Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My Dodge Caliber 2012 sxt still under warranty had a failed manufacturer component, the 'shift interlock assembly' which controls drive, park, reverse, nuetral and all transmission settings. Vehicle was parked on blacktop area behind my house and rolled forward. It plunged headfirst down a steep hill hill crashing through back yard forest. Trees eventually stopped the vehicle. Neighbor's houses and a public road were at the base of hill. The vehicle was unoccupied. Tied car off to a tree to prevent roll over. Car is now at a Dodge dealership. Chrysler corporation is sending an 'independent' Chrysler inspector who then sends a damage report to Chrysler. Then a 'special investigation' will follow. No estimate on when Chrysler May respond. Ongoing lack of urgency in Chrysler corporation response cannot be penetrated. Car was in the woods for 2 days and now in shop for the 3rd day. …
Mt 2012 Dodge Caliber had a roll away incident on 9/6/2103 when parked in a driveway. It rolled and then dove down a very steep hill with trees which eventually stopped the car rolling down the hill. The manufacturer defect has been diagnosed as a failure of the shifter assembly. There are a number of late model cars under recall because of shifter assembly defects and potential for 'roll away'. The car remains at the dealership, not safe to drive, awaiting a new shifter assembly and cable on order. Chrysler was contacted about warranty defect and took two weeks to respond by letter and declines participation with any costs associated with this incident. Letter is a contradiction saying all sysrems were found to be operating properly but noted a problem with the ignition switch the dealer should repair. Roll away can have very serious consequences.
We bought the car new in 2011, since then every summer when we travel more than 30 miles on the hwy when its over 110 degrees out the transmission light goes on and car goes into limp mode (CVT transmission). I have been to dealer multiple times for this and advised that Dodge knows and that I am to pull over and let it cool down. We live in lake havasu city, az where its over 110 degree's 3 or more months of the year. My wife was coming back from road trip on I-40 on June 21 and car went into limp mode and wouldn't go 10mph. She had to sit on side road for 30min for trans to cool before would let her resume. This is a safety issue leaving motorists stuck in 110+ degree weather on side of the road. I am still under factory warranty took it back into Dodge and they did full check on trans said its fine. I even had trans flushed before the trip. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving, the traction control and the throttle body warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a diagnostic testing which located a failure code at the throttle body. The throttle body was replaced twice and the accelerator pedal was also replaced however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer which locate a failure code at the power train control module and the traction control module. The dealer advised that the positive crankcase ventilation hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Transmission failure under 100,00 miles. Took it to 3 different transmission shops and was told that this type of transmission (CVT) , which Dodge only uses for the Caliber is basically junk. Precision said that he's seen so many of these cars for the same problem. They don't rebuild them because of how they are made. I could take a chance on buying a remanufactured one at a cost of 1500.00 plus 650.00 labor and a year or so later have the same problem. Or a brand new one at a cost of 3000-4000 dollars. This is ridiculous. I don't understand why there isn't a recall. After researching online this is common problem with these cars. Some stating failure at only 36,000 miles. And they put these transmissions in both , 2.0 and 2.4 motors . There needs to be a recall on these CVT transmissions as they are junk and they know it. It gave me no warning. …
Takata recall". I had a bad experience on the way home from visiting family about a hr from town I was driving had my air on cause it was extremely hot out side I drove going about 60 to 70 adverage then transmission temp light come on car start slowing down cant go any faster nothing seen gadges going all the way up and nothing foot was all the way down no power so I pull over scared wat the hell wrong with my transmission wat did I do I had no power shut off my car for 20 min point was I was driving on a major highway and for this to happend had no power to my car I could of got hit couldnt move or do nothing and no one can seem to find the problem to this sulution cause it dont happend all the time just when it wants and replacing parts after part and still not fixing the problem has to be a issue I just dont understand what the problem and y does it happend when they say everything …
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
My PCM failed car stopped on the highway in traffic without warning. I could have die or caused a death. My car is available . I've owned that vehicle for going on three months the first issue that I've had. After Car felt the check engine light came on I took it to be for a diagnostics test which read the PCM was the issue. My car is a 2009 Dodge caliber just recently charged 81,000 miles I pay $6000 for a car I just don't believe that [redacted] dealer didn't know I am fearful of dry driving it but what choice do I have.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caliber years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (85), 2009 (64), 2008 (39), 2010 (17) and 2011 (17) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caliber transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caliber transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (26 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (6).
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.