Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Subframe on the vehicle at 90,000 was found to have SEVERE huge rotted holes in the subframe that is supporting the engine. This can allow the engine to drop out of the vehicle at any given moment and cost to repair is $1200 which is insane.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine. The vehicle started smoking and then ignited into flames near the engine. There were no warning indicators prior to the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
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. …
When I start my car, it starts just fine and then about 1-2 minutes later the engine check sign will come on followed by a red lighting bold on the dashboard. Once the red lightning bolt comes on either parked or driving in a city street or highway, the car immediately starts making loud noises, shakes uncontrollably and speed reduces, sometimes to the point where it shuts off while I'm still driving on the highway or city street. It sort of starts forcing itself to move while in motion. While the light is still on, if I stop at a red light or stop sign and it's time for me to go or the light is green, when I push the gas paddle the car sort of tries to move with pushes, just as though someone was pushing it while parked and then all of a sudden moves with speed. …
My car started to suddenly slow down on the highway. I have had 4 incidents where when the car is on accelerated speed suddenly slow down. Am still paying loan on the car and I have maintained service on it.I feel I maybe in danger as the car is now a safety hazard. I have researched online and saw that other people have had the same problems. I have contacted Dodge corporate twice and was given case number 26243890 on phone and case number 26233972 on email. They say they can't do anything as the car is not on recall. I do not want life lost for it to be recalled. If there is already other people with the same problems then Dodge should do something before anything bad happened. I have called local Dodge dealer and they told me to pay to diagnose my car. Please help so Dodge to correct this problem before car causes a crash. Thank you
The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3 to 4 times a week with the engine stalling and overheating didn't find out til after I leased the car from AtoZ auto on gen McMullen and it's financed through car financial services I believe they knew the car was damaged I got scammed and have to pay 425 dollars a month on a car that can't be fixed I've spent a lot trying to fix the car
The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car could be driven without stalling for 2 or 3 miles when it would stall again and the engine would not start again for 2 to 3 minutes. In traffic situations this was unsafe to not be able to move the vehicle to a safe distance from heavy traffic. Finally, the problem started to occur after the vehicle was supposedly repaired and not driven for 2 -3 days and when it an attempt to start the car it would idle for 3-5 seconds and sound like it was choking before dying, and this was happening 2 weeks after it had been "repaired" by the Dodge dealer. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caliber years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (107), 2008 (56), 2011 (42), 2009 (30) and 2010 (26) model years. Engine complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caliber engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Dodge Caliber model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Caliber engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (13 mentions), followed by the cooling system (3).
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.