YearToAvoid

2009 Dodge Caliber Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#3 most-complained of 7 Caliber years

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

The 2009 Dodge Caliber has 232 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 67 out of 100 — #3 highest of 7 Caliber model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (73 complaints, 31% of the total). Complaints report 13 crashes, 2 fires, and 11 injuries.

Complaints
232
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
13 / 2
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
24
23 city / 27 hwy

Top 2009 Dodge Caliber problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (31%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain64 (28%)
  3. Structure & Body53 (23%)
  4. Engine37 (16%)
  5. Electrical System26 (11%)
  6. Other26 (11%)
  7. Steering16 (7%)
  8. Brakes13 (6%)
  9. Fuel System11 (5%)
  10. Airbags7 (3%)
2009 Dodge Caliber complaints: complaints filed per quarter212009 Q22011 Q22013 Q22015 Q32017 Q32019 Q32021 Q42024 Q2
334 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2016 Q1 (21).

2009 Dodge Caliber recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002006200720082009201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Avoid100884424
2008Avoid83360024
2009Caution67232124
2010Caution50157225
2011Good33165224.5

All Dodge Caliber years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Caliber a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Caliber ranks #3 of 7 among Caliber model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 232 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (73 complaints), transmission & powertrain (64 complaints), and structure & body (53 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 80,000 miles.
Does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 Dodge Caliber, most recently reported 2008, covering transmission & powertrain.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Caliber?
EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Caliber at 24 MPG combined (23 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.