2010 Dodge Caliber Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Dodge Caliber has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 157 complaints, 2 recalls, 12 crashes and 2 deaths for this year, with Electrical System and Engine issues tied as the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Caliber years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 157
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 15
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 2
Top 2010 Dodge Caliber problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System36 (23%)
- Engine36 (23%)
- Airbags31 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires29 (18%)
- Other22 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (11%)
- Seat Belts15 (10%)
- Structure & Body13 (8%)
- Steering12 (8%)
- Fuel System11 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags repeatedly failed to deploy in frontal and side-impact crashes at speeds ranging from about 5 mph to 50 mph, sometimes with resulting injuries.
- Seat belts reportedly failed to lock or engage during collisions, leaving occupants unrestrained.
- Some vehicles lost power or lunged forward unexpectedly, including a case where the vehicle sped up while the driver's foot was off the gas.
- Owners describe engine compartment fires, including one that started after a service visit and produced smoke and flames while driving.
- The manual transmission stalled repeatedly while in neutral at intersections and toll booths, taking several minutes to restart.
- One owner reported the ignition failed to engage on several attempts even after the dealer reprogrammed the key.
2010 Dodge Caliber recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Airbags1,435,625 vehicles
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
- NHTSA 10V197000May 11, 2010Structure & Body123 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 dodge caliber vehicles. Some vehicles may have been built with an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door.
Risk: An unlatched door could increase the risk of an unbelted front seat passenger being ejected from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod as required free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2010 Dodge Caliber fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 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.
2010 compared with other Caliber years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Dodge Caliber reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2010 Caliber a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 7 model years with data. It has fewer complaints than the 2007-2009 Calibers but more than the 2011 and 2012 models.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Caliber?
- Electrical System and Engine issues each account for 23% of complaints (36 each), followed by Airbags at 20% (31 complaints) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 18% (29 complaints).
- Does the 2010 Dodge Caliber have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for the Occupant Restraint Control airbag system affecting model years 2010-2012, and one for an incorrect door lock rod that could affect the right front door.
- What year Dodge Caliber should I avoid?
- The 2007 and 2008 model years carry Avoid verdicts with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83. The 2010 Caliber is rated Caution, a step below those but still above the 2011 (Good) and 2012 (Best) model years.
- At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Caliber problems tend to appear?
- Median mileage at failure for this model year is 78,000 miles, though individual problem areas vary, with airbag complaints at a median of 90,000 miles and engine complaints at 70,000 miles.