Most common 2009 Dodge Caliber problems
Share of the 232 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Caliber complaints by model year
Best Caliber years: 2012, 2010, 2011. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2009 Dodge Caliber recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2009 Dodge Caliber owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 64 →
The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from AtoZ auto on gen McMullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car
My PCM failed car stopped on the highway in traffic without warning. I could have die or caused a death. My car is available . I've owned that vehicle for going on three months the first issue that I've had. After Car felt the check engine light came on I took it to be for a diagnostics test which read the PCM was the issue. My car is a 2009 Dodge caliber just recently charged 81,000 miles I pay $6000 for a car I just don't believe that [redacted] dealer didn't know I am fearful of dry driving it but what choice do I have.
Suspension all 61 →
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while coming to a stop, there was a loud banging sound heard. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger's side wheel had detached due to a fractured lower control arm. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Body & structure all 49 →
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel started vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a corroded K-frame on the vehicle. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not included in the 10-year extended warranty due to the manufacture on date. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic for a state inspection, she was informed that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the corrosion had caused a significant hole to form on the rear subframe which could cause a severe failure while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 64,049.
2009 Dodge Caliber engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 30 / 27 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 21 / 25 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber a good car?
Based on 232 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Caliber rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Caliber at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
The transmission & drivetrain — 64 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the suspension (61) and body & structure (49).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, the most recent from October 9, 2008 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Caliber?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2010 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2008. See the full Dodge Caliber years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Caliber problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.