2011 Dodge Caliber Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 36 airbag complaints for the 2011 Dodge Caliber, 22% of all complaints filed for the year, including 6 crashes and 6 injuries. A related recall, campaign 16V668000, covers the Occupant Restraint Control unit tied to non-deployment.
- Airbags complaints
- 36
- 22% of 165
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 68,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during side-impact and head-on crashes at speeds around 10 to 50 mph, leaving occupants with injuries including a broken neck and back.
- Driver and passenger airbags reportedly sprayed a mist that burned occupants' skin during deployment.
- Owners describe getting a recall notice for loss of airbag and seat belt pretensioner deployment capability under campaign 16V668000, then waiting extended periods for replacement parts to become available.
- Some owners report they had not experienced any airbag failure but remained anxious about driving the car while waiting for the recall repair, with one report noting a wait beyond 45 days.
- Airbags did not deploy in a low-speed crash while making a left turn, resulting in the vehicle being declared a loss.
- One owner reported no airbag deployment after the vehicle struck a pole at approximately 50 mph, bending the steering wheel on impact.
When 2011 Dodge Caliber airbag complaints were filed
First complaint May 6, 2012, latest Sep 16, 2024.
Airbags recalls for the 2011 Dodge Caliber
- 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.
Airbags complaints by Caliber model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are airbag complaints common on the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 36 airbag complaints for the 2011 model year, which is 22% of all 165 complaints filed for that year, including 6 crashes and 6 injuries.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Dodge Caliber?
- Yes. Recall campaign 16V668000, reported in September 2016, covers 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber, and other models for an Occupant Restraint Control issue. Chrysler dealers replace the OCR free of charge.
- What happens when the airbags fail on the 2011 Caliber?
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during crashes at various speeds, and in some cases airbags deploying but spraying a mist that burned occupants' skin. Median mileage at failure across these complaints was 68,000 miles.
- Does airbag complaint volume vary by Caliber model year?
- NHTSA data shows 31 airbag complaints (20% share) for 2010, 36 complaints (22% share) for 2011, and 17 complaints (35% share) for 2012.