The Dodge Caliber spans 2006–2012 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2007, 2008, 2009 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2006, 2012, 2010. It delivers up to 27 mpg combined and 3-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge Caliber is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2006 to 2012 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Caliber VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Caliber carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Caliber.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Caliber, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Caliber have?
The Dodge Caliber has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2006–2012. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2012 Dodge Caliber recalls 1
Seat Belts:pretensioner
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2011 Dodge Caliber recalls 2
Steering:column
What's wrong. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Risk. A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Seat Belts:pretensioner
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2010 Dodge Caliber recalls 2
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Seat Belts:pretensioner
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2009 Dodge Caliber recalls 1
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
2007 Dodge Caliber recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Wheels:hub
What's wrong. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.
Risk. THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.
Risk. SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Fix. CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment
What's wrong. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix. Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Caliber
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2007, 2008, 2009 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2006, 2012, 2010.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Caliber | Suspension | Best | |
| 2007 Caliber | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 2008 Caliber | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 2009 Caliber | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2010 Caliber | Electrical System | Best | |
| 2011 Caliber | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2012 Caliber | Air Bags | Best |
What are the most common Dodge Caliber problems?
The most-reported Dodge Caliber problems are Air (1 reports), Other (4 reports) and Seats (14 reports) — out of 1,939 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Caliber specifications & dimensions
The 2009–2012 Dodge Caliber measures 174″ long on a 104″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,965 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Caliber window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2012 | 174″ | 69″ | 60″ | 104″ | 3,309 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Caliber cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Caliber holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 96 cu ft of passenger volume and 19 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge Caliber tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge Caliber get?
The Dodge Caliber returns up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2012 Dodge Caliber (2L 4-cyl) gets 27 mpg combined and costs about $2,300/yr to fuel, emitting 329 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | 24 | 31 | $2,300 | 329 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2011 Caliber | 24 | 31 | $2,300 | 329 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2010 Caliber | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 Caliber | 24 | 30 | $2,300 | 329 | 5/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 Caliber | 24 | 29 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 Caliber | 24 | 29 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Caliber stacks up against the most fuel-efficient wagons, or calculate this Caliber's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Caliber have? Power & range
The Dodge Caliber is offered with 1 powertrain — 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Dodge Caliber cost to own?
A used Dodge Caliber sells for a median of about $3,000 for a 2012 — most listed between $1,750 and $6,200, from 86 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | $1,750–$6,200 | 5 | |
| 2011 Caliber | $2,500–$9,995 | 17 | |
| 2010 Caliber | $1,495–$5,977 | 7 | |
| 2009 Caliber | $1,000–$3,495 | 11 | |
| 2008 Caliber | $2,200–$5,995 | 31 | |
| 2007 Caliber | $1,995–$6,950 | 15 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Caliber is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Dodge Caliber holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Caliber loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Caliber ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Dodge Caliber to insure?
A Dodge Caliber costs about $1,654 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 15% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (115, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Caliber's HLDI loss index. See Dodge insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Dodge Caliber safe?
The Dodge Caliber earns up to 3-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2011 Caliber | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Dodge Caliber last?
A well-maintained Dodge Caliber typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Dodge Caliber’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Caliber’s VIN free →All Dodge Caliber model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Caliber — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | 1 recall | ★★★☆☆ | |
| 2011 Caliber | 2 recalls | ★★★☆☆ | |
| 2010 Caliber | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2009 Caliber | 1 recall | — | |
| 2008 Caliber | 1 recall | — | |
| 2007 Caliber | 4 recalls | — | |
| 2006 Caliber | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Caliber?
By owner-complaint volume, 2007, 2008, 2009 drew the most reports. 2006, 2012, 2010 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Caliber have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2006–2012. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Caliber get?
Up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Caliber safe?
The Caliber earns up to 3-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Caliber last?
A well-maintained Caliber typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Caliber reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Caliber is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Caliber warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge Caliber made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Caliber's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Caliber weigh?
The Caliber's curb weight is around 2,965 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Caliber have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.