no report yet
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
2009 Dodge CaliberProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 232 owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge Caliber, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Dodge Caliber has problems
232 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
64Power train4 crash/fire/injury
61Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
49Structure
23Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
22Engine1 crash/fire/injury
16Steering
11Wheels
10Tires
10Vehicle speed control
5715 other systems12 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 64 | 4 |
| Suspension | 61 | 1 |
| Structure | 49 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 1 |
| Engine | 22 | 1 |
| Steering | 16 | 1 |
| Wheels | 11 | 0 |
| Tires | 10 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 57 | 12 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2009 Dodge Caliber recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
68kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 53 power train complaints. 66% were reported before 100,000 miles.
10under 30k miles35under 100k miles18100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Power train
8 owners mentioned a cost$3,400median
Middle half: $1,450 – $4,650
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Caliber year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Caliber median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Dodge Caliber safety ratings
2009 Dodge Caliber 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Caliber owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The problem initially occurred in early November of 2020 when the vehicle would unpredictably stall at a stop sign or traffic light and would not immediately start for a couple minutes. After this short wait of 1 to 3 minutes it was possible to restart the car and move forward normally and the car…
The engine stalls when I take off more times than none I'm stuck idling in traffic almost causing accident the frame that hold motor mounts are bad I've replaced motor mounts twice in a less than a year the car heats up after 70 miles an hour I have 5o pull over and let it cool off this happens 3…
My PCM failed car stopped on the highway in traffic without warning. I could have die or caused a death. My car is available. I’ve owned that vehicle for going on three months the first issue that I’ve had. After Car felt the check engine light came on I took it to be for a diagnostics test which…
Own a 2009 Caliber?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.