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.
Dodge recall # s61/NHTSA 16v-668 my air bag started comoing on and off each time with a audio warning, got a mailer "urgent safety recall" "free" repair. Scheduled an appointment ith glendale Dodge glendale ca. Service person said he had to do a diagnostic to verify recall eligibility, repir was made. Then I was presented with a $ 150.00 charge for the diagnostic (what was free?) and told that the recall was completed but the air bag light and warning would continue, that wou;d cost me another $ 712.00! The airbag light still comes on and the warning is sounded. My free recall has cost me $ 150.00 and to complete the repair will cost me an additional $ 712.00 . I had received the recall notice prior to warning light alarm sounding, so why aren't bot items part of the recall? [redacted] '
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.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v68000 (seat belts, air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted (tennessee valley motors in avon, ny) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. ...updated 08/31/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called cerritos Dodge (located at 18803 studebaker rd, cerritos, ca 90703; [phone]). The contact was placed on hold several times, but was never able to address the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the same dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I own a 2011 Dodge Caliber with a recall for loss of air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment capability. I do not want to drive my car due to this safety issue in addition to having children in my car. I cannot even get a reasonable trade offer due to this. I am told that the parts my not be available until June 16, 2016. This is a serious danger to my family and a huge financial loss for trade in. Dealerships should at least give maximum trade for this vehicle and they can wait for the repair parts until they can sell it rather than put the public at risk and financial loss due to the lower value of trade to this situation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts), but did not receive a manufacturer recall notice. The contact stated that the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The advantage Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealer in mt dora, florida was contacted at [phone] and confirmed the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Seat Belt complaints in other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the seat belts of the 2011 Dodge Caliber, 15% of the model year's 165 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Caliber seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to seat belts 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.