Problems with 2008 Dodge Caliber STRUCTURE

Fiat chrysler america released 2 bulletins and an extended warranty for an inferior material causing severe rust and perforation of the front and rear crossmember on 2008-2012 dodge caliber and 2008-2012 jeep compass patriot. the crossmember is an important structural component of any vehicle. it supports the underside of the car and carries the weight of the engine and transmission. fca customer service is currently refusing to replace these parts even though the bulletin acknowledges that the part is faulty. the severe rust on this part will cause my vehicle to no longer pass state inspection. i have owned my 2008 dodge caliber since february 2017. the first bulletin released by fca regarding knowledge of this faulty part was march 2017, one month after i purchased the car. a second bulletin regarding the same issue was released july 2017. the extended warranty expired on august 2018. after the second bulletin was issued, there was a period of 13 months before the warranty expired and while i owned the car. i was not contacted or made aware by fca in any way that the vehicle i was driving had a known issue and that i could have it addressed within extended warranty. it was not until october 2019 that i was having work done on my car and the mechanic brought it to my attention because the rust is so bad it will not pass the next state inspection. photographs are included. i encourage the nhtsa to recall this part as a safety issue. the rust weakens the metal and if this part were to break at highway speeds the results could be deadly. fca is aware of the faulty part and it is clearly dangerous for fca to deny addressing this known issue. even though the warranty period has passed, fca has produced vehicles that are unsafe and the issue should be corrected.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving 20 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move and the contact heard an abnormal noise. the contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a muffler shop where it was diagnosed that the cross member bar needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified. the failure mileage was 56,500. *dt the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired the same day at the tune of $1,100 at owners expense for a recalled part. *tr *dt the consumer provided photos of the defect. *tr *tr

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

I was driving down the road every time i shifted gears the front end would just go like wobble wobble so i slow down from 45 to about 10 miles an hour if that i made it home with zagg got underneath there and the sub frame is literally busted the way it sits it looks like it does not have a motor in it anymore if i want to know what to do i would've wrecked if i do not get an answer soon i am going to channel 13 news i have pictures of what it looks like and i'm going to the better business bureau it's a 2008 there is no way that frame should've busted like it did no way i was on city roads

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.

I purchased this vehicle knowing of rust but when i climbed under it i seen the subframe is almost rusted all the way through this is a major issue i've heard of a few other caliber owners who's whole drivetrain fell out of engine bay due to this, this could be a dangerous problem if someone is driving at highway speeds dodge needs to take action and recall this part and put a better component on the vehicles they produce

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.

I went to my local dodge dealer for oil change and was informed that front sub frame is rotting out. was told extended warranty that was good for 10 years expired 2-18. i have read online numerous caliber owners with this problem, some so bad they can't be fixed. what good is an extended warranty that is only good for the first ten years and i bought this car in 2012 from a dodge dealer and was never informed of extended warranty for this issue or that there was even an issue with this. this is a major safety concern as what chances would a person have of surviving at a speed of 70 mph and the frame breaks? or what innocent people could be killed because of it. with this many persons having this issue and such a serious safety problem there should be a recall. my car only has 126,500 miles on it. if dodge does not want to do a recall then i feel they don't give a [xxx] about their customers and will not buy another dodge or chrysler again. please consider persuing a recall for this vehicle issue as it is serious!! 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).

Frame on vehicle is rusted through, other similiar vehicles were issued recalls and this car was not

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the vehicle made unusual noises while driving at any speed. the contact noticed that the frame, including the engine cradle, was completely rusted. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the contact's son was driving 30 mph, the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe and the crossmember were rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the dealer was not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

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

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel shook without warning. the contact stated that the failure started approximately six months ago and was becoming worse. the vehicle was taken to spitzer dodge jeep ram (13001 brook park road, brook park, oh 44142) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed replacement. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 115,860.

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

My 2008 dodge caliber is rusting all over due to chrysler not prepping/coating the vehicle properly. so far i have had the crossmember that holds the engine on replaced due to rust, the oil pan and the power steering line rusted. i have rust all over the body of the vehicle from inside wheel well, bottom of doors, transmission pan, above the windshield, multiple places on the hood, bottom of the hatch, rocker panels, hinges etc.... way too many places for a vehicle that age. i have seen other 2008's with no rust at all. i have multiple pictures but it will only allow 5.

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

Air condenser drips outlet directly onto engine cradle which causes the cradle to rust know problem to fca and it should be known to nhtsa as separation of engine cradle causes an unsafe vehicle

Taking the car in for alignment, the tech notice the sub frame had a large hole from rust.. taking the car to the dodge dealer. the service manger stated they could not do anything, i was told "s*** out of luck". he said i was over the mileage, and past the ten years. the car was in for its life time powertrain inspection a month and a half before the ten years and replacing the alternator. they (dodge replace my sons subframe with with 140,000 miles. have the copy from the same dealer, a copy from a man in michagan whose frame broke get on i-90 and the towing service said they get one to two pickup per week on frames braking. also i have not recvied any letter dodge about the problem.

Rusted sub-frame & oil pan

Took my car in for an alignment and was notified about my k frame rotting. the mechanic told me he worked on a jeep compass with same problems and chrysler had a extended warranty covering it. called dodge they told me to bring it into a dealership so they can verify and when they did verify it they told chrysler about the issue. chrysler called and told me they will not fix my front k frame because i had recently put in after market parts in the rear of my car which caused my front k frame to rust and i've only had those parts installed a week before taking it to dodge. so i told the customer service rep. there's no need to make excuses or lies if they don't want to fix and that i've talked to my main mechanic, the alignment mechanic, and the dodge service rep., all 3 said it needs to be replace and is dangerous to continue driving as the front k frame holds mostly everything under the hood. sad as it is chrysler gave no care.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the cross member was rusted and contained holes. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repair. the manufacturer was not aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 107,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted out. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was not repairable. a local dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was due to normal wear and tear. the failure mileage and vin were unknown.

Door hinge issue. initially the door seemed just stuck difficult to close sprayed wd-40 when needed. the other day the entire door shifted and would not close properly. the spring and hinge dislocated shifting door where it catches bends the front fender. when looking online i see that this is common

Engine cradle is rotted clear out an actually broke! this is very unsafe.im sure the back end is the same way! dodge will not pay to have it fixed.they have an extended warranty on the 2007 calibers.mine was made in feb. of 2008, it has the exact same parts!! been trying to get dodge to own up an fix this problem.needless to say i won't ever buy another dodge product.also i was driving on the highway when the frame broke.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving various speeds, the vehicle shook violently without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the undercarriage was rusted. the vehicle was unable to be driven. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 97,000.

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the technician informed the owner that the engine cradle was severely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact filed a claim. the failure mileage was 51,000.

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.

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.

Went to inspect and front cradle rotted at 76000 miles

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, it was diagnosed that the cross member was rusted. the manufacturer was notified, but the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

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.

Front end cradle completely rotted. took it in for inspection and was told it was completely rotted..had noticed a noise in front. ridiculous that a car of this year would be rortted out this soon. have only 78,923 miles on it. completely un safe to drive!

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, it failed because the cross member was rusted. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

I had my car to a garage for alignment. i was told my subframe is rusted out and needs replaced. i researched a 2008 dodge caliber subframe and got information about chrysler offering a 10 year extended warranty specifically for this subframe. its stating this is for 2007 models, but mine being 2008 isn't covered? the mechanic said this is an extreme safety hazard and i want to know how i could get this subframe replaced under this extended warranty. i live in pa, and that is a state included in the "salt-belt" due to the salt trucks during winter. this is reasoning for the dangerous corrosion. please help me with this situation. thank you. *tr

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine oil change, the independent mechanic observed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

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

I have a 2008 dodge caliber garage kept 49000 miles with a rusted busted frame. didn't realize until knocking in front end. always done repairs and recalls and this is dangerous. called to request chrysler to be accountable and they basically told me its my problem. where do you go from here in liability.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caliber. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle independently veered left and a loud clanking sound was heard. the failure occurred constantly. the contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the front subframe was severely rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 48,000.

I have a dodge calibur that is 8 years old & the undercarriage is rotted through. took it to get new tires and they refused to work on the car and said it is a safety hazard to drive.

Took vehicle to a reputable shop for required yearly state inspection. shop found dangerously corroded front and rear sub frame assemblies. research revealed that 2007 model year cars are being treated under an extended warranty for this identical problem, but 2008 cars are not covered. both our dealer and the chrysler customer assistance center have been informed, and refused to extend the coverage to our vehicle.

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!