairs to these vehicles is atrocious. The lives of other vehicle operators are being put at risk; I'm certain that something more should be done.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact placed the gear shifter in neutral, turned the vehicle off and back on, shifted the gear selector back in drive, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram superstore (15160 s dixie hwy, monroe, mi 48161, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the throttle body had been previously replaced three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
Took our Dodge Caliber 2008 (manufacturer date: 11/2007) to a mechanic for repairs thought to be struts and was told the front cradle was rusted out and need to be replaced to continue any safe driving. This was a 2007 recall but was never included in any titled 2008 cars that were manufactured in 2007. This is a very dangerous issue and seems to be reported more often now at the 10 year mark. This is something that is not a traditional problem on most vehicles and seems to be a manufacturers defect. I would like to see it recalled, because the replacement cost on this is in the thousands and it is a severe safety hazard.
Luckily, I was on a city street. The vehicle lost power and slowed significantly, almost stopping completely and began to reboot as if it were just being started. I am complaining because I do not feel it to be safe for consumers on any road. I have a 3 year old son and I would very much like Dodge to fix this problem before my, or anyone else's family, gets whiplash from a rear collision. I'm reaching out to NHTSA because, I lack the tools and knowledge to fix it myself, and don't find it fair that I pay for a mistake that Dodge made in making the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently turned the steering wheel to the left and right. The contact also stated that the failure occurred while braking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the case frame of the engine and the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
There are currently 0 recalls on the 2008 Dodge Caliber 2.0. However, a simple youtube search will bring up common issues with the lower ball joints, which cause extreme tire wear and even severe pulling to the left and right with very little control. The anti-lock breaking system as well as the throttle body are huge issues as well. However, it wasn't a youtube search that brought this to my attention but instead driving one and looking into it. To my surprise there are zero recalls on this vehicle.
Engine complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Dodge Caliber, 15% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Caliber engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Dodge Caliber. 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 2008 Dodge Caliber engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.