Dodge Caliber Subframe Recalls Worth Knowing About

Jan 15, 2021

First coming onto the market as a 2007 model, the Dodge Caliber quickly earned praise for being a roomy and fun to drive hatchback. However, the Dodge Caliber has been the topic of numerous recalls and customer complaints over the years that are important to check out if you are considering purchasing this model.

Are there any Dodge Caliber subframe recalls?

As of August 2020, no. However, there have been several customer complaints regarding the subframe. Some of these include:

Subframe collapsing while the vehicle was in operation
Subframe rust issues
Severe vibration while driving

Red 2012 Dodge Caliber From Front-Driver Side

Thankfully, in this article, we’ll cover each of the above owner complaints about the Dodge Caliber that relate to the vehicle’s subframe.

Customer Complaint: Rotted Subframe

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11296933

A customer complaint was filed for the 2011 Dodge Caliber, citing that a rusted-out subframe had caused the driver to lose control during the vehicle’s operation. This incident is said to have occurred when there were approximately 150,000 miles on the vehicle.

Customer Complaint: Rusted Subframe

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11218502

A customer complaint was filed for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, citing a rusted subframe that could potentially cause the vehicle’s wheels to detach during operation. This incident is said to have occurred when there were approximately 74,000 miles on the vehicle.

Customer Complaint: Rotted Subframe

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11300064

A customer complaint was filed for the 2007 Dodge Caliber, citing a rusted subframe that led to a severe vibration in the vehicle while it was in operation. This incident is said to have occurred when there were approximately 104,000 miles on the vehicle.

How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a Dodge Caliber?

Not sure if your Dodge Caliber has a recall? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site and enter the VIN number for your vehicle to find out.

If you discover an open recall on your vehicle, you can call Dodge at 1 (800) 423-6343 to learn the next steps.

Owner Reviews

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Mary Zimmerman on March 16, 2023

2007 Dodge Caliber rusted undercarriage(s) front and back

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber. In 2016, with only 62444 miles the crossmembers (frt and rear cradle) rusted so bad. Prior to this the car would never hold a alignment. One day driving down the highway, the steering wheel looked like I had it turned halfway, and the car was all over the road. Tires squealed going 20 mph around curves. We looked under it and the under carriages were rusted bad. We had to trailer it to the Dodge dealership. Took two months for the Dealership to get it fixed, and we even bought some parts up ourselves such as lateral links, control arms, ball joints, you name it. Took two months. Now the car has 75000 miles on it and it is rusted all around the bottom of the doors. The only thing I can say is this car runs good and is dependable. Around curves. SVG in Eaton repaired it. Like I said it took them two months and we had to take up parts to get it done. Chrysler only reimbursed us for the cradles themselves. Just bad metal I was told from China.

Ronald H Becker on April 14, 2023

2011 Dodge Caliber Rust

2011 Dodge Caliber subframe completely rusted and nobody noticed a problem with it when it was inspected 6 months ago nor when Dodge dealership changed the oil and rotated the tires a month after inspection. We had no sympthoms of anything wrong until moved car in parking lot and made weird sound. Had to have the car towed by a private garage since it was after 5 pm. Now Dodge doesn't want to do anything about it because we didn't bring it there. We will not be taking our vehicle there for anything if they couldn't see there was a rust issue what else could they miss? Dodge needs to enlighten their dealers to be on the lookout for this issue before someone is killed. Should people have the right to sue ? Do what is right for safe driving Dodge! Ron in Pa.

Savannah on November 8, 2023

Subframe collapsed while driving

The car itself is nice and fun to drive HOWEVER, yesterday as I was driving home, the frame collapsed as I was braking and I slid a fair way and almost had me into the backseat of the car in front of me. I had been having issues for a few weeks with a weird pull to the right as I was driving, severe vibration while braking and some terrible noises coming from the front end. I didn’t think it was anything more than poor alignment so I had planned to take it in for a realignment very soon. I had my daughter in the car with me and I thank fate that it happened while I was showing down and not in the middle of the highway. Was a good reliable car but with one incredibly dangerous flaw. I’m lucky no one got hurt.

Sunny on June 14, 2023

2010 caliber a money pit, rusted subframe, bad ball joint, steering fluid leak

This vehicle reminds me old Mazdas, when I opt for a used Dodge, I have never thought I will end up by regretting. I work the big3 American, I have an old chevy, a ford both drives fines and when we needed an another car for my wife we thought go for used caliber. Its Dodge, I thought they will not compromise on Safety. We checked underneath while painting the underbody and I am afraid to drive it anymore. The subframe is rusted like hell, its rotted like wood. Reading a bit, I found Dodge knew this and have not attempted any fix, leaving lives at risk. They did warranty extension, as they knew it, people will not check underbody regularly and they cover up their mistake. It should have been a recall.

Big Man on April 27, 2023

Good to know

Why is there no recall. 2008 Dodge Caliber. Got it in 2012 8?000 miles on it then. 135000 now. Drivers side rocker panel is beyond rusted. So I figured that would need to be replaced this inspection. HAHAH with as serious as the dealership mechanic made it sound. How did they not catch it 3 months ago when I was having electrical problems. I have used the same dealership for every oil change to inspection. NOW... All of a sudden. I have sub frame damage that won't pass inspection. It magicly went from not bad to life threatening in 3 months. And it's a know issue , even if it's not a recall. I got a Caliber because of the interior room and MPG. Now it's a rolling death trap... Awesome.

WeneedGod on July 7, 2023

Total rust bucket, Dodge is a horrible manufacturer.

I have a 2008 doge caliper/hatchback. RECALL CALL THIS WHOLE VEHICLE !! Undercarriage is totally rusted. Where is our laws to protect us !! Why hasn't this Company beenheld liable for this problem?? Why are we not being protected ?? Look at all of the reviews !! The same terrible thing wrong with everyone of these vehicles.. I will also NEVER BUY A DODGE !! EVEN the dealership staff is unprofessional. Very rude and disrespectful along with Mechanic's doing poor workmanship. This company should be sue.It should be fined and shutdown They shouldn't be able to make any vehicle. Get them off the grid!!

Lauren on January 11, 2023

2011 Caliber subframe completely rusted

My 2011 Dodge Caliber subframe is completely rotted, to the point that the sensor control broke away because the subframe is so thin now. 121k miles. My mechanic said he'd never seen so much rust. I don't live near the ocean, water, and we don't get above normal amounts of percipitation. $2,500 to fix, 9 days in the shop, and $800 for a rental. I've seen so many other people with the same issue and Dodge refuses to acknowledge or issue a recall. I've currently been on hold with Dodge for 30 minutes. They can't be bothered.

Angel on May 23, 2022

2009 dodge caliber rusted crossmember

Crossmember was completely rusted and rotted .managed to pick up a brand new one one eBay from a dealership in the states ,including shipping to Canada cost me $220 Canadian and me qnd my dad swapped it out in an afternoon by the time we were done there was an entire plastic grocery bag of rusted flakes of crossmember,the problem was the air-condition drain hose drips directly onto the crossmember so we added a little extra hose qnd problem solved.overall I love my little sportwagon even with 343731k on it

Bob Mahar on June 20, 2022

Rusted frame, rusted rockers, rusted front cross member.

50,000 miles, garage kept, whole thing is rusting away. First was front cross member, I mean the corrosion was unfathomable. Now rocker panels completely gone, and the mount points for the rear struts such that the struts could shoot out through the hatchback. It's $4-5K to repair. I cannot imagine every buying another Dodge product. Great vehicle for use in a desert or Mars where there is no oxygen. But I'm sure it would find some other way to corrode.

JJB on August 14, 2023

Subframe cracked - DO NOT BUY!

I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber with approximately 137k miles. Yesterday the subframe cracked as I was approaching a traffic light. The undercarriage looks like swiss cheese from all the rust. Even though the car is 15 years old, it should not have this amount of rust. Poorly made. Chrysler has a terrible reputation for a reason!

bruce manning on April 7, 2023

Rusted out front subframe

Luckily i was not on the freeway going speed when my front frame on my 2012 dodge caliber completly broke, leaving suspension dangling going every which way. I have never had any frame break in such a catastropic manner that left my car undriveable and it only has just over 100,00 miles,

L Sheetz on April 26, 2022

2007 dodge caliber

I was just told my 2007 caliber won't pass inspection because it has a rear sub frame that is rotted out. My car is parked in the garage all the time this is ridiculous and there should be a recall. I shouldn't have to pay to get this fixed dodge should. I won't buy another dodge.

MJewers on November 30, 2022

2008 Dodge Caliber subframeCompletely rusted

My subframe is completely rusted to the point there is a hole in it. Had to get my car towed to a garage for a replacement - too dangerous to drive. Read multiple reviews just now of similar problem - rusted subframes. You’d think there would be a recall!

Ron on December 22, 2021

Show

I have a 2011 caliber and was never notified of this issue. I got recalls for other issues but never notified about the rust problem. When I contacted FCA they had the car under the original owners name even though I had gotten other recalls.

Edward on February 13, 2023

Rusted subframe 2007 Dodge Caliber

I have a 2007 Dodge caliber with only 94k miles , the car has no rust at all , not even undercarriage however the subframe is completely rusted with big holes in it , very dangerous to drive , I don’t know if there a recall or not .

Beverlee Bennett on March 30, 2022

Ms.

I have 2007 Dodge Caliper...92,000 km on it just got told today the sub frame is rotten and needs to be replaced ASAP...this should not happen and should be recalled....over 1,000.00 dollars just for new one let alone the labor.

Paul Y on October 2, 2022

2011 Caliber frame rust

Wish I could add a photo, the driver rear cross member completely fell off the frame while driving with both kids in the car. Thankfully no accident was able to stop the car. 129k miles

Judy on November 19, 2021

Rear subframe

2009 Dodge Caliber rusted rear subframe. Only 64,000 miles. It should be recalled. Never buy another Dodge. Shame on you. Lady from Dodge ignorant on the phone too

John Matheny on March 8, 2022

Mathenyjennifer@live.com

2011 Dodge Calib rusted subframe 110K miles. Should be recalled this is a huge problem. They are junk and this is dangerous!

paddy barlett on August 6, 2021

Dodge Caliber

K frame cracked of in the center, should have recalls for this safety Issue Never buy anymore cars from dodge !!!!

Lisa on June 12, 2022

I am write for the 2009 Dodge Caliber the subframe rusted easily and can cause serous damage furthermore kill you . Please this neede immediately attention

The subframe for the 2009 Dodge Caliber needed immediately attention they need to recall all of them now

Richard on December 6, 2022

Big let down rust bucket

It is the same thing for me. I'll drive it until it falls apart. Spay some wd40 on it.

fran on July 13, 2023

Cradel rotted front and back 2007 dodge caliber

Cradlefrontand backrotted good car justwon'ttake curves bounces everywere

Michelle on July 11, 2023

2009 Dodge Caliber

Subframe rusted in half only 140000 miles! RECALL A MUST!

M.Luer on August 21, 2023

2009 Caliber

Rear subframe completely rotted thru

John A

John A. is a freelance writer and automotive enthusiast currently living in Myrtle Beach, SC. When he's not working, John enjoys writing fiction, practicing mixed martial arts, and joyriding in his 2018 Ford Mustang GT.