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 2011 Dodge Caliber owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On multiple occasions vehicle completely shuts down and locks up when slowing down and turning. Almost rear-ended and then t-boned in middle of intersection. Takes several minutes to restart and unlock steering wheel then drives fine.
** From Dealer - diagnosis says - Primary Line B: D1 C/S Multiple warning lights came on in dash (like a X-mas tree) and vehicle will not want to drive after that. C/S has to turn off and turn back on to get to move. C/A TIPM - Total integrated power module - verified customer concern found vehicle with loss of comm dts with tipm no vin mis match dtc present and more than one module aginst tipm recommend replacement of tipm and retesting at this time. The TIPM module controls most if not all of the body functions of the car or truck. Everything from wipers and headlights, starting system and so on. It accepts signals from many diff switches and modules in the car and translates them to the connected systems. $2128.00 is total cost of repair at Dodge Lithia - this should be a recall. There are only about 63,000 miles on her vehicle. …
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.
I have had a problem with anti-lock brakes. I could not control my vehicle; my steering wheel was shaking, front wheel felt like it was buckling and I could not control my vehicle; almost got into an accident. I have brought this to the attention of the dealer and he told me thats the way the brakes are; terrible he said. This was done when it snowed. I do not like anti-lock brakes because of that reason; I drove a Chevy malibu and when I applied the brake pedal, it didn't do what my car did. Any suggestions would be helpful. I just won't be able to drive in the snow, that sucks!!!!! When I'm driving on the highway I hear a moaning underneath the vehicle, the dealer didn't hear anything; probable didn't take it out for a ride.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after two attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed that the springs and front axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle caught fire without warning. The air conditioner failed prior to the fire the contact was not injured and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The dealer was unable to provide a diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified the failure mileage was unknown. Updated 03/07/17
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.
Engine complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Dodge Caliber, 25% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Caliber engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 52% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.