Problems with 2008 Dodge Caliber SUSPENSION

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact took the vehicle to a tire store because she heard a grinding noise and thought there was a brake issue. the tire store representative determined that the front and rear cross members were severly corroded and needed replacement. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

The front crossmember has rusted out so much that it will not pass a pa state inspection and is unsafe to drive. after hearing this i found out that it is not a matter "if" it will rust out, just a matter of "when". i was not fortunate enough to have this happen during the warranty extension and feel that dodge should have notified me that there was an extension.

Noticed noise when turning and going over small bumps in road .on city streetlooked under it saw subframe is rusted out with big rust holes in it now parked not save to drive

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 25 mph, the front end of the vehicle started to shake and a loud sound emerged from the wheels. the contact pulled over to the side of the road. the vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was determined that the crossmembers on the front of the vehicle were severely rusted and needed replacement. the vehicle was taken to kolosso jeep dodge (2701 w college ave, appleton, wi 54914) where it was diagnosed that the frontal crossmembers were also rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 145,200.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the vehicle was at an intersection, the vehicle shook violently when the accelerator pedal was depressed. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the contact managed to steer the vehicle home while it shook. the contact looked under the vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe was fractured. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with nhtsa. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 162,321. *bf consumer stated front subframe rusted and corrosion, vin is xxxx. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving, the contact heard a loud noise. the contact later discovered that the subframe was rusted through and caused the front driver's side axle to fracture. also, the top of the driver's side wheel was tilted inward. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the axle, subframe, one of the brakes, and the transmission fluid line were replaced. the dealer was not contacted. the contact called the manufacturer and was transferred to nhtsa. the failure mileage was 112,850.

Front cross member completely rusted through. the car runs great but is unsafe to drive. i had to purchase a newer, safer car for my family because dodge refuses to fix their problem that is well documented. the car rattles very loudly while driving.

Let me start by saying that i love driving my 2008 dodge caliber and wish that it was worth repairing all of the issues that i am researching are common problems among fellow owners of this year, make and model of vehicle. as a person who pays close attention to my vehicle, repair costs have been adding up over the past couple of years. starting with a complete repair related to the suspension including the control arms/ bushings, sway bar, ball joints, and tie rods, which has caused my 4 new tires to experience a shortened lifespan due to uneven wearing. recently, i had my car in the shop to address a loud noise i was hearing while the vehicle was in motion. the mechanic diagnosed a long list of issues, including rusting/corrosion to the engine cradle and further problems with the suspension that in their professional opinion determined the vehicle unsafe to operate. at this point, the mechanic informed me that there had been recalls and an extended warranty implemented to address the rusting/corrosion of the sub frame, as i was unaware and did not receive any notices for any of the listed recalls. today, i find myself researching the list of problems that the mechanic indicated with the suspension and rotting engine cradle and will unfortunately not be worth putting thousands of dollars into to make it safe, an issue that should be honoured by the manufacturer. i would like to take the proper steps to address this extreme safety concern that has been an obvious issue for many owners like myself. i wonder how many others did not receive the recall notice for the rotting engine cradle and have spent thousands in repairs on that and/or suspension malfunctions? these problems are not minor and need to be addressed, as i am sure there are many owners who have not been made aware of the recall and safety concerns this poses to operators or others in the vehicle presence.

This car has had nothing but problems had to replace all 4 control arms, ball joints bushings springs tie rods have spent more then $2000 between parts and labor and wore out tires do to control arms and other parts never a dodge again got fixed back had be refixed 2 weeks later after control arm rebroke

Dash warning lights all come on, interior light comes on when using right turn signal, loses power only up to 40mph , sometimes won't start, odometer gauge flapping around, which are current problems,have replaced suspension three times, and replaced computer! will never purchase a dodge again!

One headlight doesn't,work sub frame completely rusted, doors lock at different speeds shock and struts are horrible squeaks and makes really bad sounding noises at any speed even backing out

Motor cradle is rusting out! that's very dangerous and there should be a recall on call calibers. i can not afford to bay over $1,000 to fix my car. and the maker should use poor quality parts knowing how serious it can get. recall recall recall !!

I purchased the 2008 dodge caliber 2 weeks ago nov 15th 2008 and inspected before purchase. drove car 1 week and crossmember support beam broke due to poor part from mopar, dodge. they had a 120month unlimited warrenty on part, knowing it was a bad part. i have tried all areas of getting bad part replaced to no avail. they say warrenty "expired" on defective part installed on car. i need car repaired as it is a danger!! any help is greatly appreciated! i was turning into my driveway at normal speeds when crossmember support beam broke at drivers wheel area.

I bought a 2008 dodge caliber in november 2018, noticed crossmember was rotted away and started causing problems 2 weeks after i purchased from private party. i called dodge, they said sure bring to nearest dealer and have it fixed under extended warrenty.. i did this only to be informed that the extended warrenty expired in may 2018.. i am so disappointed in dodge for telling me its covered when it infact had expired in may 2018. now i am out cost of car and now cost of repair.. can you help?? now car is making popping noice at normal driving at driver wheel from cracks in crossmember support.. dealership said do not drive long distance.. what does that mean? dealer is taylor dodge in bourbonaiss, illinois. i need support, help here please!!

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving various speeds, a dragging noise was heard coming from under the front driver's side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer (wilmington auto, 1780 rombach ave, wilmington, oh) where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side control arm was fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. the failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving various speeds, a clunking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear cross member had separated due to severe rusting. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer and local dealer (haley of farmville, 1906 s. main st., farmville, va) were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. the failure mileage was 60,000. *tt *jb

Subframe rusted through. diagnosed this past saturday. i've owned the car for 8 years and have never seen such a serious safety issue on a vehicle. picture attached.

The problem deal with the front crossmember subframe. this part is total junk. it is completed rusted out. it was just a miracle it did not cause an accident prior to our finding it needed replaced. after checking online and finding the 2007 caliber's were handled under a "recall" but nothing has been done on subsequent years. after just leaving home the right front wheel pulled badly to the right, while making screaking noises. the car was limped back into the drive and the problem found. i believe this is a very poorly made part, probably with inferior steel. i have attached two (2) pictures of the old subframe. the car is registered to my daughter [xxx] , i am her father [xxx]. i contacted a local dealer and expressed my concerns and they informed me to contact dodge/chrysler which i did. they informed there was no assistance for this issue. they did take my complaint. i believe this to be a serious safely issue with any vehicle that has this type of crossmember subframe. please contact me if you need any other information. [xxx]or by cell phone [xxx]. i would appreciated any type of reply. sincerely [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I took car in to have ball joints replacedplus the steering and struts looked at. mechanic showed that the frame is totally rusted through. no other work can be done on the car with this huge issue.

Vehicle arrived at our shop for a standard oil change and on inspection we discovered that the sub frame had rotted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. we contacted the dealer for the customer and found that the extended warranty had expired. this is a road hazard and should have no expiration date. photo is available if there is an investigation. *tr

Took our dodge caliber 2008 (manufacturer date: 11/2007) to a mechanic for repairs thought to be struts and was told the front cradle was rusted out and need to be replaced to continue any safe driving. this was a 2007 recall but was never included in any titled 2008 cars that were manufactured in 2007. this is a very dangerous issue and seems to be reported more often now at the 10 year mark. this is something that is not a traditional problem on most vehicles and seems to be a manufacturers defect. i would like to see it recalled, because the replacement cost on this is in the thousands and it is a severe safety hazard.

Rusted sub-frame , paper thin many complaints listed all over the web, driving in a lot hit a speed bump front right tire came almost all the way off the car. called chrysler they dont care if my car could have killed me and my child, they have no recall so its my issue not theirs.

Rusted sub-frame & oil pan

Sub fram rusted out in less then 9 years and 80k miles. found out was dangerous to drive.

Engine cradle mounting and front suspension plates have failed or broken twice on this car online complaints seem very similar dealer seems to ignore this problem but will fix it for 2000.00 car pulls or veers unexpectedly while moving i cannot i feel safely drive anymore. *tr

A frame rusted out and everything else under the car has no rust and now it's a saggy issue

Replaced ball joints 2x since purchased

I had a dangerous situation. i first noticed a vibration in the wheel at 55 mph. i then started hearing clunking sounds while steering or going over bumps. i took it in thinking that it's a ball joint, because i had the lower control arms replaced at around 75,000 mile, while they were still under warranty.. the motor cradle was completely rusted out. i had to have that replaced plus 2 lower control arms. it cost me 1458. there's already been a recall of the 2007 model. mine was manufactured in august of 2007, and the cutoff date was july 2007. i have photos and invoices attached.

2008 dodge caliber. consumer writes in regards to vehicle sub-frame corrosion repair issues, requests for financial assistance was denied and extended warranty for same premature corrosion was issued for 2007 dodge caliber. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle failed inspection. *jb

Car started making popping and creaking sounds when making a right hand turn. we have replaced everything there is as far as tie rods even to the point of motor mounts. last night i get a call and the car had done something i had never heard of. the harmonic balance pulley had flown off and the car had to be towed home. i also have the same problem as it seems cazillion other people have posted online. this car leaks. it has leaked since day one and the dealership in conroe, tx said if you get a car with a sunroof, its gonna leak. they are full of crap. this car's headliner looks as if it has been trodden on with muddy boots. it leaked so bad that carpeting would get wet then it was leaking down into the dash which caused the lights to do weird things. i can't even get rid of it because i would feel guilty for endangering someone else's life.

So dangerous cross member sub frame as the mechanic drove out of the shop the front axle fell out and the wheel became disconnected. the sub frame is completely rusted through. if i was on the highway surely would have been in an accident possible death. they need to recall this before people are killed

Driving and steering got lose.pulled into work and was turning the wheel heard crunching nose.got out at looked steering gear box was moving on frame and all kinds of rust was falling off.i have taken my car to chrysler dealer ship and waiting on to see if the subframe being rusted out is covered in any way.this seems to be a consistent problem with this car. this car is driven about 24 miles a day and keeped in a garage and washed.this was a problem in 2007 model dodge calibers.

I took my 2008 dodge caliber in for a routine oil change. i was informed by the tech that the front cross member was rusting away and needed immediate attention. this vehicle has a little under 61,000 miles. this appears to be the same issue covered under the service bulletin #23-012-14/x58 extended warranty, but doesn't include my 2008. i've owned many dodges over my lifetime, including my first car, as well as three current vehicles. it's very disappointing that dodge isn't taking this seriously and covering the 2008's or any other model year effected. the repairs cost me $1145.43 out of pocket. i've read about this issue and it sounds like calling dodge to complain gets you no where. has anyone been able to get restitution at all? if so, how? i have my repair invoices and photos to back this up. my hope is that dodge will decide to do something about this in the near future, but i won't hold my breath.

My car started making a clunking noise from the front end. the noise happened when turning left and right, then happened just driving the car at all. mechanic showed me that the subframe is completely rusted through prematurely. very dangerous to drive! mileage is 114,000. i called chrysler to see if the recall they had out for 2005-2007 calibers on the same part would cover mine. they extended the warranty for 10 more years on those year cars.they refused to add the 2008 models even though there are plenty of complaints.this is going to cost me close to $1600.00 and a week in the repair shop.

I did some work on the front end, i replaced tierod end and ball joints,also put new tires on the car. i was scheduling an alignment when the front would make a pop sound and a slight snap when going over bumps and when the steering wheel is turned to the left. i looked to see what the matter was and the sub frame was cracked and rusted...i wash the car 2 a month especially in winter. the sub frame also connects the swaybar, struts and it cant get aligned due to the broken frame.. all too prematurely.

Just took my 2008 dodge caliber to mylocal firestone. the car was making noises under the car when going over bumbs, so i thought i needed shocks. when they put the car up to look at it they had tio call me in to look at a rusted out lower carriage that was starting to fall apart. they said it should not even be driven. since there is only a five year warranty on this model, and only the 2007's were covered under a recall, i will have to get repaired on my own. the tow truck is coming today to take to a local repair shop. cannot believe with the complaints on this web page, that dodge will not cover this replacement.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. after the vehicle underwent a routine oil change and tune up, the vehicle made an abnormal noise when the brake pedal was depressed. the dealer was notified of the failure more than once and provided no solution. in addition, when driving over un-leveled land, the vehicle continued to make an abnormal noise and the suspension was unstable from the front to the rear. the contact was unable to determine if the dealer would provide a remedy. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was not available.

I just took my 2008 dodge caliber to get inspected and it will not pass due to a rusted out subframe. i was told it is extremely expensive to get repaired and is very time consuming. this is a big safety hazard and i was told not to drive it much longer. is there any way this is covered under recalls as the 2007 is. if not, is there some sort of warranty that takes care of this?

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving 40-45 mph, the lower a-arm on the front passenger side separated from the subframe of the vehicle. the contact stated that the sub frame showed excessive corrosion. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Car started making clunking noise when turning left. schedule car for inspection at a dealership. 3 days before inspection loss of (drive) power light went on. took it in early. informed that i had a rusted out engine cradle and repairs would cost $1400 (this does include a deductible and front end alignment due to suspension repairs). had max care warranty and was informed that chrysler would not cover the engin cradle. that part has to be replaced to do any other repairs. looking at site, this is a big issue and some other model years have been recalled for similar issue.car at dealership now waiting on parts. from other comments, this issue makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Took in my 2008 caliber for an inspection and it wouldn't pass due to a corroded, rusted subframe. the rust has occurred because the ac drips onto sub frame. called dealership and chrysler and they are refusing to do anything about this issue. i have 65,000 on this vehicle. it is well cared for also

My 2008 dodge caliber is garage kept and has 92,000 miles. it is well maintained and taken care of. i took it for an oil change and the service man told me that the subframe is rotted through and it is dangerous to drive. i was totally surprised and took it to tyson dodge in shorewood illinois. they informed me that this is not covered. they told me to call chrysler. i called them and they said that even though it's unusual for that part to rust quickly, there was a recall on that part for the 2007 caliber and not 2008. they could not help me. tyson dodge also said i need a right control arm. total to fix it-$1700. unbelievable! saw many complaints on line!

Front subframe of my 2008 dodge caliber was rusted through at the horizontal factory self causing the vehicle to fail the annual state inspection. issue was found by an independent mechanic during routine state inspection. vehicle has 103,000 miles. lower subframe failure also has been accompanied by excess noise coming from the front of the vehicle.

While having car inspected for front end noise the mechanic found a large hole in the front sub-frame and that the entire front suspension needed to be replaced. he told us that he believed there was a recall on the sub-frame so we decide we would use the recall to replace it and just pay for the repairs on the suspension. found out that only the 2007 calibers have the sub-frame/crossmember recalled! it seems that the same part was used in both years and the 2008's should be recalled as well. dodge needs to do something about this before someone is seriously hurt and they become liable.

Vehicle was at dealership for state inspection. i was informed that the subframe would have to be replaced because of corrosion and fractures.

The crossmember/sub floor in my 2008 dodge caliber is so abnormally rusted that it is literally a deathtrap. the car has 120k miles on it. i took it to get new tires on it and the mechanic recommended that i junk the car as the entire subfloor is severely rotted away. i searched to see if there is a recall and found out that only the 2007 model has a recall for this issue. i would argue that they used the same defective parts in my 2008 model. this is very disturbing.

I bought my car in 2009, ran great at first until i hit over 100 thousand miles. i was on my way out of town to see a family member in the hospital. it was 80 degrees out and my car just slowed down on the highway and came to a stop. i thought it overheated so i waited about 30 mins and started it up again. today i was at the dodge dealership to have them look at it, to find out why the passenger side front tire was making a noise(like it was going to fall off). they told me it was the controll arm and that i needed to replace it. apparently i'm not the only one having these issues. where's the recall dodge?

Rotten subframe - my control arm separated from the frame and my tire/wheel went sideways causing me to screech to a stop, luckily i was coming to a stop anyway but it easily could have happened at a high speed and killed myself and others

Took my 2008 dodge caliber to the dealership for an oil change, was told by the service rep that my front cross member needs replaced due to substantial rust through and that to continue to drive the vehicle could be dangerous because if this part broke, all steering control would be lost. was told the 2007 model year calibers had the warranty extended to 10 years for the same issue, but that no 2008s were affected. was told it would be $1094 plus tax to replace this part. this part is a structural member and should never rust through in such a short period of time. no other substantial rust on the vehicle including the undercarriage. this vehicle has been well maintained and cleaned regularly. called dodge customer care and was told that there is nothing they would do as the extended warranty applied only to 2007 calibers.

Had the vehicle in for replacement of a rear wheel bearing and the shop informed me that the subframe is nearly in need of replacement. the 2007 dodge caliber subframe coverage was extended to 10 years, but not for the 2008. vehicle had approximately 135,000 miles at time of inspection.