Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Caliber owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving to massachusetts from nh...3 hour ride...just outside of springfield, ma on a very busy highway, the car suddenly deaccelerated, lost power, and dash warning lights came on. The car went from approx 75/80 MPH down to 30mph and lower. I was in the middle of the third lane, and had to try to get over to the break down lane with a car full of kids. This is not safe, and several vehicles were swerving around me to avoid hitting me in the rear end. When trying to accelerate, I would put my foot to the floor on the gas pedal and nothing would happen. It was like it suddenly went into neutral. Very, very dangerous. Also, the shifting lever often shifts my car into manual operation instead of automatic without me even realizing it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of engine power and independently decelerated even after the accelerator pedal was depressed. Also, the check engine and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to beyer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (200 ridgedale ave, morristown, new jersey) where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving approximately 15 MPH. The check engine and throttle body control warning indicators illuminated. The contact pulled over and manually restarted the vehicle. The failure recurred after 3 1/2 hours while driving approximately 55 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where the failure could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,200. The VIN was not provided.
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 bought my car new, it is only 3 years old, this should not be happening. It only has 56,000 miles and gets serviced on a regular basis. It does not matter what time of day, if the heater is on or off, it just happens.
The etc (electronic throttle control) light comes on more and more, causing the engine to lose power at low and high rpms. I had it checked and I get codes of u1407,(implausible engine torque request signal received) u1424,(implausible engine torque signal received) u1425.(implausible pedal position signal received). Rough idle occurs at start up. Etc light comes on at low and high rpms even after the car has been running for some time.
When the car is I'm motion or standing the vehicles engine begins to race the engine light as well as charging light comes on and the cars speed drops below 25mph and if headlamps if being used the flicker off and on . The oil was recently change but the change oil light comes on repeatedly.. Headlamps that were replaced blew in 2 months . The car repeatedly need to be jumped eventhough nothing was left running or on in the vehicle..
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The electronic throttle control warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Electronic throttle control failed 4 times, 2 times in hazardous situations. I.e. No throttle control on a high speed interstate. The unit was replaced at owners cost of $600. Please note NHTSA action number pe10012. Looks like Chrysler had the problem with 2007 Caliber and has not solved the problem yet.
For the last two weeks I have been losing throttle control. I have replaced both electronic throttle bodies. Nothing is helping. This vehicle is unsafe to drive because yoy never know when it is going to shut down on you. It could be at a red light or going 65 on the highway. This needs to be a recall
Car jerks extremely bad when on accelerator. Doesn't do it all the time. Just when it wants to. Left me stuck in the middle of a main highway while trying to pull out into traffic. Looked up the cause and I believe it to be the electronic throttle control.
Acceleration complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2011 Dodge Caliber, 13% of the model year's 165 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Caliber acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2011 Dodge Caliber, though it has 2 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 2011 Dodge Caliber acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.