Dodge Caliber Steering Problems
Owners have filed 172 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge Caliber across 6 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (98). The words owners use most often: “ball joints” (19% of reports).
- 172steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 22%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ball joints: mentioned in 33 of 172 complaints (19%)
- Tie rods: mentioned in 20 of 172 complaints (12%)
- Front end: mentioned in 20 of 172 complaints (12%)
- Control arms: mentioned in 19 of 172 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 147 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 172 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury.
Dodge Caliber steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | 2 | 4% | 74,000 |
| 2011 Caliber | 9 | 5% | 63,000 |
| 2010 Caliber | 12 | 8% | 88,116 |
| 2009 Caliber | 16 | 7% | 91,000 |
| 2008 Caliber | 35 | 10% | 105,000 |
| 2007 Caliber | 98 | 11% | 62,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:column
Model years: 2011
Problem: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was just at the dealer mechanic for an oil change and asked about a slight pull to one side when stopping. after doing the oil change he cam back with a list of things the most significant of which was a that the front sub-frame was rotted out, as well as the rear bumper metal under the plastic…
My vehicle has created a rotten subframe that holds my engine
Subframe rusty and broke while driving car went left almost causing a head on coalition
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed…
I started having noise problems with my car and also had inspection due so I brought it into a mechanic and he was horrified to see that my front cross member was so rusted that my sway bar came out and he said lucky my wheels didnât come off and that a car accident would be horrible as it is…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Calibers have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 172 owner complaints about steering for the Dodge Caliber. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Caliber steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge Caliber?
The most frequent phrase is “ball joints”, in 33 of 172 complaints, followed by “tie rods” (20).
Other Dodge Caliber problems
- Suspension problems (491)
- Electrical System problems (339)
- Structure problems (331)
- Power Train problems (220)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (187)
- Engine problems (175)
- Air Bags problems (159)
- Exterior Lighting problems (127)
See all Dodge Caliber problems.