Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Dodge Caliber owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The vehicle had previously had the front subframe replaced under an unknown TSB. The contact stated that upon inspection, her son informed her that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 155,946.
It started as a popping noise while driving which evolved into a louder sound and I was able to feel it click with my feet as I was driving, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was causing the issue at first. After going to a mechanics and having them look at it the subframe of the car was absolutely covered in rust to the point where it was falling apart and I could see inside. The air conditioning unit was badly designed, and the residual water from that caused the entire thing to rust. They advised that it was only going to get worse and could lead to the front axle essentially just falling out and totaling the car anyways. I drive everyday to and from work so having this issue is severely affecting my daily life and quite possibly my safety if anything happens while driving it.
Component failed: Front and Rear Subframe. Safety at risk: Rotting Subframe. The front subframe had a recall which expired a couple years ago, which I was never notified about. I have replaced this part because it could have fallen out of my car due to the rotting. Now, the rear subframe is now rotting and unstable/unfit to drive. I have 88,000 miles on it and keep in the garage when possible. The vehicle and component has been inspected by the manufactorer as well as Monro Auto Service, Jiffy Lube and L&M Motors in Upstate New york regularly. No.
My name is [redacted] & my wife was driving down the road at about 55 miles per hour & the steering wheel lost control pulling the vehicle to on coming traffic! She nearly miss the vehicle and got control of the vehicle. She was near the place where we take our vehicles to get repaired,so she had it towed there. ) the mechanic checked it out and said the engine cradle rusted out on the driver side and broke thru. The tires were chopped up on both sides from cutting in to the front end also. The vehicle is only a 2009 .I called Chrysler complaint dept.and she said that they couldn't do any thing about it because there was no recall for the Dodge Caliber 2009 models(only on the 2005 Caliber models) she also said that she bought the same type of (used )caliper and her dad looked at it and said the engine cradle was rusting out . So she sold it.! …
Heard a loud noise that sounded like a broken spring on my car and took it to my mechanic, where I found out my engine cradle is completely rotted and broken in several places. I drive 30 miles to work on a major freeway, doing 70 - 80 MPH 5-7 days a week. If this engine cradle had broke completely during my commute, I would have crashed or flipped my car!! This is beyond a safety concern. I recently got rid of a 1998 vehicle that didnt have even 1/10th this amound of rust on its frame. I undercarriage flush-carwash my car every week minimum during the winter months to avoid longterm salt exposure. And my car is garage parked all the time at home. I transport my small children in this car, and am seriously considering finding a lawyer for a class action suit on this matter. There are a ton of complaints online regarding this issue. A 6 year old car should not be this rotted!!!! I
While making a left hand turn the vehicle right front collapsed forcing me off the road. Fortunately because I was traveling at a very low speed I was able to stop on the shoulder. Had I been traveling on a multiple lane highway, passing another car or at a higher rate of speed there would have been a serious accident. Upon inspection I found that the front frame had rusted completely through and collapsed the suspension. It is quite apparent that the frame is poorly designed or constructed. Possibly both. At any rate this is a very dangerous condition that should be addressed. I notified Chrysler in July and other than an acknowledgement have not heard from them. Kindly advise me if there is any action that your organization can take. Sincerely, [redacted]
When driving the vehicle started to make unusual sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for inspection. Told that the front cross-member was severely corroded and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Customer was informed by the dealer that this was covered under an extended warranty from Chrysler. Was then told by the dealer that they could not work on the vehicle until the district service manager authorized it. The reason given was that there was additional rust found that would not be covered by the warranty. Informed that this decision could be expected in 2 to 3 weeks. Was then informed that the dealer could not offer and transportation while they waited for a decision. Still waiting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle retained water and was leaking from the front driver's side onto the floorboard. The failure caused mold to develop. In addition, the rear passenger side floorboard retained water. The contact did not now the origin of the leak. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 275,000. . Consumer stated when it rains the water splashes from plastic stipping inside whit it meets the headliner on the side.
Body complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Dodge Caliber, 21% of the model year's 232 complaints. The component named most often is body (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Caliber body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, though it has 1 recall 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 2009 Dodge Caliber body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 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.