2009 Dodge Caliber Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Dodge Caliber has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 232 complaints, led by suspension/wheels/tires (73 complaints, 31%) and transmission & powertrain issues (64 complaints, 28%), plus one recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Caliber years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 232
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 23 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2009 Dodge Caliber problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain64 (28%)
- Structure & Body53 (23%)
- Engine37 (16%)
- Electrical System26 (11%)
- Other26 (11%)
- Steering16 (7%)
- Brakes13 (6%)
- Fuel System11 (5%)
- Airbags7 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the gear shift failing and the vehicle reversing on its own while parked, striking the driver.
- Brakes reportedly fail to slow or stop the car when pressed, pumping, or mashing, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Seat belts have unlatched or detached during crashes, allowing occupants to shift out of their seats.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal or side-impact crashes despite significant vehicle damage.
- An electrical fault reportedly started an under-hood fire, with smoke visible shortly after a burning smell was noticed.
2009 Dodge Caliber recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Transmission & Powertrain712 vehicles
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.
Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
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.
2009 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.
2009 compared with other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 Caliber a Complaint Index of 67 with a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd worst among 7 model years. Suspension, wheels & tires and transmission & powertrain are the top reported problem areas.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
- Suspension, wheels & tires complaints are most common, making up 31% of complaints (73 total), with a median failure mileage of 75,062 miles.
- Does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 08V528000) for a transmission & powertrain issue involving a power train control module adhesive that could damage the circuit board.
- Which Dodge Caliber years should I avoid instead of 2009?
- NHTSA data rates 2007 and 2008 as Avoid years, with Complaint Indexes of 100 and 83 versus the 2009 model's 67.
- What year Dodge Caliber is best according to NHTSA data?
- The 2012 model year has a Complaint Index of just 17 and carries a Best verdict, the lowest among all seven years tracked.