Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didn't come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is that rusted , and he also stayed the back cross member is the same . This is a huge safety concern specially where my car itself isn't even rusted only the cross members. I hope you can help me and my family so we can be safe . Thank you Richard
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.
I was just at the dealer mechanic for an oil change and asked about a slight pull to one side when stopping. after doing the oil change he cam back with a list of things the most significant of which was a that the front sub-frame was rotted out, as well as the rear bumper metal under the plastic cover. They gave me an estimate for the repairs exceeding $7000. Then I came home an researched this problem and find its common on these calibers from 2007-2012 and is a known problem!? but no recall was ever issued! There was a "Customer Satisfaction Notification X69" Which I never received. I have also had the vehicle into the dealer other times recently and was never informed of this issue which couldn't have possibly happened over night.
"Takata recall"my wife and I purchased a vehicle and we thought we got a good deal until the car quickly became a death trap that was so unsafe to drive. The steering would pull too the left and when we went around a bridge on the freeway or any turning of the wheel. We had to stabilize the car because it would almost hop to the left and there would be a lot of traffic regardless on freeway or streets. We told them there was a lapse in the speed and this has just been a nightmare. We already paid almost all the car and we still have our warranty but they want us to pay 400 dollars, what we pay as a car pymt every month. Or they said they'd finance the work they do on the car through car finance department. My wife said absolutely not. We have kids and instead of enjoying time in the car, we've spent stressed paying for it since the first week. …
Air bags didn't not deploy during a single car accident which ended in a head on crash into side of mountain then rolled over onto the roof. Speed about 30-35 mph. When tow truck turned car back over the driver's seat wasn't connected. Also prior to this accident problems with alignment, esp rear.
My son was driving this car to work noticed a severe change to the steering. It cause him to veer into the other lane and luckily there was no other oncoming traffic. He was able to drive it onto work and called me to let me know of the problem. After driving just 10 feet it was obvious that it was un-drivable and unsafe. After calling the towing service they suggested that I call Dodge to see if there was a recall since they had already towed other dodges of similar years with a rusted/ broken sub frames. Call local dealer with the VIN and ask to if there was any recalls for a broken sub frame. They stated that there was not a recall and did not offer to make a repair even at my cost. I took it to a local service center who had seen the same problem before on other dodges and was familiar with the repair. …
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the mechanics has not found a resolution to the problem yet.
I was informed at inspection that the main front cross member has a huge hole in the center of it and is rusting out badly. At 162,356 miles this car will not pass safety inspection. This car is not safe for me or my family. No warning lamps or messages. I was told that one bad bump could do us in. We were told to contact the dealership and found out about the extended warranty that had already passed during the previous owners time. This should have been a recall, but what else can you expect from dodge.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caliber years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (101), 2008 (37), 2009 (16), 2010 (12) and 2011 (9) model years. Steering complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caliber steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-315 (column, Jun 8, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caliber steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › tie rod assembly (9 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (2).
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.