Dodge Caliber Transmission Problems: Poorly Designed CVT Likely to Fail Before 100,000 Miles

Apr 25, 2022

While compact, aggressively styled, and budget-friendly, the Dodge Caliber hatchback has some serious transmission problems. The manual tranny is fine, but the optional CVT is troublesome at best. With the latest model now being a decade old, purchasing a pre-owned Caliber is a bit of a gamble.

2012 Dodge Caliber - Photo by Stellantis

Key Points

Dodge Caliber’s available CVT is the car’s weakest link. Thankfully, a five-speed manual transmission is also an option.
Hesitation while accelerating is the most common symptom mentioned by owners. Others include grinding sounds, shuddering, and overheating.
Due to the CVT’s unique design, replacing the entire unit is often the only option. Unfortunately, this equates to roughly $3,000-$4,000.
A small number of owners have said that the CVTs speed sensors are the issue. But these are difficult to reach and won’t save you much on repairs.
If you’re stuck on a Dodge Caliber, opt for a model from 2010 for the best experience, or consider the optional five-speed manual.

Dodge Caliber’s CVT Proves Troublesome, and Since No Recalls Have Yet Been Issued, Owners are Left With the Shop Bills

Dodge offered the compact Caliber hatchback from 2007 to 2012. The vehicle was available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a one-speed CVT. While the manual option is generally well regarded, the CVT had a number of problems.

Looking through owner complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hesitation, whining noises, and overheating are the car’s most common problems. There’s also a good number of owners experiencing CVT failure.

Car Complaints, filtering and supplementing these reports, shows that models from 2007 are most likely to see transmission-related issues. Subsequent years received fewer complaints, but many of the same problems persisted.

Unfortunately for owners, no investigations have been opened and no recalls issued, leaving repair bills entirely up to owners.

2010 Dodge Caliber - Photo by Stellantis

Caliber Owners Report the CVT Makes Grinding Sounds, Hesitates, With Many Having to Replace the Transmission Entirely

“I started hearing a grinding sound coming from the engine,” shares one 2007 Caliber owner on Car Complaints. “I took it to the dealership and they told me the transmission is about to go and it can’t be fixed because it’s a CVT transmission.”

Owners are reporting similar issues across many automotive sites. “I heard a grinding noise while accelerating and took it to the dealership immediately,” says one owner on Caliber Forumz. “They said I have to replace the transmission.”

While many report having to change out the CVT, a number of owners claim the issue stems from faulty speed sensors. These are found deep within the transmission and will still yield a hefty repair bill to replace, but nothing compared to a full tranny swap.

“…The car would seem like it was bucking. [I] took it to the dealer and they changed the computer module, but no improvement,” replies one owner in the same forum. After replacing the transmission to no avail, “they finally got someone to look at the car properly and it turned out to be the speed sensors.”

2011 Dodge Caliber - Photo by Stellantis

For the Best Experience, Consider a Caliber from 2010 or Newer With the Five-speed Manual Transmission

Yes, there are a handful of reports of Calibers lasting 140,000 miles or more without much issue. Unfortunately, there are nearly as many saying the opposite, experiencing transmission failure before 80,000 miles.

Considering Kelley Blue Book puts an entry-level 2010 Caliber SE at just $6,000, and replacement is between $3,000-$4,000, scrapping the car is likely a better idea than replacing the CVT.

Ultimately, if the Dodge Caliber is at the top of your used-car list, stick with models from 2010 or newer, which have fewer transmission-related problems. You can also opt for a Caliber with the five-speed manual, though they’re less commonly available.

Photos: Stellantis

Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephanie Stephan | Apr 25, 2022

What is the Most Common Problem With the Dodge Caliber?

The CVT transmission of the Dodge Caliber can jerk, leak and whine at 48,900 miles on average. Faulty ball joints and control arms are also common in the Dodge Caliber and cause suspension and steering failure.

How Do You Reset the Transmission On a Dodge Caliber?

To reset the TIPM in the Dodge Caliber, remove the ignition key. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables and hold them together for 10 minutes. Reconnect them and start the engine. Let the car run to finish reprogramming the TIPM.

Owner Reviews

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Dan on November 4, 2022

Dodge engineering FAILURE

To start this car should have never been made...2010 caliber CVT...205,000. The first main issue, among many is that Dodge decided to put the AC vent drain right above the front suspension cross member so all the water drains into the cross member rusting it out from the inside, mine was rotted out top and bottom thru the whole middle well your steering rack n pinion is bolted to the top of the cross member and that has the electronic steering control (ESC button) when that rusts thru the ESC can put car into limp mode, the rear engine mount is also bolted to the cross member..once the rust starts the torque of the motor along with the steering n suspension pressures while driving can rip it apart. CVT transmission is garbage when it comes to warm weather Dodge says it's a synthetic fluid it doesn't need to be changed...BS!! They purposely don't put a dipstick on the fill tube if your lucky enough that it doesn't rust and break off..only thing you can do is keep up on fluid changes and buy a dorman aftermarket dip stick(PN917-327) to check level often.. I've learned that when mine starts the higher pitch whine it's usually low and there's directions with the dip stick how to read it. Now rear suspension, it has upper later links (like a control arm) and tie rod ends. These do NOT come adjustable from the factory so in turn most calibers I've seen or delt with the rear tires are always tilted outward.. Meaning when looking at car from the rear, both tire tops are inward and the bottoms are out. Now this is a very extreme camber angle which prematurely wears your tires fairly quickly, you can buy rear adjustable toe and lateral links to correct the problem and then have an alignment done. Now dodge's struts front and rear are just GARBAGE ( HA LIKE THE CAR). The rear suspension parts will rust up and squeak like crazy over bumps. Front suspension ball joint problems, but the main issue with front suspension is the cross member the whole front suspension is bolted or connected to it along with the sway bar so if you have to replace the cross member you might as well put all new front suspension in cause EVERYTHING has to come out in order to replace it, same goes for the rear cross member and suspension. Inside there seats s**k, and are very uncomfortable.

Alex on February 25, 2023

2009 Dodge Caliber

The ride is comfortable. Love that I can lay down the passenger side seat to extend the ability to comfortably transport more. Unfortunately that is where it ends. Bought from a dealer, was back in for repairs the next day. Keeping aware of the 3 day or 100 mile return policy. A month later the engine light comes on. Transmission overheating. Quoted $6500 to replace transmission. And this isn't the first time this has thrown this engine code, thanks POS dealer. Found a backyard mechanic to rig up a small fan to keep transmission from overheating. I drive to work and care for a family member, I can stay off the freeway. That worked for a 6 month fix. Purchasing this car took every penny I had. I am so close to retirement that I don't want car payments, but I have to care for my family member on a daily basis and get to work for less then 1 year. I had Subaru's and Toyota's for years that unfortunately they met early deaths in accidents. I bought a Jeep before this Caliber, it was a POS too. Never put on a 100 miles and paid a private party cash, lost all of my money even though I had Firestone look over the jeep before I bought it. Don't know what am going to do, but will not be buying American.

Miya strack on June 26, 2023

NEVER EVER GET A 2007 DODGE CALIBERsxt

Yes it may have cool features like the glove box department being a little cooler or the back light that turns into a flashlight (neither work properly by the way) but even mechanics at a Dodge dealership with only Dodge vehicles will not work on a CVT transmission. Why make it part of the vehicle if you're not going to know about it and help fix it? Did anybody else have a problem with their headlights at some point one side was working and the other wasn't with brand new bulbs but I would turn my brights on and it would be opposite. So say my driver side was working and my passenger side wasn't when I would turn on my high beams my passenger side would work in my driver side would not. Somehow by the grace of God taking off my wheel well cover on the driver side fixed that issue. Such a headache

Cynthia A on February 27, 2023

My car Transmission

I would tell people to buy a 2010 Dodge Caliber when you get close to 14000 miles the transmission starts to mess up ,I need to replace the transmission module,but the dealership said that it might work but I will need a new transmission and that it would cost 9000 dollars,Dodge knows that this car has transmission problems and they need to do a recall on this car .They didn't make that many cars and took it off the market and stop making these cars.They know that these cars are lemons ,they should be held accountable for this problem

Tracy S on September 22, 2021

Great car if you never leave the driveway.

It runs great all winter but as soon as it gets warm, the transmission overheats. This car is built with a contained transmission system and has a transmission cooler that is part of the a/c system. We replaced the transmission cooler twice and the transmission once. Nothing helps. We were finally told that the car was badly designed. In the summer the transmission overheats and you hear a whining noise and the car basically shuts down. I have been stranded along the highway more times than I care to count.

Dionne Vann on September 29, 2022

2009 Dodge Caliber

Was REALLY Excited To Receive A 2009 Dodge Caliber With Only 52,000 Miles On In 2019! Wow, A 10 Year Old Car With That Many Miles?? That’s Awesome. WRONG! I See Why The Owner Decided Years Ago That It Was Gonna End Up Being A c**p Investment. I Love My Car Soooo Much, But I Hate That I’m Only At 111,666 Miles & The Transmission Is “Going Out.” There’s Also A Belt Making An Awful Noise && I’m Just Over It.

Nate E on November 7, 2021

Vehicle that is not all that reliable!

This vehicle is a car I wouldn't recommend people to buy. I just has to replace all the struts and it only has 106,000 thousand miles on it. Only one previous owner and I doubt the transmission will make it past 140,000 thousand miles. The shocks are going bad and my mechanic told me that I will have to replace those soon too.

Denise K on July 7, 2021

Be careful who you buy from.

Most of my issues stem from the low quality of the dealership. I have had to make major repairs starting immediately after purchase. I would love the car if it wasn't in such bad shape. It didn't even make it past 100k miles before needing a new transmission, started, cv axle, power steering pump, and more.

Deni on October 18, 2022

I love my Caliber

Was a gift from Dad, 2007 Caliber. Best car I ever had, minus the computer failure! Bought at 11/2 years old and have put 110,000 miles on it without any other issues! No overheating, no transmission problems, just the computer @ $1,500. Not bad for 14 years and counting!

Patrick K on November 22, 2021

There is nothing special about this car.

Transmission shot in 3 month owning it. Heat and ac went out at 110000 miles and now the motor is about to blow up at 120000 miles. The shifting knob is very loose. It almost seems as if the car does not want to shift at times. I would not recommend this car for anyone.

Cole Fox on October 25, 2022

The CVT isn't that bad

I own a dodge caliber with 306,311 miles on it and it runs and drives perfect. The suspension is warn out in the rear and the transmission is a bit noisy but other than that it's been very reliable. Just gotta keep up on that CVT, gotta keep the fluid changed in it.

Pam N on February 13, 2022

Won't buy a Dodge again. Really disappointed.

But have had a lot of problems with the car. Had to replace the engine and transmission once already. And the tranny is starting to slip again. It also burns oil, always having to add about one half of a quart. I don't think I will buy a Dodge product in the future.

Joy T on March 8, 2022

I would not recommend anyone to buy a Dodge Caliber.

I had to replace the front end and the rear end, plus transmission is overheating and it slips. There is no dipstick to check the transmission fluid. After many different attempts I can not get the heat working even the dealership could not figure out the problem.

Maria P on October 1, 2021

Dodge caliber style very sporty has a lot of power great sounding stalked system.

The bad thing about it is your transmission can go out faster. Also to even check your tranny fluid you have to go to a dealership to get done. This vehicle was basically built to be taken into a dealership and spend bunch of bucks if anything goes wrong.

Tracie W on August 23, 2021

Inside is clean. Upholstery is nice.

I just don't like it. But it was cheap when I was looking for a car. So we bought it and we had to put a transmission in it already then it wouldn't start and had to put another part in it. There's a crack in my windshield needs new one. Needs new tires.

Cristina N on September 10, 2021

Great car until it hit 110,000 miles.

But once over 110,000 I have needed major work on the front end such as bearings and knuckles, transmission issues, electrical issues. I am currently waiting for my car to die to purchase a new one.

Tyler B on September 22, 2021

Dodge Caliber - The Middle Of the Pack

The transmission is also not great and acts up a lot. It gets good gas mileage and has a good speaker system though. The sound the engine makes is not great either once you get past 65,000 miles.

Becky A on September 23, 2021

Decent car, not so decent transmission.

The transmission is a continuous shift transmission which I do not like. The car does not have the get up and go that I prefer. Other than the transmission, it is not a bad car.

Cassandra M on April 24, 2022

That transmission needs to go.

CVT transmissions are terrible! 2nd car I've driven that's had this. Terrible. Its a belt! That's is a terrible transmission idea! It overheats too easy.

Sharon Z on January 6, 2022

Good size. Bad mechanics.

Mechanically it has problems with the transmission overheating, had to replace the alternator several times and does not v have a very smooth ride.

Joe on August 13, 2023

2010 caliber trans failure

Bought the car in 2012 with 30k miles surprisingly it made it to 192k before the transmission finally failed… our local shops want 3-4k to fix

Brittany M on August 25, 2021

My car is good for getting me from point A to point B.

I love my car, but my car has had some issues since I purchased it in 2015. The struts are always breaking and the transmission is going.

Talina A on December 4, 2021

Transmission And Casket Problems That Are Horrible To Fix

Transmission issues, casket issues, occasional fails to turn on and very cheap material use. It has a full plug inside the vehicle.

Susan Horne on November 17, 2021

Once you fix 1 thing, it just doesn't stop

Also my transmission is going bad, they can't tell me how long of course. Now the power steering pump. I only have 141,000 miles

Sharon L on September 1, 2021

Works great for families.

It is a lemon and has a lot of transmission trouble. I like the size of it and the hatchback makes it easy to transport items.

Zoe Y on July 3, 2021

Very poor visibility out the back window though hatchback allows for greater storage

This car has been reliable though the transmission has been having issues recently and the brakes on my car aren't perfect.

Frank D on January 6, 2022

Soon to be Ex-Caliber but economical vehicle

Some odd transmission anomalies including trans high temperature alarms although no issues were ever identified.

Keith Stewart on February 20, 2022

Car itself is ok , lots of space and rides well.

Transmission , wont go in gear , just wines .

Josh Barrett

After 13+ years of hustling in the exciting world of car sales, Josh Barrett took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo. He's since been an automotive journalist and editor for Vehicle History as an original member of the content team. His works can also be found on automotive sites AutoChimps and CashCarBuyers, including in-depth transmission troubleshooting guides and car-care advice.