Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2008 Caliber ranks 2nd worst out of 7 model years with a complaint index of 83, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Caliber years.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Caliber?

Suspension, wheels and tires issues make up 37% of complaints, followed by structure and body problems at 25% and engine issues at 22%, according to NHTSA data.

Does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Caliber, though it still has 360 owner complaints and an Avoid verdict due to the volume and severity of reported issues.

Which Dodge Caliber model years are better?

The 2011 model year earns a Good verdict and the 2012 model year earns a Best verdict, with complaint indexes of 33 and 17, much lower than the 2008's 83.

How many complaints mention crashes in the 2008 Dodge Caliber?

NHTSA lists 21 crashes tied to 2008 Caliber complaints, including 12 involving the airbag system and 4 involving brakes.

2008 Dodge Caliber Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2008 Dodge Caliber ranks 2nd worst of 7 model years with a complaint index of 83 and 360 NHTSA complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Suspension, structure, and brake failures dominate, with airbag-related crashes also reported.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 83/100; #2 of 7 Caliber years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 360; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 21; reported in complaints
Fires: 4
Injuries: 14
Top issue: Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Best nearby year: 2012; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 24; 23 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 14 / 2

2008 Dodge Caliber recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2008 Dodge Caliber fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 23 MPG
Highway: 27 MPG
Combined: 24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $2,700; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other Caliber years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2006	No verdict	0	1	0	—
2007	Avoid	100	884	4	24
2008	Avoid	83	360	0	24
2009	Caution	67	232	1	24
2010	Caution	50	157	2	25

All Dodge Caliber years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2008 Caliber ranks 2nd worst out of 7 model years with a complaint index of 83, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Caliber years.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Caliber?: Suspension, wheels and tires issues make up 37% of complaints, followed by structure and body problems at 25% and engine issues at 22%, according to NHTSA data.
Does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?: NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Caliber, though it still has 360 owner complaints and an Avoid verdict due to the volume and severity of reported issues.
Which Dodge Caliber model years are better?: The 2011 model year earns a Good verdict and the 2012 model year earns a Best verdict, with complaint indexes of 33 and 17, much lower than the 2008's 83.
How many complaints mention crashes in the 2008 Dodge Caliber?: NHTSA lists 21 crashes tied to 2008 Caliber complaints, including 12 involving the airbag system and 4 involving brakes.