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).
I purchased this car January 26, 2016. 2 weeks after purchase I contacted the dealer because a weird noise came out of the bottom of the car, like a clink. I was told nothing is wrong, that the car was thoroughly inspected prior to sell and according to them, everything was fine. I suffered a minor crash 3 weeks later on the drivers' side front near the tire with my family and seatbelts did not work, nor airbags were deployed. Because the accident happened in tijuana Mexico I could not report it to the insurance. I have read that this car has a lot of issues with frame as well, so I feel I was ripped off by the dealer for selling a car that had issues in the first place, and the issue with the airbags had been consistent prior to the issuing of the recal s-61.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving 10 MPH and making a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the passenger door of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained a broken neck and a broken back. Medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle on the passenger side. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained soft tissue injuries through the body and continuously sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot where the vehicle was declared destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
The vehicle was involved in an accident. The vehicle was going approximately 50 MPH and jumped a ditch and struck a pole on the front driver side of the vehicle. The front driver side of vehicle was pushed up to the windshield. The force of the impact caused the driver to bend the steering wheel by impact. None of the airbags deployed at any point during this. The consumer provided photos of the vehicle.
Intermittent recurring electrical outage while driving. All chimes will sound and all dash lights will come on. The power is lost, a dash lights flash and turn off and we loose the instruments (speedometer, RPM, etc....). Experience lose of power can barely get it pulled over safely. Air bag light comes on and seat belt does not lock. Dealership can not repair even with having it for 42 days time before last. Have only been able to drive 334 miles since dealership delivered car to me when they drove 170 miles and could not get it to reoccur in August 2015. I'm afraid to even drive it to dealership. Total miles put on car since purchase June 2013 is 11394. Current mileage 38234
Received notice of loss of air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment in a crash. Repairs made to the suspension, tyi-rod totaling over $1000.00 in repairs and loss of a car so could not make it to work. This car iis not safe and I am not comfortable driving it with these known recalls. I believe I should be given a safe, comparable replacement. Why am I asked to place my life at risk as well as any one that would accompany me in my car? I am requesting a full refund or a new car. While making a turn on a circle, I car completely spun around. A truck was behind me and I was lucky that time but who knows about the next time????
I was made aware of safety recall s61/ NHTSA 16v-668 via mail on Monday the 21st and have made multiple calls and emails to the Fiat Chrysler automotive company. As of right now there is no firm eta for the repair as parts are not available or in existence yet. They think January but are not sure. I do not consider 45days a "reasonable time" to wait for a safety fix for a vehicle. They have offered to reimburse me for a rental but I am not in a position where I can put out $1,200 per month and await to be paid back for the next several months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the lower subframe of the vehicle was rusted. While driving various speeds, the body of the vehicle pulled in whatever direction the tires turned. Also, the vehicle was slow to respond when the brake and accelerator pedals were depressed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts). The failure mileage was 142,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the driver's seat belt unbuckled independently. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor a dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
There is currently a recall regarding the airbag not deploying in case of a crash. I was in a head on accident in 2014 and I had wondered why my airbag didn't deploy. Is there a monetary compensation for companies whos airbags don't work due to a proven technical problem?
Related recalls
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
Airbag complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Dodge Caliber, 22% of the model year's 165 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Caliber airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-668 (air bags, Sep 15, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Caliber airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to air bags 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.